Accessible computers and software programs can make it possible for everyone, including people with varying degrees of disabilities, to use these technologies successfully in work, education, and recreation.
Many countries have laws mandating accessibility at some level.
Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act requires federal agencies to meet accessibility standards when purchasing electronic and information technology. Microsoft recognizes its responsibility to develop products and technologies that are accessible and useable by all people, with and without disabilities. Since 1997 Microsoft has developed Microsoft Active Accessibility , a technology that improves the way programs and the operating system work with accessibility aids. Using Active Accessibility, software developers can make their programs more compatible with accessibility aids, and accessibility aid developers can make more reliable and more robust aids. Microsoft has added accessibility features to Windows operating systems and other key Microsoft products such as Internet Explorer 5 and Office 2000.