>Date: Wed, 12 Jan 2000 12:28:50 -0500
>To: [log in to unmask]
>From: Charles Crawford <[log in to unmask]>
>Subject: Microsoft ad in New York times
>
>       the following is a scanned copy of what appeared in the
>New York Times as a kind of op ed or advertisement from Microsoft.
>
>-- charlie crawford.
>
>Text of article.
>
>Accessible Technology
>
>At a time when many sectors of the United States economy, including the
>technology industry, are facing worker shortages, an opportunity exists to
>tap into a huge pool of qualified individuals-the estimated 8.5 million
>people with disabilities who want to work but remain unemployed.
>
>Last fall, Microsoft and the National Business and Disability Council
>created the Able to Work Consortium, a coalition of 22 leading companies,
>including AT&T, Bank of America, the Ford Motor Co., IBM, Johnson & Johnson,
>Lucent Technologies and Procter & Gamble.
>
>The goal of Able to Work is to raise awareness about the value of recruiting
>and hiring people with disabilities-in all industries-and to provide
>concrete tools and information to help businesses understand and tap into
>this highly motivated work force.
>
>At the same time, as technology plays an increasingly significant part in
>our lives - at work, home and school - it's vital that the estimated 54
>million people in the United States, and millions more around the world
>living with disabilities, are able
>to take advantage of the same benefits technology offers to everyone else.
>
>These advances include new learning opportunities, access to information,
>entertainment and e-commerce on the Internet, and, of course, the tools to
>be more productive in the workplace.
>
>As a leader in the technology industry Microsoft has long recognized that it
>has a responsibility to develop products and information technologies that
>are accessible to and usable by all people, including those with
>disabilities.
>
>For over a decade, Microsoft has been making accessibility a consideration
>at every phase of the software development process. Today, Microsoft's
>Accessibility and Disabilities Group works closely with our product
>developers, as well as with disability advocates, to ensure that
>accessibility features are included in Microsoft products.
>
>For years, a number of Microsoft's leading products have contained features
>designed specifically for people with disabilities. Windows 98, Office 2000,
>the Internet Explorer feature in Windows, and the soon-to-be-released
>Windows 2000 all contain features that make them usable by people with a
>variety of disabilities.
>
>For example, Windows 98 includes an Accessibility Wizard for easier screen,
>keyboard and navigation customization, Microsoft Windows 2000 features
>several useful new accessibility tools, such as the Narrator, Onscreen
>Keyboard and Magnifier to help people with disabilities who do not have
>full-featured
>accessibility aids available.
>
>These accessibility features, along with a host of assistive technology
>developed by third parties, are another example of the way technology
>empowers people, and specifically how they can help reduce unemployment for
>many of the people with disabilities who want to work.
>
>Studies have shown that once hired, people with disabilities have lower
>turnover rates and generally use no more sick leave than other employees. By
>overcoming challenges most people take for granted, people with disabilities
>also are naturally adept at out-of-the-box thinking, which often translates
>into unique perspectives and creative approaches to problem solving. In
>addition, employers can receive significant tax breaks and credits for
>hiring and accommocating people with disabilities.
>
>Micrcsoft is proud of its work creating accessible technologies and a more
>accessible workplace. Last year, our company was recognized by WE Magazine,
>a lifestyle publication for people with disabilities, as one of 10 companies
>that go far beyond the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act
>(ADA) to
>recruit and accommodate employees with disabilities.
>
>As the 10th anniversary of the ADA approaches, in July 2000, Microsoft
>invites other companies to join our efforts to help create new resources and
>job opportunities to take advantage of the professional contributions and
>commitment people with disabilities have to offer.
>
>This is one in a series of essays on technology and its impact on society.
>More information available at www.microsoft.com.
>
>
>Microsoft
>2000 Microsoft Corporation
>
>End of text.
>
>
>


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