Facebook and Microsoft to receive Helen Keller Achievement Awards

 Facebook and Microsoft have been named among the winners who will receive the Helen Keller Achievement Awards at a gala scheduled for April 4. Both companies are being recognized for their efforts to provide products and services that are accessible and inclusive.

Since 1994, the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) has issued awards in memory of Helen Keller, who was the main ambassador of the organization for more than 40 years. The likes of Apple, Google and Netflix have been honored in the past, according to the AFB website.

Facebook has been chosen for its inclusion initiative, which makes the social networking platform welcoming for people with disabilities. One characteristic that the AFB has highlighted in particular is the Automatic Alternative Text, which generates image descriptions so that blind and blind people can update the contents of the photographs uploaded by their friends. The company is also praised for its commitment accessibility options and assistive technologies.

Meanwhile, Microsoft was chosen as the result of a wide range of projects across the Windows ecosystem and beyond. Examples of the AFB include the Seeing AI application, which uses artificial intelligence to provide a narrative of the user's environment, and Eye Control for Windows 10, which allows people with mobility problems such as those caused by Lou Gehrig's disease to interact with his computer. eye movements only.

The company has also created a wide range of options throughout the Office suite of applications, such as optical character recognition provided by Office Lens. Even the Xbox One receives a mention, thanks to features such as Copilot and the accessibility API offered to developers.

Most users will never have to resort to the functionality described in this article, but to the people who rely on it to obtain a positive experience. The Helen Keller Achievement Awards demonstrate the importance of access to products and services aimed at a mass audience.

Of course, it is relatively easy for a company the size of Microsoft or Facebook to devote time and resources to develop these options. Fortunately, by illuminating the work you are doing, you will convince others to follow your example.