Microsoft Improves Office 2000, Phone Accessibility
Office and Phone will be more accessible to vision- and hearing-impaired
computer users. 

by Emily Fitzloff, InfoWorld Electric 
October 23, 1998, 4:00 a.m. PT 

Microsoft has introduced features to its Office 2000 software and the
Microsoft Cordless Phone System that make these products easier to operate in
conjunction with accessibility aids used by vision- and hearing-impaired
computer users. 

Microsoft's Office 2000 software, due for release the first quarter of next
year, now supports the Microsoft Active Accessibility specification. This
support, according to the company, will make it easier to develop
accessibility aids that work with most Office 2000 onscreen
features--including menus, toolbars, dialog boxes, and forms. 

The Microsoft Cordless Phone System, which is slated for commercial release
at the end of this month, will include capabilities that let callers
communicate with deaf people who use a text telephone. 

Other features of the telephone system will include compatibility with
Windows-based screen readers for blind users, tactile and audio feedback on
handset buttons, a handset earpiece that is hearing-aid compatible, voice
commands that help reduce keypad use, and variously shaped buttons on the
handset for easier use by blind and visually impaired customers, Microsoft
said.