Every year on December 3rd, we observe International Day of Persons with Disabilities. This year, the focus is on how artificial intelligence (AI) can serve as a powerful tool for empowerment, accessibility, and independence. Microsoft, in collaboration with EY, has released findings from a new study exploring the impact of Microsoft 365 Copilot on neurodiverse individuals and people with disabilities in the workplace.
Globally, approximately one in five individuals identify as neurodivergent, a broad term encompassing variations in how the brain processes information. Neurodiversity includes conditions such as autism, ADHD (Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder), dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, and Tourette’s syndrome. With a significant portion of Gen Z (53%) identifying as neurodivergent, a trend predicted to intensify with Gen Alpha, reaching up to 70% or more, there’s a pressing need for technologies designed to support and empower this growing segment of the workforce.
The study’s results shed light on how AI-powered tools like Microsoft 365 Copilot are revolutionizing the experiences of neurodiverse individuals in the workplace.
Breaking Down Barriers, Creating Opportunities
The study’s participant pool consisted of over 300 employees identifying as neurodivergent or disabled from 17 organizations across seven sectors, with the majority based in Europe. The findings illustrate how Copilot is effectively dismantling barriers for neurodivergent and disabled employees. As a tool that can enhance communication, facilitate memory recall, and improve focus, Copilot is empowering employees to participate fully and excel in their roles, fostering individual growth and a more inclusive and productive work environment. Key findings highlight the significant impact in several critical areas:
Communication
For individuals with speech and/or writing disabilities, Copilot provides valuable communication support, helping them express themselves more effectively and confidently. According to the study, an impressive 91% of respondents consider Copilot a helpful assistive technology. One participant with moderate hearing loss shared how Copilot’s ability to summarize phone calls has been invaluable, enabling them to perform their role without the anxiety of missing critical information or repeatedly asking customers to repeat themselves.
Workplace Inclusion
By delivering real-time assistance with complex tasks, Copilot helps reduce cognitive load and provides adaptive support. The study found that 85% of participants believe Copilot can help create a more inclusive workplace. A person with dyspraxia described how Copilot has transformed their email communication process. They frequently need to prepare a variety of email communications for diverse stakeholders, and they used Copilot to customize the messages for each audience. This use of Copilot significantly reduced the stress and anxiety they experienced during the drafting process.
Learning and Skill Development
Copilot assists by breaking down complex information, making learning more accessible and personalized for individuals with cognitive disabilities. The study revealed that 76% of respondents report that using Copilot helps them thrive more at work. One respondent, who speaks English as a second language and is dyslexic, described how Copilot has revolutionized their written communication by helping them express their ideas with correct grammar and spelling, making their writing more precise, concise, and formal.
A Commitment to Continuous Improvement
This study is part of Microsoft’s ongoing efforts to increase the understanding of how Copilot and other Microsoft tools can improve the workplace for everyone. Microsoft is dedicated to continuous dialogue with the neurodivergent and disability community, understanding their needs, and evolving its technologies to further empower all workers. By focusing on the incredible human potential and what people can achieve with the right tools, Microsoft’s aim is to create an environment where everyone can thrive.
As the company prepares to further adapt its tools for greater accessibility, its journey is guided by the principle that technology should empower everyone. As we commemorate the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, let’s celebrate the progress made, acknowledge the continuing work ahead, and reaffirm our commitment to creating a more accessible world for everyone.
Read the full study from EY: GenAI for accessibility: more human, not less.
References
- DCEG Staff. (2022, April 25). Neurodiversity. NIH: National Cancer Institute Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics.
- Fegan, E. (2024, May 17). Neurodiversity inclusion: Leaders share how to unlock potential & maximize success. Texthelp.
