Microsoft Corp. and assistive technology (AT) vendors today unveiled an array of innovative products and services for people with disabilities at the Assistive Technology Industry Association’s eighth annual conference. The products will be available when Microsoft launches the Windows Vista™ operating system and the 2007 Microsoft® Office release next Tuesday.

“Today marks the culmination of a process that began almost two years ago, when we brought over 30 AT companies into our labs to give them a first look at Windows Vista,” said Rob Sinclair, director of Microsoft’s Accessible Technology Group. “We’ve made these companies an integral part of our development process, and as a result an unprecedented number will have updated versions of their products available simultaneously with the launch of Windows Vista and the 2007 Office release.”

Historically, customers often had to wait six, 12 or even 18 months for assistive software and devices that supported a newly released operating system. Now, due to close collaboration with the AT industry as well as advances in the underlying technology in Windows Vista and the 2007 Office release, customers who experience a range of physical, sensory and cognitive disabilities will be able to purchase the very latest in assistive technology without delay. This includes products such as screen readers, screen magnification, one-handed keyboards and other specialized input devices.