Office 365: The Engine Behind Accessible Technology Solutions
As the CEO of Accessible Technology Solutions, I’m often asked how we manage to stay so productive and maintain such high standards for our clients. The answer is simple: Office 365. This powerful suite of tools is the engine that drives our firm, allowing us to seamlessly serve our customers, both disabled and not, and to empower our team to do their best work, no matter where they are.
No two days are the same for me. One day I might be crafting a presentation for a potential client, the next I’m deep in my inbox coordinating with my team, and the next I’m on the go, running my firm from my mobile phone. Through it all, Office 365 is my constant companion, my creative machine, and the key to my productivity.
Seamless Accessibility with Screen Readers
For me, and for many of our clients, the true power of Office 365 lies in its incredible accessibility. I use a screen reader every day, and the seamless integration with tools like NVDA and Narrator makes my days fly by. Whether I’m navigating my Outlook inbox, creating a complex PowerPoint presentation, or collaborating on a Word document, the experience is smooth, intuitive, and efficient. Microsoft’s commitment to accessibility is evident in every corner of the Office 365 suite, and it’s a commitment that aligns perfectly with our own mission at Accessible Technology Solutions.
Powerhouse Tools for a Productive Firm
Office 365 is more than just accessible; it’s a powerhouse of productivity. Here are just a few of the ways we use it to stay on top of our game:
- Outlook: My inbox is my command center, and Outlook’s powerful features for organization, scheduling, and communication are essential to keeping everything running smoothly.
- PowerPoint: When it comes to making a lasting impression, a picture is worth a thousand words. PowerPoint allows us to create stunning, professional presentations that captivate our audience and tell our story in a compelling way.
- OneDrive and SharePoint: With a team that’s often on the move, cloud-based file storage and collaboration are non-negotiable. OneDrive and SharePoint make it easy to share files, collaborate in real-time, and ensure that everyone has access to the latest versions of important documents.
- Teams: In today’s hybrid work environment, effective communication is more important than ever. Microsoft Teams is our virtual office, a hub for chat, video conferencing, and project collaboration that keeps our team connected and engaged.
Customer Stories: The Real-World Impact of Accessible Technology
But don’t just take my word for it. Here are a few stories from our clients that illustrate the real-world impact of Office 365 and accessible technology:
“As a student with a learning disability, writing papers has always been a struggle. The Learning Tools in Microsoft Word, like Immersive Reader and Read Aloud, have been a game-changer for me. I can now focus on my ideas without getting bogged down by the mechanics of writing. It’s given me a new sense of confidence in my academic abilities.” – Sarah, University Student
“I’m a small business owner, and I’m always looking for ways to be more efficient. The ability to run my business from my phone using the Office 365 mobile apps has been a lifesaver. I can respond to emails, edit documents, and join meetings from anywhere, which allows me to be more responsive to my clients and stay on top of my workload.” – David, Small Business Owner
A Shared Mission with Microsoft
At Accessible Technology Solutions, we are incredibly grateful for the fine folk at Microsoft. From the dedicated accessibility experts who are constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, to the wealth of information and resources available on the Windows blog, it’s clear that we share a common mission: to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more.
We’re excited to see what the future holds for Office 365 and for accessible technology as a whole. Both our customers and I can’t wait to see what comes down the pipeline. We know that with Microsoft as a partner, the future is bright, and the possibilities are limitless.