The impact of Microsoft 365 Copilot for neurodiverse individuals 

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Microsoft has participated in a study to find out how their copilot tool can help people who are neurodiverse or have disabilities.

The conclusions are encouraging:

  • Communication: For individuals with speech and/or writing disabilities, Copilot provides robust communication support, helping individuals express themselves more effectively and confidently. According to the study, 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. This feature supports them in performing their role without the anxiety of missing important information or constantly asking customers to repeat themselves.
  • Workplace inclusion: By offering real-time assistance with complex tasks, Copilot helps reduce cognitive load and provides adaptive support. The study found 85% of participants believe Copilot can create a more inclusive workplace. A person with dyspraxia explained how Copilot has transformed their email communication process. Frequently, they need to prepare a diverse range of email communications for various stakeholders, and they utilized Copilot to customize the messages for each audience. Copilot helped reduce some of the stress and anxiety they experienced during the drafting process.
  • Learning and skill development: Copilot assists in 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 can help them thrive more at work. Someone who speaks English as a 2nd 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.

Read all about it HERE