That reality inspired former NFL player Steve Gleason to take action. Diagnosed in 2011 with ALS—a neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord—Steve can’t move, speak, or breathe on his own. So, he put forth a challenge in 2014: how could technology help people like him live more independently?
Technology has long been an important component of his charity Team Gleason, which works towards empowering people with ALS to live as productively and independently as possible. Team Gleason has provided almost $10 million in adventure, technology, equipment, and care services to over 15,000 people living with ALS—and countless others through advocacy, support, and finding a cure for the disease.
Because of these tireless disability inclusion efforts, Steve was recently honored with a Congressional Gold Medal—the highest civilian honor in the US for individuals who’ve made lasting contributions to humanity.
Most of what ALS takes away, technology can give back. I would call that a cure.
Steve Gleason
And his work has translated into advancements in technology, as well. Over five years after Steve’s initial challenge, Microsoft’s Windows eye tracking technology became available via APIs and open-source code that encourages anyone anywhere to collaborate and build more accessible experiences.
Team Gleason continues to use this technology and partner with Microsoft to develop life-changing assistive technologies. Microsoft and the Enable Team have provided valuable equipment to Team Gleason to support their mission and the pALS they serve.
Learn about how collaborating with Team Gleason has shaped the way Microsoft designs for accessibility, what the Microsoft Enable Team is up to, and more on the Microsoft On the Issues blog.
