In February 2018, we launched the Specialized Help platform. The new feature offers blind and low-vision users direct access to contact companies and organizations for customer support. Microsoft was the first company we welcomed aboard the platform.

Here’s the good news: Microsoft is expanding their opening hours for Be My Eyes users to 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Over the past six months the Microsoft Disability Answer Desk has proved to be a great resource for Microsoft customers who use Be My Eyes, and Microsoft therefore wants to expand their services to be more available. This means that customers who are blind or have low vision using Be My Eyes can now receive accessible, expert assistance from Microsoft support agents at any time of day or night. It is our sincere hope that this expansion will be another step forward for accessibility and inclusion, and a contribution to making vision less of a barrier in the lives of people who are blind or have low vision.

“We are honored to join the thousands of volunteers in Be My Eyes’ global community that help empower people who are blind or have low vision lead more independent lives. That is why we are thrilled to expand this support offering from Microsoft’s Disability Answer Desk to 24 hours, 7 days a week, for their users. Specialized Help is a great example of bringing new services to people that can make the world more accessible and inclusive.” 

– Neil Barnett, Director of Inclusive Hiring and Accessibility, Microsoft

The Microsoft Specialized Help customer support is available in English for people who are blind or have low vision in Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Ireland, India, Malaysia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore, South Africa, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

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