Microsoft to be Honored for Commitment to Accessibility for People with Autism and other Developmental Disabilities

NEW YORK, April 22, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Quality Services for the Autism Community (QSAC). A New York-based charity supporting children and adults with autism, has selected Microsoft as the 2015 recipient of its Corporate Leadership Award for their longstanding commitment to accessibility for people with autism and other developmental disabilities. Rob Sinclair, Microsoft's Chief Accessibility Officer, will accept the honor at QSAC's annual gala taking place on Tuesday, June 16 at The Lighthouse at Chelsea Piers (West 26 Street and West Side Highway) in New York City.

Each year, QSAC's Corporate Leadership Award recognizes a company that has made a meaningful commitment to supporting the needs of children and adults with developmental disabilities. Microsoft's investments in accessibility extend beyond its own products. As a founding member of the International Association of Accessibility Professionals (IAAP) it is helping build a modern, global workforce with the skills to design new information and technologies that are accessible to individuals of all abilities. Through Microsoft's visionary leadership, individuals with disabilities are able to leverage technology to support greater independence and achieve their full potential.

"Microsoft's commitment to the development of accessible technology for children and adults with autism and other developmental disabilities is helping to create a more inclusive society," said Gary Maffei, executive director of QSAC. "Under Microsoft's leadership, accessibility has become a focal point of corporate responsibility programs, which has ushered in a new era of innovative technologies for helping individuals with autism realize their full potential. Microsoft's efforts are having a direct impact on the autism community and the nearly 1,900 children and adults with autism we serve every day."

Past recipients of honors from QSAC have included Sprint, PIMCO, Pfizer, and Duncan Niederauer of NYSE Euronext among others. Each year, QSAC's gala brings together more than 500 people to increase autism awareness while raising funds to support QSAC's programs and services for the autism community of New York and Long Island.

Additional details regarding the gala are available online at www.qsac.com/gala.

About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft is the worldwide leader in software, services. Devices and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.

About QSAC
QSAC is a New York City and Long Island based nonprofit that supports children and adults with autism, together with their families, in achieving greater independence, realizing their full potential, and contributing to their communities in a meaningful way by offering person-centered services. Founded in 1978 by group of parents, QSAC pursues its mission through direct services that provide a supportive and individualized setting for children and adults with autism to improve their communication, socialization, academic, and functional skills. Today, QSAC operates more than 25 unique programs throughout the region and provides direct services to nearly 1,900 children and adults with autism. You can learn more about QSAC online at www.qsac.com or www.twitter.com/qsac and www.facebook.com/qsacinc.

SOURCE QSAC

Related Links

http://www.qsac.com