Neil Barnett is General Manager and Chief Accessibility Officer at Microsoft, where he leads accessibility strategy across products, services, and policy. He focuses on advancing inclusive technology that helps people with disabilities fully participate in work, school, and everyday life, especially in the era of AI.
With more than a decade of leadership in disability advocacy and accessibility innovation, Neil works across Microsoft to embed accessibility into the design and development of products and experiences. He also partners with customers, governments, disability organizations, and industry leaders around the world to advance accessibility at scale. He’s passionate about expanding opportunity, independence, and employment for people with disabilities, and believes co-creation with the disability community is essential.
Neil has helped shape Microsoft’s accessibility culture and impact, advancing inclusive product development and global partnerships. He started Microsoft’s Autism Program, co-founded the Neurodiversity at Work Employer Roundtable, and started Microsoft’s enterprise Disability Answer Desk. Before becoming Chief Accessibility Officer, he spent over 20 years at Microsoft in roles spanning digital safety, privacy, and advertising.
Neil holds a degree from Georgia Tech and lives in Seattle, Washington. He serves on the board of Lime Connect and was recognized by Fast Company as one of its Most Creative People in Business.