Building Futures Through Inclusive Technology

This past week, I had the privilege of being in the right Space at the right time to accept an invite from Dina at LinuxFest Northwest to join LFNW volunteers and organizers on a field trip to Microsoft’s Inclusive Tech Lab. What began for me as a spontaneous “yes of course!”, quickly became an inspiring reminder of how technology can transform lives, and how our own BTC, STEAM and Maker community can be part of that ongoing story.

A Space Designed for Inclusion

The Inclusive Tech Lab is more than a showcase of Microsoft’s accessibility innovations it is a working demonstration of inclusive design principles in action. From the moment we stepped inside, the thoughtfulness was clear: textured flooring to help visitors with low vision orient themselves, natural light paired with adjustable lighting for sensory comfort, and a wheelchair-friendly layout that strived to welcome every body.

But it wasn’t just the environment that impressed me. The stories behind the technology, like the development of the Xbox Adaptive Controller, born from conversations with veterans returning from service who could no longer play games with traditional controllers, were powerful reminders of how deeply inclusion must be woven into design. As Principal Inclusive Designer, Bryce Johnson, our guide from Microsoft’s Inclusive Tech Lab team explained — the methodology is simple but profound: recognize exclusion, learn from diversity, solve for one, extend to many.

Tools That Empower, Stories That Connect
We saw firsthand the adaptive hardware Microsoft has created in collaboration with the community, controllers, mice, switches, and 3D-printed augmentations designed to meet very specific needs. What stood out was the philosophy of “nothing about us without us” ensuring that people with disabilities are co-creators in the process, not afterthoughts.

Some of the adaptive hardware available to interact with at the Microsoft Inclusive Tech Lab

It reminded me of my own Gamer journey. Having lived with frozen shoulder and navigating physical limitations, I know how important thoughtful accessible design can be. Seeing these solutions and how they empower not just play, but connection, was deeply moving. I felt as energized as those around me.

Gratitude for Community Partnerships
My experience wouldn’t have been possible without the overlapping support connections between the LinuxFest Northwest and the Bellingham Makerspace community where I volunteer. I had a fantastic day of discovery made possible by LFNW organizers Dina, Ryan & Garth who coordinated the trip and brought together students, past speakers, mentors, and STEAM community members for the journey. Sharing the experience turned the day into not just a field trip, but a traveling workshop of reflection and excitement.

These connections matter. It’s through shared experiences that new ideas spark - like how we might make events more inclusive with live captioning devices, or how to get involved and use the Makerspace’s 3D printing lab to prototype accessible devices, or how volunteers and mentors could collaborate with Microsoft on pilot inclusivity programs.

Looking Ahead: Makerspaces as Accessibility Hubs
The future of inclusivity isn’t limited to global tech companies. It’s built locally, in communities like ours. Third places like the Bellingham Makerspace have a unique role to play: they are innovation incubators where creativity meets practicality, and where diverse perspectives can come together to solve real problems.

A laptop computer and collection of brightly colored 3d printed mice that allow inclusive gaming.

Imagine:
- Lending libraries of adaptive devices, built and tested in our own community.
- Volunteer-driven prototyping projects that expand what’s possible with 3D printing and electronics.
- Partnerships with companies like Microsoft that bring grants, mentorship, and resources into the hands of local students and changemakers.

These aren’t distant dreams — they’re the next steps waiting for us if we choose to take them.

An Invitation
I left the Inclusive Tech Lab not only inspired by Microsoft’s leadership, but energized by the thought of what we can do together locally here in Bellingham. Inclusivity and accessibility is not an add-on, it’s a foundation. And with the passion of our Makerspace community, the vision of advocates, and the resources of partners, we have the chance to make that foundation stronger than ever.

If you’d like to learn more about the lab itself, I encourage you to schedule a tour to explore Microsoft’s Inclusive Tech Lab. Tell them LFNW sent you.
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/inclusive-tech-lab/

Let’s keep the conversation going — and let’s keep building futures that include everyone.

Lessons from Microsoft’s Inclusive Tech Lab