Roll Over or Rise Up. That’s the mantra of Microsoft Office Ranger, Matt Philipenko. Matt was diagnosed with Stargardt’s disease at age 19. A progressive eye disease, Matt is always relearning how to operate in the world. Supported by his family and optimistic outlook, as his range of sight gets smaller, his world continues to expand!

This episode is rich with resources for every web developer, inclusive leader, or Windows 11 user. Lovingly referred to as an accessibility bulldog, Matt continually leans into his network at Microsoft to develop tools that help people of all abilities such as the Office plug-in Accessibility Reminder. 

Podcast Outline:

• 00:00 Intro
• 03:02 Microsoft Office Ranger
• 07:52 The Accommodations Ask
• 20:09 Stargardt’s Disease
• 30:13 Accessibility Resources
• 38:31 Raising Accessibility Awareness
• 47:53 Be an Inclusive Employer
• 50:48 Roll Over or Rise Up
• 56:33 Connect with Matt

Next Steps:

• Connect with Matt Philipenko
• Try out Microsoft's accessibility tools
• Share your favorite accessibility resources @OpportunityMade

Episode Resources:

• Matt Philipenko | LinkedIn | Twitter | [email protected]
• Sam Seavy | The Blind Life
• Microsoft Accessibility Training
• Accessibility Insights
• Foundation Fighting Blindness
• Microsoft Adaptive Kit
• Microsoft Bluetooth Mice
• Microsoft SoundScape
• Microsoft Magnifier
• High Contrast
• Email Read Aloud
• Outlook Dictate
• Accessibility Reminder Plugin
• Ruby 7 HD
• IrisVision Live
• CloverBook Pro
• Seeing AI
• Episode Transcript