Dear Microsoft,
I am writing to express my deep concern about the decision to put accessible features, such as live captions, behind a paywall. This decision has a significant impact on individuals who are hard of hearing or deaf, as it makes it difficult for them to access important information and communicate effectively.
Access to live captions is a basic need for many people with hearing impairments, and it is not something that should be restricted by cost. It is essential for them to be able to understand and participate in conversations and meetings, both in personal and professional settings. Without access to live captions, these individuals may miss important information and be excluded from full participation in their communities.
In addition to being essential for communication, live captions are also a valuable tool for education and personal development. Many deaf and hard of hearing individuals struggle to access educational and professional opportunities due to barriers such as a lack of captioning. By making live captions available to all users, Microsoft can help to level the playing field and provide more opportunities for these individuals to reach their full potential.
Furthermore, I would like to bring to your attention that, accessibility features such as live captions are not only beneficial for people with hearing impairments but also for people who are non-native speakers, people in noisy environments, or people with cognitive or learning disabilities. Therefore, it is not only important for people with hearing impairments but for everyone in general.
I urge Microsoft to consider the needs of individuals with hearing impairments and to make live captions available to all users, regardless of their subscription status. This would make a significant difference in the lives of many people and would demonstrate the company's commitment to accessibility and inclusivity.
I would like to thank you for your time and consideration, and I look forward to hearing about any steps that Microsoft is taking to address this issue.
Sincerely,
Abhishek Gupta
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