Microsoft partners with Team Gleason to bring technology to the battle with ALS

Microsoft has long been known for making contributions to help make the world a better place. In perhaps the best example of this, the company launched a #UpgradeYourWorld initiative  back in October of 2015 to help the world pick out the most prominent nonprofit organizations.  By virtue of the initiative, the winners have since received the honor of becoming Microsoft’s new local nonprofit partners. Team Gleason is one of these partners, and since winning, Windows and Microsoft have bettered Team Gleason’s cause.

As part of the partnership, Windows hosted an intimate fireside chat with former NFL athlete and ALS advocate Steve Gleason ahead of the debut of the film GLEASON at SXSW in Austin Texas. In the March 11th discussion (which was monitored by NBC’s Olivia Sterns) Gleason spoke about the integral role of technology in his life.

With the help of his Microsoft Surface Pro 3 and Pro 4, Steve has been able to live his life to the fullest. Along with this, he has also worked with Microsoft to help develop life-changing technology, especially with eye gazing software.

He described his situation in the Windows Experience blog:

“Microsoft was the only company who stepped forward and was eager to deeply understand the needs of those who utilize technology as an extension of themselves. The company committed time, money, and talent to not only enhance the Surface Pro beyond its expectations, but went above and beyond to integrate controls for my power chair, allowing me to regain much more independence. The process has been as exciting as it has been liberating.”

The primary purpose of Team Gleason is to help provide individuals with neuromuscular diseases or injuries with top of the line technology and services. You can learn more about Team Gleason by visiting their website at teamgleason.org. You can also learn more about the technology developed with Team Gleason and Microsoft by clicking here and here.