Paralympian Lex Gillette’s top 7 AI tools for accessibility

Technology as a Sighted Guide

In the world of Paralympic sport, sighted guides are essential for blind athletes. They offer cues, directions, and feedback to ensure safety, performance, and independence. Today, Microsoft’s AI tools serve a similar purpose—helping people of all abilities better navigate the world.

In a feature published by Microsoft, Lex Gillette shares how accessible AI is empowering his life both on and off the track. From screen readers to productivity tools, these innovations are helping users like Lex overcome barriers and achieve new levels of autonomy.

Overcoming Blindness, Embracing Vision

Lex’s journey began at age eight, when he lost his vision due to recurring retinal detachments. Despite multiple surgeries, he became fully blind. With the support of his mother, teachers, and mentors, he adapted—and soon discovered sports as a powerful outlet for his drive and competitive spirit.

Guided by Coach Brian Whitmer, Lex learned to sprint and jump using auditory cues instead of visual ones. Through years of discipline, he became one of the most decorated long jumpers in Paralympic history—earning silver medals in five consecutive Games (2004–2020) and holding the world record in the T11 classification.

Lex’s success is rooted not only in physical training, but also in his ability to visualize the future. As he puts it, “It’s not necessarily the sight that determines our success. It’s our ability to see the vision.”

7 AI Tools That Are Leveling the Playing Field

1. Seeing AI

This app helps blind and low-vision users better understand their surroundings. It reads documents, identifies products via barcode, recognizes faces and emotions, and describes scenes and objects using artificial intelligence. Lex uses it to hear visual information in real time, from identifying currency to reading signage in public spaces.

2. Copilot for Microsoft 365

Copilot integrates AI directly into Word, Excel, Outlook, and other Microsoft 365 apps. It can automate repetitive tasks, draft emails, summarize data, and offer smart suggestions—essentially acting as a digital assistant. For Lex, this means working faster and smarter without having to rely on others.

3. Microsoft Teams (Speech-to-Text)

With built-in live transcription and captions, Teams meetings become more inclusive for people who are Deaf or hard of hearing. The tool is powered by Azure Cognitive Services, making communication in professional environments smoother and more accessible.

4. Read Aloud in Outlook, Edge, and PowerPoint

This text-to-speech feature helps users hear content read out loud, whether it’s emails, documents, or webpages. For Lex, this turns passive visual content into accessible auditory information—making multitasking and comprehension easier in fast-paced work environments.

5. Microsoft Translator

This tool supports speech-to-speech, text-to-speech, and image-based OCR translation. It’s invaluable for global communication—allowing Lex to connect with other athletes, collaborators, and audiences around the world, regardless of language barriers.

6. Windows Hello (Facial Recognition)

Powered by Azure’s Face API, Windows Hello allows users to log in to devices using facial recognition. This is especially valuable for individuals with mobility impairments who may find traditional passwords or PINs difficult to manage.

7. Voice Assistants in Windows and Xbox

These AI-powered voice assistants allow users to control devices and access information hands-free. For Lex, this kind of voice interaction means greater independence—whether he’s working, training, or spending time with his son.

AI as an Equalizer

Lex is not just an elite athlete—he’s an advocate, entrepreneur, and founder of Sight School Inc., an organization dedicated to empowering people with visual impairments through adaptive sports and technology.

As he shares in the article: “In a perfect world, everyone would be able to go into a gym and work out without needing to be tethered to another individual... Technology has been the great equalizer for us.”

From reading airport signs to managing his mobile banking, AI has opened up everyday experiences once inaccessible without human assistance. With tools like Seeing AI and Copilot, Lex can live more autonomously, contribute professionally, and engage fully with his environment.

Read the Full Feature

To explore how Lex is using Microsoft’s AI to drive accessibility and inclusion, read the full article here:
Paralympian Lex Gillette’s Top 7 AI Tools for Accessibility