Resume

Kaitlyn Jones

Accessibility Leader • Product Development • Inclusive Design

I lead the development of products, programs, and systems that help organizations build more inclusive technology. My background in occupational therapy, adaptive technology, and product development gives me a unique perspective on designing products that better meet the needs of diverse users. Throughout my career, I've partnered with engineering, design, research, and executive leadership to launch products, establish accessibility programs, and integrate accessibility into product development at scale.


Core Expertise

  • Product Development & Strategy

  • Accessibility Leadership & Governance

  • Inclusive Design

  • Adaptive Technology

  • Cross-functional Leadership

  • Product Operations & Program Management

  • Accessibility Standards (WCAG, Section 508, EAA)

  • Executive Communication & Organizational Change


Professional Experience

Microsoft | Xbox

Gaming Accessibility Lead

2025–2026

Led enterprise accessibility strategy across Xbox's portfolio of hardware and software products, partnering with executive leadership and cross-functional teams to integrate accessibility into product development at scale.

Key Contributions

  • Led accessibility strategy, governance, and compliance across 50+ software products and 11 hardware programs

  • Established Xbox's European Accessibility Act (EAA) governance program

  • Served as principal accessibility advisor to Xbox leadership

  • Managed the Xbox accessibility team, strategic partnerships, vendors, and program budgets

  • Led Xbox's 2026 Global Accessibility Awareness Day product campaign

  • Guided the redesign and launch of the next generation of Xbox Adaptive Thumbstick Toppers

  • Developed AI-powered engineering guidance tools that accelerated accessibility implementation

Senior Product Manager

2024–2025

Led development of accessibility-focused hardware products while building scalable processes that embedded accessibility into Xbox's hardware development lifecycle.

Key Contributions

  • Co-led development of the Xbox Adaptive Joystick from concept through commercial launch

  • Directed the Xbox Adaptive Thumbstick Toppers program development, including the configurator experience and product portfolio

  • Created the Hardware Accessibility Touchpoints program, embedding accessibility reviews, customer validation, and decision milestones throughout the multi-year development lifecycle of 10+ Xbox hardware programs

  • Defined product strategy, roadmaps, and success metrics for accessibility initiatives across Xbox

  • Built Xbox's first Accessibility Feature Usage Dashboard, using telemetry to inform product investment and roadmap decisions

  • Partnered across engineering, industrial design, firmware, manufacturing, legal, research, and marketing to deliver customer-centered products

Program Manager II

2021–2024

Focused on scaling accessibility across Xbox by building engineering resources, education programs, and platform capabilities that enabled teams to create more inclusive products.

Key Contributions

  • Created Gaming Accessibility Fundamentals, an award-winning learning program completed by 9,000+ learners across the gaming industry

  • Redesigned the Xbox Accessibility Guidelines, adding implementation guidance, examples, and contextual information that made accessibility requirements more actionable for developers

  • Helped deliver platform customization features including Toggle Holds and controller-to-mouse-and-keyboard remapping

  • Served as the accessibility subject matter expert throughout hardware and software development, partnering with engineering, design, and product teams from concept through release

Accessibility User Researcher

2018–2020

Brought an occupational therapy perspective into product development by translating customer research into practical product and design decisions.

Key Contributions

  • Conducted accessibility research with players with disabilities to inform Xbox hardware and software development

  • Developed the Understanding Functions Framework, helping teams design around functional capabilities rather than diagnoses

  • Led development of Xbox Tactile Indicators, improving usability for blind and low-vision players

  • Partnered with engineering and design teams to translate research findings into product improvements

  • Helped establish user-centered accessibility practices that continued to influence Xbox product developmentMicrosoft

Warfighter Engaged

Director of Clinical Outreach (Volunteer)

2018 – Present

Partner with veterans, clinicians, engineers, and volunteers to design custom adaptive gaming solutions that enable individuals with complex physical disabilities to play independently.

Highlights

  • Lead clinical outreach and partnerships with hospitals, rehabilitation centers, therapists, and veteran organizations

  • Evaluate individual functional abilities and translate clinical needs into custom gaming solutions

  • Design and build adaptive gaming hardware using rapid prototyping, 3D printing, electronics modification, and off-the-shelf technologies

  • Collaborate directly with veterans to iteratively refine hardware based on real-world use and feedback

  • Help bridge healthcare, rehabilitation, and technology communities to expand access to gaming


Earlier Career

Occupational Therapist - Five Star Senior Living & Grant Therapy Services

Before transitioning into technology, I worked as an occupational therapist helping individuals regain independence following injury, illness, and disability. This experience shaped my understanding of human function, assistive technology, and inclusive design, and continues to influence how I approach product development today.


Education

  • Doctor of Occupational Therapy - Boston University

  • Master of Science, Occupational Therapy - University of Scranton

  • Bachelor of Science, Health Sciences - University of Scranton


Licensure & Certifications

  • DHS Section 508 Trusted Tester

  • Registered & Licensed Occupational Therapist in Washington State


Awards & Publications


Speaking & Media Recognition