CTA Foundation Promotes Accessibility at CES 2018
March 28, 2018
- Author: Anthony Maestri

March/April 2018
More articles in this issue:
Accessible technologies helping people of all abilities were found everywhere at CES 2018. From hearables to robotic caregivers, CES was the launch pad for innovations that change the world. The CTA Foundation is proud to support innovative technologies that improve the lives of people of all ages and abilities.
The CTA Foundation was involved in numerous accessible technology initiatives at CES including hosting the winners of the Eureka Park Accessibility Contest: Lili Smart, Project Ray, SignAll, Sofihub and Unaliwear. At last year’s show, the Foundation announced a partnership with IBM and Local Motors to crowdsource ideas for the #AccessibleOlli, the world’s most user-friendly self-driving vehicle. After the yearlong initiative, the #AccessibleOlli took a prominent spot in the Grand Lobby of the LVCC, even attracting the attention of Grammy award-winning artist Stevie Wonder.
The programming around accessible technology was another highlight of the show. The CTA Foundation was proud to engage with innovative companies such as Google, Lyft, AARP and Comcast among countless other companies. Panels and interviews covered the technology spectrum from the smart home to self- driving tech and the resulting benefits for people of all abilities.
Accessible technology products and services is a growing segment of the CES show floor. The CTA Foundation is committed to furthering the dialogue necessary to make technology accessible to all. We are proud to connect the industry with disability advocates, academic institutions and other key stakeholders.
Panasonic Supports CTAF
A huge announcement at CES was Panasonic’s $100,000 donation to the CTA Foundation. This donation was given in honor of the company’s 100th anniversary and on behalf of all of their clients. Panasonic’s support will be used for technology education, research, and support for organizations to improve the lives of older adults and people with disabilities.
“We are incredibly grateful to Panasonic for their support of our mission. We believe technology is an important tool in enabling older adults and people with disabilities to live healthier, more independent and socially connected lives,” says Steve Ewell, executive director of the CTA Foundation. “This commitment highlights the power our industry has to make a difference through the support of life changing programs.”
2018 CTA Events
- CES Asia: June 13-15, Shanghai New International Expo Center Shanghai, China
- CEO Summit: June 24-27, Barcelona, Spain
- Innovate Celebrate: October 15-17 Boston, MA
- CT Hall of Fame Dinner: November 7, New York, NY
- CES Unveiled: New York November 8, New York, NY
- CES® 2019: January 8-11, Las Vegas, NV
SUPPORT THE CTA FOUNDATION
Be recognized as a philanthropic leader in the industry and enable us to help older adults and people with disabilities. To get involved contact Steve Ewell at sewell@CTAFoundation.tech or 703-907-7660.
VISIT SupportCTAF.org to give online or get information on sending stocks or checks.
SHOP at smile.Amazon.com and select the Consumer Technology Association Foundation to give 0.5% of your purchase at no extra cost to you.
CONTACT us for information on how to set up donations through your payroll.
FOLLOW us on Twitter @CTAFoundation and share the work the industry is doing to use technology to improve lives.
Join our community of innovators and shape the future of technology.