The Consumer Technology Association (CTA) Foundation concluded its participation in CES 2025, focusing on accessibility and innovation. The event featured a range of activities aimed at promoting collaboration among innovators, advocates, and industry leaders.

Stephen Ewell, Executive Director of the CTA Foundation, stated, “CES 2025 was a celebration of creativity, collaboration, and the incredible potential of technology to promote inclusion and accessibility. We are proud to support the innovators and advocates working tirelessly to create a more accessible future.”

The week included several key events:

- The CTA Foundation Innovation Challenge aimed at improving digital healthcare access for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Four finalists—Eyedaptic, MapHabit, ONSCREEN, Inc., and VIF—presented their innovations. ONSCREEN, Inc. won for its solution empowering individuals with IDD in managing their healthcare. This event was supported by the WITH Foundation and Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation (MEAF).

- An Accessibility Roundtable gathered over 120 attendees from various sectors to discuss assistive devices and inclusive design. Organized in partnership with CTA’s Government Affairs, Technology and Standards departments, along with the new Accessibility and AgeTech Working Group, it received support from Amazon, MEAF, MITRE, Ricoh, Salesforce, and Verizon.

- The Accessibility & AgeTech Reception offered networking opportunities for advocates and professionals to explore collaborative solutions in advancing accessibility. It was supported by Amazon, MITRE, and Salesforce.

- At the Eureka Park Startup Stage with the CTA Foundation Pitch Competition nine finalists presented AI technologies enhancing health across all ages. MakeSense Technology won the Grand Prize for 'The Vector,' an AI-powered navigation device for those with low vision. Sign-Speak and Voinosis were recognized as runner-up and Audience Choice winners respectively.

- The John and Jane Shalam Award went to Meals on Wheels America for combating social isolation among older adults.

- An Accessibility Media Tour introduced journalists to five winners of the Eureka Park Accessibility Contest: Blueberry Technology; Lotus; MakeSense; Sign-Speak; Soliddd showcasing various innovative technologies.

- A Funders Tour provided sponsors insight into new accessibility technologies reinforcing their commitment to impactful innovation.

The CTA Foundation is committed to enhancing lives through technology for older adults and people with disabilities. More information can be found at www.CTAFoundation.tech.