CTA Foundation News: Highlights from an Impactful CES 2026

CTA Foundation News: Highlights from an Impactful CES 2026
CTA Foundation News

By Steve Ewell ● Feb 20, 2026

Smart Brevity® count: 1.5 mins…446 words

The CTA Foundation celebrated an impactful CES 2026, highlighting innovation in accessibility and the power of collaboration. CES provided an incredible platform to bring together industry leaders, partners and innovators committed to advancing accessibility.

From assistive technologies to the debut of the Accessibility Stage powered by Verizon, the show featured cutting-edge advancements that empower people of all abilities and reinforced the Foundation’s commitment to creating a more accessible and inclusive future.

Keep reading to learn more about:

  • The inaugural Accessibility Stage’s impact at CES.
  • Accessibility innovation programming and events highlighted at CES.
  • And more.

As always, thanks for your support.

Inaugural Accessibility Stage Elevated Accessibility at CES

Accessibility Stage Grand Opening Fireside Chat

The CTA Foundation debuted CES’s first-ever dedicated Accessibility Stage powered by Verizon Accessibility, with accessibility services provided by Microsoft and Aura cast broadcast audio provided by Bluetooth SIG.

  • Located in a high-traffic area of The Venetian Convention Center, the stage featured three full days of programming and quickly became a central hub for accessibility at CES.
  • The stage welcomed strong engagement from attendees throughout the week, bringing together industry leaders, nonprofits and innovators to share insights and showcase technologies improving independence and quality of life.

Why it matters: The debut of the Accessibility Stage marked a major milestone for CES, elevating accessibility as a visible and essential part of the global technology conversation.

CES 2026 Programming and Events Highlighted Accessibility Innovation

Accessibility Stage

CES 2026 brought together leaders advancing accessibility through the CTA Foundation.

The CTA Foundation Accessibility Roundtable, presented by Salesforce, welcomed 180 attendees, while the Accessibility & AgeTech Reception gathered over 350 guests, highlighting strong engagement and collaboration across the accessibility and AgeTech ecosystem.

At the Foundation’s annual Pitch Competition, presented by Next50, .lumen received the Grand Prize and Judge’s Choice Award for its AI-powered navigation solution supporting people who are blind or have low vision. Cairns Health earned the Runner-Up Award for its AI-driven digital care companion, while EverEx received the Audience Choice Award.

  • HapWare was named the 2026 Health Challenge winner, Lotus was recognized as the runner up, and ONSCREEN, Inc. received the John and Jane Shalam Award.
  • The Foundation also hosted Accessibility Media and Funders Tours and highlighted startups through the Eureka Park Accessibility Contest, showcasing innovative accessibility solutions across CES.

Thank You to Our CES 2026 Sponsors and Partners

The CTA Foundation extends its sincere thanks to our partners who helped elevate accessibility across CES and made these important conversations and opportunities possible.

2026 Industry Partners

 

Welcoming New Trustees to the CTA Foundation

Foundation

The CTA Foundation is pleased to welcome Jim Braun of Dual Electronics and Sarah Thomas of Delight by Design and AgeTech Capital to its Board of Trustees. Their leadership and expertise will help strengthen the Foundation’s work and expand its impact in advancing accessibility and aging technology.

Comments

No comments yet. Why don’t you start the discussion?

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *