Image Description: A promotional graphic for CES 2026 with the text "innovators show up - CES, Jan. 6 - 9, 2026, Las Vegas, NV" on a light purple background with five stylized humans using wearable technology.

TDI at CES 2026

Jan Withers, Chair, TDI Board of Directors

Superlatives cannot begin to do CES 2026 justice. At the massive annual Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, held January 6 - 9, I was certainly bombarded and wowed by the latest innovations (laundry-folding robots, anyone?).

Naturally, my focus was on accessibility....

Although many of the exhibitors I spoke with had inadequate, if any, understanding of accessibility, there were encouraging signs. Especially encouraging is how the Consumer Technology Association Foundation has worked to elevate accessibility as a necessity for all, not just for a niche population. The CTA Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the CTA, which organizes the CES. The CTA Foundation's Executive Director, Stephen Ewell, and his team are strong proponents of bringing diverse backgrounds and expertise from across the accessibility and "AgeTech" spaces to CES.

TDI is honored to have been invited to serve as one of the CTA Foundation's Accessibility Ambassadors. Benefits included networking with other Accessibility Ambassadors, participating in structured, constructive policy dialogue, attending special events, and engaging with key innovators who prioritize accessibility.

The CTA Foundation organized the Verizon Accessibility Stage, featuring three days of programming, and placed it in a prominent location. Never before has CES hosted so many panel discussions and accessibility presentations, and garnered so much attention. The Accessibility Roundtable drew 180 participants, a huge increase from the 40 who attended the first roundtable several years ago. Tours were arranged to showcase accessibility innovations. A competition featuring innovations in accessibility and cash prizes was held. Several networking events brought together people with shared interests, such as accessible gaming and smart homes. A wide variety of accessibility services were provided to ensure full participation.

Thanks to the CTA Foundation, connections among accessibility leaders and innovators have been created or strengthened. There is a strong commitment to creating a paradigm shift in which accessibility and AgeTech for all generations are no longer afterthoughts but embraced as essential. CES is a key event for leveraging this vision worldwide, and TDI is at the table to help make this happen.

For highlights of CES 2026, visit https://www.ces.tech/

ONWARD TOGETHER!

Connections with like-minded advocates, experts, and innovators pave the way to a more equitable world of technology. CES is a major meeting space for building these connections.

Image Description: A group of 12 individuals, 9 standing and 3 in wheelchairs in front, on a brightly-colored and patterned carpet in a large, airy lobby with a CES banner and event monitor in the background.

Group photo: Accessibility leaders gathered at the Las Vegas Convention Center, representing a wide range of organizations and agencies committed to advancing inclusion and access.



Left to right: Rachel Wolkowitz (Wilkinson Barker Knauer, LLP); Ariel Simms (Disability Belongs); Suzy Rosen Singleton (Federal Communications Commission); Howard Rosenblum (Deaf Equality); Zainab Alkebsi (Deaf Equality); Marcie Roth (World Institute on Disability); Anna Gomez (FCC Commissioner); Rachel Nemeth (CTA); Karen Tamley (Access Living); Jan Withers (TDI); Michael Lewis (American Association of People with Disabilities); Jonathan Uriarte (FCC).

Image Description: Two men seated in white chairs, each holding a microphone. Behind is a large monitor displaying the text: Accessibility Stage, Grand Opening, Fireside Chat, and a PIP image of each person with their name, title, and company. On each side of the monitor is a logo: one for Verizon and the other for CTA Foundation.

The grand opening of the Accessibility Stage featured a fireside chat with Fred Moltz, Chief Accessibility Officer at Verizon, and Stephen Ewell, Executive Director of the CTA Foundation, highlighting leadership and collaboration in advancing accessibility.

Image Description: Two women standing side by side and smiling. Behind is an enormous (40 feet) banner with the CES logo and the letters CES.

L: Sherri Collins, Executive Director of Deaf Seniors of America; R: Jan Withers, Chair, TDI Board of Directors.

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Disclaimer

The TDI newsletters are intended for general informational purposes only. Views expressed by contributors do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of TDIforAccess.