Corporate
Partners in Accessibility: CTA Foundation
11/10/2023
Many of the accessibility initiatives that we prioritize at Samsung – whether it’s advancing inclusive design, improving visibility enhancements, or creating hearing-assistive tools – are strengthened through partnerships and collaborative efforts with reputable, knowledgeable, and innovative brands, advocacy groups, and industry associations. Working hand-in-hand with these like-minded accessibility allies, we are harnessing our scale, global presence, and pioneering spirit to create a more accessible and equitable future. As part of our “Partners in Accessibility” series, Samsung’s esteemed partner, the CTA Foundation, shares their insights on the importance of unparalleled cooperation in addressing accessibility challenges and fostering inclusivity.
Name: Stephen Ewell
Title: Executive Director
Partner: CTA Foundation, a public, national foundation affiliated with the Consumer Technology Association (CTA)®
Years working together: 11 years
Partnership focus: Technology enhancing the lives of older adults and people with disabilities
1. What does accessibility mean to the CTA Foundation, and how does the foundation define it in the context of its mission?
The CTA Foundation defines accessibility as the means to facilitate and enhance the lives of seniors and people with disabilities through technology. Our mission is to advance the discourse on how technology can benefit these demographics by collaborating with industry, nonprofits, and other stakeholders. We aim to promote the development and adoption of tech solutions that empower older adults and individuals with disabilities, ensuring that these individuals can fully participate in and benefit from the digital age.
In essence, accessibility, in the context of the CTA Foundation’s mission, is about breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for these groups to leverage technology for a better quality of life.
2. What are the key accessibility goals of the CTA Foundation, and how is the nonprofit working to achieve these objectives?
Some of our key accessibility goals are:
- Promoting Inclusive Technology: The CTA Foundation strives to ensure that technology is designed, developed, and distributed in a way that is inclusive, catering to the unique needs and challenges of seniors and people with disabilities.
- Advancing Awareness: The CTA Foundation aims to raise awareness and understanding of the importance of accessible technology among the tech industry, policymakers, and the public.
- Facilitating Collaboration: The CTA Foundation fosters collaboration between industry leaders, nonprofits, and key stakeholders to drive innovation and develop accessible technology solutions.
To achieve these objectives, we have our three core pillars of activity:
- Convene: The CTA Foundation brings together key stakeholders to build relationships and hold dialogs to advance our mission. One example is the Disability Employment Roundtable recently hosted at the Samsung Solutions Center in Washington, D.C.
- Promote Innovation: Through a series of contests and award programs, the CTA Foundation recognizes technologies that enhance the lives of older adults and people with disabilities, which, in turn, draws the attention of other companies interested in doing the same. Examples include the Eureka Park Accessibility Contest and the CES Pitch Competition.
- Fund: As a charitable foundation, the CTA Foundation supports nonprofit organizations across the United States that are using our industry’s technologies to enhance the lives of older adults and people with disabilities.