Paul Amadeus Lane welcomes Steve Ewell, Executive Director of the CTA Foundation, to The Tech Zone! Discover the innovative projects and organizations recently awarded grants by the Foundation, all aimed at leveraging technology for greater independence. Steve shares insights into why assistive and adaptive technologies are crucial and need more recognition, and offers his perspective on what groundbreaking advancements in this space could be on the horizon at CES 2026.
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Speaker 1 (00:19):
In this world of technology, things are ever changing, rearranging.
You need someone to help you out. I know someone
who can come and take a journey with me. As
we go through the land of technology. You'll never be alone.
Speaker 2 (00:36):
You'll be with Paul. I'm an dance laying in the
tech Zone.
Speaker 3 (00:40):
Take a little trip with me and hopefully you can
see how the hood, suburbs and main street are all
connected no respect can I mean we network across the
globe because h's a global market in case s you
didn't know, and since we all about information flow, let
me be the first one to work from you to
Tech Zone with Paul Armadees Lane, let's talk tech technology,
(01:04):
change in the game. It's so good in the hood
exceptywhere Now let's get into the show because we lavon
a Yeah, hello.
Speaker 2 (01:12):
And welcome to the Tech Zone. What is up? It
is mean Paul Ammade's Lane and I am so delighted
to have you on this episode with me. Why we're
gonna be joined by Steve Yule, the executive director of
the Consumer Technology Association Foundation. We're gonna be talking about
the grant recipient winners, the assistive and adaptive technologies, all
(01:36):
the great things that are happening that the Foundation is
really just at the forefront making sure that the world
is more inclusive for all of us, especially us. We're
part of the assistive and adaptive technology community. So we're
gonna chop it up about that. I'm gonna see if
I can get a little sneak peak on Ces twenty
(01:58):
twenty six, get him in trouble with Melissa who runs
the comms apartment over there, and Melissa, if I cross
the line, I'm sorry. I'm sorry, I really am. You know,
that's just what I do sometimes. But y'all still love
me over there. You know we're all good. Well. We
welcome you who are listening to us and watching us
(02:20):
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(03:32):
business man, Because I'm all about that business man. How
you guys been doing. It's been a while since I
dropped some shows. Ever since Cees, it's been a world
win to travel for me. If you have been watching
my social media, my LinkedIn, you know I've been. I've
(03:53):
been in them streets, y'all. It was funny. My wife
Rainy Days. Her real name is Ray, but I get
a ridnickname Rainy Days because her first name is Ray
middle and shechel Nicole, so Rainy and Days. Her mom's
maiden name is Dace. But people are lazy when they
say things. They say Days call her Rainy Day. So
(04:14):
she uh was tell me, she said, you know what?
In an eight week time, we stayed at six different hotels.
I was all around in a six weeks time, we
stayed at eight different hotels, like, yeah, we did. She
like Moreau Dog. You know, we roll together, we travel together,
and she's just an amazing partner that I have in
(04:36):
my Peter Pant adventures. And I appreciate my Wendy allowing
me to be the Peter Pant. So that's why I
haven't been doing any shows. But we're back at it,
and what better way to kick off this season of
the Tech Zone with my great friend Steve You. But
before we do that, you ever have songs just in
(05:00):
your mind for no reason? You know what song that's
been in my mind this whole morning while I'm waiting
to do this interview, I was listening to YouTube song
by Chicago Street Sounds.
Speaker 4 (05:14):
You know Street Sounds, Well, yeah, my mind, yeah right,
Street Sounds going through my mind?
Speaker 2 (05:21):
Yeah, never forget those end listen years.
Speaker 3 (05:25):
Streets Sounds.
Speaker 2 (05:27):
Now, so you remember Chicago did that song like in
the seventies or early eighties, and then the song was
redone by like a pop group and remember started off.
Speaker 4 (05:37):
Street Sounds, Streets Sounds going through my mind?
Speaker 2 (05:41):
Remember that? Well, I was watching that a concert of Chicago.
That's the way they start the song off now, so
they play homage to when it was redone back in
I think it was the nineties or early two thousand
and now. That's how they bring that song out. Now.
That's pretty awesome, but street sounds my yeah. Well, enough
(06:02):
of me making your ears brillied. Let's bring on our
very very special guests, my great friend from the Consumer
Technology Association Foundation, and I love my relationship that I
have with them, and even though some friends are not
there anymore, they're still close to my heart. And those
(06:26):
who are still there, you're close to my heart too.
And those who are not with the Association no more
CTA wish you nothing but the best. You're all great people,
and may may you see success in your future. And
for those who are still there, let's do this. Let's
(06:47):
continue to build, let's continue to push that envelope. And
this next person has done just so, let's bring him
on right now. The man himself of my great friend,
the executive direct door of the Consumer Technology Association Foundation,
(07:10):
and he also does some VP work when it comes
to accessibility too for CDA. My great friend Steven Eule
was going on, sir.
Speaker 4 (07:17):
Steve Fall, it is great to see you.
Speaker 5 (07:20):
I always love connecting and yeah, there's a few things
happening in the world these days, and there's an incredible
opportunity around accessibility and aging, and you know, always look
forward to connecting with you and having a chance to
dive in.
Speaker 2 (07:38):
Steve, I just got to say, my friend, you're looking
a little different out there. So ones who are watching
us on streaming video, they're like, wow, Steve, look like
a movie star.
Speaker 5 (07:49):
Now.
Speaker 2 (07:49):
Man, it's once you say you look great, man. So
whatever you do and you keep doing.
Speaker 5 (07:52):
I appreciate that, and honestly, right back at you, you're
looking great yourself.
Speaker 2 (07:58):
Thank you, thank you, thank you. My friend. Hey, I
think when we see each other in January, I think
you said, with like a bunch.
Speaker 4 (08:03):
Of states, that's the goal. That's the goal.
Speaker 2 (08:06):
Absolutely very well. You know, a lot has happened since
CES twenty twenty five. I can't believe that's probably the
last time since you and I said down had a
really in depth conversation. You and I have both have
been just ripping and running and doing a lot of things.
So I'm just happy that we have this opportunity to
catch up on what has happened since CES with the
(08:30):
Foundation and some other things when it comes to accessibility
and that opportunity you just talked about. Man, So what
have you been up to since CEES twenty twenty five.
Speaker 5 (08:40):
Yeah, so it's hard to believe that it's been a
few months since CEES and we're already ramping up towards
CEES twenty twenty six. But you know, good things are happening,
and it's also great that we're able to connect now
because we're in the middle of Older Americans Month here
in the US, as well as having just celebrated Global
Accessibility Awareness Day just last week, so you know, there's
(09:05):
so much happening around both accessibility and age tech.
Speaker 4 (09:09):
Probably the biggest thing for us as.
Speaker 5 (09:11):
A foundation, though, is we run an annual grants program,
so we work with nonprofits from all over the country.
This year, we had more applications than we've ever had.
Speaker 4 (09:22):
It was actually.
Speaker 5 (09:25):
Overwhelming, honestly, with the number of groups that were looking
for funding. I only wish the pool of money grew
to the same extent, But we just announced actually twenty
two organizations that received over half a million dollars in grants.
Some are organizations that we've worked with before, but many
(09:46):
are new to us or newly funded organizations. Some are
groups we've known for a while, and just this was
the year we were finally able to make that happen.
But everything from you know, some tech education for both
older adults and people with disabilities, a lot of hardware acquisitions.
(10:08):
So you know, I think last year we talked a
little bit about we were working with three organizations to
build smart homes for the intellectual and developmental disability community.
We're actually doing a second year with all of those organizations.
So we have a group here in the DC area,
we have a group in Michigan, and we have a
group in Arkansas looking at how they're building out. And
(10:29):
each of them are taking their own tact on what
types of technologies they're buying, what they're rolling out. But
our goal is ultimately to learn from that, you know,
what worked well for one organization versus the next. You know,
is it different in Arkansas versus d C versus Michigan.
You know, that's something that I'm excited to learn a
(10:50):
little bit more from these organizations. And actually the fun
thing is we're seeing other groups that are doing this.
You know, there's a group in Colorado that's rolling something
out like this, So I think there's going to be
lessons that can be learned far beyond what our funding
has been able to support. And then you know, one
that I know touches on issues that you particularly care about.
(11:11):
We're actually funding the World Institute on Disability to work
with Able to Play on building out their website about
creating greater awareness about some of the accessible gaming that
is out there and helping people find and identify the
types of games that are available. So lots of great organizations.
(11:34):
I mean, like I said, I could you know twenty
two organizations. I'd love to sit here and read off
each and every one. But if people are interested in
learning about any one of these programs, they can go
to CTA Foundation dot tech and we've got them all
listed there. And this year we're really looking at you know,
right now, it kind of just lists, you know, who
we funded, where they are, you know, a very short description.
(11:58):
This year we're looking to do a little bit more
storytelling around this, so hopefully over the course of the
year you'll see you know, different types of content created
around each of these organizations, featuring the types of work
that they're doing because there's such incredible stories happening all
over the country, and I'm happy to try to help
tell them.
Speaker 2 (12:20):
You know, I love that, you know, just telling the
story of these great organizations and what they're doing. I
think it's something that has been missing for a lot
of years when it comes to a system and adaptive technologies.
Just telling those incredible stories. That's why I kind of
wear it like a badge of honor, you know, to
(12:41):
talk to ones who have these incredible stories because they
need to be known. You know what that was saying,
you don't know what you don't know, right, And it's
great that we're going to see that Folcus too about
these different stories. I think it will put a put
a face to the community and those who are part
of of the disabled in the adult and aging community.
(13:03):
That really just shows that these things are incredible and
it helps us to live a more independent life.
Speaker 5 (13:09):
Well, and that's where I mean, you're the expert at
doing this. You tell these stories all the time. Honestly,
I should be kept as far away from marketing and
communications as possible, but for some reason, they still let
me talk on the mic all the time. But you
know that is so many of these nonprofit organizations we
work with, they do incredible work, but they're so focused
(13:33):
on doing the work that they're trying to do, serving
their communities and making an absolute difference that you know,
taking the time to go out and tell their story
is not something that they're thinking about. So that's where
you know, we're focused as a foundation of how can
we help them tell their stories? How can we help
(13:54):
you know, whether it is promoting them on you know,
social media, whether it is you know, create a short video,
whether it is you know, even just I feel like
I'm going old school here, but saying like a blog
article or something like that. You know, what are those
ways that we can capture some of these stories and
help them talk about the good work that many of
(14:16):
these nonprofits are doing. And that will showcase, you know,
where there's still challenges, where there's opportunities. We're you know,
we're a tiny piece of the overall funding in this space.
So where there's other opportunities for people to learn about
these nonprofits, you know, that's where others can kind of
step in and take them to the next level.
Speaker 4 (14:36):
And that's what I'm excited to see.
Speaker 2 (14:40):
That's awesome and I just talked to Armand last week.
He didn't let me know about some of the great
things that he's doing with your SAMA. After we get
through with this, I'm gonna call him and say, Yo,
why you dinna tell me you hooked up with my
buddy Steve. You'll at the CTA Foundation. So Armand and
I gonna have words. Steve thinks for letting me know that.
Speaker 5 (15:01):
Well, it may have been you talked to him before
we did the full announcement, so I'll give him credit
for not spilling the news too early. But yeah, we're
excited to be working with them and many other great
organizations all over the place.
Speaker 2 (15:16):
Yeah, and Steve, one of the things that I look
at too, when you talked about GAD Global Accessibility Awareness
Day and I put a post on linkedn He probably
saw it. To Steve, are we losing the momentum behind
Global Accessibility Awareness Day? It seems like this was the
less traffic that we've seen about this amazing day that
(15:40):
celebrates some of the great things that you guys do
as a foundation other companies out there too. Have we
lost any of our momentum? And going forward, should we
get the community more involved in talking about Global Accessibility
Day together as a community, and I just leave it
(16:01):
upon organizations like yourself and other companies out there. Should
we as a community also be pounding the desk about
global accessibility and awarenessy and what does means to us personally?
Speaker 5 (16:11):
Yeah? I think, I mean I did see a lot
of content being created. Now that could just be you know,
my little bubble that I tend to live within. And
you know, I would only want to guess how many
different interviews and programs you know, Jennison and Joe, the
folks behind behind the GAD Foundation did over the course
(16:36):
of those days. But you know, Global Accessibility Awareness Day
is one day. It is an opportunity for us to
coalesce and highlight the issues here. But I think you know,
as an industry, as you know, members of the community
and others, you know, that's where there's the opportunity. How
do we tell that story throughout the year so you know,
(16:58):
build off what we can do around God, but look
at you know, where can we also tell those stories?
So that's where you know, we're looking at what more
can we do it? See, yes, around creating awareness around
accessibility and end age tech as well. What are some
of those opportunities for us to engage with different other programs,
(17:21):
you know, throughout the you know, throughout the year.
Speaker 4 (17:25):
So you know, I don't know, I have no.
Speaker 5 (17:29):
Measurements on how many activities happened this year versus previous years,
but I think there's certainly opportunity to create greater awareness
around these issues.
Speaker 2 (17:39):
I'm glad you said that, Steve. I guess from from
my vantage point and a few other vantage points from
industry insiders like myself, who you know, swim in this space.
You know, we were kind of I don't want to
stay upset. We were just kind of hurt and it
could be just like you said, our our our news
(18:00):
and our algorithms maybe all owe a different wavelength. But
I'm glad to hear your viewpoint on it as well,
because this is where conversations now get started to say, Okay,
if we see that as our silo over here, we
got to do something about it next year, where we
create the content we talk about, you know, all these
other things working together, then we can just have this amazing,
(18:25):
just blanket of coverage about Global Accessibility Awareness Day and
why it's so important for everyone. Steve, when you look
at this round of grants and the applications that the
Foundation received. Was there any type of innovation something that
(18:46):
you all saw that kind of blew you guys away
and say, wow, I didn't even know this was in
our lane right here.
Speaker 5 (18:54):
Yeah, you know, it's interesting this year. I mean, there's
so much work going on in the tech space around,
you know, these different types of efforts. I think, you know,
really it was looking at the way different tech can
apply to different populations. So I talked about some of
the work going on with the intellectual and developmental disability community,
(19:17):
you know. Interestingly, this year we did end up working
with an organization ALS Northwest around looking at, you know,
the types of technologies that can help people with ALS.
Some of that I really look at, building off some
of the work that we've done in the past through
United Spinal and other groups along those lines for people
(19:39):
with mobility challenges.
Speaker 4 (19:42):
I think there's opportunities.
Speaker 5 (19:43):
To apply some of the smart home technology in those spaces.
It was also interesting to look at some of the
opportunities around. We're working with a very interesting newer organization
called Lorenzo's House, which is focused for people with earlier
or on set dementia. So you know, where are you know,
(20:06):
essentially developing tools that can help people with early onset dementia,
which you know, can have such an incredible impact both
on individuals themselves, but also on their families, their loved ones,
their caregivers, you know, building up the resources around them.
I think there's some really incredible opportunities there. So yeah,
(20:28):
I think there's some really interesting innovations and there's not
kind of one here is the solution that you know
solves all the issues of the world.
Speaker 4 (20:37):
I wish I had that one. I'm still looking for it.
Speaker 5 (20:39):
But you know, I think there's really a lot of
applications of different tools that are out there that we're
looking at, you know, how can this best be applied,
especially when we're looking at an environment where you know,
funding is challenging right now, especially from many of these
nonprofit organizations, So looking at you know, where are their
(21:04):
opportunities for technology to help step in and you know,
serve some of the needs of people who otherwise are
seeing you know, resources being pulled back. We're certainly you know,
you know, we're we're trying to close the gap we
haven't you know, I wish I had the resources to
(21:26):
fully close it. But you know that is something that
I think there needs to be a lot of interesting
thought done into addressing some of the needs, because you know,
there's a lot of needs in these communities that we're serving.
Speaker 2 (21:39):
And I will tell you this, If anybody will be
able to fill that void in that need and bridge
that gap, my money's on you. Because what you have
been able to do with the Consumer Technology Association over
the years bringing in more accessibility and aging an adult information,
(22:00):
not only as CEES but throughout the year. I am
just I'm like floor, my friend. You and I have
been having these conversations for several years, and I remember
the day and you remember the time too where accessibility,
aging going adult population wasn't talked about a lot. Now
it's mainstream. We're talking about it because all of us
(22:21):
are either our part of it now are one day
going to be a part of it. So we want
to know what's out there for or second help that
only us, but also our families too. But we appreciate
all that you do, Steve, and I would be derelict
in my duty if I didn't ask you some CES
(22:42):
News twenty twenty six is right around the corner. I
know y'all have been planning ever since y'all got back
from Las Vegas in January. So anything you can share
with us about what's on the horizon that we can
look forward to.
Speaker 5 (22:56):
Oh, you definitely wanted me to get in trouble with
my comms team here, and yeah, no, I think there's
a lot of excitement coming out to see S twenty
twenty five, a lot of excitement going in to see
S twenty twenty six. We are looking at how we
can continue to build off the conversations that we had,
(23:19):
especially you know, I'm focused in on the accessibility and
age tech aspects of it.
Speaker 4 (23:23):
You know, last year was incredible.
Speaker 5 (23:26):
In fact, the biggest challenge I had is too many
people showing up to a lot of the activities. So
that's a problem I will always be be glad to
try to deal with. But you know, that is something
that we're working on of. Like you know that roundtable
that we have where we bring together industry and advocates
to talk about what's working well and what's not. You know,
it's gotten honestly too big for us to have that dialogue.
(23:49):
It's become a little bit of let's all share kind
of our own little thing. So we're looking at how
can we change that, How can we you know, I
want to continue to include more and more people.
Speaker 4 (24:00):
I don't want to shrink the room. It's how do
I grow that room?
Speaker 5 (24:04):
But how do I do it in a way that
allows for more dialogue between the participants, but also does
it in an accessible manner. So last thing I want
to do is say, hey, we're doing breakout groups, but
you know, if you need asl I'm sorry, you're only
going to this one group. So we're working on different
ways that we can address some of those challenges. I
(24:24):
once again don't have all the answers, but we're working
on them, and I think there's going to be some
really exciting opportunities there. You know, a few of the
activities that we do every year, you know our Eureka
Park Accessibility Contest. You know, I love coming on your
show and talking about that. You know, we're in the
early stages of setting that up for this year, so
(24:47):
we'll once again have the opportunity for five companies from
around the US and Canada to apply to potentially win
a free booth at CES win a little bit money
as well.
Speaker 4 (25:01):
So that they can be in Las Vegas for the week.
Speaker 5 (25:03):
So I expect that contest will open up earlier part
of the summer, So look for something on that, hopefully
in the next month or two, and that'll be a
great opportunity. You know, we're going to continue to do
like our pitch competition and all those activities, and yeah,
I'll mention maybe we're exploring a few other things that
(25:24):
we can do that I can't mention quite yet, but
we are in talks with a number of different groups
and a number of different opportunities to see how we
can continue, you know, how do we raise that bar?
So I will definitely stay in touch and you will
be among the first to know whenever I have something
(25:44):
more to share.
Speaker 2 (25:47):
I am so looking forward to that, Steve, because you know,
you always raise the bar, and you will get in
trouble with the coms team because Melissa and I we like,
we like here. That's my buddy. So I emember, listen
when we get done, I say, now, now, Steve said
a few things, but it's my fault, so it's all.
It's all good. I think you Blain, I think of
(26:07):
Blaine for that. All right, Well, we'll be all good,
but you just love just the energy, the direction things
that are happening at the CTA Foundation, some great things
as on the horizon. Did we forget to mention anything Steve,
that you'd like to mention to the audience.
Speaker 4 (26:27):
No, just thank you for all the work that you're doing.
Speaker 5 (26:30):
As we said, telling these stories is important, being able
to capture these issues is important, and you know you
do such an amazing job having a general tech show
that also talks about the importance about accessibility and aging
and the importance that is going on in these spaces.
So thank you for the work that's doing there, that
(26:52):
you're doing there. And then yeah, if people are interested
in knowing more about what we're doing at the CTA Foundation,
you know, any of the activities that we have planned
at cs or elsewhere throughout the year, they just go
to CTA Foundation dot tech. Uh, they'll be able to
find everything right there.
Speaker 2 (27:12):
Awesome. My great friend Steve Yule, the executive director highest
Agreeve Declaration, the Consumer Technology Association Foundation. Always ready to
catch up with you, my friend, looking forward to seeing
you soon.
Speaker 4 (27:29):
Absolutely, Thanks Paul.
Speaker 2 (27:31):
That was my great friend Steven Yule, the executive director
of the Consumer Technology Association Foundation. Always enjoy talking with
him and chopping it up with him about the foundation
and what they're doing and my good friend Arman. Yeah,
(27:51):
and then tell me about that man able to play
what's up dude? What's up? Dog? But he probably can't
tell me man. I'm still gona give them a hard time,
but some great things that they're doing at the Foundation,
So definitely reach out to them, reach out to me.
Paul I'm a Day's Lane all social media platforms including
LinkedIn because I'm a businessman and Paulama Day'slane dot coms connect.
(28:13):
Don't forget the new YouTube channel Alma Day is fourth
Media where you can watch these videos and you can
listen to the podcasts of these interviews on Apple, Spotify,
all the major platforms, the Tech Zone. Paul Alma Day's Lane,
thank you so much to the next episode. Do me
a favor. You know I'm gonna tell you all right,
(28:34):
Stay healthy, stay safe. I remember, I love you all
of life until nex's time.
Speaker 1 (28:42):
In this world of technology, things ever change, rearranging.
Speaker 2 (28:47):
You need someone to help you out.
Speaker 4 (28:49):
I know someone that can be alone.
Speaker 3 (28:51):
You'll be with Paul I'm a Day's Lane in the
tech Zone,
In this world of technology, things are ever changing, rearranging.
You need someone to help you out. I know someone
who can come and take a journey with me. As
we go through the land of technology. You'll never be alone.
Speaker 2 (00:36):
You'll be with Paul. I'm an dance laying in the
tech Zone.
Speaker 3 (00:40):
Take a little trip with me and hopefully you can
see how the hood, suburbs and main street are all
connected no respect can I mean we network across the
globe because h's a global market in case s you
didn't know, and since we all about information flow, let
me be the first one to work from you to
Tech Zone with Paul Armadees Lane, let's talk tech technology,
(01:04):
change in the game. It's so good in the hood
exceptywhere Now let's get into the show because we lavon
a Yeah, hello.
Speaker 2 (01:12):
And welcome to the Tech Zone. What is up? It
is mean Paul Ammade's Lane and I am so delighted
to have you on this episode with me. Why we're
gonna be joined by Steve Yule, the executive director of
the Consumer Technology Association Foundation. We're gonna be talking about
the grant recipient winners, the assistive and adaptive technologies, all
(01:36):
the great things that are happening that the Foundation is
really just at the forefront making sure that the world
is more inclusive for all of us, especially us. We're
part of the assistive and adaptive technology community. So we're
gonna chop it up about that. I'm gonna see if
I can get a little sneak peak on Ces twenty
(01:58):
twenty six, get him in trouble with Melissa who runs
the comms apartment over there, and Melissa, if I cross
the line, I'm sorry. I'm sorry, I really am. You know,
that's just what I do sometimes. But y'all still love
me over there. You know we're all good. Well. We
welcome you who are listening to us and watching us
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on our flagship station, ABC News Radio affiliate k ME,
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iHeart Amazon. We thank you, We thank you, We thank you.
We also have a new YouTube channel that's specific for
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(03:08):
that's Amada's fourth media too, so you can check out
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(03:32):
business man, Because I'm all about that business man. How
you guys been doing. It's been a while since I
dropped some shows. Ever since Cees, it's been a world
win to travel for me. If you have been watching
my social media, my LinkedIn, you know I've been. I've
(03:53):
been in them streets, y'all. It was funny. My wife
Rainy Days. Her real name is Ray, but I get
a ridnickname Rainy Days because her first name is Ray
middle and shechel Nicole, so Rainy and Days. Her mom's
maiden name is Dace. But people are lazy when they
say things. They say Days call her Rainy Day. So
(04:14):
she uh was tell me, she said, you know what?
In an eight week time, we stayed at six different hotels.
I was all around in a six weeks time, we
stayed at eight different hotels, like, yeah, we did. She
like Moreau Dog. You know, we roll together, we travel together,
and she's just an amazing partner that I have in
(04:36):
my Peter Pant adventures. And I appreciate my Wendy allowing
me to be the Peter Pant. So that's why I
haven't been doing any shows. But we're back at it,
and what better way to kick off this season of
the Tech Zone with my great friend Steve You. But
before we do that, you ever have songs just in
(05:00):
your mind for no reason? You know what song that's
been in my mind this whole morning while I'm waiting
to do this interview, I was listening to YouTube song
by Chicago Street Sounds.
Speaker 4 (05:14):
You know Street Sounds, Well, yeah, my mind, yeah right,
Street Sounds going through my mind?
Speaker 2 (05:21):
Yeah, never forget those end listen years.
Speaker 3 (05:25):
Streets Sounds.
Speaker 2 (05:27):
Now, so you remember Chicago did that song like in
the seventies or early eighties, and then the song was
redone by like a pop group and remember started off.
Speaker 4 (05:37):
Street Sounds, Streets Sounds going through my mind?
Speaker 2 (05:41):
Remember that? Well, I was watching that a concert of Chicago.
That's the way they start the song off now, so
they play homage to when it was redone back in
I think it was the nineties or early two thousand
and now. That's how they bring that song out. Now.
That's pretty awesome, but street sounds my yeah. Well, enough
(06:02):
of me making your ears brillied. Let's bring on our
very very special guests, my great friend from the Consumer
Technology Association Foundation, and I love my relationship that I
have with them, and even though some friends are not
there anymore, they're still close to my heart. And those
(06:26):
who are still there, you're close to my heart too.
And those who are not with the Association no more
CTA wish you nothing but the best. You're all great people,
and may may you see success in your future. And
for those who are still there, let's do this. Let's
(06:47):
continue to build, let's continue to push that envelope. And
this next person has done just so, let's bring him
on right now. The man himself of my great friend,
the executive direct door of the Consumer Technology Association Foundation,
(07:10):
and he also does some VP work when it comes
to accessibility too for CDA. My great friend Steven Eule
was going on, sir.
Speaker 4 (07:17):
Steve Fall, it is great to see you.
Speaker 5 (07:20):
I always love connecting and yeah, there's a few things
happening in the world these days, and there's an incredible
opportunity around accessibility and aging, and you know, always look
forward to connecting with you and having a chance to
dive in.
Speaker 2 (07:38):
Steve, I just got to say, my friend, you're looking
a little different out there. So ones who are watching
us on streaming video, they're like, wow, Steve, look like
a movie star.
Speaker 5 (07:49):
Now.
Speaker 2 (07:49):
Man, it's once you say you look great, man. So
whatever you do and you keep doing.
Speaker 5 (07:52):
I appreciate that, and honestly, right back at you, you're
looking great yourself.
Speaker 2 (07:58):
Thank you, thank you, thank you. My friend. Hey, I
think when we see each other in January, I think
you said, with like a bunch.
Speaker 4 (08:03):
Of states, that's the goal. That's the goal.
Speaker 2 (08:06):
Absolutely very well. You know, a lot has happened since
CES twenty twenty five. I can't believe that's probably the
last time since you and I said down had a
really in depth conversation. You and I have both have
been just ripping and running and doing a lot of things.
So I'm just happy that we have this opportunity to
catch up on what has happened since CES with the
(08:30):
Foundation and some other things when it comes to accessibility
and that opportunity you just talked about. Man, So what
have you been up to since CEES twenty twenty five.
Speaker 5 (08:40):
Yeah, so it's hard to believe that it's been a
few months since CEES and we're already ramping up towards
CEES twenty twenty six. But you know, good things are happening,
and it's also great that we're able to connect now
because we're in the middle of Older Americans Month here
in the US, as well as having just celebrated Global
Accessibility Awareness Day just last week, so you know, there's
(09:05):
so much happening around both accessibility and age tech.
Speaker 4 (09:09):
Probably the biggest thing for us as.
Speaker 5 (09:11):
A foundation, though, is we run an annual grants program,
so we work with nonprofits from all over the country.
This year, we had more applications than we've ever had.
Speaker 4 (09:22):
It was actually.
Speaker 5 (09:25):
Overwhelming, honestly, with the number of groups that were looking
for funding. I only wish the pool of money grew
to the same extent, But we just announced actually twenty
two organizations that received over half a million dollars in grants.
Some are organizations that we've worked with before, but many
(09:46):
are new to us or newly funded organizations. Some are
groups we've known for a while, and just this was
the year we were finally able to make that happen.
But everything from you know, some tech education for both
older adults and people with disabilities, a lot of hardware acquisitions.
(10:08):
So you know, I think last year we talked a
little bit about we were working with three organizations to
build smart homes for the intellectual and developmental disability community.
We're actually doing a second year with all of those organizations.
So we have a group here in the DC area,
we have a group in Michigan, and we have a
group in Arkansas looking at how they're building out. And
(10:29):
each of them are taking their own tact on what
types of technologies they're buying, what they're rolling out. But
our goal is ultimately to learn from that, you know,
what worked well for one organization versus the next. You know,
is it different in Arkansas versus d C versus Michigan.
You know, that's something that I'm excited to learn a
(10:50):
little bit more from these organizations. And actually the fun
thing is we're seeing other groups that are doing this.
You know, there's a group in Colorado that's rolling something
out like this, So I think there's going to be
lessons that can be learned far beyond what our funding
has been able to support. And then you know, one
that I know touches on issues that you particularly care about.
(11:11):
We're actually funding the World Institute on Disability to work
with Able to Play on building out their website about
creating greater awareness about some of the accessible gaming that
is out there and helping people find and identify the
types of games that are available. So lots of great organizations.
(11:34):
I mean, like I said, I could you know twenty
two organizations. I'd love to sit here and read off
each and every one. But if people are interested in
learning about any one of these programs, they can go
to CTA Foundation dot tech and we've got them all
listed there. And this year we're really looking at you know,
right now, it kind of just lists, you know, who
we funded, where they are, you know, a very short description.
(11:58):
This year we're looking to do a little bit more
storytelling around this, so hopefully over the course of the
year you'll see you know, different types of content created
around each of these organizations, featuring the types of work
that they're doing because there's such incredible stories happening all
over the country, and I'm happy to try to help
tell them.
Speaker 2 (12:20):
You know, I love that, you know, just telling the
story of these great organizations and what they're doing. I
think it's something that has been missing for a lot
of years when it comes to a system and adaptive technologies.
Just telling those incredible stories. That's why I kind of
wear it like a badge of honor, you know, to
(12:41):
talk to ones who have these incredible stories because they
need to be known. You know what that was saying,
you don't know what you don't know, right, And it's
great that we're going to see that Folcus too about
these different stories. I think it will put a put
a face to the community and those who are part
of of the disabled in the adult and aging community.
(13:03):
That really just shows that these things are incredible and
it helps us to live a more independent life.
Speaker 5 (13:09):
Well, and that's where I mean, you're the expert at
doing this. You tell these stories all the time. Honestly,
I should be kept as far away from marketing and
communications as possible, but for some reason, they still let
me talk on the mic all the time. But you
know that is so many of these nonprofit organizations we
work with, they do incredible work, but they're so focused
(13:33):
on doing the work that they're trying to do, serving
their communities and making an absolute difference that you know,
taking the time to go out and tell their story
is not something that they're thinking about. So that's where
you know, we're focused as a foundation of how can
we help them tell their stories? How can we help
(13:54):
you know, whether it is promoting them on you know,
social media, whether it is you know, create a short video,
whether it is you know, even just I feel like
I'm going old school here, but saying like a blog
article or something like that. You know, what are those
ways that we can capture some of these stories and
help them talk about the good work that many of
(14:16):
these nonprofits are doing. And that will showcase, you know,
where there's still challenges, where there's opportunities. We're you know,
we're a tiny piece of the overall funding in this space.
So where there's other opportunities for people to learn about
these nonprofits, you know, that's where others can kind of
step in and take them to the next level.
Speaker 4 (14:36):
And that's what I'm excited to see.
Speaker 2 (14:40):
That's awesome and I just talked to Armand last week.
He didn't let me know about some of the great
things that he's doing with your SAMA. After we get
through with this, I'm gonna call him and say, Yo,
why you dinna tell me you hooked up with my
buddy Steve. You'll at the CTA Foundation. So Armand and
I gonna have words. Steve thinks for letting me know that.
Speaker 5 (15:01):
Well, it may have been you talked to him before
we did the full announcement, so I'll give him credit
for not spilling the news too early. But yeah, we're
excited to be working with them and many other great
organizations all over the place.
Speaker 2 (15:16):
Yeah, and Steve, one of the things that I look
at too, when you talked about GAD Global Accessibility Awareness
Day and I put a post on linkedn He probably
saw it. To Steve, are we losing the momentum behind
Global Accessibility Awareness Day? It seems like this was the
less traffic that we've seen about this amazing day that
(15:40):
celebrates some of the great things that you guys do
as a foundation other companies out there too. Have we
lost any of our momentum? And going forward, should we
get the community more involved in talking about Global Accessibility
Day together as a community, and I just leave it
(16:01):
upon organizations like yourself and other companies out there. Should
we as a community also be pounding the desk about
global accessibility and awarenessy and what does means to us personally?
Speaker 5 (16:11):
Yeah? I think, I mean I did see a lot
of content being created. Now that could just be you know,
my little bubble that I tend to live within. And
you know, I would only want to guess how many
different interviews and programs you know, Jennison and Joe, the
folks behind behind the GAD Foundation did over the course
(16:36):
of those days. But you know, Global Accessibility Awareness Day
is one day. It is an opportunity for us to
coalesce and highlight the issues here. But I think you know,
as an industry, as you know, members of the community
and others, you know, that's where there's the opportunity. How
do we tell that story throughout the year so you know,
(16:58):
build off what we can do around God, but look
at you know, where can we also tell those stories?
So that's where you know, we're looking at what more
can we do it? See, yes, around creating awareness around
accessibility and end age tech as well. What are some
of those opportunities for us to engage with different other programs,
(17:21):
you know, throughout the you know, throughout the year.
Speaker 4 (17:25):
So you know, I don't know, I have no.
Speaker 5 (17:29):
Measurements on how many activities happened this year versus previous years,
but I think there's certainly opportunity to create greater awareness
around these issues.
Speaker 2 (17:39):
I'm glad you said that, Steve. I guess from from
my vantage point and a few other vantage points from
industry insiders like myself, who you know, swim in this space.
You know, we were kind of I don't want to
stay upset. We were just kind of hurt and it
could be just like you said, our our our news
(18:00):
and our algorithms maybe all owe a different wavelength. But
I'm glad to hear your viewpoint on it as well,
because this is where conversations now get started to say, Okay,
if we see that as our silo over here, we
got to do something about it next year, where we
create the content we talk about, you know, all these
other things working together, then we can just have this amazing,
(18:25):
just blanket of coverage about Global Accessibility Awareness Day and
why it's so important for everyone. Steve, when you look
at this round of grants and the applications that the
Foundation received. Was there any type of innovation something that
(18:46):
you all saw that kind of blew you guys away
and say, wow, I didn't even know this was in
our lane right here.
Speaker 5 (18:54):
Yeah, you know, it's interesting this year. I mean, there's
so much work going on in the tech space around,
you know, these different types of efforts. I think, you know,
really it was looking at the way different tech can
apply to different populations. So I talked about some of
the work going on with the intellectual and developmental disability community,
(19:17):
you know. Interestingly, this year we did end up working
with an organization ALS Northwest around looking at, you know,
the types of technologies that can help people with ALS.
Some of that I really look at, building off some
of the work that we've done in the past through
United Spinal and other groups along those lines for people
(19:39):
with mobility challenges.
Speaker 4 (19:42):
I think there's opportunities.
Speaker 5 (19:43):
To apply some of the smart home technology in those spaces.
It was also interesting to look at some of the
opportunities around. We're working with a very interesting newer organization
called Lorenzo's House, which is focused for people with earlier
or on set dementia. So you know, where are you know,
(20:06):
essentially developing tools that can help people with early onset dementia,
which you know, can have such an incredible impact both
on individuals themselves, but also on their families, their loved ones,
their caregivers, you know, building up the resources around them.
I think there's some really incredible opportunities there. So yeah,
(20:28):
I think there's some really interesting innovations and there's not
kind of one here is the solution that you know
solves all the issues of the world.
Speaker 4 (20:37):
I wish I had that one. I'm still looking for it.
Speaker 5 (20:39):
But you know, I think there's really a lot of
applications of different tools that are out there that we're
looking at, you know, how can this best be applied,
especially when we're looking at an environment where you know,
funding is challenging right now, especially from many of these
nonprofit organizations, So looking at you know, where are their
(21:04):
opportunities for technology to help step in and you know,
serve some of the needs of people who otherwise are
seeing you know, resources being pulled back. We're certainly you know,
you know, we're we're trying to close the gap we
haven't you know, I wish I had the resources to
(21:26):
fully close it. But you know that is something that
I think there needs to be a lot of interesting
thought done into addressing some of the needs, because you know,
there's a lot of needs in these communities that we're serving.
Speaker 2 (21:39):
And I will tell you this, If anybody will be
able to fill that void in that need and bridge
that gap, my money's on you. Because what you have
been able to do with the Consumer Technology Association over
the years bringing in more accessibility and aging an adult information,
(22:00):
not only as CEES but throughout the year. I am
just I'm like floor, my friend. You and I have
been having these conversations for several years, and I remember
the day and you remember the time too where accessibility,
aging going adult population wasn't talked about a lot. Now
it's mainstream. We're talking about it because all of us
(22:21):
are either our part of it now are one day
going to be a part of it. So we want
to know what's out there for or second help that
only us, but also our families too. But we appreciate
all that you do, Steve, and I would be derelict
in my duty if I didn't ask you some CES
(22:42):
News twenty twenty six is right around the corner. I
know y'all have been planning ever since y'all got back
from Las Vegas in January. So anything you can share
with us about what's on the horizon that we can
look forward to.
Speaker 5 (22:56):
Oh, you definitely wanted me to get in trouble with
my comms team here, and yeah, no, I think there's
a lot of excitement coming out to see S twenty
twenty five, a lot of excitement going in to see
S twenty twenty six. We are looking at how we
can continue to build off the conversations that we had,
(23:19):
especially you know, I'm focused in on the accessibility and
age tech aspects of it.
Speaker 4 (23:23):
You know, last year was incredible.
Speaker 5 (23:26):
In fact, the biggest challenge I had is too many
people showing up to a lot of the activities. So
that's a problem I will always be be glad to
try to deal with. But you know, that is something
that we're working on of. Like you know that roundtable
that we have where we bring together industry and advocates
to talk about what's working well and what's not. You know,
it's gotten honestly too big for us to have that dialogue.
(23:49):
It's become a little bit of let's all share kind
of our own little thing. So we're looking at how
can we change that, How can we you know, I
want to continue to include more and more people.
Speaker 4 (24:00):
I don't want to shrink the room. It's how do
I grow that room?
Speaker 5 (24:04):
But how do I do it in a way that
allows for more dialogue between the participants, but also does
it in an accessible manner. So last thing I want
to do is say, hey, we're doing breakout groups, but
you know, if you need asl I'm sorry, you're only
going to this one group. So we're working on different
ways that we can address some of those challenges. I
(24:24):
once again don't have all the answers, but we're working
on them, and I think there's going to be some
really exciting opportunities there. You know, a few of the
activities that we do every year, you know our Eureka
Park Accessibility Contest. You know, I love coming on your
show and talking about that. You know, we're in the
early stages of setting that up for this year, so
(24:47):
we'll once again have the opportunity for five companies from
around the US and Canada to apply to potentially win
a free booth at CES win a little bit money
as well.
Speaker 4 (25:01):
So that they can be in Las Vegas for the week.
Speaker 5 (25:03):
So I expect that contest will open up earlier part
of the summer, So look for something on that, hopefully
in the next month or two, and that'll be a
great opportunity. You know, we're going to continue to do
like our pitch competition and all those activities, and yeah,
I'll mention maybe we're exploring a few other things that
(25:24):
we can do that I can't mention quite yet, but
we are in talks with a number of different groups
and a number of different opportunities to see how we
can continue, you know, how do we raise that bar?
So I will definitely stay in touch and you will
be among the first to know whenever I have something
(25:44):
more to share.
Speaker 2 (25:47):
I am so looking forward to that, Steve, because you know,
you always raise the bar, and you will get in
trouble with the coms team because Melissa and I we like,
we like here. That's my buddy. So I emember, listen
when we get done, I say, now, now, Steve said
a few things, but it's my fault, so it's all.
It's all good. I think you Blain, I think of
(26:07):
Blaine for that. All right, Well, we'll be all good,
but you just love just the energy, the direction things
that are happening at the CTA Foundation, some great things
as on the horizon. Did we forget to mention anything Steve,
that you'd like to mention to the audience.
Speaker 4 (26:27):
No, just thank you for all the work that you're doing.
Speaker 5 (26:30):
As we said, telling these stories is important, being able
to capture these issues is important, and you know you
do such an amazing job having a general tech show
that also talks about the importance about accessibility and aging
and the importance that is going on in these spaces.
So thank you for the work that's doing there, that
(26:52):
you're doing there. And then yeah, if people are interested
in knowing more about what we're doing at the CTA Foundation,
you know, any of the activities that we have planned
at cs or elsewhere throughout the year, they just go
to CTA Foundation dot tech. Uh, they'll be able to
find everything right there.
Speaker 2 (27:12):
Awesome. My great friend Steve Yule, the executive director highest
Agreeve Declaration, the Consumer Technology Association Foundation. Always ready to
catch up with you, my friend, looking forward to seeing
you soon.
Speaker 4 (27:29):
Absolutely, Thanks Paul.
Speaker 2 (27:31):
That was my great friend Steven Yule, the executive director
of the Consumer Technology Association Foundation. Always enjoy talking with
him and chopping it up with him about the foundation
and what they're doing and my good friend Arman. Yeah,
(27:51):
and then tell me about that man able to play
what's up dude? What's up? Dog? But he probably can't
tell me man. I'm still gona give them a hard time,
but some great things that they're doing at the Foundation,
So definitely reach out to them, reach out to me.
Paul I'm a Day's Lane all social media platforms including
LinkedIn because I'm a businessman and Paulama Day'slane dot coms connect.
(28:13):
Don't forget the new YouTube channel Alma Day is fourth
Media where you can watch these videos and you can
listen to the podcasts of these interviews on Apple, Spotify,
all the major platforms, the Tech Zone. Paul Alma Day's Lane,
thank you so much to the next episode. Do me
a favor. You know I'm gonna tell you all right,
(28:34):
Stay healthy, stay safe. I remember, I love you all
of life until nex's time.
Speaker 1 (28:42):
In this world of technology, things ever change, rearranging.
Speaker 2 (28:47):
You need someone to help you out.
Speaker 4 (28:49):
I know someone that can be alone.
Speaker 3 (28:51):
You'll be with Paul I'm a Day's Lane in the
tech Zone,
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