Championing Innovation: Steve Ewell’s Journey to Empower Aging and Disability Communities Through Technology
Type: News
For Steve Ewell, technology is more than just gadgets—it’s a way to empower communities, solve challenges, and foster inclusion. As vice president at the Consumer Technology Association (CTA) and executive director of the CTA Foundation, Ewell has spent over 13 years leveraging technology to improve the lives of older adults and people with disabilities.
Ewell’s passion for technology and advocacy aligned perfectly when he joined the CTA Foundation. “I jumped at the opportunity because it brought together my love of technology with a desire to make a difference,” he said. “It was a chance to build a foundation from the ground up.”
One of his early steps was attending a Grantmakers in Aging conference, where he introduced the idea of combining aging and technology. “I think everyone was confused about why technology was showing up at an aging conference,” he recalled, “but it gave me the chance to connect with other foundations and get involved.”
This collaboration has since flourished, benefiting both foundations and companies.
“Foundations gain insight into trends that influence their work, while companies hear directly about the needs of the aging population and adapt their products to make a bigger impact,” Ewell explained.
Aging Tech Trends at CES: Growth, Collaboration, and Impact
At CES, one of the world’s largest technology showcases, Ewell and the CTA Foundation have been instrumental in highlighting how innovation can address the needs of aging populations and people with disabilities. What started as a small initiative has grown into a network of nearly 40 foundations working together to inspire change.
“CES has become a powerful platform for philanthropy,” Ewell said. “It’s incredible to see how technology transforms lives and sparks meaningful conversations among entrepreneurs, retailers, and advocates.”
Notable participants include the Jewish Healthcare Foundation (JHF) President and CEO Karen Wolk Feinstein, PhD and its COO and Chief Program Officer Nancy Zionts, MBA, who were early adopters of the initiative. Their work has paved the way for other foundations to use CES as a springboard for connecting with companies and influencing innovations, from accessible vehicles to patient safety technology.
JHF has evolved from attendee to exhibitor, showcasing their groundbreaking work in patient safety tech. This year, they awarded the Patient Safety Technology Challenge awards at CES, further demonstrating how philanthropy drives innovation. Ewell praised JHF’s leadership, calling it a testament to how foundations can shape the future of technology.
With over 4,500 exhibitors across multiple halls, CES is a massive undertaking.
“Someone once told me that if you spent every moment on the show floor and gave each booth 10 seconds, you still wouldn’t see everything,” said Ewell, admitting that he never double checked the math but found it to be believable due to the size of the ever-growing event.
Ewell’s enthusiasm for technology shines through as he highlights innovations at CES—from smart doorbells and massive TV screens to electric cars and bold startup launches. He emphasizes how the conference provides a unique opportunity for startups to debut products that could redefine accessibility, while also connecting with media, investors, and like-minded organizations.
Collaboration is central to Ewell’s work. He points to growing discussions around accessibility at CES and the importance of sharing knowledge among researchers, tech leaders, and advocates in the aging space. These connections have led to game-changing innovations and partnerships.
Even celebrity advocates like Stevie Wonder are part of the conversation, with the legendary musician attending CES regularly to explore new technologies and connect with companies working on accessibility solutions.
As Ewell reflects on the progress made, he acknowledges there is still work to be done.
“Accessibility and aging technology are gaining more attention, but there’s so much potential for growth,” he said. “We need to keep building on this momentum and exploring new ways to make a difference.”
Gratitude plays a significant role in Ewell’s reflections. He extended thanks to JHF and other leaders in the space, whose vision and dedication continue to have a profound impact.
Through his work at the CTA Foundation, Ewell continues to champion the power of technology to transform lives, ensuring that innovation remains inclusive and accessible for all.