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 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 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.

Welcoming New Trustees to the CTA 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.

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Listen to “Student-Led Food Recovery Network (FRN) – now the largest in the US – is making a Big Impact during the Big Game. FRN and Hellmann’s…” on Spreaker.

Listen to “Regina Harmon, CEO Food Recovery Network shares how they manage this momentous task” on Spreaker.

Listen to “Guy Fieri leaving the stage, Paul invites him to Times Square for Earth Day” on Spreaker.

Listen to “Tucker Wetmore performs at Guy Fieri Tailgate Party and Children Enjoy” on Spreaker.

Listen to “GUY’S SAUCES ARE GREAT” on Spreaker.

Listen to “HARD WORK! FOOD RECOVERY OVER 15,000 POUNDS” on Spreaker.

The post Student-Led Food Recovery Network (FRN) – now the largest in the US – is making a Big Impact during the Big Game. FRN and Hellmann’s Mayonnaise are working together so that no food gets wasted and goes to families in need in the Bay Area. Good News, Paul Sladkus & Ivy Ma are volunteering at Guy Fieri’s Flavortown Tailgate food location. appeared first on Good News!.

The U.S. Army’s World Class Athlete Program (WCAP) is an incredible opportunity for Soldiers to represent the United States in top national and international athletic competitions—including the upcoming Summer Olympics. WCAP Soldiers come from all components of the Army, including the Army Reserve. These athletes are selected for their ability to perform at the highest level of their sports while also serving the country.

US Army Reserve website: https://www.usar.army.mil/

Since its inception, WCAP has helped hundreds of Soldier-athletes achieve their goals and make their Olympic dreams a reality. Soldiers receive specialized coaching and access to state-of-the-art training facilities, sports medicine, and physical therapy to help them perform at their best. Additionally, they earn the same great pay and benefits that come with being in the Army Reserve, including education and professional development support, home loan assistance, and family benefits.

Army Reserve service has a built-in support system for these elite athletes that is impossible to replicate elsewhere. Service helps strengthen Soldiers’ dedication to training, ensuring they are ready for whatever challenges come their way, whether in their career or sport. Soldier-athletes are stronger because of the larger Army team.

Soldier-athletes are among the best in their sport, with a growing medal count (100+) to prove it. Some of the WCAP Sports include:

·         Boxing

·         Cycling

·         Track & Field

·         Soccer

·         Shooting

·         Swimming & many others

Join Army Reserve Captain Sarah Beard as she discusses her experience in the Army Reserve and WCAP competing in 3-Position 50m Rifle and 10m Air Rifle events. In addition to earning multiple international medals over the course of her career, Captain Beard qualified as the 2020 Olympic Team Alternate in 10m Air Rifle and can speak on the once-in-a-lifetime chance to compete for a spot in the Olympic Games.

Interview is courtesy: U.S. Army Reserve

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I am happy to invite you to a Catskill Mountainkeeper benefit dinner on December 7th featuring a talk on the climate crisis by Robert Thurman, renowned author, academic, and expert on Tibetan Buddhism. The evening, hosted by Sarah Johnson and Greg Cornell at their spectacular White Feather Farm in Saugerties, will benefit Mountainkeeper’s work to fight the climate crisis and advance our clean energy future. It’s going to be a great night, and we really hope you’ll be able to join us.
The evening will start with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, and then we’ll sit down for a delicious farm-to-table dinner in the White Feather Farm’s beautiful barn. Following dinner, Robert Thurman will present information from the Climate Reality Project–former Vice President Al Gore’s visionary effort to lead the global fight for climate solutions. He will focus on the global political crisis as the devastating impacts of climate change affect our lives more and more each day, and talk about ways we can work together to make ambitious climate action a reality.

We expect this to be a very popular event, so I encourage you to act quickly if you’d like to attend. Click here to purchase tickets online. www.catskillmountainkeeper.org

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Produces Come Up and See Me Sometime

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The post THE 13TH ANNUAL A HAMPTONS HAPPENING HONORS DIVERSE INDUSTRY LEADERS TO BENEFIT THE SAMUEL WAXMAN CANCER RESEARCH FOUNDATION appeared first on Good News!.

Notable attendees included: Jean Shafiroff, Martin Shafiroff, Geoffrey Bradfield, Barbara Poliwoda, Drs. Ralph and Lori Mosca, Sharon Bush, Ava Roosevelt, Matt Rich, Margo Langenberg, Tas and Amir Dossal, Randi Schatz, Maggie Norris, Chiu-Ti Jensen, Lucia Hwong Gordon, Victor dE Souza, Catherine Sabino, Natalie Ross and Ray Bouderau.

At the event, Jean Shafiroff thanked the American Heart Association for the good work they…
for more info, go to www.GoodNewsPlanet.com/philanthropist-jean-shafiroff-and-martin-shafiroff-hosted-the-kick-off-party-for-the-21st-annual-hamptons-heart-ball-2017/
Philanthropist, author, former honoree, and co-chair of the upcoming gala Jean Shafiroff, along with her husband Martin Shafiroff hosted a cocktail party in support of the American Heart Association’s 21st Annual Hamptons Heart Ball. The kickoff event was held at the Shafiroff’s stylish New York City residence where more than 100 guests and well-wishers gathered for cocktails, showing their commitment to heart health and the work of the Association. The upcoming gala will take place on Saturday, June 10, 2017 at the Southampton Arts Center in Southampton, NY.

Notable attendees included: Jean Shafiroff, Martin Shafiroff, Geoffrey Bradfield, Barbara Poliwoda, Drs. Ralph and Lori Mosca, Sharon Bush, Ava Roosevelt, Matt Rich, Margo Langenberg, Tas and Amir Dossal, Randi Schatz, Maggie Norris, Chiu-Ti Jensen, Lucia Hwong Gordon, Victor dE Souza, Catherine Sabino, Natalie Ross and Ray Bouderau.

At the event, Jean Shafiroff thanked the American Heart Association for the good work they do to improve and educate the public on cardiac care. She also spoke about the upcoming 21st Annual Hamptons Heart Ball. Then a few words on the important work of the American Heart Association were spoken by Hamptons Heart Ball honoree Dr. Lori Mosca. Dr. Mosca spoke about how her career started with a grant given by the American Heart Association and how she and her team are currently working on a research grant given by the American Heart Association on women, heart disease and sleep. Dr. Ralph Mosca, also being honored, spoke about how his operations on babies are different from 20 years ago because of science supported by the American Heart Association. Barbara Poliwoda, Regional Director of the American Heart Association thanked the guests for attending and suggested they all come to the Hamptons Heart Ball.

In addition to honoring Dr. Lori Mosca and Dr. Ralph S. Mosca, the Hamptons Heart Ball will recognize The Village of Southampton for being a Heart Safe community.

The Hamptons Heart Ball (June 10, 2017) will be a fun and elegant event focused on raising funds for the mission of the American Heart Association. Friends and colleagues from NYC, Long Island and the Hamptons will enjoy the beautiful setting of the Hamptons while eating delicious heart healthy foods, drinking delightful local wines and having fun with the music and dancing. The evening will feature live music by That 70’s Band, cocktail hour, a seated dinner catered by Elegant Affairs as well as a live & silent auction will also highlight the night. Also new this year will be the “Crash the Ball After Party” which will take place from 9:30pm to 12:30pm.

The Ball will take place from 6:00 p.m. to 12:30p.m. Tickets are $600. After party will begin at 9:30pm and tickets are $200. For more information visit http://hamptonsheartball.heart.org

To download a selection of high-res images from the event, please see: http://bit.ly/2qSAsIn

(Photo Credit: Patrick McMullan and Annie Watt)

To view the full gallery of Patrick McMullan images, please visit: http://bit.ly/2ry3aRk

To view the full gallery of Annie Watt images, please visit: http://bit.ly/2qMsH8s

WHEN:

Monday, May 22nd 2017

6:00pm – 8:00pm

WHERE

Jean and Martin Shafiroff’s residence

New York, NY

About Jean Shafiroff:

Jean Shafiroff, philanthropist, humanitarian, and author of Successful Philanthropy: How to Make a Life by What You Give, is considered to be at the vanguard of a new movement of modern philanthropists. Jean’s philanthropy goes beyond financial contributions and includes the gifts of extensive time and knowledge. Through her work she encourages and seeks to empower all individuals to become philanthropists so that they can build the fulfillment of giving into their lives.

A volunteer fundraiser, leader and spokesperson for several charitable causes, the spectrum of Jean’s philanthropic work includes improving the lives of underserved populations, women’s rights and well-being, health care, animal welfare and resources for children in need, in addition to other causes. Jean serves on the boards of New York City Mission Society, New York Women’s Foundation, French Heritage Society, Couture Council (Museum of the Fashion Institute of Technology), Jewish Board of Family and Children’s Services (20+ years), Southampton Animal Shelter Honorary Board, Southampton Bath & Tennis Club’s Charitable Foundation and Global Strays. Recently Jean became an Ambassador for the American Humane Society. Widely recognized for her philanthropic work, Jean has been recognized and featured in numerous publications, including The Wall Street Journal, Gotham Magazine, The New York Times, New York Social Diary, Avenue, Hamptons Magazine, and The Huffington Post, among others.

Jean holds an MBA from the Graduate School of Business at Columbia University and a BS in physical therapy from the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons.

For more information about Jean Shafiroff, please visit: www.jeanshafiroff.com/

F: jean.shafiroff | T: @JeanShafiroff | I: @JeanShafiroff

Successful Philanthropy: How to Make a Life by What You Give is available in selected bookstores.

978-1-57826-617-3, $15.00 hardcover | 978-1-57826-618-0, $9.99 e-book

Barnes & Noble | Amazon

About the American Heart Association

The American Heart Association is devoted to saving people from heart disease and stroke – the two leading causes of death in the world. We team with millions of volunteers to fund innovative research, fight for stronger public health policies, and provide lifesaving tools and information to prevent and treat these diseases. The Dallas-based association is the nation’s oldest and largest voluntary organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke. To learn more or to get involved, call 1-800-AHA-USA1, visit heart.org or call any of our offices around the country.

PRESS CONTACT FOR JEAN SHAFIROFF:

Norah Lawlor | Lawlor Media Group | www.lawlormediagroup.com

Norah@lawlormediagroup.com | Tel: (212) 967-6900

Facebook: LawlorMediaGroup | Instagram: lawlormedia | Twitter: @LawlorMedia

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The Apollo Theater Education Program extends the Apollo’s commitment to enhancing the life of the community. The Education Program focuses on four distinct areas of learning and engagement: residencies, workshops and tours for schools; curriculum materials aligned to state and national learning standards and study guides derived from the Theater’s history; career development for teens and adults through the Apollo Theater Academy; and discussions and lectures for the public that highlight the history of the Apollo and its impact on American art, culture and entertainment. For more information on Apollo Theater Education, visit www.apollotheater.org/education/; follow on Twitter @ApolloEd or stay connected through Apollo Theater Education’s Facebook page.
About The Apollo Theater
The legendary Apollo Theater—the soul of American culture—plays a vital role in cultivating emerging talents and launching legends. Since its founding, the Apollo has served as a center of innovation and a creative catalyst for Harlem, the city of New York, and the world. With music at its core, the Apollo’s programming extends to dance, theater, performance art, spoken word initiatives, and more.
This includes the October 2014 premiere and 2015 international tour of the dance celebration project – James Brown: Get on the Good Foot, the annual Africa Now! Festival, Apollo Club Harlem and the upcoming New York premiere of the opera Charlie Parker’s YARDBIRD. The Apollo is a presenting organization that also produces festivals, large-scale dance and music works organized around a set of core initiatives: Apollo Music Signature Programs—Amateur Night, Salon Series, Apollo Music Café; Legacy Series – work that celebrates and extends the Apollo’s legacy through a contemporary lens; Global Festivals including the Women of the World (WOW) Festival and Breakin’ Convention, international and U.S.-based artist presentations focused on a specific theme; and Special Projects, multidisciplinary work with partner organizations.
Since introducing the first Amateur Night contests in 1934, the Apollo Theater has served as a testing ground for new artists working across a variety of art forms, and has ushered in the emergence of many new musical genres—including jazz, swing, bebop, R&B, gospel, blues, soul, and hip-hop. Among the countless legendary performers who launched their careers at the Apollo are D’Angelo, Lauryn Hill, Machine Gun Kelly, Miri Ben Ari, D’Angelo, Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, Billie Holiday, James Brown, Michael Jackson, Gladys Knight, Luther Vandross, and Stevie Wonder; and the Apollo’s forward-looking artistic vision continues to build on this legacy.
The Apollo Theater is a not-for-profit organization and currently in the midst of fundraising for its 21st Century Apollo Campaign, created to extend the institution’s role in fostering artistic innovation and in building appreciation of American culture around the world. Visit www.apollotheater.org.
Leadership support for Apollo Education programs from Ronald O. Perelman Family Foundation. Additional support from the Mitsubishi UFJ Foundation, Coca-Cola Foundation, Con Edison, Ella Fitzgerald Charitable Foundation, General Motors Foundation, Insperity, The Reginald F. Lewis Foundation, Pinkerton Foundation, the QBE Foundation and public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council.
The Apollo’s 2015-2016 season is made possible by generous support from American Airlines, BNY Mellon, Citi, Coca-Cola, Troy and Keisha Dixon, EmblemHealth, Frederick Wildman, The Howard Gilman Foundation, Carla A. Harris, Robert K. Kraft, The Reginald F. Lewis Foundation, The Parsons Family Foundation, the Ronald O. Perelman Family Foundation, JoAnn Price, Earl W. and Amanda Stafford, Time Warner Inc., the Reginald Van Lee New Works Fund, the Apollo Board of Directors and many other generous donors.
Lead annual support is also provided by public funds from the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council. Stafford, Time Warner Inc., the Reginald Van Lee New Works Fund, the Apollo Board of Directors and many other generous donors.

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Hosts Bob & Lee Woodruff

Honorees Harry Carson, Sylvia Mackey & Sarah Rainey

Harry Carson, Sylvia Mackey, and Sarah Rainey honored at the Mental Health Association of New York City’s

Annual Benefit Event: Bridges to Mental Health: A Celebration of Hope Gala on June 5th, 2012

The Mental Health Association of New York City (MHA-NYC) will launch the National TBI and Emotional Wellness Alliance at Event.

Emblem Health President & COO Frank Branchini to serve as Dinner Chair

WHAT: The Mental Health Association of New York City (MHA-NYC) formally launched the National TBI and Emotional Wellness Alliance at their “Bridges to Mental Health: A Celebration of Hope” benefit dinner on Tuesday, June 5, 2012 at Cipriani 42nd Street. The event honored NY Giants Hall of Fame linebacker Harry Carson, creator of the NFL’s “88 Plan” Sylvia Mackey, and youth-sports concussion advocate Sarah Rainey.

ABOUT MHA-NYC:

The Mental Health Association of New York City (MHA-NYC) is a nonprofit organization providing life-saving hotlines, programs and services to both New Yorkers and those across the nation. As a local organization with national impact, our three-part mission of service, advocacy and education influences all we do. Throughout every life stage—from helping children achieve optimal social and emotional development to advocacy for older adults—we are making a difference in the lives of people in need.

About The Honorees:

Harry Carson’s 13-year stint with the New York Football Giants is one of the longest tenures in club history. The indestructible former linebacker served as Team Captain for 10 of his 13 seasons including the 1986 season when the Giants defeated the Denver Broncos 39-20 in Super Bowl XXI. Rated the #1 “Inside Linebacker” in NFL history according to Pro Football Weekly, Carson was named to the All-Rookie Team after his first NFL season. Subsequently, during his NFL career, he was named to the All-NFL Team 7 times, the All-NFC Team 8 times, and NFC Linebacker of the Year twice. He once made an amazing 25 tackles in a Monday Night Football Game against the Green Bay Packers. With performances like that he was selected by his peers to play in the NFC-AFC Pro Bowl 9 times. He is among the top 250 players to ever play professional football with his induction as the 231st member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Carson is the author of 2 books. Point of Attack was published in 1985 by McGraw-Hill, his second more comprehensive book reflecting on his career and life after football Captain for Life was published by St. Martin’s Press in August 2011.

Sylvia Mackey married her husband, Baltimore Colts Hall of Fame tight end John Mackey in 1963. After nine seasons in Baltimore, John played his final season in San Diego with the Chargers. While in retirement, he started to show noticeable signs of cognitive decline. In December 2001, at age 60, John was diagnosed with Frontal Temporal Dementia. Sylvia wrote a letter to then-NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue, pleading for a financial assistance for former players like her husband. Her plea turned into the “88 Plan”, named after John’s Baltimore Colts jersey number, which provides financial support to families of NFL players affected by dementia. John Mackey passed away in July 2011. Sylvia, determined to use his memory to affect positive change, has become a leader, raising awareness of dementia and the mental health challenges affecting former athletes. She is dedicated to making a difference in public awareness both nationally and in the Baltimore community. Her willingness to share her story has given a voice to those impacted by younger onset dementia and helped to improve how concussions are treated in both recreational and professional sports throughout the country.

Sarah Rainey is a student-athlete who plays soccer on the nationally-ranked VSA Heat out of Haymarket, VA. Sarah sustained a concussion playing soccer for her high school in 2010. As a result of her injury, Sarah was cognitively and physically impaired for over four months. Sarah made a complete recovery and used her concussion experience to become an advocate for concussion education and management in youth sports and school.

Sarah’s Concussion Advocacy Activities include:

•             Congressional Testimony before the Education and Labor Committee

•             Testimony before the Virginia Board of Education

•             NPR – Interview for national broadcast on concussions

•             CDC – Published “Sarah’s Story” on cognitive impacts in school

Learn more about MHA-NYC and the National TBI and Emotional Wellness Alliance at www.mha-nyc.org.

See videos and photos from the event at www.mhaevent.com.

Follow MHA-NYC on Facebook and Twitter.

-Jeremy Willinger

Director of Communications and Marketing

MHA-NYC

50 Broadway, 19th Floor | New York, NY 10004

T: (212) 614-6317 | F: (212) 937-2066

jwillinger@mhaofnyc.org | www.mha-nyc.org

Follow MHA-NYC on Facebook and Twitter.

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