by Claire Stanley
In January, Claire Stanley and Kolby Garrison traveled to Las Vegas, Nev. to attend the Consumer Electronic Show (CES). They were invited as part of ACB’s involvement with the Consumer Technology Association (CTA) Foundation. ACB has previously worked with CTA to advocate for more accessibility in all products.
That week, the two attended numerous sessions, toured a plethora of exhibit halls, and networked with other disability advocates and major industry personnel. The topics discussed varied widely, from healthcare to transportation to employment and much more. Claire and Kolby particularly appreciated the opportunity to speak directly with the companies in the various exhibit halls. As they met with the product representatives, their questions were always the same; they asked if the product was accessible for blind and low-vision users. The mix of responses was always entertaining and a bit predictable. Unfortunately, many admitted they had not considered such needs, or simply did not understand what they meant when they brought up accessibility. Other companies claimed they were accessible, but it was clear that such answers were not true.
Claire and Kolby were excited to interact with several businesses that either had thought about it or were eager to learn from ACB to make their products and services more accessible. As a result, the beginning of several relationships were formed. ACB now has the opportunity to liaise with numerous companies as they explore how to make their products accessible for our community. Advocacy can be exhausting; the same questions often have to be asked over and over. However, persistence can overturn important stones.