ONSCREEN Won the CTA Foundation Innovation Challenge!
At CES 2025, ONSCREEN took a giant leap in our mission to make life simpler for people of all abilities, winning the Grand Prize in the Consumer Technology Association (CTA) Foundation’s Digital Health Innovation Challenge. We couldn’t be prouder of this achievement, which shines a light on the power of accessible technology. While much of our journey has focused on helping seniors stay connected, this win also celebrates our commitment to serving the intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) community.
This recognition highlights how technology can transform daily life for individuals with IDD, from facilitating routine tasks to simplifying complex healthcare needs. We’ve always believed that everyone—no matter their age, ability, or background—deserves the opportunity to stay healthy, engaged, and independent. The CTA Foundation’s challenge was our chance to show how we can adapt our TV-based caregiving platform for an even broader audience.
For me, this work is also personal. My 30-year-old brother-in-law is on the autism spectrum and lives with his mom, so I understand firsthand how meaningful a user-friendly and empathetic solution can be. Every feature we design and every improvement we make is driven by real-life experiences, ensuring our platform remains both innovative and accessible.
Breaking New Ground for IDD Care
The Digital Health Innovation Challenge gave us a wonderful opportunity to demonstrate how our existing senior-focused system could be tweaked to serve adults with IDD in a truly impactful way. By combining intuitive design with AI-driven functionality, we set out to tackle challenges like healthcare navigation, managing routines, and even scheduling transportation.
Throughout the competition, the adaptability of our platform became a standout feature. We showed how easily it could be customized with timely reminders, routine checklists, and seamless communication tools. For individuals who need a little extra support, these touches can make all the difference in boosting independence and confidence.
Equally important, we made sure caregivers, including parents and other family members, could also benefit. With real-time insights and notifications, they gain peace of mind knowing their loved ones have everything they need to manage day-to-day tasks. Our goal has always been to create technology that uplifts everyone involved in the care journey.
Joy: An AI Companion for Everyone
A major highlight of our platform is Joy, an AI-powered companion that goes beyond the functions of a typical virtual assistant. When we designed Joy, we wanted to create a friendly presence that’s there to check in and offer support exactly when it’s needed, no matter what a user’s day looks like.
For adults with IDD, Joy can be a real game changer. From offering daily wellness check-ins and reminders, to helping decode complex healthcare terms, it becomes a guide that encourages self-reliance. In many cases, even simple tasks like booking a ride or staying on top of appointments can pose huge hurdles, and Joy helps remove those barriers.
What truly sets Joy apart is the sense of familiarity and empathy it brings. By meeting individuals where they are—whether they’re tech-savvy or just getting started—Joy offers a reassuring, non-judgmental interface. It’s an evolving companion that learns and adapts, making it a reliable sidekick in achieving greater independence.
Why It Matters
Living with IDD can come with unique daily challenges, and finding technology that supports rather than complicates life can be transformative. Tools like Joy and ONSCREEN’s caregiving platform help streamline tasks and reduce stress, giving individuals more time and energy to focus on personal growth and well-being.
During the Innovation Challenge, the CTA Foundation underscored the necessity for inclusive tech that enables people with IDD to live their best lives. We couldn’t agree more. Accessible, intuitive tools don’t just fill a gap—they open doors that allow individuals to participate more fully in their communities and families to feel confident in their loved ones’ care.
In addition, one key insight that emerged is how important it is to generally design easy to use and accessible technology. If companies created more accessible tech from the ground up, everyone would benefit -- who doesn't want their apps to be easier and simpler from the get go?
Looking Ahead
Winning the Digital Health Innovation Challenge is an incredible milestone, but it’s only the beginning of our expanded mission. We’re committed to continuously refining our offerings, incorporating real-world feedback from families and caregivers to make sure our platform remains both cutting-edge and truly helpful to those who need it most.
In the months and years ahead, we plan to explore new ways of enhancing Joy’s capabilities and introducing additional features that make daily routines easier for anyone with special needs. We’re also excited about growing our partnerships, knowing that collaboration with experts, advocates, and healthcare professionals will bring even more value to our platform.
Ultimately, our hope is that individuals with IDD—and their families—have the tools to live with greater autonomy and confidence. As we look toward the future, we’re thankful for the support and recognition from the CTA Foundation, and we’re eager to explore what’s possible next in caregiving technology.