REFERENCES Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation and Education Professionals. (2026). Certified Assistive Technology
ning with mainstream tech sectors including but not limited to artificial intelligence (AI) platforms, digital displays, wearables, mobility tools, and smart home ecosystems in order to identify advancements that could become foundational access tools for learners with visual impairments. There is a focus on trends that may or may not yet be marketed with accessibility in mind and hold strong potential once adapted, paired with assistive technology, and/or integrated into inclusive design standards. During the time at CES, the presenter spends each day can- vassing entire exhibitor halls, engaging directly with engineers, developers, and product leads. Devices are evaluated hands- on, targeted questions are asked about tactile interfaces, hap- tic feedback, environmental sensing, and interoperability with existing assistive technology, and emerging patterns are noted. This method of exploration at CES results in a curated, prac- titioner-focused perspective shared as the closing remarks and last component of this one-and-a-half-day ATIA pre-conference session. What is shared is not simply “what’s new,” but instead is “what matters,” “what is coming next,” and “how might this transform the experience of learners with visual impairments, our field, and more.” This futuristic component of the pre-con- ference session helps participants understand how the next wave of innovation may enhance the access, independence, and meaningful participation of the learners we serve. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION Next year, we will celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Prac- titioner’s Handbook: Assistive Technology for People who are Blind or Have Low Vision pre-conference session. Each year has been different for this pre-conference session. There have been remarkable similarities and differences from year to year. Among the major similarities from year to year, is that this is offered as a BYOT session each year and that all are welcome to attend this pre-conference session with an emphasis on the many aspects of assistive technology for people who are blind or have low vision. Every year there is a full report on the fu- turistic technology explored at CES with real instructional and functional applications for the field of visual impairments. The content of this pre-conference session also changes each year based on the hot topics and emergent technology that is pres- ent at that point in time. Also, different aspects of the ACVREP CATIS Core Domain (ACVREP, 2026) are focused on from year to year. In the upcoming year at the 2027 ATIA pre-conference, we have planned to highlight the latest emerging technologies at that upcoming point in time, and we have planned to explore the history of advancements over the past decade of this an- nual ATIA pre-conference session.
Instructional Specialist Handbook. www.acvrep.org/certifications/catis
HumanWare (2026). BrailleNote evolve: A new chapter in braille-first computing. www.humanware.com/en-usa/braillenote-evolve/ Sessler Trinkowsky, R. (June, 2021). Chromebook A11Y Expert Certificate Training Course [MOOC]. ACVREP. https://www.acvrep.org/education
40 https://www.closingthegap.com/benefits-of-membership/ | February / March, 2026 Closing The Gap © 2026 Closing The Gap, Inc. All rights reserved.
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