Tech OWL - Technology for Our Whole Lives

Tech OWL - Technology for Our Whole Lives Technology for Our Whole Lives (TechOWL), formerly known as PIAT, is the Commonwealth's program under the federal Assistive Technology Act.
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TechOWL is one of 56 statewide programs - one in every state and territory. TechOWL and its statewide network of subcontractors focus on the mandated activities under the AT Act, including:
(1) Helping people afford Assistive Technology through our “Free Special Phone Program” and the federally funded iCanConnectPA, which distribute free specialized telecommunications equipment to low-income indiv

iduals. (2) Matching people with disabilities who are unable to afford "new" with "gently used" devices through our Used Equipment Exchange program
(3) Lending devices through our Assistive Technology Lending Library and the onsite loans available at our regional centers, so people can "try before you buy";
(4) Demonstrate assistive technology to help people with disabilities make informed decisions about the technology that might help them
TechOWL also does many public awareness activities such as:
a. Frequent posting on social media – Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube
b. Community-based training with local organizations and direct providers
c. Speaking to people with disabilities, families, and providers at various events across the state
d. University-based training for the "next generation" of professionals about the nature and scope of AT devices and services
e. Training and technical assistance related to transition from school to adult life, from nursing home to the community, as well as other transitions that occur throughout one's lifetime.

04/18/2026

What are your creative Guided Hands ideas?

Video description: A device called Guided Hands which is a large black plastic square with a white support for your arm that allows you to move in all directions. It is used in this video to draw with a marker, swipe beads into a wikki stick “goal” with a foam paint brush, move around a circular spiral maze made of a wikki stick, and push together magnatiles.

Transcript: You might think that the Guided Hands device is just for drawing—but it can do a lot more.It helps stabilize your arm so you can play games like shovel soccer, wiki stick mazes, and magnatiles. If you live in Pennsylvania, you can borrow guided hands from our assistive technology lending library. What activity would you try with Guided Hands?

04/17/2026

Comment with your creative ideas for Guided Hands! .solutions

Video description: A device called Guided Hands which is a large black plastic square with a white support for your arm that allows you to move in all directions. It is used in this video to draw with a marker, swipe beads into a wikki stick “goal” with a foam paint brush, move around a circular spiral maze made of a wikki stick, and push together magnatiles.

Transcript: You might think that the Guided Hands device is just for drawing—but it can do a lot more.It helps stabilize your arm so you can play games like shovel soccer, wiki stick mazes, and magnatiles. If you live in Pennsylvania, you can borrow guided hands from our assistive technology lending library. What activity would you try with Guided Hands?

May 6: Lives, Not Just Language: Supporting Engagement and Participation for Adult AAC UsersRegister at bit.ly/AACseries...
04/16/2026

May 6: Lives, Not Just Language: Supporting Engagement and Participation for Adult AAC Users

Register at bit.ly/AACseries

This presentation explores strategies for supporting emergent adult AAC users to improve participation and quality of life. This session will focus on how AAC access can support meaningful engagement across adult life domains. Examine how AAC system design, communication partner training, and environmental supports influence opportunities for supporting self-determination, engagement, and meaningful participation in everyday contexts.

Learning Objectives:

Identify the needs of emergent adult communicators who use AAC

Describe barriers that impact participation and quality of life for emergent adult AAC users

Identify strategies to promote meaningful participation, support engagement, and expand communicative functions for adult AAC users

Image description: close up of person using a communication device.

04/16/2026

Have you ever used the Preview app or similar apps on your smartphone to scan documents?
Transcript:
Did you know about this built-in iPhone feature? The Preview app allows you to scan a document and convert it into a high-quality PDF that you can save or share with others. You can adjust the angle and color to ensure easy readability. Once your scan is ready, simply click the send button at the bottom to conveniently save or send it. If this feature could be helpful to you, please comment below.
Video description: A screen recording of a person scanning an application. At the end of the video, a person with light skin and dark hair gives a thumbs up while holding up her phone.

I learned a lot about different types of assistive tech, funding for it, and next steps that I can do to make sure peopl...
04/15/2026

I learned a lot about different types of assistive tech, funding for it, and next steps that I can do to make sure people in the disability community know how to access it.

Assistive tech helps me to be independent!
-Candice D.

Image description: TechOWL/Institute on Disabilities logo. Candice, a black woman, wearing a beanie in her wheelchair.

My experience with the AT Champions program has been incredible. It’s helped me develop a deeper understanding of techno...
04/14/2026

My experience with the AT Champions program has been incredible. It’s helped me develop a deeper understanding of technology, accessibility, video production, and disability rights. Assistive technology is here: It’s time to help more people who want and need it learn about it, access it, and start using it.

-Matt S.

Image description: Matt, a man with light skin, bald head, and goatee, holding his noise canceling headphones, which he is a huge fan of!

04/13/2026

Would this help you or someone you know? Borrow these to try out from our lending library (www.TechOWLpa.org/library).

This crochet tool is one of the Get Ready grips. These silicone holders that can be used to apply cosmetics, hold utensils, more. The grip has two sides: a notch for holding thin utensils and a ring for holding wider items. And they can be borrowed from our lending library if you live in Pennsylvania!

Video description: A comment from a previous video that says “ooh wait what was that crochet tool”; Blue silicone grips being use to crochet, put on make up, prepare tea, feed a dog, and file nails.

“Want to learn how to post on social media like a pro? I did, and I applied to the Tech Owl Champion Program. I am so pr...
04/13/2026

“Want to learn how to post on social media like a pro? I did, and I applied to the Tech Owl Champion Program. I am so proud of the work I have done since being accepted into this program last fall! Helping people discover the power of assistive technology has always been a dream of mine, and this program made it happen. I was busy learning the tips and skills of video creation, which I will use for my future posts and YouTube channel. I have loved every minute of working with my talented group of fellow Champions.”

-Sara N.

Image description: Sara, a person with light skin, glasses, and long blonde hair looking down at her phone and smiling. TechOWL, Temple University, and Institute on Disability logos.

From Eye-Gaze to IEPs: Your Questions Answered!May 20th 12 PM EasternHave questions you want us to cover? This session i...
04/13/2026

From Eye-Gaze to IEPs: Your Questions Answered!

May 20th 12 PM Eastern

Have questions you want us to cover? This session is all about you. Leave your questions in the comments, send us a DM, or email us at justso@temple.edu.

Register for this session and others in the AAC Webinar series https://bit.ly/AACseries

Image description: close up of person pressing an icon on a communication device.

04/10/2026

Join us on May 5th for AT In Action! 💻

For some, access to technology is a convenience, but for people with disabilities, it’s a connection to everyday independence. Join us during Philly Tech Week for an interactive showcase of assistive devices that keep inclusivity at the forefront of technology design.

Whether you’re curious about virtual reality, robotics, smart home technology, or 3D printed solutions —come explore assistive and enabling technologies that support everyone’s ability to live, learn, and work more independently. Meet and network with local leaders in the disability and human services industry like Tech OWL - Technology for Our Whole Lives, Inglis, and the Library of Accessible Media for Pennsylvanians, along with other groups demoing tools that support communication, mobility, navigation, daily living, and so much more.

Connect with innovators, try out devices, learn about the importance of incorporating inclusive design, and explore how technology helps create more accessible, equitable communities.

Save your spot: https://bit.ly/4mqiYPd

04/09/2026

Did you know that every state and territory in the US has an assistive technology program?

TechOWL helps people in Pennsylvania learn about and try assistive technology. If you live elsewhere in the US, find your state program here: AT3center.net.

Video description: Series of clips of assistive technology including a dext can opener, pill bottle opener by Abilitease, Make Good writing tools, silicon Get Ready grips, 8bitdo Arcade Stick, tactile communicator from Enabling Devices, 3D printed signature guide from Makers Making Change.

Transcript: Will you help me reach the people of Philadelphia? Say something in the comments about Philadelphia, so I can reach them, and see them and they can see me in Philadelphia?

Free Lunch and Learn Webinars in MayCelebrate National Speech-Language-Hearing Month!The Institute’s TechOWL program wil...
04/07/2026

Free Lunch and Learn Webinars in May

Celebrate National Speech-Language-Hearing Month!
The Institute’s TechOWL program will present a free lunch and learn webinar series throughout May 2026 to celebrate National Speech-Language-Hearing Month.

One-Hour Sessions on AAC Topics

“AAC” is Augmentative and Alternative Communication.

One-hour webinars on AAC topics are scheduled for each Wednesday at noon this May.

Attend one, some, or all of the webinars. Register separately for each webinar that interests you.

Registration is required.

Schedule
Each webinar will be held at 12 pm Eastern Daylight Time.

• May 6: Lives, Not Just Language: Supporting Engagement and Participation for Adult AAC Users
• May 13: The Right to (NOT) Remain Silent: AAC in the Court and Legal System
• May 20: From Eye-Gaze to IEPs – Your Questions Answered!
• May 27: Healthy Consent and Boundaries for AAC Users: Dice Activity and More!

Images: Slide 1- Close up of person clicking the letter “f” on a communication app, Slide 3- Cassie pointing to an AAC device to model something for a young person, Slide 4- Close up of something clicking the “people” icon on their AAC device, Slide 5- A young person smiling and looking behind them with their AAC device in front of them, Slide 6- A young person standing and using their AAC device, Slide 7- Jenn squatting next to a young person in a wheelchair with an AAC device playing video games.

Address

Institute On Disabilities 1301 Cecil B. Moore Avenue, Ritter Annex Room 430
Philadelphia, PA
19122

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+18002047428

Website

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