Tech OWL - Technology for Our Whole Lives

01/31/2026

Let us know if you’ve borrowed assistive tech from your state’s lending library!

Video description: Candi showing how she uses a cell phone mount on her wheelchair at a coffee shop in Philadelphia and using a stylus to scroll through the TechOWL website.

Transcript: One of the most common questions that I get asked is how do I use my phone? This is called the MOGO cell phone mount. I got it from my state’s lending library. I’m able to connect this bad boy to my power wheelchair either on my armrest or seat rail. I’m able to take calls, check messages, check my emails, and so much more. This device allows me to do it myself. You too can access assistive technology at AT3center.net. You gotta try this out!

01/30/2026

01/30/2026

01/29/2026

Uncleared snow and ice on sidewalks and crosswalks are making it difficult for Philadelphians to get around, especially those with disabilities.

01/27/2026

Leave other movie recommendations in the comments!

Video description: Sara, a young woman with blonde hair, standing in front of her TV showing the front page for the movie Crip Camp on Netflix. Then another TV showing searching for the movie on Netflix and clips from the movie, including old footage two young people talking, a young person rolling down a ramp on a wheelchair, recording equipment, and an older blind person wearing a suit and talking in an interview.

Transcript: Winter is a great time to catch up on a good movie! Hi, my name is Sara. You should watch this award-winning movie called “Crip Camp”. Future disability leaders met for the first time as teens at a summer camp. Years after the camp, these brave individuals participated in such events as the 504 Sit-in and the Capital Crawl, which cleared the way for the ADA. The world would be much harder for me without their efforts! Check it out and let me know if you enjoyed this movie too!

01/26/2026

The TechOWL Community Space will be closed on Tuesday January 27th, 2026.

www.TechOWLpa.org/community-space

01/23/2026

Borrow the 8BitDo Arcade Stick from the Pennsylvania statewide lending library: www.TechOWLpa.org/library

Video description: Bird’s eye view of someone taking items out of a cardboard box. Setting up the 8BitDo Arcade Stick which has a black joystick on the left and eight red circular buttons on the right. Connecting the Arcade Stick to the TV and someone playing a racing game.

Transcript: Are you looking for a more flexible way to play video games? This is the 8BitDo Arcade Stick. It’s an extra-large controller for Nintendo Switch or computer. You can customize button mapping, set up macros, and save multiple profiles. This controller can be used wirelessly or connected to your computer with a USB-C connection. And if you’re in Pennsylvania, you can borrow this from our lending library to try it out first. What do you think?

01/23/2026

We’re getting ready for a big snow storm here in Philadelphia and want to make sure that everyone stays safe and warm!

Learn more about emergency preparedness resources on our website: www.TechOWLpa.org/eprep.

Slide 1: “Preparing for snowstorms and arctic cold. Tips for people with disabilities.” Picture of a cloud with snowflakes.

Slide 2: “Plan for cold and power outages. Bundle up in blankets and extra layers. Call or text 211 for a list of warming centers near you.” Picture of a blanket, and a hand holding a phone.

Slide 3: “Batteries. Batteries drain faster in the cold. Be sure to fully charge mobility devices and assistive technology. Have rechargeable batteries and extra battery packs, especially for assistive equipment. Solar powered chargers may be helpful for extended outages.” Picture of charging cable and AA batteries.

Slide 4: “Snow. Arrange for snow removal from ramps, doors, and accessible paths.” Photo of person shoveling snow on sidewalk.

Slide 5: “Have safe lighting options for a power outage, such as lanterns and flashlights. A headlamp may be helpful as a hands free option. Photo of a flashlight and a headlamp.

Slide 6: “Confirm personal assistant back up plans and paratransit avaiability.” Photo of an older woman holding a medication bottle, seated on a couch next to a younger woman wearing scrubs. Photo of an older man in a wheelchair, with a woman standing behind the chair, outside in a parking lot, next to an accessible van.

Slide 7: “Make sure to have at least a 3 day supply of: water, nonperishable food, medications, food and supplies for pets/support animals. Photos of water bottles, canned food, medication container, and a bowl of pet food.

Slide 8: “Now is a great time to strengthen support networks and check in on your neighbors! Stay safe everyone. Https://techOWLpa.org/eprep/ ”

01/23/2026

The TechOWL Community Space will be closed on Monday January 26th, 2026.

www.TechOWLpa.org/community-space

01/18/2026

ASL Game Night with 🤟

1. Person signing letter D and others looking on. 2. Seven people playing Hues and Cues. 3. People playing Hues and Cues- one person is studying their card. 4. Person pointing to one of the color spots on Hues and Cues game board. 5. People playing “jokes on who’s” game and signing. 6. People signing to each other and playing a game. One person is signing letter S.

01/13/2026

Should we rename our 3D printer “Paolo”?

Video description: Clips of Bambu and Prusa 3D printers working to print assistive tech. Close up of sparkly blue filament spool. Examples of 3D printed assistive tech including a reading guide, a utensil cuff, a handle writer with a base, a ball pen holder with a paintbrush, a plug puller, a nail clipper holder, and a switch that turns on a unicorn light.

01/12/2026

Which of these tools do you want to try?

Video description: Alanna and Mel testing out tools in the sensory rooms at Paley Hall at Temple University. One room, called the tranquility room has weighted blankets, a noise machine, a fake fish tank, a marble sand table, and a Protac Sensit Chair. The other room, the regulation hub, has a Southpaw marble wall, a sequin wall, a floor rocker chair, and fidgets.

Transcript: What kinds of tools help you regulate your sensory system? Depending on the day or time or what’s going on you might like something like colorful lights, calming sounds, a weighted blanket, calming visuals, a fidget, or relaxing scents like lavender. Other times, you might like bright lights, or different tactile experiences, maybe rocking back and forth, yoga poses or other alerting tools.