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 individuals. (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.

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.

Hali will be joining at 24 Hours of AAC this May to speak on Uncensored AAC. There is a packed program, with 24 hours o...
04/07/2026

Hali will be joining at 24 Hours of AAC this May to speak on Uncensored AAC. There is a packed program, with 24 hours of talks on four different themes. We’re looking forward to connecting with the worldwide AAC community, hearing about the latest developments, and learning more about different experiences with AAC.
If you haven’t registered, there’s still time, check out the registration page here.

https://thinksmartbox.com/24-hours-of-aac/

04/06/2026

These 3D printed accesible pill bottle tops by are now available to PA residents through our Maker Catalog at www.techowlpa.org/maker-catalog.
Note: At this time, these tops will only work with prescription bottles from CVS!

Video description: A series of videos of different people opening accessible pill bottle tops with ease. The text on the screen reads, “These adaptive medication bottle tops make us want to celebrate!” and “Now available at TechOWLpa.org/maker-catalog. Available on abilitease.com and MakerWorld soon!”

04/02/2026

You’ll be able to borrow the Talking Brix from TechOWL’s lending library soon!
Not in PA? You can find your state’s AT lending library at at3center.net and see if they’re available to you.

Transcript: Check out these Talking Brix communication buttons from AbleNet . They come in different sizes and interlock so they can be connected any way you choose. They’re also lightweight and easily rechargeable. You can record a message that can be played back with a light touch.

Are you ready to give them a try? They’ll be available in the TechOWL lending library soon.

Video description: A person uses a Talking Brix button to request water. Another person demonstrates how to record audio on and connect the Talking Brix.

04/01/2026

We’re breaking up with hard to open pill bottles and trying this new design from

Video description: Close up video of hands struggling to open a traditional pill bottle cap and then easily opening the pill bottle that has a special 3D printed top that pulls off easily. The text on the screen says, “so you’re breaking up with me because I’m too…hard to open? Yep! Check out this 3D printed tool!”

Audio transcript: Quote from Legally Blonde- “So you’re breaking up with me because I’m too…blonde??” Song lyrics: “Once I had a love, and it was a gas, Soon turned out had a heart of glass”

If you live in Pennsylvania and haven’t tried our lending library of assistive tech yet—what are you waiting for??Six ne...
03/31/2026

If you live in Pennsylvania and haven’t tried our lending library of assistive tech yet—what are you waiting for??

Six new things to try from the TechOWL Lending Library
www.TechOWLpa.org/library

Lotus Ring: An infrared controller (like your tv remote) built into a wearable ring. Snap the magnetic cover plates on top of your existing light switches and the ring will be able to activate the associated light or fan.

SaeboMAS Mini mobile arm support: A zero-gravity mobile arm support designed for people with shoulder or elbow weakness. Helps counter the weight of your arm so that you can move more for eating, grooming, or even computer tasks.

Steadi-3: A wearable product designed to reduce hand tremors. A vibration absorber shakes in the opposite direction to your tremor which provides more precise control for the wearer to complete daily tasks such as eating, drinking, and writing.

EBO X - AI Companion Robot: A moving smart home speaker that can provide remote companionship, through two-way calling, reminders, and smart assistant services.

Get Ready Grips: Adaptive silicon holders that can be used to apply cosmetics, hold writing implements, brush teeth, and more. Each grip has two sides: a notch for holding thin utensils and a ring for holding wider items.

Faraday Bendable Stylus: A flexible stylus that can be wrapped around the hand, wrist, or elbow for users who have difficulty gripping. This model can be used at as low as a 45% angle, which makes it a good option for people with fatigue or motor issues.

03/29/2026

Which of these would level up your next game night?

Video description: a series of videos of people using an automatic dice roller, tactile dominoes, a wobble stool, an automatic card shuffler, tactile foam dice, large print playing cards, and a card holder.

03/27/2026

This device, designed by Mark at will soon be available to borrow from our lending library! Check out the rest of our devices here: www.TechOWLpa.org/library (http://www.techowlpa.org/library).

Video description: Someone using an adaptive plug to make it easier to put in and pull out a plug from a wall outlet. The adapter has two looped handles on the sides. Screen text says “Assistive Tech is Magic”

03/27/2026

We're hiring! Career opportunities at the Institute on Disabilities:

- Executive Director of the Institute on Disabilities
- Assistive Technology and Accessibility Specialist – Telecommunications and Hearing Access
- Assistive Technology and Accessibility Specialist – Community Access and Accessibility

Learn more and apply: https://buff.ly/WfLz3HW

03/25/2026

New cool 3D printed file alert! Check it out here: https://www.printables.com/model/1650126-hinged-slanty

Video description: Alanna setting up a 3d printed slant board- two triangular pieces that fold with a hinge and turn a clipboard into a slant board.

Transcript: “There’s a new My Little Pony movie coming out in…5 weeks!” “How excited are you?” (screaming)

03/24/2026

Have you been to Caphe Roasters? What other coffee shops in Philly have accessible entrances? Tag them here!

Video description: Candi, a quadruple amputee and power wheelchair user, showing how to get into Caphe Roasters, a coffee shop in Philadelphia.

Transcript: Come with me to one of favorite coffee shops! Welcome to Caphe Roasters. There are two different entrances- the first is not wheelchair accessible. The other it’s just one door down and it has a lift. To get in the door you can just bring the carbon for Caphe Roasters or you can wave to one of the workers through the window and they’ll come open it for you. Once you’re in the door you go slide up the ramp into the lift and press the down button. Now one thing I did notice is there’s no handicap button to open the doors for either entrance. On the bright side staff is extremely kind they don’t mind helping you out with just about anything. They have tall table seating perfect for power wheelchairs like mine, but they also have tables perfect for manual wheelchairs to roll under. Caphe Roasters is a family-owned business and you’ll see pictures of the owner’s family, the building process, and more. All this creates the perfect family atmosphere and cozy café aesthestics. Now let’s check out the restrooms.

03/23/2026

Raise your hand if you wish it was easier to access assistive technology. Maybe Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation PATF can help!

Transcript: What if cost didn’t have to be the reason you go without the assistive technology you need? Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation, or PATF, is a statewide nonprofit that helps people with disabilities and older Pennsylvanians finance the assistive technology they need to live more independently. Some examples could be a wheelchair, hearing aids, home modifications, vehicle adaptations, or communication devices. PATF offers 0% and low interest loans, financial education, and personalized help so individuals and families can understand their options and move forward with confidence. You can learn more about it at PATF.us What do you think? Could this help you or somebody you know?

Video description: Man with light skin talking. Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation logo, which features a drawing of a green and blue dynamic wheelchair user with their arm raised. Photos of: 1. Person with hearing aids, 2. child using a tablet, 3. person using hand controls on a car, 4. person smiling using a communication device, 5. person driving using adaptive controls.

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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