Tech OWL - Technology for Our Whole Lives

02/22/2026

The TechOWL Community Space will be closed on Monday February 23rd.

www.TechOWLpa.org/community-space

02/21/2026

02/20/2026

Check out https://patf.us/ to learn more about the resources and financial supports PATF provides!

Video description: Sara pointing to her head and a graphic of a thought bubble with a house in it and then walking into a house. An edited photo of Sara wearing an apron in a kitchen. A graphic of a house with money on it. Sara smiling and waving at a computer and then sSaraara looking at her phone and smiling. Screen recording of searching for the PATF website and click on the financial loans section.

Transcript: I hope to have my own house in the future. I would like assistive technology (AT) to keep me safe and more independent at home. But AT can be EXPENSIVE! Hi, My name is Sara. This video will give you one idea of how you can pay for the AT that you want in your life. The Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation (PATF) offers 2 loan programs to help fund AT. See if PATF’s loan programs can work for You!

02/18/2026

Want to borrow these grips to try them out? If you live in Pennsylvania, you can go to www.TechOWLpa.org/library. Find your state’s assistive technology library by going to AT3center.net.

Video description: A series of short videos showing people using blue silicon grips to put on eye make-up, use a marker, crochet, use a nail file, feed a dog with a scoop, and put sugar in tea.

Transcript: Have you ever had to stop doing something you enjoy because it’s painful or too difficult? The Get Ready Grip Kit includes three sizes of adaptive grips designed to make everyday tasks easier. Whether you’re applying makeup, doing your nails, crocheting, or writing, these tools help you hold items more comfortably. What would you use these for?

02/17/2026

Interested in trying out the Lotus Ring yourself? Check out the Pennsylvania assistive technology lending library at www.TechOWLpa.org/library.

Video description: Hand wearing the Lotus Ring and clicking to turn the lights on and off which confuses a big white fluffy dog who looks around the room to figure out what’s going on. A hand putting a white rectangle onto the light switch and clicking the ring to turn the lights on and off. Trying the light cover in different rooms and different kinds of light switches.

Transcript: Have you ever wished you could control your lights, fan, or TV without using wifi or a smart home set up? The lotus ring is a wearable remote that lets you turn everyday switches on or off without wifi or apps.
You connect the magnetic cover to the light switch, put the ring on your finger, and click. This device is especially helpful for folks with limited mobility who want an accessible way to control their lights and other devices. Would this be helpful for you or someone you know?

02/13/2026

Philly Deaf Champs ASL Game Night

Saturday February 21st
2:30 to 4:30 PM at the TechOWL Community Space
RSVP https://www.meetup.com/philly-deaf-champ/

Image description: Love in sign language and a heart.

02/06/2026

Check out the documentary “Deaf President Now” to learn more about this important event in disability history.

Transcript: Did you know there was a student protest that changed disability history forever? In 1988 students at Gallaudet University, the world’s only deaf university, protested when a hearing president was chosen over qualified deaf candidates. For eight days students shut down the campus marched and demanded representation. Their message was clear: Deaf people are capable of leading themselves and the result: Gallaudet’s first Deaf president and a global boost to Deaf rights and pride. What would change if more leaders truly represented the communities they served?

Video description: Matt, a man with light skin and a goatee talking in his home. Panning across photos from Deaf President Now protests- 1. Group of students holding a large “Deaf President Now” banner, 2. Students from behind holding up signs, 3. Students holding Deaf President Now signs above their heads, and 4. Students holding signs that say “Unity” and other slogans including drawings of American Sign Language signs.

02/05/2026

The Institute on Disabilities/REACH Collective is looking for a young person with an intellectual or developmental disability who uses or wants to use public transit to create content on social media about their experiences.

Paid, remote position

One on one and group support

Ideal candidate would be based in one of the project sites: Philadelphia, Gainsville and Jacksonville FL, Minneapolis and Rochester MN, Manchester NH, and Cambridge MA

Interested? Email iodres@temple.edu

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