Tech OWL - Technology for Our Whole Lives

12/10/2025

Disability Pride PA leader Vicki Landers asks why the City can enforce health and safety violations, but ignores chronic shortfalls in disability access.…

12/08/2025

Our 3D printed tools when someone says they struggle with writing: “So pick me, choose me, love me.” Which of these three is your favorite?

Find some of these on our website at www.TechOWLpa.org/maker-catalog.

You can find lots of great 3D printed writing tools (and other devices) from organizations like , , , , and more.

If you live in PA, you can request 3D printed tools through our maker catalog.

If you live elsewhere in the US, check out your state assistive technology program to see if they 3D print by going to AT3center.net.

You can also pull the files and get stuff 3D printed at local libraries and maker spaces or by connecting with a local chapter of a maker organization.

Video description: Clips of Alanna writing with three 3D printed writing tools- a handle writer with a base from Make Good, a Ball Pen holder from Make Good, and a DRAG writing tool by Print Lab that looks like a computer mouse.

12/08/2025

❄️ Are you ready for our first Winter Market at the Philadelphia Innovation Center? ❄️

On December 12th from 4-7pm, join us for an evening filled with local treasures, tasty treats, and fun for the whole family - inlcuding a complimentary Hot Cocoa Bar - you'll be able to find gifts made by local artists, bakers, and makers of all kinds. Our talented mix of local vendors from around the Greater Philadelphia area includes creators of varying abilities. This FREE event is accessible for all.

RSVP here: https://bit.ly/4orNac6

12/08/2025

Winter weather rolled in this weekend, so here is a great reminder about some simple accommodations and assistive technology for the winter that can help keep everyone safe!

Grip and Mobility Supports: Ice tips for canes, walker skis, non-slip shoe grips, and easy-grip gloves can help you stay steady when walking on slippery surfaces.
Low-Vision Snow Safety: High contrast cane tips, wearable light or cane lights, and smart/talking thermostats can make navigating winter weather easier.
Technology for Keeping Warm: Heated blankets with large button controls, smart thermostats, and voice activated home assistants help create and warm and cozy environment.
Emergency and Communication Tools: Weather-alert devices, amplified phones, and personal alert devices like Life Alert, or even a lanyard for your phone, can help you stay informed and connected during a weather emergency.

Simple, everyday accommodations you can make now include:
Keeping entryways and floors dry to prevent slips
Asking a friend, neighbor, or family member for help shoveling
Using grocery pickup or delivery services to avoid icy travel
Laying down non-slip mats at doors and ramps
Wearing easily adjustable layers and adaptive winter gear

Stay safe and warm this winter!

12/08/2025

We’ve been dreaming about a collaboration with the visionary disability arts ensemble Kinetic Light for 7+ years. Today, thanks to generous support from the Pew Center for Arts & Heritage, our imaginings are taking flight!

Media Arts and Culture in the Institute on Disabilities will co-produce You Caught Me on Your Shoulders (YCMYS), a new work by Kinetic Light. YCMYS will be a meditation on civil disobedience, community, relationship, and the major US movements for liberation as they connect in Philadelphia.

We’re especially excited to continue our collaboration with presenting partner, FringeArts.

Congratulations to all the 2025 The Pew Center for Arts & Heritage Grantees and Fellows! We’re honored to be in your company.

You Caught Me on Your Shoulders: World Premiere, 2027 FringeArts Festival

Photo: Cherylynn Tsushima.
Image Description: A moment from Kinetic Light’s The Next TiMes. Laurel Lawson holds their body in a diagonal line as they balance atop Alice Sheppard’s wheels and shins. Alice supports from below as they lay back, arms and torso on the ground, hips lifted. Alice is a multiracial Black woman with short curly hair, Laurel is a white person with very short, cropped hair; they both wear shimmery sleeveless bodysuits. Behind them, a projection of soft blues, purples, and greens looks like rain on a windowpane.

12/08/2025

Comment with any questions you have for our speech team about AAC!

Slide 1: Free & Affordable Augmentative * and Alternative communication (AAC) apps. * Current price under $10.

Slide 2: Why affordability matters. AAC applications for high-tech devices are often expensive and require monthly subscriptions. Many AAC users and caregivers cannot afford high rates and it can be difficult to obtain funding for devices and applications. However, there are AAC apps that are free and low-cost. Here are a few!

Slide 3: Weave Chat. Free. iOS, Android, Kindle. Category-based symbol and text communication. Right image is a square logo with a white background and a teal-colored speech bubble. Inside the speech bubble is a white circle with two teal stick person figures. On the bottom of the logo, the text reads “Weavechat” with “weave” in bold teal and “chat” in thin black font. Bottom left image shows the Weavechat display on a tablet with colorful symbol buttons and a gray keyboard, and the bottom right image shows the Weavechat display on a smartphone with colorful symbol buttons.

Slide 4: ChatterBoards. Free. Supported on all iPhone and iPad devices. Symbol and text communication. Top image: Square logo with a white background and a blue speech bubble covered by a turquoise and red square. Bottom left image: ChatterBoards display with a white keyboard. Bottom right image: symbol grid with colorful buttons.

Slide 5: Spoken. Free download and base communication features. Paid membership for premium features (Complimentary premium trial for new users). Right image: Square logo with a white background a blue outline of a phone with orange curved lines coming out to represent sound waves. Bottom left image: Screenshot of the Spoken app with the message “I need to go to the” and categories “doctor,” “bathroom,” “store,” “next,” “house,” and “kitchen.” Bottom right image: side-by-side screenshots of the drawing function on Spoken, with “Wh” finger written with black text on a white background and a drawing of a house with black outlines and a white background.

Cont in comments

12/07/2025

ASL game night was champ!

Join us next time:
Saturday January 17th 2:30 to 4:30 pm
At the TechOWL community space

Everyone is welcome to come, even allies of the Deaf/deaf/hard of hearing community!

RSVP www.bit.ly/JanuaryPDC

Image description: 1. Six people playing Dixit, some signing love in sign language and some holding cards. 2. Three people excitedly signing and playing Dixit. 3. Six people signing and playing Codenames.

12/05/2025

I just wish they were in a flow state more often…

Transcript: When the 3D printer is actually working and it reaches a flow state…you can 3d print assistive technology like this nail clipper helper.

Video description: A prusa 3D printer printing a yellow nail clipper helper. A hand with painted nails using the nail clipper helper, which makes it easier to press on the top component.

12/04/2025

What piece of assistive technology are you in love with?

Audio: “Ladies and gentlemen…her.” Singing: “Only you…”

Video description: Three pieces of 3d printed assistive technology- an eye drop squeezer, a writing tool designed like a computer mouse, and a switch that turns on a unicorn light.

12/03/2025

12/03/2025

Switch Adapted Open House: Tools and Tech for Children
Monday, December 8 from 5 pm to 7 pm

TechOWL Community Space in Philadelphia
Come see examples of tools and technology for children with fine motor limitations. Learn about adaptive gaming equipment, adaptive dining tools, and more!

Parents and caregivers will be invited to pick out a free switch-adapted toy to take home for a child.

Can’t make it to the open house? Drop in to see us any day during walk-in hours starting December 1.

12/02/2025

Find your state assistive technology program by going to AT3center.net.

Video description: Matt demonstrating the Simple Touch Auto Shutoff Outlet, a white square device that plugs into the wall and turns your appliances off automatically after 30 minutes. He demonstrates the device with a lamp.

Transcript: Have you ever left the house in panic because you left your toaster on? Me too! Hey guys I’m Matt and I’m here to tell you all about the simple touch auto shutoff outlet. This device plugs into your existing outlet to make it timer operated. Simply push the button when you want to use the outlet. This can be great for small appliances like curling irons, coffee pots, or toaster ovens. You can save energy, increase safety, and have Peace of Mind knowing that your electronics will turn off even if you forget about them. Want to try out this device or other assistive technologies for free? Look online at your state’s AT loan program. What do you think? Wanna give it a try?