TechOWL Insights Spring 2021

face of an owl with a monocle

TechOWL Insights

Spring 2021

  • Pennsylvania's designated Assistive Technology Act Program
  • 9 regional centers across the Commonwealth of PA.
  • Funded by the federal and state governments as well as other grants

TechOWL helps Pennsylvanians find technology, tools and gadgets to live our best lives.

AT Spotlight!

Sensory Equipment at Philly Vaccination Sites

TechOWL provided city vaccination sites with sensory kits, paid for by the Philadelphia Autism Project. Getting a vaccine is hard enough! Having the right tools can make it easier.

Check out this article to learn more about this great initiative!

Sensory Kits at Philly Vaccine Sites Article

multiple sensory kits

Assistive Technology Lending Library

Devices to Borrow
Devices
April-June 2021
Borrowers
Individuals
April-June 2021
Devices Borrowed
Devices
April-June 2021

The Assistive Technology Lending Library (ATLL) has hundreds of items to choose from! The loan periods are 9 weeks long. We ship the item directly to your home and include the pre-paid return label in the box.

Create an account, add an item to the cart, and request! It's easy. Borrow a device from us today!

Free Special Phone Program

Devices given

Landline Phones
Phones
April-June 2021
Mobile Phones
Devices
April-June 2021
People Served
Consumers
April-June 2021

People reached

Presentations
Presentations given
April-June 2021
Presentations
People reached
April-June 2021
Social Media
People Reached
April-June 2021
TechOWL staff providing a phone demo

The Free Special Phone program helps Pennsylvanians with disabilities get phones for free. This program specifically works with those with disabilities that make it difficult to use a phone in a traditional way. Learn more on the TDDP page!

Don't worry, we will teach you all about the phones we have! Schedule an appointment to talk with a TechOWL staff today!

Reuse

People Served
Consumers
April-June 2021
Devices Exchanged
Devices
April-June 2021
Money Saved
$
April-June 2021

Caitlin McKenney, TechOWL AT specialist, leads the reuse program. If you are interested in receiving a used device or donating used devices, please check out our Reuse page!

image of several folded wheelchairs, walkers and other devices.

Getting devices

Del Sordo Fund

People Served
Consumers
April-June 2021
Money Given
$
April-June 2021

The Del Sordo Fund is a "last resort" fund where you can apply for up to $200 to buy an assistive device. Learn more about the Del Sordo Fund here.

CreATe Together

People Served
Consumers
April-June 2021
Devices Made
Devices
April-June 2021

Are you interested in a customized or 3D printed assistive device? Maeve's parents contacted us for a recreational walker. With the help of 2 rockstar Temple University students, we were able to make her a walker and paint it purple - her favorite color. Check out the devices we offer on the CreATe Together Catalog

two smiling temple students with a little girl using a PVC purple painted walker

Augmentative and Alternative Communication

People Served
Consumers
Communication Systems Aquired
Systems

ACES

ACES is an annual event where young adults who use AAC come together to learn about AAC and other topics like living independently. Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, this event has been online. If you or a loved one are interested in learning more, please email Kathryn.Helland@temple.edu or Hali.Strickler@temple.edu

Meet-ups with TechOWL!

PA Assistive Technology Network

PA Assistive Technology Network meets the last Tuesday of the month at 1pm (odd months) or 7pm (even months)

PA Occupational Therapy Network

The PA Occupational Therapy Network meet-up is every first Tuesday of each month from 7:30-8:30 pm

AAC Meet-up!

The AAC meet-up happens every Tuesday and Thursday from 2-3pm

TechOWL...

  • is Pennsylvania's designated Assistive Technology Act Program.
  • is part of the Institute on Disabilities in the College of Education and Human Development at Temple University.
  • serves all Pennsylvanians with any disability - veterans - seniors.
  • has 9 regional centers across the Commonwealth of PA.
  • is funded by the federal and state governments as well as other grants.