Insights Newsletter Winter 2021

face of an owl with a monocle

TechOWL Insights

Winter 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!

2nd Annual Switch Adapted Toy Drive!

TechOWL provided children with disabilities free switch adapted toys with 3D printed switches. These switches were made in collaboration with Temple Universities Ideas Hub and the student organization Temple Prosthetics and Orthotics.

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

Switch Adapted Toys - Temple Now

Adaptive toy drive edit

Assistive Technology Lending Library

Devices to Borrow
Devices
October-December 2021
Borrowers
Individuals
October-December 2021
Devices Borrowed
Devices
October-December 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
October-December 2021
Mobile Phones
Devices
October-December 2021
People Served
Consumers
October-December 2021

People reached

Presentations
Presentations given
October-December 2021
Presentations
People reached
October-December 2021
Social Media
People Reached
October-December 2021
Image of an older adult using a tablet

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
October-December 2021
Devices Exchanged
Devices
October-December 2021
Money Saved
$
October-December 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
October-December 2021
Money Given
$
October-December 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
October-December 2021
Devices Made
Devices
October-December 2021

Are you interested in a customized or 3D printed assistive device? Check out the devices we offer on the CreATe Together Catalog

An image of many 3D printed devices

Augmentative and Alternative Communication

People Served
Consumers
October-December 2021

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.