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 indiv

iduals. (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.

08/24/2026

Websites/organizations referenced in this video:

State Assistive Tech programs: www.AT3Center.net

Makers Making Change www.makersmakingchange.com

TOM Tikkun Olam Makers https://tomglobal.org/

E-nable https://enablingthefuture.org/

MakeGood https://makegood.design/

TechOWL Maker Catalog: www.TechOWLpa.org/maker-catalog

Video description:A comment that says “This. Is. Awesome!!! But what if we don’t’ have a 3D printer…how can we get some of these?” Alanna demonstrating how to use a 3D printed glue stick cap which replaces the original cap and makes it easier to open because it has a loop on the top.

Transcript: So what do you do if you want to try one of these 3D printed assistive tech devices but don’t have a 3D printer? A few options: #1 Connect with your state assistive technology program by going to AT3center.net. #2 Find a chapter of an organization like Makers Making Change, e-NABLE, Make Good, or Tikkun Olam Makers, or #3 See if there is a public library, university, or school in your area that does 3D printing for community members. You can check out the file for this glue stick cap and lots of others on our website www.TechOWLpa.org/maker-catalog. Or leave a comment on this video and maybe someone will help you out!

3DprintedAT AssistiveTechnology 3Dprinted

08/16/2026

Join the Illinois Assistive Technology Program - IATP and Family Matters Parent Training and Information Center for this free, four-part series on Assistive Technology (AT) and Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC).

The short, 30-minute sessions will introduce families and caregivers to the programs and services available through IATP, as well as the many options for AT and AAC.

The series will begin with “Introduction to the Illinois Assistive Technology Program (IATP)” on Thursday, Aug. 13.

Participants can sign up to attend the afternoon session from 12 to 12:30 p.m. or the evening session from 6:30 to 7 p.m.

Understanding the types of AT/AAC available and how to obtain them can play an important role in empowering parents advocating for their child’s needs within the educational setting.

Learn how IATP services support children and families throughout Illinois, including:

- Where and how to see and try AT devices before making a purchasing decision

- Device training

- A reuse program providing new and gently used equipment at no cost

- AT assessments and evaluations

- Successful implementation of AT for community living, education and employment

- Designing and fabricating assistive technology devices

- Costs of AT and funding resources (IATP does not provide financial loans or grants)

- Disability and aging services and organizations

- Other information related to assistive technology

The webinar series is free and open to anyone who wants to learn about all that IATP offers.

To sign up for “Introduction to the Illinois Assistive Technology Program (IATP)” and see more details, visit https://zurl.co/bbUN2.

08/14/2026

Want to try printing this? Go to www.TechOWLpa.org/maker-catalog to access the file.

Transcript: We are so excited about this new 3D printed glue stick cap that is easier to open if you have a variety of disabilities. It’s so cool and it’s even cooler because it came out of a conversation and a post that I had put up on Instagram saying that people should connect and design things for each other and it’s just been so fun to see what has come out of that and I can wait to see what else comes out of that. This is just so cool and beautiful. Thank you Mark! We are so excited to share it. What else do you think we should make? Let’s figure more stuff out.

Video description: People opening and closing a large Elmer’s glue stick with a 3D printed cap that has a loop at the top. Laura is showing off how her nails match the shimmery purple color of the filament.

08/06/2026

Do you know of a young child in need of an adapted bike? Changing Hands has a Rifton R120 adapted bike available in our reuse program. This is a size small Rifton bike. It comes with the additional steering bar, a chest strap, and a stationary bike stand.

This bike is available for pick up by appointment in Camp Hill, PA. If you are interested in this bike, please e-mail [email protected]. We are not able to access messenger.

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08/03/2026

Find out more at www.TechOWLpa.org/community-space

Video description: Clips of the community space, including opening the front door with the automatic door opener, Laura on her computer, the Nex Playgroubd, xbox adaptive controller, Neater Eater Robotic, Guided Hands, used equipment closet, 3D printed a Make Good Handle Writer with base, Abilitease pill cap, and 3D printed switch, Becky rolling over bubble wrap, Sabina using her accessible signature device, Wayne presenting about video games, and Candi demonstrating how to use an Alexa smart home device.

Transcript: Have you visited the TechOWL Community Space yet? The Community Space is a place to discover assistive technology solutions for everyday life, from adaptive video games to robotic feeding devices and more. It’s a place where you can access gently used devices through our Used Equipment Program, and where we create custom solutions for people in our community, like 3D printed accessible drawing tools and switch-adapted toys. Ultimately, It’s a place to have fun, learn something new, and explore what assistive technology can do. Stop by during open hours, come to an event, or schedule an appointment to come visit. See you soon!

07/31/2026

Go to www.TechOWLpa.org/library to borrow hundreds of assistive tech devices to try them out for free.

Video description: The Inq Smart pen- a regular looking pen and a regular looking notebook being used to draw a venn diagram and take notes while listening a webinar about Augmentative and Alternative Communication. What the person writes on the notebook automatically syncs to their phone and then to their laptop.

Transcript: Do you ever wish your notes were easier to organize? The Inq Smart Pen automatically saves your handwritten notes as you write and can even sync audio recordings, making it easy to revisit important information later. You can borrow the Inq Smart Pen for free through the TechOWL Lending Library along with hundreds of other assistive tech devices. By the way, the Inq Smart Pen syncs automatically so you can access your notes on any device. Would this help you or someone you know?

07/30/2026

www.bit.ly/HelpTechOWL

Video description: 3D printed assistive devices including Abilitease adaptive pill top, PrintLab Drag writing Tool, Book holder, Hinged Slanty slant board, Flipper Clipper nail clipper helper, Finger Brush, Ball Pen, signature guide, writing tool from Make Good.

Transcript: Want to help us 3D print solutions that make a difference? Our program creates 3D printed assistive technology devices for people with disabilities - but we need supplies to keep printing! If you’re able you can support us by donating materials like filament so we can continue creating free tools for our community. There are other ways to get involved in this work too by connecting with your state assistive tech program or other organizations like Makers Making Change, Tikkun Olam Makers, and Make Good. Would any of these devices make a difference for you or someone you know?





07/29/2026

Anyone in Pennsylvania can use the lending library (www.TechOWLpa.org/library) to meet a disability-related need.

Video description: Series of short video clips showing assistive technology devices from the Pennsylvania assistive technology lending library including an automatic jar opener, an xbox adaptive controller, the Nex playground, Guied Hands, a wheelchair, Neater Eater Manual, Neater Eater Robotic, and Ruby 10 magnifier.

Transcript: Need assistive technology? You can borrow devices from our assistive tech lending library to: 1. Test them out before making a decision. 2. Use while waiting for funding or device repair, 3. Meet a short-term need or, 4. To learn about assistive technology for work or for school or for anything else. What device would you want to try first?

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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