Tech OWL - Technology for Our Whole Lives

06/17/2026

Want to see us demo any other equipment from our lending library? 

Video description: Different people using a small round device that suctions bottles and jars to hold them steady while you open and close the lid more easily or with one hand.
 
Transcript: Are you interested in trying out this device? If you live in Pennsylvania, you can also borrow the Hold Fast Easy Up Vacuum Platform from our lending library by going to www.TechOWLpa.org/library (http://www.techowlpa.org/library). If you live in another state, your assistive tech program might have this device or other similar options available and you can find your state’s program by going to AT3center.net. If you want to learn more about this device, you can find it on the Active Hands website or Handigood.com. What do you think? Is this something that would help you or someone you know?


ability

06/16/2026

Look for our new Printables page here: https://www.printables.com/

Transcript: Interested in 3d printing this foldable slant board? It is smaller and lighter that traditional slant boards. Perfect for an OT on the go. You can find the files on our Printables page along with a new key holder we’re testing out. We’d love to hear what you think!

Video description: a comment that says “I’m an OT where can I get this pattern or product” and sped up videos of someone setting up a blue plastic slant board- the pieces are hinged to fold and a basic clip board fits into the sides.

06/15/2026

Check out your local used equipment exchange program to see if they have sock assists available: www.bit.ly/ATmapPA and come visit our community space to test out Beedlebug socks and other accessible clothing options.

Transcript: Have you struggled putting on socks? These socks are designed with two holes in the sides to help you grip the sock as you pull it up. Another option is a sock aid (or sock assist) that allows you to put on socks without bending or twisting. What do you think?

Video description: Comment from another video that says “is there assistive (tech) for putting on socks?” Beedlebug socks in fun colors with two holes in the sides to make them easier to pull up. Alanna sitting in a chair and using a sock assist- she slips the sock over the sock aid, drops the device to the floor using the pull straps, slides her foot into the opening and pulls the straps back to roll the sock onto her foot.

06/11/2026

Variety is the spice of life! Check out these devices in the Pennsylvania assistive tech lending library here: www.TechOWLpa.org/library

Video description: Demos of devices for eating from the assistive tech lending library including the Neater Eater Robotic, Neater Eater Manual, and Obi Dining Robot.

Transcript: Assistive tech isn’t one size fits all and people with disabilities deserve to have options. That’s why our lending library offers a variety of tools to try.  For more control with eating, you might be interested in checking out devices like the Neater Eater Robotic the Neater Eater Manual, the MagnaCuff, the Obi Dining Robot, or the Fiber-Grasp devices. Everyone deserves the chance to find the solution that works best for them, and we’re here to help make that possible.

06/02/2026

Is tuna noodle salad with peas a weird lunch…? Show some love in the comments for tuna noodle salad with peas!!

Video description: A self feeding device that has a plastic plate on a metal base with a metal arm that extends toward Alanna’s face and brings her tuna noodle salad when she says “eat.”

Transcript: This device I demonstrated recently is called the Neater Eater. I want to show you a few more things about it. First, some people mentioned that saying “scoop food” might be challenging to say, but you can customize the voice controls so I set it to respond to “eat” instead. I am also demonstrating how to use it with switches, if you aren’t able to use voice control. You can also just use the touch screen. And it does work with real food! We don’t sell this device- we’re the assistive technology lending library for the state of Pennsylvania. And I hope you’ll borrow this from us to try it out if you’re interested!

05/29/2026

Mm beads and pipe cleaners for lunch. Go to www.TechOWLpa.org/library to check out hundreds of assistive technology devices, including the Neater Eater coming soon!

Transcript: “Scoop food” Voiceover: What if meal time could feel more in your control? The Neater Eater is a robotic eating system designed for people who can chew and swallow but need assistance with self-feeding. “Scoop food” Voiceover: The device can be operated using several control methods including switches, a touch screen, voice control, or eye gaze. You can set the precise feeding position by physically moving the arm or using the on screen buttons. “Scoop food.” People in Pennsylvania will be able to borrow this device for free through our assistive technology lending library. Would this help you or someone you know?

Video description: Anna, a wheelchair user, trying out the Neater Eater, which has a metal base, a white plastic plate, and a metal arm with a fork attached. Alanna trying out the device and moving the arm toward her mouth to position it properly. When someone says the “scoop food” voice command, the arm bends toward the plate, scoops up the pipe cleaners and beads, and brings it to the mouth of the user.

Pennsylvania

05/26/2026

Want to make assistive tech your best friend? Try out these devices from our lending library by going to TechOWLpa.org/library.

Video descripton: Hold Fast Easy Up Vacuum Platform being used to open a jar of salsa, ergonomic crochet grip from Get Ready Tools, 8BitDo Arcade Stick, Obi Dining Robot

Quote from the movie Step Brothers:
“What? Did we just become best friends?”
“Yep!”
“Do you wanna go do karate in the garage?
“Yep!”

05/21/2026

Come play Dungeons and Dragons with us! And by the way, people in PA can borrow the Caption Companion from our lending library by going to TechOWLpa.org/library.

Video description: Caption Companion device captioning Dungeon Master saying: “Stomps in huge clay, rock, earth and body. And all of us step into the arena. The End. Basically, the announcer goes all right to start the competition. We are going to randomly pair up contestants so I’m going to have elevator man. I’m going to have you roll a D20 for me.” Then, a large green die being rolled onto a table a few times. The caption device then captioning what a player is saying: “…with access to and there’s tons of, like, really stereotypical wizardy Wizards like super long grave beards, tons of robes, and they’re all kind of buff. They’re kind of just like doing this and gazing down the crowd. I think I go up there.” An Alexa smart home device and then one more caption device screen that says, “…information about the world. However, all of a sudden, the library went on full lockdown, as it was revealed that a dangerous force nor known as the Swarm had infected the museum. So you all, as the mods?”

Transcript: Have you ever wanted to make your Dungeons and Dragons game more inclusive? We use caption devices, smart home tech, large foam dice as options to make our game work for everyone. What do you use to make your game work for everyone?

&D

05/18/2026

Would you try this?

Video description: A countdown from 3 and then a screenshot from Mario Kart that says “Go!”. An alarm clock with two wheels rolling around on the ground frantically. A hand picking up the device to turn it off.

Transcript: Clocky is an alarm clock for heavy sleepers and anyone trying to stop hitting snooze. This extra-loud alarm uses random robotic sounds, then jumps off your nightstand and rolls away so you have to get out of bed to turn it off. Pennsylvanians can borrow Clocky for free from our statewide assistive technology lending library. Would this help you or someone you know?

05/15/2026