Tech OWL - Technology for Our Whole Lives

10/22/2026

You can borrow the Day Range Hub and the OrCam from our lending library!

Video description: comment on the screen that says “wait this could also be so cool for ADHD! I struggle with scheduling my day.” Video of simple device that allows you to make a list of tasks and set timers. Orcam device scans a paper and reads it aloud.

Transcript: This is a perfect example of how an assistive device designed for one purpose can help someone else entirely. The Day Range Hub was designed to make for people with early-stage dementia, memory loss, and their caregivers but it is an amazing option for anyone who needs help with managing daily tasks. Another example of this is the OrCam Read which uses optical character recognition to support blind and low vision users but it’s also great for anyone who has difficulty reading. What are some other examples?

10/21/2026

The conference focuses on advancing the field of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) by exploring cutting-edge research, technology advancements, and inclusive practices.

10/21/2026

We are excited to announce that Jamie Ray-Leonetti will be the new executive director of the Institute on Disabilities in the College of Education and Human Development at Temple University!

Ray-Leonetti, who has served as associate director of policy for the IOD since 2018, will step into her new role on Nov. 2. Before joining the IOD, she worked at the Pennsylvania Client Assistance Program and Disability Rights Pennsylvania, as well as the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

“Jamie has been a tireless champion for people with disabilities, and her policy leadership has shaped the IOD’s impact across the Commonwealth,” said Dean Monika Williams Shealey.

Ray-Leonetti is excited to continue and expand the work of the IOD.

“I am excited to listen and lead with purpose as we train the next generation of diverse leaders,” Ray-Leonetti said. “I look forward to hearing from individuals with disabilities and families across the Commonwealth; collaborating with community partners; engaging with faculty, students and staff in CEHD and the larger Temple community; and supporting IOD staff to ensure that disability is recognized as part of our natural human experience.”

Read more on our website: https://buff.ly/x94Ei2n

Temple University College of Education and Human Development

10/21/2026

We are so excited to see you at The Disabled Theater Collective’s first workshop on November 16th from 5:30pm-7pm with Emma and Brianna!

Bit.ly/DTCworkshop1

The TechOWL Community Space is at 1392 Cecil B. Moore Avenue, next to Insomnia Cookies. We have a barrier free entrance and accessible bathrooms.

Transportation and Parking: The Broad Street Line Cecil B. Moore station is just one block away. There is street parking nearby. The visitor parking lot at 1223 Cecil B. Moore Avenue ($6/hour or $22/day) has regular pull-in parking spots as well as spots with extra unloading space for adapted vans.

10/21/2026

Ways to participate in TechOWL’s Philadelphia region toy drive

Image: switch adapted storytelling animated owl plush with a wire coming out of each foot.

Donate toys for us to adapt through TechOWL’s wishlist. www.bit.ly/HelpTechOWL
Image: Person smiling with a half adapted animated storytelling dragon plush.

Pick up a switch adapted toy for your child during open hours at the TechOWL Community Space starting Monday December 7th.

www.TechOWLpa.org/community-space
Image: Person wearing a backward hat and holding up a gift bag with a plush owl in it.

10/20/2026

TechOWL Lending Library Spotlight:
Eating tools
www.TechOWLpa.org/library

Image description: A Black femme serves a slice of cake with rainbow layers and sprinkles while wearing compression gloves. Photo from Affect the Verb

Weighted utensils
May increase stability for people who experience hand tremors.
Made from stainless steel, making them dishwasher safe. Each utensil weighs about 7oz.

Stable Slide Self-Feeding Support
May decrease the amount of muscle strength needed for self-feeding. Rest your forearm on the slide and use it as a guide to move your arm between your plate and your mouth.

Gyenno Tremor Utensil
Actively detects and counteracts hand tremors.
Helps stabilize to avoid spills while you are eating.

EazyHold Cuffs
Slides onto the handle of a tool to make it easier to hold. May be helpful for a person who has difficulty using their hands to grip items.

Steadi-3
A wearable product designed to reduce hand tremors. A vibration absorber shakes in the opposite direction to your tremor, providing more control to complete daily tasks such as eating and drinking.

Functional Hand
An adaptive grip aid for people who need assistance holding utensils, art supplies, or grooming items.

Get Ready Grips
Adaptive silicon holders that may be helpful for a person who has difficulty using their hands to hold items.

Neater Eater-Manual
A mechanical assistive technology device that helps people with shaky hands eat independently. It has a special arm that holds a spoon and moves smoothly to bring food to your mouth.

Obi Dining Robot
Self-feeding system designed for switch users. Can hold up to four types of food, which the user can select from between every bite.

Danmar Utensil Handle
A versatile grip for eating utensils and other items. It has a contoured design that fits comfortably in your hand with an adjustable slide buckle strap for different sizes.

Modern Cuff
A flexible universal cuff to help people with low or no grip strength to hold items like eating utensils.

Fiber Grasp
Wearable device that consists of a wrist band and a finger loop, connected by a strap. Position your fingers around an item that you want to grasp and pull the retract

10/19/2026

Did you know? TechOWL offers free, virtual Early Intervention AAC and Assistive Technology (AT) consultations for children under 3 living in Philadelphia!

These one-on-one consultations help families and care teams support communication, language development, mobility, sensory needs, and everyday tasks like feeding and dressing.

Healthcare providers, service providers, childcare providers, and support coordinators can request consultations.

Learn more: https://buff.ly/xtKW1VR

10/17/2026

10/16/2026

Ways you can help: 1. Connect with your state assistive tech program (AT3center.net), 2. Check out organizations like Makers Making Change, TOM Tikkun Olam Makers, and MakeGood.

Video description: Clips of people opening boxes filled with 3D printed equipment including nail clipper helpers, slant boards, pill punchers, and toothpaste squeezers. Kevin and Anshuman are putting the equipment away in the drawers. Everyone looks really happy and excited.

Transcript: This is why I love the 3d printing community. A few weeks ago, I posted a video about connecting with local makers to help 3D print assistive tech devices. A few people reached out to us and offered to help us by printing the devices from our free catalog and help us fulfill requests from people in PA. But I thought that meant like ten devices, not 200. So when two large packages showed up at TechOWL we were shocked and very grateful. Now we can help even more people get the equipment they need. Are you a maker who wants to make a difference?

10/13/2026

Borrow it at www.TechOWLpa.org/library

Video description: two devices plugged in. One has a list of tasks with checkmarks next to them and the other just has the date and time.

Transcript: Did you know that setting personalized daily goals can help people living with dementia maintain independence? You can use the Day Range Hub and Day Connect to create up to 10 custom task alerts to help support daily routines and make everyday life a little easier. These devices can be borrowed from the statewide assistive technology lending library at TechOWL along with hundreds of other devices. Would this help you or someone you know?