New Monthly Newsletter: Our new Institute on Disabilities newsletter will feature updates from our work, upcoming events and opportunities, and more. Be on the lookout for this newsletter at the beginning of every month.
Updates from the IOD
ATIA Conference: In January, TechOWL staff presented at ATIA, the Assistive Technology Industry Association Conference! Alanna Raffel and Laura Slotkoff shared 3-D printed designs in a workshop, and Cassie Calia, Hali Strickler, and Jenn Lisberger presented "Click, Connect, Communication: Virtual AAC Services Across the Lifespan." Congratulations to all participants!
C2P2 Kickoff: In January, thirty-two participants across Pennsylvania attended their first sessions of Competence and Confidence: Partners in Policymaking (C2P2). Our cohort will meet over the next eight months to learn about disability history, the parent’s movement in Pennsylvania, self-advocacy, educating legislators and policymakers, and more.
IM4Q Notes: Independent Monitoring for Quality (IM4Q) held our Management and Steering committee meetings in January, as well as other regional meetings. IM4Q will also be presenting on the involvement of people with disabilities at the Reinventing Quality conference in October 2026.
Holiday Gathering: In December, the Institute on Disabilities at Temple University celebrated the end of the year with our annual holiday party, which included a potluck, an optional gift exchange, and community activities. Thanks to all who participated in and contributed to our work: we look forward to continuing in the new year!
Upcoming IOD Events and Opportunities
3-Part Early Literacy Workshop: This early literacy initiative bridges the gap between the home and classroom, fostering long-term success for young children. Families and educators are encouraged to attend, and light refreshments will be served. Workshops will run on February 17, March 17, and April 21, 10 am - 12 pm on Temple's main campus. Sign up for a workshop.
Transition to Kindergarten: Do you have a child transitioning to Kindergarten in September 2026? This presentation and discussion panel will go over everything you need to know about the transition process. Join us online or in-person at Temple University on Tuesday, February 17, from 10 am - 12 pm. Learn more and RSVP.
ASL Game Night: It’s game time again at the TechOWL Community Space. Please bring your favorite board or card game. Friends and family are welcome, as are allies of the Deaf/deaf/hard of hearing community. February 21, 2:30 - 4:30 pm. Sign up on Meetup: https://www.meetup.com/philly-deaf-champ/events/313090839/
Dungeons & Dragons Game Night: Join us at the TechOWL Community Space for an accessible Dungeons & Dragons game on Wednesday, February 11th and Wednesday, February 25th, from 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm. No signup required; email alanna.raffel@temple.edu with any questions.
More Opportunities
National Disability Leadership Series
Interested in growing as a leader? Check out the National Disability Leadership Series (links to Google Drive with application document) is presented by the Westchester Institute for Human Development and will run from May 2026 - February 2027. Applications due February 15th.
Assistive Technology Lending Library
The Assistive Technology Lending Library is a great resource if there are devices you are interested in trying. It has over 400 devices in the inventory that can be borrowed for 5 to 9 weeks, depending on the item. You can learn more and visit the library on the TechOWL website.