The Institute on Disabilities at Temple University, College of Education and Human Development is partnering with the Pennsylvania Office of Developmental Programs and Office of Long-Term Living, Department of Human Services, and the Kansas University Center on Developmental Disabilities on a statewide initiative called PA Tech Accelerator.
The goal of the program is to expand the awareness of, and access to, assistive technology (AT), to build capacity of AT users and to measure effectiveness around AT use, access and service across the Commonwealth.
PA Tech Accelerator Webinar Series
Presented by staff of TechOWL, a program of the Institute on Disabilities, a series of webinars about how assistive technology can change lives by increasing access to employment, social interaction, and everyday life.
Topics include:
- What AT is available
- How AT can help with daily living
- Where to find AT
The first series is Assistive Technology Basics
Dates: Every third Thursday of the month.
Times: 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.
- July 18, 2024 at 12 noon - AT Essentials Part 1
Register for AT Essentials 1 webinar - July 18, 2024 at 4 p.m. - AT Essentials Part 2
Register for AT Essentials 2 webinar - August 15, 2024 at 12 noon - Built-in Accessibility of Everyday Tools Part 1
Register for Built-in Accessibility Part 1 - August 15, 2024 at 4 p.m. - Built-in Accessibility of Everyday Tools Part 2
Register for Built-in Accessibility Part 2 - September 19, 2024 at 12 noon - A Day in the Life – Work, Home, and Community Part 1
Register for A Day in the Life Part 1 - September 19, 2024 at 4 p.m. - A Day in the Life – Work, Home, and Community Part 2
Register for A Day in the Life Part 2
Future topics include:
- Augmentative and Alternative Communication
- Remote Support
- Tools for Specific Needs for Employment, Independence and Socialization
- Recreation and Regulation in the Community
Overview of PA Tech Accelerator Activities
Training and Resources about Technology Solutions
Conduct a series of trainings and deliver resources to build capacity to stakeholders and across County Behavioral Health/ID and Autism Offices and Community Health Choices Managed Care Organization.
Develop Readiness Evaluation and Tools for Providers
Development of a readiness evaluation for the successful adoption of remote supports and assistive technology solutions by Pennsylvania disability provider agencies.
Advance Technology First Statewide Assessment and Planning
Development of a Technology First Systems Change state plan through benchmarking and evaluation.
Statewide Technology Solutions for Provider Assessment
Survey of approximately 2,000 providers on technology awareness, planning, implementation, and training resources.
Enhance Technology Resources for Stakeholders
Sustainability evaluation of TechOWL’s CATS - Consider Assistive Technology Solutions & DOGS- Devices Offering Great Solutions online tools.
Develop technology first policies alongside technology champions
Engage a group of Technology Champions to participate in the modernization and harmonization of statewide technology-related policies.
Technology Summits
Technology summits in the Spring of 2025, to be held in Philadelphia and in Pittsburgh, will bring together project partners, people with disabilities, family members and, support and other professionals to increase awareness of current and emerging technology solutions.
