Pennsylvania Tech Accelerator Webinar Archive

Watch recorded webinars from the Pennsylvania Tech Accelerator. The sessions delve into what assistive technology is available and where to find it. Find insights into ways that assistive technology can change lives by increasing access to employment, social interaction, and everyday life.

The recordings include text captions, ASL interpretation, and transcripts.

Series 1: Assistive Technology Essentials

Assistive Technology Essentials

We discuss supporting and enabling technologies to empower all of us. Recorded July 2024.

Assistive Technology Essentials

Built-in Accessibility of Everyday Tools

We talk about built-in accessibility features of everyday tools that we have. Recorded August 2024.

Built-in Accessibility of Everyday Tools

A Day in the Life – Work, Home, and Community

In this panel discussion, we talk about, through the perspective of people who use assistive technology (AT), how we can use AT to make work, home, and community engagement safe, fun, and more independent. Recorded September 2024.

A Day in the Life

Funding and How to Get It

Julie Mochon of the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) joins us with an overview of ODP's functions, how technology is funded through ODP, and types of technology that are funded. Recorded October 2024.

Funding and How to Get It

Series 2: Augmentative and Alternative Communication

AAC Apps: Deep Dive and Demo

This session explores the features of popular Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) apps. Learn about: AAC apps available from our Assistive Technology Lending Library, differences between popular AAC apps, and more. Recorded November 2024.

AAC Apps

Finding and Funding AAC

How do you get a communication device? Where do you start and what steps are involved? Learn about AAC assessment processes and submitting an insurance request for a speech-generating device, with a focus on funding options available in PA. Recorded December 2024.

Finding and Funding AAC

Communication, Connection, and Consent

Learn about communication on topics surrounding relationships, sexuality, and self-advocacy in the context of AAC. We will talk about how these topics are represented (or not!) in the vocabulary of communication devices. Recorded January 2025.

Communication, Connection, and Consent

Series 3: Remote Supports

Home Automation

Explore how to make the most of smart home technologies. We discuss how to control appliances or entertainment systems with your voice, program your lights or thermostat to fit your schedule, and use keyless entry systems to support independence. Recorded February 2025.

Home Automation

Smart Home Safety: Supporting Digital Choice

Learn appropriate boundaries and strategies for empowering digital choice through practical scenarios and structured learning. This training is built on evidence-based, person centered principles and addresses digital autonomy and privacy considerations. Recorded March 2025.

Smart Home Safety

Supporting Executive Function at Home and Work

Explore the range of tools that support our memory, planning, and organizational skills. Learn how to use visual and audio cues to pace your day; recognize opportunities for customization through technology such as NFC tags; or take advantage of apps built specifically for neurodivergent minds.

Supporting Executive Function

Coming soon: Remote Supports 101

Remote support uses tools like motion detectors, medication dispensers, and smart appliances to increase your safety while maintaining independence. During this session we introduce some of these technologies, as well as how to access them. Learn to compare technology monitored by a family member to the setups that are provided by professional monitoring services. Recorded May 2025.