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 assistive technology is available
- How assistive technology can help with daily living
- Where to find assistive technology
The first series is Assistive Technology Basics
Dates: Every third Thursday of the month
Each Basics webinar is offered at two times: 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Assistive Technology Basics: Upcoming Webinars
- October 17, 2024
Funding and How to Get It
Register: 12 p.m. Funding and How to Get It webinar
Register: 4 p.m. Funding and How to Get It webinarPresented by Julie Mochon. This webinar session will provide information about technology funded through the Office of Development Programs. It will cover how technology is funded and the different kinds of technology funded through ODP, including service definitions. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from an experienced professional!
Our next series is Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
Webinars offered on Thursdays. Register for one or more sessions.
Each AAC webinar is offered at two times: 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.
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November 14, 2024
AAC Apps: Deep Dive and Demo
Register: 12 p.m. AAC Apps: Deep Dive and Demo
Register: 4 p.m. AAC Apps: Deep Dive and Demo
This session will explore the features of popular AAC apps.
Learn about:
- AAC apps available from AT Lending Library
- Basic edits to AAC apps
- Differences between popular AAC apps -
December 19, 2024
Finding and Funding AAC
Register: 12 p.m. Finding and Funding AAC
Register: 4 p.m. 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. This session will focus on funding options available in Pennsylvania.
Learn about:
- Language needed for a speech-generating device insurance request
- The concept of medical necessity
- Potential funding sources for AAC in Pennsylvania -
January 16, 2025
Communication for Healthy Relationships
Register: 12 p.m. Communication for Healthy Relationships
Register: 4 p.m. Communication for Healthy Relationships
Learn about communication and healthy relationships with guest speaker Donnie Denome. Donnie is a nonspeaking autistic AAC user. They hold a Master of Public Health degree with a focus on health education for people with disabilities. Donnie is passionate about health communication, and they have presented widely on topics surrounding relationships, sexuality, and self-advocacy in the context of AAC.
Recent Topics
Webinar recordings with captions, ASL, and transcript are available below.
- Assistive Technology Essentials recorded July 18, 2024
- Built-in Accessibility of Everyday Tools recorded August 15, 2024
- A Day in the Life – Work, Home, and Community recorded September 19, 2024
Future Series Will Include
- 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.
