November 2025 is Assistive Technology Awareness Month in Pennsylvania

Read the full text of the proclamation signed by Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, below.

TechOWL is Pennsylvania’s Assistive Technology Act (AT Act) program and part of the Institute on Disabilities at Temple University, College of Education and Human Development. Every state in the U.S. has an AT Act program to help people with disabilities and others find and access assistive technology devices and services. TechOWL assists Pennsylvanians with disabilities as they explore tools and technology for independence at school, at work, and in the community, with nine Assistive Technology Resource Centers across Pennsylvania.

Through device demonstrations and loans, a device reuse program, training and technical assistance, and more activities, TechOWL energetically spreads awareness and knowledge of the benefits of assistive technology devices and assistive technology services.

WHEREAS, Pennsylvanians with disabilities of all ages may need assistive technology devices and services to live independently and productively, as well as to participate fully in affairs of their communities; and

WHEREAS, assistive technology devices and services allow people to work, attend school, play, and live in the community of their choice; and

WHEREAS, an assistive technology device is any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities or older individuals; and

WHEREAS, assistive technology devices and services are not luxury items, but necessities for people - these tools empower people to control their lives and their futures; and

WHEREAS, Pennsylvania is a leader in the development and implementation of assistive technology programs for Pennsylvanians with disabilities and older residents, through assistance from organizations that provide valuable information and assistance, financial education, and financing for the purchase of assistive technology devices and services.

THEREFORE, I, Josh Shapiro, Governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, do hereby proclaim November 2025 to be

ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY AWARENESS MONTH

I encourage all Pennsylvanians to become aware of the many ways in which assistive technologies contribute to the health, happiness, independence, and future of our family, friends, and neighbors.

GIVEN under my hand and the Seal of the Governor, at the City of Harrisburg, on this twenty-ninth day of October two thousand twenty-five, the year of the Commonwealth the two hundred fiftieth.

Governor Josh Shapiro