PA Tech Accelerator

PA Tech Accelerator Webinars

Presented by staff of TechOWL, a program of the Institute on Disabilities, along with invited guests. Each webinar series is designed to build and enhance knowledge of the ways assistive technology can change lives by increasing access to employment, social interaction, and everyday life.

Current Series: Tools for Employment, Independence, and Socialization

Join live webinars at 12 pm or 4 pm Eastern. Follow the links below to register in advance.

On August 21, we'll be joined by Jennifer West, who will present "Tools for Reading." Jennifer West is the Assistive Technology Coordinator and a Student Services Coordinator at Temple University's Disability Resources and Services, where she helps students with assistive technology and accommodations for academic access. She is dedicated to fostering an accessible and empowering campus environment for all learners.

On September 18, our presenter Mike Marotta will explore "Alternative Access and Switches." Mike is a RESNA Certified Assistive Technology Professional, the Director of the Richard West Assistive Technology Advocacy Center, New Jersey's Assistive Technology Act (AT Act) program, and one of the co-authors of the book Inclusive Learning 365: Edtech Strategies for Every Day of the Year.

June 19: Tools for Hearing

Discover technology that is assisting the way we approach hearing loss. In this engaging webinar, you'll explore a range of innovative tools designed to enhance communication, accessibility, and overall quality of life for individuals with hearing loss. Whether you're a professional in the field, a caregiver, or someone who experiences hearing loss, this session will provide valuable insights into the latest advancements and practical applications of hearing tools. Join us to learn, connect, and empower yourself and others on these valuable tools.

July 17: Tools for Vision

Technology is opening new doors for individuals with vision disabilities, empowering them to navigate the world more independently and confidently. In this webinar, we’ll explore innovative tools designed to support visual accessibility, including screen readers, magnification hardware and software, wearable technology, and features that you can access on a smartphone. Gain insights into how these advancements are transforming education, work environments, and daily life for people with vision disabilities. Whether you're a professional, caregiver, or an individual seeking solutions for vision challenges, this session will equip you with practical resources and knowledge to foster inclusivity and accessibility.

August 21: Tools for Reading

Reading disabilities can present significant challenges, but tools and technologies are transforming the landscape of accessibility. Join us for an insightful webinar that dives into the latest innovations designed to support individuals with reading disabilities. From text-to-speech solutions and adaptive reading software to adjustments on your phone, you'll gain an understanding of how these tools can enhance learning, communication, and independence. Whether you're an educator, caregiver, advocate, or directly impacted by reading disabilities, this session will offer practical strategies and resources to empower readers of all abilities.

September 18: Alternative Access and Switches

Explore how customized technologies are reshaping accessibility for individuals with motor disabilities. This webinar delves into adapted switches and alternative access solutions that enable people to interact with devices, environments, and tools in innovative ways. From customizable input methods to hands-free controls, discover how these advancements are enhancing independence and functionality. Whether you're an educator, caregiver, or advocate, or directly impacted by motor disabilities, this session will provide valuable insights, practical applications, and resources to foster empowerment and inclusivity.

Next Series: Recreation and Regulation within the Community

Webinars presented October through December, 2025 will cover adaptive gaming, access to arts, and sensory tools for recreation and leisure.

Pennsylvania Tech Accelerator Webinar Archive

Watch, re-watch, and share. Available whenever you are.

A person's hands typing on laptop keyboard at a table

Webinar Recordings

Sessions discuss what assistive technology is available and where to find it. Presenters delve into ways that assistive technology can change lives by increasing access to employment, social interaction, and everyday life.

Webinar Archive

About the Pennsylvania Tech Accelerator

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 University of Kansas Center on Disabilities' State of the States team 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.

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.