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    Pennsylvania Tech Accelerator

    Working to expand awareness of and access to assistive technology

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.

Circular Pennsylvania Tech Accelerator logo curvy lines referencing circuit board elements similar to furrows in a plowed farm field, that wind a path through green space and converge as an arrow near a horizon arc, pointing to a rising sun in blue sky

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

Our next webinar series is Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)

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.

Augmentative and Alternative Communication Topics

  • 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.

Recorded Webinars

Webinar recordings with captions, ASL, and transcript are available below.

Future Series Will Include

  • Remote Support
  • Tools for Specific Needs for Employment, Independence and Socialization
  • Recreation and Regulation in the Community

Technology Solutions Specialists

The PA Tech Accelerator is seeking eight regional self-advocates to become Technology Solutions Specialists!

Learn more and apply to become a Technology Solutions Specialist

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.

Made Possible by...

This project is made possible by Pennsylvania's Department Human Services through funding from the American Rescue Plan Act.

Logos of partner organizations: PA Department of Human Services Office of Developmental Programs and Office of Long Term Living, Institute on Disabilities at Temple University College of Education and Human Development, University of Kansas Center on Disabilities, and State of the States in Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

For more information, please contact


215-204-1356

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