PA Tech Accelerator

Pennsylvania Technology Summit

A day of discovery and innovation around technology for independence, accessibility, virtual, and remote solutions.

Rays of sunlights pass through the Bell Tower on Temple University's campus, against a blue sky

Explore. Discover. Connect. Learn.

The Pennsylvania Technology Summit provides a full day of discovery and innovation around technology for independence, accessibility, virtual, and remote solutions.

Summit Details

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.

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

Current Series: Remote Supports

Join live webinars at:

12 p.m. to 1 p.m. or
4 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Remote Supports Topics

Thursday, March 20, 2025
Smart Home Safety: Supporting Digital Choice
Guest presenter Tiffany Wilson's interactive training provides an ethical framework for supporting end-user independence using smart home devices. The training is built on evidence-based, person centered principles and addresses digital autonomy and privacy considerations. Through practical scenarios and structured learning, participants learn appropriate boundaries and strategies for empowering digital choice.
Register: 12 p.m. Smart Home Safety and Privacy
Register: 4 p.m. Smart Home Safety and Privacy
Thursday, April 17, 2025
Supporting Executive Function at Home and Work
Come 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.
Register: 12 p.m. Supporting Executive Function
Register: 4 p.m. Supporting Executive Function
Thursday, May 15, 2025
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 will introduce some of these technologies, as well as how to access them. Participants will be able to compare technology monitored by a family member to the setups that are provided by professional monitoring services.
Register: 12 p.m. Remote Supports 101
Register: 4 p.m. Remote Supports 101

Next Series: Tools for Specific Needs for Employment, Independence, and Socialization

Webinars presented June through September, 2025 will cover tools for hearing, tools for vision, tools for reading, and alternate access and switches.

Recorded Webinars

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

Series 1: Assistive Technology Essentials

Assistive Technology Essentials recorded July 2024
Built-in Accessibility of Everyday Tools recorded August 2024
A Day in the Life – Work, Home, and Community recorded September 2024
Funding and How to Get It recorded October 2024

Series 2: Augmentative and Alternative Communication

AAC Apps: Deep Dive and Demo recorded November 2024
Finding and Funding AAC recorded December 2024
Communication, Connection, and Consent recorded January 2025

Series 3: Remote Supports

Coming soon: Home Automation for Being Self Sufficient recorded February 2025

Technology Solutions Specialists

The PA Tech Accelerator will work with 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.