PA Tech Accelerator

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 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: Remote Supports

Join live webinars at 12 pm or 4 pm.

Supporting Executive Function at Home and Work

Thursday, April 17

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.

Remote Supports 101

Thursday, May 15

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.

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.

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

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.