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Technology for Our Whole Lives

@techowlpa

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Pennsylvania’s Assistive Tech Act program
Part of the @iodtemple at @templeuniv

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You can find our maker catalog at TechOWLpa.org/maker-catalog

Other great resources are organizations like @tikkunolammakers @makegoodnola @makersmakingchange @enablethefuture @weareprintlab @abilitease

Video description: Demos of 3d printed devices including an abilitease pill bottle opener, PrintLab DRAG assistive writing tool, a bumpy crayon grip, and a slant board that unfolds.

Transcript: Are you part of an organization that provides 3D printed assistive technology? We offer free 3D printed assistive devices to people across Pennsylvania, but everyone deserves access to these tools. If you’re a maker looking to help or someone looking for a maker, leave a comment below to connect.
#AssistiveTech #AssistiveTechnology #3Dprinting #3Dprinted #Accessibility by @techowlpa

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You can find the links to these devices on our website- www.TechOWLpa.org/maker-catalog

Transcript: Wondering where to get 3D printed assistive devices? here are some resources to check out: 1. if you live in the US ask your state assistive tech program (AT3center.net) 2. Check public libraries, universities, and maker spaces, 3. See if there is a chapter of a 3d printing group near you (makers making change, tikkun olam makers, or e-nable).

Video description: Alanna using three different 3D printed blister pack openers to open small white pills from the foil package.

#AssistiveTech #AssistiveTechnology #3Dprinting #3Dprinted #Accessibility by @techowlpa

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Comment below where you get 3D printed assistive tech in your area!

Transcript: You can find our favorite 3D printed assistive tech options on our website: www.TechOWLpa.org/maker-catalog. We 3D print devices for people in Pennsylvania but if you live elsewhere, you can still check out our catalog and find somewhere near you to get devices made.

Video description: Question from a previous video pinned to the top of the screen that says “do you guys have like a catalog page?” Examples of 3D printed assistive tech including Abilitease pill top opener, Lid Wrench Make Good Nola handle writer with base, PrintLab DRAG writing tool, Makers Making Change interact switch, eye drop squeezer.

#3Dprinting #3Dprinted #AssistiveTech #AssistiveTechnology AT by @techowlpa

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6 months ago

Communication Partner Instruction: Considerations for Supporting Adults who use AAC
October 14, 2026 at 12 pm

Register at bit.ly/AACwebinars

Adults who use AAC interact with various staff members across residential, day, and community settings. How do we support and empower the multifaceted team of individuals who work with this population in implementing AAC?

This presentation will discuss coaching strategies, tips and tools for helping teams understand and support individuals who use AAC.

Image description: AAC user and communication partner. by @techowlpa

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11 hours ago

Do you pronounce it open “scad” or open “s-cad”? By the way, you can find these files and many others on our website: www.TechOWLpa.org/maker-catalog.

Video description: Alanna showcasing a bottle squeezer which kind of looks like the flying fairy toy from the 90s with two wings and it attaches to the neck of a bottle and presses against it with a gentle squeeze. Alanna also is using calipers to measure the neck of the bottle and type on her computer.

Transcript: This is why I love the 3D printing community. A few weeks ago, I shared a video of this eye drop squeezer, and someone reached out asking if it could be modified to squeeze larger paint bottles so they could get back to painting. I’m a design newbie, so I tried enlarging the file, but that made the entire device ridiculously big! I told Scott from School House Spools about my frustration, and he said, “I’ll take care of that.” By the end of the day, he’d created an OpenSCAD file where I could adjust the bottle size. When the squeezing pads didn’t line up, he updated the file again so I could adjust their position, too. And now it works! Want to try it out?

#AssistiveTech #AssistiveTechnology #3Dprinting #3Dprinted #3DprintedAT by @techowlpa

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4 days ago

Interested in learning or practicing American Sign Language?

Two upcoming opportunities at TechOWL:

1. Game night with Philly Deaf Champs
Saturday October 10th
2:30 to 4:30 PM
www.meetup.com/philly-deaf-champ/

2. Level 1 ASL class with DHCC
Starting Tues October 20th
DHCC.org

Image description: six people signing and playing a board game.

#ASL #AmericanSignLanguage #PhillyDeafChamps #Philadelphia by @techowlpa

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4 days ago

TechOWL Lending Library Spotlight: Switch adapted toys
www.TechOWLpa.org/library

Image description: bottom half of a toy and a red and black 3d printed switch from @switched_adapted_toys

Music machine set
• Beats to a preset rhythm at an adjustable speed
• Two arms, one stationary and one moving

Luminous Snail
• LED light show
• Plays music while moving
• Automatic steering changes direction when it bumps into something

R2D2
Two switch jacks for forward and backward movement, letting it race across the floor or knock over block towers with the press of a button.

Rocket ship
Remote-control rocket ship toy featuring Lilo & Stitch characters that has been adapted with a switch jack, letting it move forward and backward with the press of a button.

Thunder Tumbler RC Car
Remote control stunt car that performs wheelies, 360-degree spins, and flips.
With one switch, the car moves forward and does wheelies; add a second switch and it can also turn and spin, giving full stunt control.

Bump and Go Car
•Flashing lights, music, and movement in one toy
•Bump and go action redirects the car when it hits something
•Runs continuously without a switch, or requires sustained switch press when a switch is used

Prisma Light
Crystal ball that plays music and projects a colorful light display.

These are just some of the many devices in the TechOWL lending library. You can see all the devices available for loan at www.TechOWLpa.org/library.
By the way:
•Anyone in Pennsylvania can use the library to meet a disability-related need.
•If you live in another state, you can find your lending library at AT3center.net.
•If you need help, call us at 800-204-7428 or email TechOWL@temple.edu. by @techowlpa

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6 days ago

AAC Topics Wednesdays at Noon
Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) from the Institute will help participants enhance their AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) knowledge.

One-hour webinars are scheduled each Wednesday in October 2026 at 12 Noon, ET. Attend one, some, or all of the sessions.

Register at bit.ly/AACwebinars

Schedule at a Glance
October 7, 2026 Funding AAC Across the Lifespan

October 14, 2026 Communication Partner Instruction: Considerations for Supporting Adults who use AAC

October 21 2026 Click, Connect, Communicate: Virtual AAC Services Across the Lifespan

October 28, 2026 Sub, Grinder, Hoagie, Hero, Cosmo, or Zep: Exploring Regional and Dialectical Differences in AAC

For more information, please contact
iod@temple.edu
215-204-1356 by @techowlpa

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11 days ago

DRS and TechOWL are coming together for a fun and relaxed afternoon featuring a movie, snacks, community, and an opportunity to explore assistive technology!

🎥 Patrice
📅 Wednesday, October 14
🕑 2:00–5:00 PM
📍 TechOWL Community Space
1392 Cecil B. Moore Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19122

✨ Free & open to everyone!
Come watch the movie, grab some snacks, connect with the community, or stop by to explore assistive technology. Come and go as you please — stay for as long as you’d like!
We’d love to see you there! 💛

#DRS #TechOWL #MovieAfternoon #AssistiveTechnology #Accessibility #Community Patrice: The Movie. Movie afternoon. DRS & TechOWL. Free snacks. Free event. 10/14/2026 2-5pm. TechOWL Community Space. 1392 Cecil B. Moore Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19122 by @techowlpa

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12 days ago

TechOWL Lending Library Spotlight: Kitchen tools www.TechOWLpa.org/library

Image: person using the pan buddy to cook.

Talking food thermometer
Announces temperatures out loud in a clear voice

Talking food scale
Announces the weight aloud in a clear voice and shows it on a large digital display.

Liquid level indicator
Place the liquid level indicator over the rim of your drinking glass and it will buzz and vibrate to let you know when liquid nears the top. This helps prevent over pouring and spilling.

Robotwist Jar Opener
Hands-free device that opens vacuum-sealed jars.

Auto measure spout
Screws onto any bottle and pours exactly one tablespoon, then stops.

Totchop Knife and Board Set
A rocker knife for one-handed cutting with a unique curved cutting board.

Tipping Kettle
Reduces the risk of burns by eliminating the struggle to lift a heavy kettle. It sits in a base and can be tipped forward with one hand on its handle.

Ring Pull Can Opener
Helps you open canned foods that have tabs on the top. It hooks through the tab to pry it up and provides leverage to pull open the can.

Pan Buddy
A vertical handle attachment for your cookware that supports your wrist and adds leverage to make lifting heavy pans easier.

These are just some of the many devices in the TechOWL lending library. You can see all the devices available for loan at www.TechOWLpa.org/library.

By the way:
• Anyone in Pennsylvania can use the library to meet a disability-related need.

• If you live in another state, you can find your lending library at AT3center.net.

• If you need help, call us at 800-204-7428 or email TechOWL@temple.edu. by @techowlpa

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13 days ago

Go to makerworld.com/en/@abilitease or
TechOWLpa.org/maker-catalog.

Video description: Alanna showing 3D printed playdough caps with a loop.

#AssistiveTech #AssistiveTechnology by @techowlpa

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17 days ago

Help us make play more accessible!

Support this year’s switch adapted toy drive by visiting bit.ly/HelpTechOWL to donate toys we can adapt for kids with disabilities in the Philadelphia region.

You can also donate to TechOWL by going to https://techowlpa.org/donate-to-techowl/.

Image description: 18 people happily holding up flappy the elephant toys.

#SwitchAdapted #SwitchAdaptedToys #Accessibility #AssistiveTech #AssistiveTechnology by @techowlpa

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19 days ago