TechOWL Community Space: Empowering Disability Inclusion with Technology and Support in Philadelphia and Beyond

$500k Grant Awarded to Temple University for Advanced Disability Assistive Technology Devices

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In Temple University’s Morgan Hall on Cecil Moore Avenue, a new community space called TechOWL has been established to provide people with disabilities access to high-tech devices. These devices aid in mobility, vision, voice, and even help individuals play video games. The 2,227-square-foot space is part of Temple’s Institute on Disabilities and offers 3D printing technology to create assistive devices.

The creation of the TechOWL Community Space was made possible by a $500,000 grant from the state Department of Education. State Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta and State Sen. Tina Tartaglione advocated for the grant, with Sen. Tartaglione being a wheelchair user since a boating accident in 2003. The Institute has been serving individuals with disabilities since 1974 and aims to make a meaningful difference in accessibility in Pennsylvania.

Sally Gould-Taylor, the executive director of the Institute of Disabilities, expressed gratitude for the community’s support. The grand opening of the TechOWL Community Space was well-attended and showcased the commitment to inclusion and accessibility. The space is open to the public and features barrier-free access and accessible restrooms. Gould-Taylor hopes that the community space will become a hub for learning and community building for people with disabilities across the state.

This new community space at Temple University’s Morgan Hall on Cecil Moore Avenue will help those with disabilities by providing them with high-tech devices that aid in mobility, vision, voice

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