Temple University’s Institute on Disabilities has recently opened a new community space at Morgan Hall called TechOWL. This 2,227-square-foot space offers high-tech devices to assist individuals with mobility, vision, voice and even playing video games. The TechOWL Community Space is part of Temple’s Institute on Disabilities in the College of Education and Human Development and also provides 3D printing technology to create assistive devices.
Funding for the project was made possible by a $500,000 grant from the state Department of Education, supported by State Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta and State Sen. Tina Tartaglione. Sen. Tartaglione, who has used a wheelchair since a boating accident in 2003, championed the grant to help improve accessibility for individuals with disabilities. Sally Gould-Taylor, executive director of the Institute of Disabilities, highlighted the organization’s longstanding work in advocating for disabilities in Pennsylvania.
The grand opening event held on April 18 drew a full house and TechOWL is now open to the public with a barrier-free entrance and accessible restrooms. Gould-Taylor expressed hope that the space would become a central hub for learning and community building for individuals with disabilities across the state. TechOWL represents a significant step towards greater accessibility and inclusivity in Pennsylvania