Empowering People with Disabilities: Temple University’s TechOWL Community Space Celebrates its Grand Opening

Temple University’s Morgan Hall on Cecil Moore Avenue has recently opened a new community space called TechOWL, aimed at providing 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.

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The Institute on Disabilities at Temple University has recently opened a new community space called TechOWL that provides high-tech devices to people with disabilities who need them to improve their mobility, vision or hearing abilities or play video games.

This project was funded by a $500,000 grant from the state Department of Education which came about thanks to State Rep Malcolm Kenyatta’s advocacy along with State Senator Tina Tartaglione who uses a wheelchair herself since she had an accident while boating in 2003.

The institute has been serving individuals with disabilities since 1974 and aims to make changes that improve disability rights in Pennsylvania.

Sally Gould-Taylor, executive director of Temple’s institute on Disabilities expressed her gratitude towards those who supported this project during its launch event which was well attended by many attendees showing their commitment towards inclusivity