National Assistive Technology Act Data System

Annual Progress Report - Full Report

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Pennsylvania 2025

General Information

Statewide AT Program (Information to be listed in national State AT Program Directory)

State AT Program Title:

Pennsylvania's Initiative on Assistive Technology dba TechOWL

State AT Program Title:

State AT Program URL

https://techowlpa.org

Mailing Address:

1301 Cecil B. Moore Ave., Ritter Annex 430

City:

Philadelphia

State:

Zip Code:

19122

Program Email:

TechOWL@temple.edu

Phone:

800-204-7428

TTY:

711

Lead Agency

Agency Name:

Institute on Disabilities/UCEDD at Temple University

Mailing Address:

1301 Cecil B. Moore Ave., Ritter Annex 430

City:

Philadelphia

State:

Zip Code:

19122

Program URL:

https://techowlpa.org

Implementing Entity

Does your Lead Agency contract with an Implementing Entity to carry out the Statewide AT Program on its behalf? (Check if Yes)

Name of Implementing Agency:

Mailing Address:

City

State:

Zip Code:

Program URL:

Program Director and Other Contacts

Program Director for State AT Program (last, first):

Chabot, Monique

Title:

Associate Director

Phone:

215-204-3862

E-mail:

monique.chabot@temple.edu

Program Director at Lead Agency (last, first):

Gould-Taylor, Sally

Title:

Executive Director

Phone:

215-204-5775

E-mail:

sgould-taylor@temple.edu

Primary Contact at Implementing Agency (last, first) - If applicable:

Title:

Phone:

E-mail:

Person Responsible for completing this form if other than Program Director

Name (last, first):

McNally, Sandra

Title:

Assistant Director

Phone:

215-204-3370

E-mail:

sandra.mcnally@temple.edu

Certifying Representative

Name (last, first):

Mitchell, Karen

Title:

Assistant Vice President, Research Administration

Phone:

215-707-7547

E-mail:

karen.mitchell@temple.edu

State Financing

Did your approved state plan for this reporting period include any State Financing?

Yes

Did your approved state plan for this reporting period include conducting a Financial Loan Program?

B. State Financing Activities that provide consumers with resources and services that result in the acquisition of AT devices and services

1. Overview of Activities Performed

How many other state financing activities that provide consumers with access to funds for the purchase of AT devices and services were included in your approved state plan?

Activity 1

How would you describe this state financing activity?

Last resort - Activity

2. Geographic Distribution, Number of Individuals Who Acquired AT Devices and Services and Number for whom Performance Measure Data are Collected

County of Residence	Individuals Served
A. Metro (RUCC 1-3)	12
B. Non-Metro (RUCC 4-9)	1
C. Total Served	13

Performance Measure
D. Excluded from Performance Measure	0
E. Number of Individuals Included in Performance Measures	13

If a number is reported in D you must provide a description of the reason the individuals are excluded from the performance measure:

3. Types and Dollar Amounts of AT Funded

Type of AT Device / Service	Number of Devices Funded	Value of AT Provided
Vision	1	$400
Hearing	0	$0
Speech communication	2	$675
Learning, cognition, and developmental	0	$0
Mobility, seating and positioning	7	$2,125
Daily living	1	$350
Environmental adaptations	2	$800
Vehicle modification and transportation	1	$400
Computers and related	0	$0
Recreation, sports, and leisure	0	$0
Total	14	$4,750

Activity 2

How would you describe this state financing activity?

Telecommunications equipment distribution

2. Geographic Distribution, Number of Individuals Who Acquired AT Devices and Services and Number for whom Performance Measure Data are Collected

County of Residence	Individuals Served
A. Metro (RUCC 1-3)	313
B. Non-Metro (RUCC 4-9)	78
C. Total Served	391

Performance Measure
D. Excluded from Performance Measure	0
E. Number of Individuals Included in Performance Measures	391

If a number is reported in D you must provide a description of the reason the individuals are excluded from the performance measure:

3. Types and Dollar Amounts of AT Funded

Type of AT Device / Service	Number of Devices Funded	Value of AT Provided
Vision	310	$346,754
Hearing	68	$44,306
Speech communication	9	$10,571
Learning, cognition, and developmental	6	$6,754
Mobility, seating and positioning	0	$0
Daily living	29	$25,534
Environmental adaptations	0	$0
Vehicle modification and transportation	0	$0
Computers and related	0	$0
Recreation, sports, and leisure	0	$0
Total	422	$433,919

C. State Financing Activities that Allow Consumers to Obtain AT at Reduced Cost

1. Overview of Activities Performed

How many state financing activities that allow consumers to obtain AT at a reduced cost were included in your approved state plan?

Activity 1

How would you describe this state financing activity?

AT Fabrication or AT Maker Program

2. Geographic Distribution and Number of Individuals Served

County of Residence	Individuals Served
A. Metro (RUCC 1-3)	73
B. Non-Metro (RUCC 4-9)	17
C. Total Served	90

Performance Measure
D. Excluded from Performance Measure	0
E. Number of Individuals Included in Performance Measures	90

If a number is reported in D you must provide a description of the reason the individuals are excluded from the performance measure:

3. Types and Dollar Amounts of AT Funded

Type of AT Device / Service	Number Provided	Total Estimated Current Retail Purchase Price	Total Price for Which Devices Were Sold	Savings to Consumers
Vision	100	$150	$0	$150
Hearing	0	$0	$0	$0
Speech communication	9	$900	$0	$900
Learning, cognition, and developmental	7	$320	$0	$320
Mobility, seating and positioning	0	$0	$0	$0
Daily living	135	$1,377	$0	$1,377
Environmental adaptations	0	$0	$0	$0
Vehicle modification and transportation	0	$0	$0	$0
Computers and related	0	$0	$0	$0
Recreation, sports, and leisure	33	$1,231	$0	$1,231
Total	284	$3,978	$0	$3,978

D. Anecdote

B.D. did not have a reliable way to connect with friends and relatives due to his physical disabilities and blindness. He received a smartphone from our Telecommunication Device Distribution program. AT staff completed a support session with B.D., where he learned to use the voice assistant feature to make phone calls and send text messages – things he had never been able to do before. B.D.’s confidence grew, and we were happy to hear that he was able to do something that he had never been able to do on his own before - place his own takeout food order!

Impact Area Education Employment Community Living

E. Performance Measures

Performance Measures
Response	Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed			Total
Response	Education	Employment	Community Living	Total
1. Could only afford the AT through the AT program.	01	01	383	385
2. AT was only available through the AT program.	11	01	79	91
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long.	06	00	05	11
4. Subtotal	18	02	467	487
5. None of the above	01	00	00	01
6. Subtotal	19	02	467	488
7. Nonrespondent	00	00	06	06
8. Total	19	02	473	494
9. Performance on this measure	94.74%	100%	98.73%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services	Number of Customers	Percent
Highly satisfied	406	82.19%
Satisfied	42	8.5%
Satisfied somewhat	01	0.2%
Not at all satisfied	01	0.2%
Nonrespondent	44	8.91%
Total Surveyed	494
Response rate %	91.09%

G. Notes:

Reutilization

Did your approved State Plan for this reporting period included conducting any device reuse activities?

A. Number of Recipients of Reused Devices

Activity	Number of Individuals Receiving a Device from Activity
A. Device Exchange	00
B. Device Refurbish/Repair - Reassign and/or Open Ended Loan	4,007
C. Total	4,007

Performance Measure
D. Excluded from Performance Measure because AT is provided to or on behalf of an entity that has an obligation to provide the AT such as schools under IDEA or VR agencies/clients.	00
E. Number of Individuals Included in Performance Measures	4,007

If a number is reported in D you must provide a description of the reason the individuals are excluded from the performance

B. Device Exchange Activities

Device Exchange
Type of AT Device	Total Estimated Current Purchase Price	Total Price for Which Device(s) Were Exchanged	Savings to Consumers
Vision	$0	$0	$0
Hearing	$0	$0	$0
Speech Communication	$0	$0	$0
Learning, Cognition and Developmental	$0	$0	$0
Mobility, Seating and Positioning	$0	$0	$0
Daily Living	$0	$0	$0
Environmental Adaptations	$0	$0	$0
Vehicle Modification & Transportation	$0	$0	$0
Computers and Related	$0	$0	$0
Recreation, Sports and Leisure	$0	$0	$0
Total	$0	$0	$0

C. Device Refurbish/Repair - Reassignment and/or Open Ended Loan Activities

Device Reassign/Repair/Refurbish and/or OEL
Type of AT Device	Number of Devices Reassigned/Refurbished and Repaired	Total Estimated Current Purchase Price	Total Price for Which Device(s) Were Sold	Savings to Consumers
Vision	35	$53,460	$0	$53,460
Hearing	12	$1,745	$0	$1,745
Speech Communication	09	$1,823	$0	$1,823
Learning, Cognition and Developmental	06	$705	$0	$705
Mobility, Seating and Positioning	3,444	$1,136,782	$200	$1,136,582
Daily Living	3,082	$249,301	$115	$249,186
Environmental Adaptations	41	$6,149	$0	$6,149
Vehicle Modification & Transportation	02	$2,540	$0	$2,540
Computers and Related	00	$0	$0	$0
Recreation, Sports and Leisure	37	$38,111	$0	$38,111
Total	6,668	$1,490,616	$315	$1,490,301

D. Anecdote

One of our AT Reuse partners was contacted by an older couple. The husband had been in the hospital following a medical incident but had recovered sufficiently to be discharged, provided he was able to obtain certain equipment to permit safe living at home. Unfortunately, on the date of his discharge, his insurance fell through and was unable to provide the equipment he needed. The wife was directed to our reuse program, where she was able to obtain a shower chair and wheelchair for her husband. The wife was extremely emotional and shared that if they had not been able to obtain equipment, her husband would been discharged to a nursing home but was instead able to recuperate in his own home because of the devices he received.

Impact Area Education Employment Community Living

E. Performance Measures

Performance Measures
Response	Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed			Total
Response	Education	Employment	Community Living	Total
1. Could only afford the AT through the AT program.	12	18	2,143	2,173
2. AT was only available through the AT program.	05	06	381	392
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long.	09	10	1,379	1,398
4. Subtotal	26	34	3,903	3,963
5. None of the above	01	01	31	33
6. Subtotal	27	35	3,934	3,996
7. Nonrespondent	00	00	11	11
8. Total	27	35	3,945	4,007
9. Performance on this measure	96.3%	97.14%	98.94%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services	Number of Customers	Percent
Highly satisfied	3,452	86.15%
Satisfied	505	12.6%
Satisfied somewhat	22	0.55%
Not at all satisfied	04	0.1%
Nonrespondent	24	0.6%
Total Surveyed	4,007
Response rate %	99.4%

G. Notes:

Device Loan

Did your approved State Plan for this reporting period included conducting Short-Term Device Loans?

A. Short-Term Device Loans by Type of Purpose

Loans By Purpose
Primary Purpose of Short-Term Device Loan	Number
Assist in decision-making (device trial or evaluation)	1,137
Serve as loaner during service repair or while waiting for funding	42
Provide an accommodation on a short-term basis for a time-limited event/situation	71
Conduct training, self-education or other professional development activity	84
Total	1,334

B. Short-Term Device Loan by Type of Borrower

LOANS BY TYPE OF BORROWER
Type of Individual or Entity	Number of Device Borrowers
Type of Individual or Entity	Desicion-making	All other Purposes	Total
Individuals with Disabilities	421	75	496
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives	268	18	286
Representative of Education	159	40	199
Representative of Employment	09	05	14
Representatives of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation	217	29	246
Representatives of Community Living	36	23	59
Representatives of Technology	27	07	34
Total	1,137	197	1,334

C. Length of Short-Term Device Loans

Length of Short-Term Device Loan in Days	35

D. Types of Devices Loaned

Types of Devices Loaned
Type of AT Device	Number of Devices
Type of AT Device	Desicion-making	All other Purposes	Total
Vision	159	54	213
Hearing	103	25	128
Speech Communication	498	41	539
Learning, Cognition and Developmental	61	19	80
Mobility, Seating and Positioning	71	55	126
Daily Living	134	29	163
Environmental Adaptations	96	24	120
Vehicle Modification and Transportation	00	00	00
Computers and Related	271	47	318
Recreation, Sports and Leisure	132	43	175
Total	1,525	337	1,862

E. Anecdote

J.C. borrowed a transport wheelchair for her husband, who currently uses a rollator but needed additional support for longer distances. An ATP on our staff helped her compare two traditional transport chairs to a high-end transport rollator. The transport rollator was an ideal option! It provides flexible support and the benefit of reducing the number of devices the family would need to take on their vacation. The device loan worked out well, and the family is now looking into getting a device of their own.

Impact Area Education Employment Community Living

F. Access Performance Measures

Access Performance Measures
Response	Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed			Total
Response	Education	Employment	Community Living	Total
Decided that AT device/service will meet needs	112	17	156	285
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs	14	01	39	54
Subtotal	126	18	195	339
Have not made a decision	15	02	27	44
Subtotal	141	20	222	383
Nonrespondent	399	43	312	754
Total	540	63	534	1,137
Performance on this measure	35.9%	43.96%	56.18%

G. Acquisition Performance Measures

Acquisition Performance Measures
Response	Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed			Total
Response	Education	Employment	Community Living	Total
1. Could only afford the AT through the AT program.	07	03	08	18
2. AT was only available through the AT program.	19	08	31	58
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long.	05	01	11	17
4. Subtotal	31	12	50	93
5. None of the above	02	00	03	05
6. Subtotal	33	12	53	98
7. Nonrespondent	52	04	43	99
8. Total	85	16	96	197
9. Performance on this measure	93.94%	100%	94.34%

H. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services	Number of Customers	Percent
Highly satisfied	418	31.33%
Satisfied	45	3.37%
Satisfied somewhat	06	0.45%
Not at all satisfied	02	0.15%
Nonrespondent	863	64.69%
Total Surveyed	1,334
Response rate %	35.31%

I. Notes:

Performance measures and satisfaction rates are affected because almost all of our device loans are delivered by a drop-ship method. This is convenient for our borrowers and offers them better equipment choices, but it is difficult to obtain the data. Even though our regional centers make multiple attempts to get this information, they often must leave multiple voicemail and/or email messages but receive no response from the borrower.

Device Demonstration

A. Number of Device Demonstrations by Device Type

Type of AT Device / Service	Number of Demonstrations of AT Devices / Services
Vision	82
Hearing	28
Speech Communication	07
Learning, Cognition and Developmental	06
Mobility, Seating and Positioning	16
Daily Living	19
Environmental Adaptations	01
Vehicle Modification and Transportation	00
Computers and Related	03
Recreation, Sports and Leisure	00
Total # of Device Demonstrations	162

B. Types of Participants

Type of Participant	Decision-Makers	Other Participants	Total
Individuals with Disabilities	150	07	157
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives	10	64	74
Representatives of Education	00	00	00
Representatives of Employment	00	00	00
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation	00	14	14
Representative of Community Living	02	23	25
Representative of Technology	00	00	00
Total	162	108	270

C. Number of Referrals

Referrals
Type of Entity	Number of Referrals
Funding Source (non-AT program)	57
Service Provider	29
Vendor	09
Repair Service	00
Others	35
Total	130

D. Anecdote

M.S. and three of her family members came for a demonstration of a video magnifier. She wants to be more independent when cooking and reading recipes, as well as other daily tasks. M.S. was hesitant at the beginning of the demonstration, but when given a few minutes alone to explore the device, her confidence grew. She was able to read a printed recipe as well as use the magnifier to see her phone screen. Ultimately, she needed more time with the device in her home setting, so she decided to borrow the device from our Device Loan program.

Impact Area Education Employment Community Living

E. Performance Measures

Performance Measures
Response	Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed			Total
Response	Education	Employment	Community Living	Total
Decided that AT device/service will meet needs	01	00	123	124
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs	00	00	10	10
Subtotal	01	00	133	134
Have not made a decision	01	02	23	26
Subtotal	02	02	156	160
Nonrespondent	00	00	02	02
Total	02	02	158	162
Performance on this measure	50%	0%	84.18%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services	Number of Customers	Percent
Highly satisfied	225	83.33%
Satisfied	36	13.33%
Satisfied somewhat	07	2.59%
Not at all satisfied	01	0.37%
Nonrespondent	01	0.37%
Total	270
Response rate %	99.63%

G. Notes:

Overall Performance Measures

Overall Acquisition Performance Measure

Acquisition Performance Measures
Response	Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed			Total
Response	Education	Employment	Community Living	Total
1. Could only afford the AT through the AT program.	20	22	2,534	2,576
2. AT was only available through the AT program.	35	15	491	541
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long.	20	11	1,395	1,426
4. Subtotal	75	48	4,420	4,543
5. None of the above	04	01	34	39
6. Subtotal	79	49	4,454	4,582
7. Nonrespondent	52	04	60	116
8. Total	131	53	4,514	4,698
9. Performance on this measure	54.46%	75.51%	67.52%	67.32%
ACL Performance Measure				85%
Met/Not Met				Not Met

Overall Access Performance Measure

Access Performance Measures
Response	Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed			Total
Response	Education	Employment	Community Living	Total
Decided that AT device/service will meet needs	113	17	279	409
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs	14	01	49	64
Subtotal	127	18	328	473
Have not made a decision	16	04	50	70
Subtotal	143	22	378	543
Nonrespondent	399	43	314	756
Total	542	65	692	1,299
Performance on this measure	35.98%	41.86%	64.95%	52.5%
ACL Performance Measure				90%
Met/Not Met				Not Met

Overall Satisfaction Rating

Customer Rating of Services	Percent	ACL Target	Met/Not Met
Highly satisfied and satisfied	99.15%	95%	Met
Response Rate	84.73%	90%	Not Met

Educational/Training Activities

A. Educational/Training Activity Participants: Number and Types of Participants; Geographical Distribution

Educational/Training Activities by Participant Type
Type of Participant	Number
Individuals with Disabilities	249
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives	62
Representatives of Education	744
Representatives of Employment	97
Rep Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation	332
Representatives of Community Living	496
Representatives of Technology	79
Unable to Categorize	718
TOTAL	2,777

Geographic Distribution of Participants
Metro	Non Metro	Unknown	TOTAL
2,201	218	358	2,777

B. Educational/Training Activity Topics

Educational/Training Activities by Topic
Primary Topic of Educational/Training Activities	Participants
AT Products/Services	1,091
AT Funding/Policy/ Practice	207
Combination of any/all of the above	880
Information Technology/Telecommunication Access	94
Transition	505
Total	2,777

C. Description of Educational/Training Activities

Describe innovative one high-impact assistance educational/training activity conducted during the reporting period:

“Developing a Program for 3D Printing Assistive Technology” This session, conducted by an Occupational Therapist from Pennsylvania’s AT Act program, focused on exploring various 3D printed devices, how to develop and operate a 3D printing program, and the benefits of incorporating 3D-printed technology into a state AT Act program.

Briefly describe one educational/training activity related to transition conducted during the reporting period:

Four speech-language pathologists from our AT team provided sessions at Temple University Speech Department’s “Communiversity Conference.” The focus of the conference was AAC and transitions across the lifespan. The topics of their sessions were: How to Support AAC Users Through Life Transitions; Uncensored AAC: Exploring AAC Vocabulary for Access for Swearing, Slang, & Sexuality; and an Overview of Recent AAC Research.

Briefly describe one educational/training activity related to Information and Communication Technology accessibility:

One of our AT Resource Centers provided a learning session to the Western Pennsylvania Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals called “Reach Every Donor: Digital Accessibility.” This session, conducted by an AT specialist, provided ways that fundraisers can expand their donor base by making their websites and other online content accessible. Staff provided an overview of accessibility laws and a deep dive into why equal access matters, along with a step-by-step guide across social media platforms and Microsoft Word to illustrate ways to increase user accessibility and engagement.

D. IT/Telecommunications Educational/Training Activity Performance Measure

IT/Telecommunications Educational/Training Activity Performance Measure
Outcome/Result From IT/Telecommunications Educational/Training Activities Received	Number
IT and Telecommunications Procurement or Dev Policies	19
Training or Technical Assistance will be developed or implemented	06
No known outcome at this time	34
Nonrespondent	35
Total	94
Performance Measure Percentage	26.6%
ACL Target Percentage	70%
Met/Not Met	Not Met

E. Notes:

Technical Assistance

A. Frequency and Nature of Technical Assistance

Technical Assistance by Recipient Type
Education	47%
Employment	05%
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation	23%
Community Living	10%
Technology (IT, Telecom, AT)	15%
Total	100%

B. Description of Technical Assistance

Describe Innovative one high-impact assistance activity that is not related to transition:

Two TechOWL staff members designed and implemented two Sensory Rooms for Temple University's new Paley Hall in August of 2025, which will be home to the College of Public Health. In addition to the sensory rooms, they also advised on the sensory environment and use of various sensory tools in different relaxation and social spaces to support the sensory needs of the students using those areas. This included identification of fidgets, sensory tools for all senses, paint colors, furniture, sensory-friendly environmental modifications, and educational materials and trainings for students and staff. There was also collaboration with the Temple University Doctorate of Occupational Therapy program in the physical design of the rooms and its implementation and SouthPaw as an external business collaborator. Information on borrowing tools from the Statewide Lending Library was also provided to expand the reach of the AT Act Program into the university student body.

Breifly describe one technical assistance activity related to transition conducted during the reporting period:

C. Notes:

Public Awareness

Public Awareness Activities

Public Awareness Narratives

Describe in detail at least one and no more than two innovative or high-impact public awareness activities conducted during this reporting period. Highlight the content/focus of the awareness information shared, the mechanism used to disseminate or communicate the awareness information, the numbers and/or types of individuals reached, and positive outcomes resulting from the activity. If quantative numbers are available regarding the reach of the activity, please provide those: however, quantative data is not required.

1. One of Pennsylvania’s AT Resource Centers hosted an Accessible Beauty Event called "Beauty Beyond Limits." This event was held in conjunction with several local organizations, students, Miss Pennsylvania, and Miss Wheelchair Pennsylvania. The event included keynote discussions about accessibility (and the lack thereof) within the world of skincare, hair care, makeup, and the overall beauty and wellness industry. Participants learned about 3D printed devices for self-dressing and applying makeup. The event showcased students from a local school who brought a 3D printer and examples of 3D-printed adapted beauty products designed to help someone with fine motor challenges apply blush and other makeup independently. Local vendors were also on hand to provide free haircare and makeup services. The event was the first of its kind in the Pittsburgh area, and drew in many local advocates, individuals with disabilities, and Occupational Therapy students from the University of Pittsburgh.

2. It is difficult to find opportunities for outreach events in very small, rural counties. One of our AT Resource Centers in Pennsylvania came up with an innovative approach. They phoned the food bank and asked if they could set up a table at their pickup site or send them flyers describing our AT programs. They declined to have a table but were happy to put the 300 flyers we sent into the boxes they distributed to people throughout the county.

Information And Assistance

Information And Assistance Activities by Recipient
Types of Recipients	AT Device/ Service	AT Funding	Total
Individuals with Disabilities	566	1,226	1,792
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives	355	428	783
Representative of Education	52	211	263
Representative of Employment	15	11	26
Representative of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation	138	318	456
Representative of Community Living	270	427	697
Representative of Technology	16	130	146
Unable to Categorize	123	1,131	1,254
Total	1,535	3,882	5,417

Referral Types:

Our network of Assistive Technology Resource Centers (ATRCs), include several Centers for Independent Living and other organizations that serve the disability community. ATRCs are required to perform outreach in their respective regions. Outreach types include in-person events, mailings, newsletters, and social media. TechOWL's social media presence continues to reach many people. However, as in-person events are happening more often, we have seen growth from our in-person outreach. Whenever we receive an inquiry from another state or US territory, we make sure to give the contact information for their AT Act program. We hope that this also increases their referrals.

Referral Sources:

Of the people who provided a response, the highest referral sources are from In-Person outreach, followed by AT Program Customers. Health Care Providers and Self-Referrals.were tied for fourth place. Under referral source groups, the highest number was Awareness & Outreach Initiatives (includes social media), followed by Prior Customers, and Program Area Entities/Providers.

Notes:

Coordination/Collaboration and State Improvement Outcomes

Overview of Coordination/Collaboration Activities

Outreach was conducted with the State Education Agency *

Yes

Was collaboration implemented? *

Yes

1. As concisely as possible, describe the partnership initiative. What activities/services were provided? Who are the major collaborating organizations and what is their role? Who is served/benefited? What funding was used to implement the initiative?

Our collaboration with the PA Training and Technical Assistance Network (PaTTAN) on the Center on Inclusive Technology & Education Systems (CITES) project has continued into this year. The purpose of the grant is to empower school districts (3 selected) to “build and maintain technology systems that include every student, particularly children and youth with disabilities who require assistive technology and accessible materials.”

2. As concisely as possible, describe the measurable results of the initiative and any lessons learned. How did access to AT change as a result of the coordination/collaboration/partnership? How did awareness of AT change as a result of the partnership? How did the reach of the state AT program change as a result of the partnership? What made the partnership successful? What would you change or wish you had done differently? Provided funding/resources are available, will the initiative continue or is this a one-time event? What advice would you give for replication of the initiative?

The collaboration began in the 3rd and 4th quarters of FY 24, and a representative of TechOWL has been present at all related planning meetings to provide information on AT services. Our role is still being determined as the planning of the grant implementation is still in discussion.

2.a Please include URL for initiative if available

https://www.cast.org/our-impact/projects/cites-framing-the-future-of-learning-with-technology/

3. What focus areas(s) were addressed by the initiative?

Education, Transition (school to work or congregate care to community),

4. What AT Act authorized activity(s) were addressed?

Technical Assistance,

Outreach was conducted with the Vocational Rehabilitation Agency *

Yes

Was collaboration implemented? *

Yes

For over 25 years, we have had a contract with OVR to maintain and run the statewide AT Lending Library (ATLL). We also have a new deliverable with OVR as part of this contract to conduct outreach specific to the use of ATLL to the general public, OVR consumers, and OVR’s one-stop partners. This deliverable is in addition to our current provision of I&A to OVR Counselors regarding our program offerings so they can share the information with their consumers and refer consumers to us. Future collaborations planned include increased awareness of ATLL among others at OVR and with the state legislators who vote to fund ATLL. The funding comes from a state appropriation.

We have continued to see a growth in referrals from OVR, specifically in Blindness & Visual Services, to the National Deaf-Blind Equipment Distribution Program and Telecommunication Device Distribution Program. With an increase in funding for ATLL, updated and/or new equipment has been added to the ATLL inventory to better meet the needs of all in PA, including consumers of OVR.

2.a Please include URL for initiative if available

3. What focus areas(s) were addressed by the initiative?

Education, Employment, Transition (school to work or congregate care to community),

4. What AT Act authorized activity(s) were addressed?

Device Loan, Demo, State Financing, Information & Assistance,

Outreach was conducted with the Aging Agency *

Yes

Was collaboration implemented? *

Yes

A member of TechOWL sits on the Philadelphia Corporation of Aging (PCA) Advisory Board. She has used her position to start the provision of technical assistance around accessibility for different groups at PCA to increase knowledge of AT services provided by TechOWL and to improve accessibility in general at various PCA events for consumers, volunteers, and staff.

A basic introduction presentation on accessibility has already been provided and well-received. A future presentation to their marketing and planning department along with other technical assistance opportunities are planned for FY 25/26.

2.a Please include URL for initiative if available

3. What focus areas(s) were addressed by the initiative?

Aging,

4. What AT Act authorized activity(s) were addressed?

Technical Assistance,

Outreach was conducted with the Medicaid Agency *

Yes

Was collaboration implemented? *

Yes

The PA Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) and Office of Long-Term Living (OLTL) were awarded ARPA funds to support Pennsylvania in becoming a Tech First state. As part of this initiative, TechOWL was awarded funds for the Technology Accelerator project. The purpose of this project is to expand awareness and access to assistive, supportive, and enabling technology. To meet this goal, activities have included live webinars about different types of AT, two Technology Summits, trainings for direct supports coordinators who work within the waiver programs, systems change work and assessments, and the development of asynchronous educational modules for direct supports coordinators on assistive technology options, benefits, and funding sources. ODP and OLTL manage some Medicaid waivers for the state of Pennsylvania, with their staff using waivers for their consumers. Programming within the project has integrated information specific to waivers as it relates to AT.

This project runs from FY24 to FY26. The information provided below reflects data for this reporting period. - Live webinars: 15 of 18 webinars have been completed about introduction to AT including funding within Medicaid systems, Augmentative and Alternative Communication, Remote Supports/Smart Technology, and Tools for Hearing/Vision/Cognition. These are posted later on the Temple University Institute on Disabilities’ website and YouTube page with captions and ASL interpretation. There have been 2733 views to date between all videos on both platforms, including the recent live webinar. - Technology Summits: Two one-day technology summits occurred in March 2025. Philadelphia’s had a total attendance of 269 and Pittsburgh’s had a total attendance of 102. Four session tracks were offered from Remote Supports and other types of AT to funding and service options (including Medicaid and AT Act programming) and systems change work. The summits were geared towards the general public, service providers, and consumers, which all include those who work in and use Medicaid services. Speakers included those from Medicaid services within the state. Additional events included half-day trainings specifically for direct supports coordinators identified by ODP and OLTL. Attendees indicated a high level of satisfaction and knowledge acquisition as a result of attendance at either Summit. - Asynchronous Educational Modules: These are being specifically designed for ODP and OLTL direct supports coordinators and will be hosted on their respective learning platforms. Included in the educational information is information on use of waivers and Medicaid for AT services and the use of other AT services within the state to identify and procure AT for consumers. They are currently in development.

2.a Please include URL for initiative if available

https://disabilities.temple.edu/assistive-technology/pa-tech-accelerator

3. What focus areas(s) were addressed by the initiative?

Education, Employment, Community Participation and Integration, Recreation/Leisure, Aging, Transition (school to work or congregate care to community), Information and Communication Technology/Remote Connectivity,

4. What AT Act authorized activity(s) were addressed?

Device Loan, Demo, State Financing, Information & Assistance, Public Awareness,

Additional Coordination/Collaboration activities

Overview of State Improvement Activities

State improvement outcomes are not required. You may report up to two MAJOR state improvement outcomes for this reporting period. How many will you be reporting?

Additional And Leveraged Funds

A. Leveraged Funding for State Plan Activities

Fund Source	Amount	Use of Funds	Data Reported
Public/State Agency	$360,426	Training	True
Public/State Agency	$510,581	Training	True
State Appropriations	$850,000	Device Loan	True
Public/State Agency	$498,046	State Financing	True
Federal	$308,795	State Financing	True
	Amount: $2,527,848

For any leveraged funding reported above for which data could not be reported, please describe the extenuating circumstances that precluded data from being reported and efforts to remediate the situation in future reporting periods.

B. Public Health Workforce Grant Award

All Section 4 AT Act grantees were awarded $80,000.00 in supplemental Public Health Workforce grant funding to increase the number of positions within the disability and aging network for public health professionals. Please document below the cumulative status of these funds, FY22 through FY25, as a final closeout report.

The status of these funds at the end of the FY25 (September 30, 2025) is as follows: (Check one) We did not utilize this funding. (Do not complete this section.)
We expended all or some of this funding (Complete the section below)

Please report the total amount expended (drawn down and liquidated) from FY22 through FY25:

$79,656.00

Please check all position types that were supported with these funds over the period of FY22-25. This can be a direct employee or contractual position.

Please describe the activities of the above FTE and how such activities advance public health.

This position was filled with an internal candidate who creates content for TechOWL's robust social media presence and website. Content is targeted to people experiencing inequities in healthcare.

C. Describe any unique issues with your data in this section (e.g., the reason why you were unable to report the number of individuals served with additional or leveraged funds).