TechOWL Opens at Temple University: A New Hub for Disability Access and Community Building

Temple University’s new community space, TechOWL, has opened at Morgan Hall on Cecil Moore Avenue. The 2,227-square-foot space provides individuals with disabilities access to high-tech devices to assist with mobility, vision, voice and even playing video games. 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 at Temple University, highlighted the organization’s longstanding work in advocating for disabilities in Pennsylvania during the grand opening of TechOWL on April 18. The space is open to the public and features 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. WHYY News is seeking input on what topics and areas to cover from Philly and the Pa. suburbs to South Jersey and Delaware if there’s a story you think needs to be covered let WHYY News know!