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Temple University opens a new community space in Morgan Hall on Cecil Moore Avenue that will equip people with disabilities with high-tech equipment to assist with motor skills, vision, speech and play video games. provides access to.
The 2,227-square-foot space is called TechOWL, which stands for Technology Across Our Lifetimes, and is part of the Disability Institute in Temple’s College of Education and Human Development. The space will also offer 3D printing technology to help create assistive devices.
Sally Gould Taylor, executive director of the Disability Research Institute, said the space is a 50-acre project from the state Department of Education supported by state Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta (D-181st District) and state Sen. Tina Tartaglione. He said it was made possible by a $1 million grant. (District D.-2) has used a wheelchair since sustaining a spinal injury in a boating accident in 2003.
“Our work in disability advocacy began in 1974 and continues to serve Pennsylvanians with disabilities, their families, and professionals across the commonwealth through education, training, research, services, programs, outreach, and community engagement. We are honored to be able to provide this service,” said Gould. Taylor. The institute held a grand opening of its community space on April 18th, and it was a full house.
TechOWL community spaces are open to the public and have accessible entrances and accessible restrooms. “This is the culmination of our team’s efforts to bring about meaningful change in accessibility in Pennsylvania,” said Gould Taylor.
“We hope it will serve as a hub of learning and community building for people with disabilities across the state,” she said.