PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — An assistive technology program based at Temple University is getting worldwide attention for its viral TikTok videos that educate people about everyday tools for people with disabilities.
TechOWL, or Technology for Our Whole Lives, is a part of the Institute on Disabilities at Temple University, and it has a straightforward mission.
“Our job is to help Pennsylvanians of any age, of any disability to discover, choose and get tools, technology, and gadgets to help them,” explained TechOWL Director Kim Singleton.
Relatively new to the social media scene, TikTok is oftentimes used to share popular dance trends, but Singleton is tapping into another niche group.
“There is a large disability community on TikTok. It’s a way people can share their personal stories,” she said.
In one video, some of the tech gadgets — often 3D-printed or upcycled tools — are used for everyday tasks, like buttoning a shirt, opening a water bottle or holding a pencil.
Some devices are available for people to use for free from its lending library. Although housed on Temple’s main campus, TechOWL provides services for people across the entire state.
The organization’s videos have received more than 2.6 million likes and 15 million views, and Singleton says they have a strong following on other platforms, too.
“It’s really cool to see the comments where somebody will say, ‘Wow, my grandmother could really use that,’ or, ‘Wow, I could really use that in the kitchen.’ ”