Technology would increase access to state programs, services for all
Universal access would expand state’s ability to reach, help more people
Philadelphia House Delegation September 25, 2025 | 5:16 PM
PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 25 – People with disabilities cannot always access state government services and information with ease. State lawmakers heard from officials, advocates and members of the disability community on ways to eliminate obstacles and increase access, including assistive technology, which would allow for greater involvement from all Pennsylvania residents – promoting independence and inclusion.
“Sadly, as we heard today, not everyone in Pennsylvania has the ability to access the services and information provided by our state government,” said Rep. Joe Hohenstein, who represents portions of Philadelphia and hosted the House Majority Policy Committee hearing during his Disability Summit at Temple University. “For many, technology can serve as a lifeline. Universal access and universal accommodation would allow everyone, including people with disabilities, to access state government services and information, including something as vital as employment opportunities.”
A recording of the hearing’s livestream can be found here.
PA Tech Accelerator is a task force examining how to expand awareness on assistive technology, or AT, and how it would improve access for all Pennsylvania residents. AT can include devices, programs, and equipment that improve learning, working and life for people with disabilities. The task force, which has been meeting for nearly a year, will release its findings in the coming months.
At the hearing, lawmakers heard directly from members of the task force on the importance and need to embrace Technology First, integrating support technology to provide a greater number of people with an opportunity at independence and inclusion.
“We’re fortunate to have Rep. Hohenstein take the lead in addressing the development and implementation of Technology First initiatives, helping guide the House Majority on state measures we will need to provide greater inclusion for all,” said House Majority Policy Committee Chairman Rep. Ryan Bizzarro, who represents portions of Erie County.
The hearing capped Hohenstein’s Disability Summit 2025, an all-day event that featured multiple breakout sessions. The event reached its capacity for in-person attendance, and Hohenstein’s office encouraged people not able to attend to watch the recording of the event’s livestream. Hohenstein attended and created his Disability Summit after being inspired by the Disability Summit organized by Rep. Dan Miller in Allegheny County.
Thursday’s House Majority Policy hearing featured testimony from Jennifer Hale, the director of Long-Term Living, Policy and Communications Management; Jeremy Yale, the director of Office of Development Programs; Russell Goddard, a staff member at the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation; Lisa A. Tesler, the executive director at Pennsylvania Development Disabilities Council; Nae Vallejo, a technology solution specialist with the Technology Accelerator Program; Caitlin McKenney, an assistive technology specialist project coordinator at the Institute on Disabilities at Temple University; and Chris Moore, a technology solution specialist with the Technology Accelerator Program.
Information about this hearing and other House Majority Policy Committee hearings can be found at pahouse.com/policy. Photos to be used for publication can be found on the day of the hearing at Facebook.com/PADemPolicy.