For people with disabilities, technology is empowerment. It runs deeper than staying connected or keeping up—it’s a gateway to greater independence, creative expression, and new opportunities that maybe once felt out of reach. As the digital world continues to evolve, so does the ability to use it in ways that are personal, purposeful, and transformative.
Aspire of WNY’s Technology Today program was founded to close the gap between people and the digital tools that can support their daily lives. What began as an introduction to basic assistive technology has steadily grown into a dynamic center of innovation—where curiosity drives learning, and individual goals shape the path forward. The program’s core mission has stayed the same: giving participants the access, guidance, and flexibility to use technology on their terms.
These days, Technology Today offers a full range of adaptive innovations—screen readers, eye gaze systems, speech-to-text software, custom keyboards, and more—each one tailored to the user. Participants work one-on-one with staff to explore the tools that best fit their interests and needs, whether that means navigating online platforms, creating digital media, or managing tasks more independently. Participants begin to see these tools from a different perspective as they see what is possible for them.
Participants use these tools in real-world, meaningful ways: exploring educational applications that encourage lifelong learning, building connections through community outings, and engaging in creative projects like digital storytelling and photo editing. Some even invent their own solutions to everyday challenges. With access to 3D printing, for instance, participants have designed items like custom cup holders for wheelchairs—showing how problem-solving, personalization, and purpose come together through technology.
Matt Wolf, a participant with a love for all things broadcasting, has found Technology Today to be a turning point. Free from the stress and demands of traditional schooling since enrolling in the program, he produces The Matt Wolf Show, a weekly talk show sharing his take on celebrity news and entertainment. He records, edits, and posts each episode to Facebook and YouTube. Through his show, Matt turns his passion into a platform for his voice, humor, and opinions—putting advocacy in the spotlight.
Michelle, another participant and a Wiccan author, is using the program to bring her life story to the page. With support from staff, she’s writing an autobiography that weaves together her unique experiences with disability and spirituality. This work has opened new doors—connecting her with one of the most prominent publishers of Wiccan literature. “When I found that hole in the market, I said, ‘I can go right in there and be a pioneer,’” she explains.
Now continuing her writing and research on her own, Michelle reflects on the program’s impact. “One of the great things about this program is that there are lots of resources available—and the people here who show you how to work around things, personalize them, and make them your own. Having all this at my disposal puts the power back in my own hands. Technology opens everything up.”
This is what moves Technology Today beyond another ordinary tech skills program. It’s a space where digital tools become personal tools—where independence is cultivated through instruction as well as creative freedom, problem-solving, and the belief that everyone should have the power to shape their own path.
Looking ahead, the program is poised to grow alongside the tech landscape itself. With plans to expand access to emerging tools, deepen collaborations with community partners, and stay rooted in participant-driven learning, Technology Today continues to evolve—with technology, but most importantly, with the people who use it to build their futures.
