E-News

Parents: Join the Conversation on New PACER Blog

PACER ParentsTalk is a new feature on PACER’s website that allows parents to share information on a new topic each month. PACER’s parent advocates will set a topic for parents of children with disabilities to respond to, with the hope that parents will participate by contributing ideas and reading what other parents have to say. PACER staff will monitor and post the responses related to the monthly topic. Upcoming topics include the positive impact on the family of having a child with a disability and the importance of having high expectations for children with disabilities. Join the conversation!

Students' Accommodation Rights on College Entrance Exams Must Be Better Protected, Report Finds

According to a recent government report, there are still barriers for students with disabilities seeking accommodations for college entrance exams and other standardized tests, even though federal disability laws require organizations administering the tests to provide accommodations. The December 2011 report from the Government Accountability Office called on the Department of Justice to review standardized testing accessibility. A new PACER handout, “Preparation is key to gaining accommodations on ACT college entrance test” provides families with tips on this issue.

PACER Launches New Health E-newsletter

Families of children with disabilities and special health care needs have a new way to learn the latest about health care topics: PACER’s new Family-to-Family Health Information Center e-newsletter. The inaugural issue of this free e-newsletter includes information about PACER’s Family-to-Family Health Information Center and services available to families in Minnesota. View it here. 

Take Surveys, Help PACER through SurveyMonkey

Helping PACER is now as easy at taking a simple survey. Anyone signing up on SurveyMonkey Contribute will receive surveys from SurveyMonkey customers who need opinions, and will also have a chance to win $100 in an instant win game. For every survey taken, SurveyMonkey will donate 50 cents to PACER. Sign up here.

Blog Offers Insight on Transition Planning for Youth with Disabilities

The Family’s Role in Transition Planning, written by Sean Roy of PACER Center, is the latest in a series of blogs from the National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability for Youth (NCWD/Youth). To read and subscribe to receive notice of future NCWD/Youth blogs, click here.  

Creative Kids Contest is Feb. 25

PACER's seventh annual Creative Kids Contest invites children with disabilities to join PACER and celebrated artist Anthony Whelihan to let their imagination run wild. The winner will have his or her design made into the 2012 PACER greeting card, which will be sold online and at the PACER Benefit. The event is 10 a.m. to noon, Saturday, Feb. 25, at PACER. To register or to donate art supplies, e-mail Danna Mirviss at danna.mirviss@pacer.org or call 952-838-9000. Space is limited.

Save the Date!
Earth, Wind & Fire to Perform at PACER’s May 5 Benefit

Earth, Wind & Fire – one of America’s top-selling musical groups of all time – is bringing its soul-funk fusion to PACER Center’s 30th Annual Benefit on Saturday, May 5, at the Minneapolis Convention Center. Tickets can be purchased online or by calling 952-838-9000.

Kids Against Bullying Puppet Shows Available in Metro Area

PACER’s new KIDS AGAINST BULLYING Puppet Program helps children in grades 1-3 learn about bullying prevention. To learn more, book a show in the Minneapolis/St. Paul metro area, or purchase puppets, e-mail puppets@PACER.org, call 952-838-9000, or visit PACER.org/puppets.

PACER Publications

Updated for 2012: A Guide for Minnesota Parents to the Individualized Education Program
Helps parents work with schools to address each child's special needs through understanding the required components of the IEP. Includes examples from the Minnesota state recommended form. 2012. Call PACER at 952-838-9000 or 800-537-2237 and order item PHP-a12.

Let's Talk and Count! Activity Cards
Let’s Talk and Count! is an easy and fun way for parents to interact and help their child be ready for reading and counting. Translations are available in Spanish, Hmong, and Somali. Call PACER at 952-838-9000 or 800-537-2237 and order item PHP-a41.

Programs and Resources

PACER Center is a Minnesota nonprofit organization that provides services to families of children and young adults with any disability. More