E-News

Simon Technology Center Open House Is Nov. 1

PACER’s Simon Technology Center open house is Saturday, Nov. 1, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This 21st annual event focuses on innovative, low-cost technology supports that help people of all ages and disabilities. Parents, children, professionals, and others can try out vision, literacy, and communication tools; computer accessibility tools; educational software; adapted toys; and recreational equipment.

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Opening Doors Conference is Nov. 10 – 11

The national Opening Doors conference on accessing services for children and youth with disabilities and special health care needs from traditionally underserved communities is Nov. 10 -11, at the Hyatt Regency in Bethesda, Md. Sessions will focus on early screening for disabilities and special health care needs; inclusive recreation; and adolescent transition. A keynoter is motivational speaker and disability advocate Greg Smith. Opening Doors is a five-year Rehabilitation Research and Training Center funded by the U.S. Department of Education National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDDR). The conference is sponsored by NIDRR, the HSC Foundation, the Maternal Child Health Bureau, and the American Academy of Pediatrics. PACER Center is a partner in this conference.

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PACER Grandparent Support Group to Meet Monday, Nov. 17

PACER’s Grandparent to Grandparent Program meets Monday, Nov. 17 , from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at PACER Center, 8161 Normandale Blvd., Bloomington, Minn. People with grandchildren of any age and any disability can meet others; share concerns, joys, and interests; discover resources; and learn how they can provide support to their children and grandchildren. For more information or to register, call PACER at 952-838-9000.

IBM ¡TradúceloAhora! Automatic Spanish Translation Program Available

PACER Center announces a new partnership with IBM to bring the IBM ¡TradúceloAhora! automatic Spanish translation program to parents and professionals. This Web-based software allows users to translate Web sites from English to Spanish and performs bidirectional English-Spanish e-mail translation. A PowerPoint presentation is available with information on how to register and use the program.

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“Ride to the Polls” Offers People with Disabilities a New Transportation Option

A partnership of Twin Cities nonprofits and sponsors is offering the first “Ride to the Polls,” so people with disabilities wishing to vote will have another transportation option. The service will be provided at no cost during the general election Nov. 4. Schedule a ride by calling 1-877-VOTE-2008 (toll free) prior to election day. Contact Mai Thor of the Minnesota Disability Law Center at 612-746-3799 or mthor@midmnlegal.org for more information.

Folger Is Honored at HUNE Celebration

PACER Center's Sue Folger was an honoree at the Philadelphia HUNE's 10th anniversary gala. She received the honor on Oct. 10 for her work supporting advocacy and her dedication to families and children with disabilities. Hispanos Unidos para Niños Excepcionales (HUNE) serves Hispanic parents of children with special needs. Luz Hernández is HUNE's executive director. Folger is co-director of PACER's Technical Assistance ALLIANCE for Parent Centers.

Help PACER Meet the Housing Project Challenge Grant

The Frey Foundation has given a $30,000 matching grant in support of PACER’s Housing Project, which helps thousands of families each year explore housing options for their youth with disabilities. To receive the money, however, PACER must raise matching funds by Dec. 20, 2008. Those funds must come from:

• new donors,
• previous donors who haven’t contributed for at least two years, or
• donors who contribute 10 percent more than their largest contribution to PACER’s general fund.

This grant is the primary source of funds for the Housing Project in 2009. Please help us sustain this important project for families and donate now. Thank you!

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Nov. 6 Happy Hour Event to Benefit PACER Center

PACER’s first Happy Hour Event is at The Hotel Minneapolis on Thursday, Nov. 6, 2008, from 5 to 7 p.m. Bring your friends and enjoy complimentary appetizers, drink specials, and prize drawings while you unwind, network, and support PACER. Tickets: $10 online or at the door. Being a Champion for Children with Disabilities: Priceless.

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The Perfect Gift: Donate to PACER in Honor of Others

When you donate to PACER Center in honor of someone else, you will receive an attractive card insert acknowledging your generous gift. Tuck it into your holiday or special-occasion cards, and the recipient will have the satisfaction of knowing that a thoughtful gift has been given in his or her name. Great for employee or client holiday gifts, hostess gifts, group gift exchanges, or a wonderful addition to your holiday cards sent to friends and family. Price is $10 per card insert; $5 per insert for 100+. Orders of 100 or more can be customized to include your company’s name. Funds raised from this meaningful gift option will go directly to programs that help children with disabilities and their families.

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Join IBM's World Community Grid

The World Community Grid is an IBM effort to link computers worldwide and put idle computer time to use in aiding projects that benefit humanity. The grid is built upon an IBM infrastructure and includes IBM support. To become part of the grid, members install a small, free software program on their computers. When their computers are on but not being used, the program connects to the World Community Grid’s server, performs computations, and sends the results back to the server. Members’ donated resources help increase the pace of research. Visit www.worldcommunitygrid.org, click “find a team,” and select “PACER Center.” Join the team! It’s safe and easy.

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