E-News

National Bullying Prevention Awareness Week is Oct. 21 - 27

PACER’s second annual National Bullying Prevention Awareness Week includes an expanded effort to reach schools nationwide. Exciting new activities, information, and contests will engage youth, educators, and parents in creating a safer world for children with and without disabilities. Cosponsors are National PTA, National Education Association, American Federation for Teachers, National Coalition for Parent Involvement in Education, and School Social Work Association of America. States, schools, and organizations are invited to be partners in the week by contacting bullying411@PACER.org.

Free Tickets Available for "Music Within" Film Premiere

Up to 200 PACER Center friends and supporters will have an opportunity to receive free tickets to the Twin Cities premiere of “Music Within,” an award-winning MGM film about Richard Pimentel, one of the primary activists behind the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Donated by Articulus Entertainment, Inc., 100 tickets are available for Friday, Oct. 26, about 7 p.m., at the AMC Theatre–Eden Prairie Mall. Another 100 are available for Saturday, Oct. 27, about 7 p.m., at AMC Maple Grove. “Music Within” (rated R) was directed and produced by Steven Sawalich, who has ties to the Twin Cities. It stars Ron Livingston and Michael Sheen. The film is described as humorous, poignant, and attitude-changing. Other premiere cities include Boston, Washington D.C., New York, Dallas, Chicago, Los Angeles, Boise, and San Francisco. For information about the free tickets, call PACER at 952-838-9000. To view the trailer and find out more about the film, click more info.

Simon Technology Center Open House Is Oct. 6

PACER’s Simon Technology Center open house is Oct. 6, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This 20th annual event focuses on assistive technology for 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.

PACER Is Part of IBM's World Community Grid

PACER Center has joined the World Community Grid. It 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. To help and join the team, contact Jamie Smith at PACER@PACER.org.

Draft Language for No Child Left Behind Act REauthorization Is Available

The House Education and Labor Committee, chaired by Rep. George Miller (D-Calif.), released a staff discussion draft of all titles of the No Child Left Behind Act in early September. The Senate has set a target date of Oct. 4 for releasing its version of the bill. The House draft language is available online.

Videos to Help People with Disabilities Prepare for Disaster

People with special needs or disabilities may need to make specific preparations for emergencies. A new Homeland Security video provides helpful information on how to do so.

Housing Resource and Information Fair is Oct. 13

PACER’s fourth annual Housing Resource and Information Fair is Saturday, Oct. 13, from 9 a.m. to noon. Geared for families of young adults with disabilities ages 14 and up, it offers parents an opportunity to talk with housing providers, housing information and referral organizations, and other parents. The fair features a keynote speaker plus question-and-answer rooms with representatives from county and state programs.

Join the Phonathon Calling Team

PACER Center’s annual phonathon fund raiser is in October. Join the calling team and help raise money for services to children with disabilities and their families. To volunteer, please call Janet Becker in the Development Office at 952-838-9000.

Join Family Fun Day

PACER’s third annual Family Fun Day is Sunday, Nov. 18, from noon to 2:30 p.m. at the Lindbergh Center in Hopkins. During this fun-filled, accessible family event, teams will venture through a maze of wacky games and activities led by Captain PACER. Children of all abilities are included and encouraged to play while they collect points and lead their team to the finish. www.pacer.org and www.PACERKidsAgainstBullying.org soon.

Donate to PACER's Cars with Heart Program

Help support children with disabilities by donating your used car, truck, or boat to PACER’s Cars with Heart program. Your donation raises money that supports PACER programs and services for children with disabilities—and you gain a tax deduction.

Workplace Charity Campaigns Are Working with PACER

Combined Federal Campaign (CFC)
Federal civilian, military, or postal employees are eligible to contribute to PACER Center through the Combined Federal Campaign Charity Drive at their workplaces. PACER’s listing can be found in the local campaign booklet. PACER’s code number for CFC contributions is 12272, and donors should use the code in designating their gift to PACER.

United Way Campaign
PACER is not a United Way agency. However, as a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, it can receive donations through United Way campaigns. United Way pledge cards have a Donor Choice designation where donors can write in PACER Center, 8161 Normandale Blvd., Minneapolis, MN 55437.