STC Navigation Menu
News
Updated 05/04/2008
- Upcoming Workshops
- EX.I.T.E. Camp
- Family Center On Technology And Disability
- Free Early Childhood Workshop
- Library Popularity...And Note Of Thanks!
- Product Spotlight: Sci-Plus Calculator
- Web Spotlight: CAST UDL Book Builder
Upcoming Workshops
Technology to Access the General Curriculum - Universal Design for Learning
Participants will learn about universal design for learning (UDL) and the technology available to support it. Implementation strategies, including the parent's role in supporting UDL and classroom planning tips, will be given. This workshop is part of the Duluth Assistive Technology (AT) Workshop Series. Participants who attend three of the four trainings in this series will receive a free library membership to the Simon Technology Center. This series is funded by a grant from the Minnesota Department of Education.
- Saturday, May 17, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. - Duluth register
Creation Station: Mosaic Memory Boxes
Create a unique memory box worthy of holding all of your treasured keepsakes. You’ll decoupage a cardboard box with paper mosaic tiles and embellish it with stickers, stencils, stamps, and more.
- Saturday, May 17, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. - PACER Center register
EX.I.T.E. Camp
Last Chance for Free Summer Fun! APPLICATION DEADLINE EXTENDED!
It’s your last chance to sign up for a dynamic summer camp full of frenzy, fun, and friends. The EX.I.T.E. camp will you have exploring, discovering, creating, and challenging yourself to get messy with science! So roll up your sleeves and prepare to investigate the world around you.
Accenture, IBM, Medtronic, and 3M have teamed with PACER to present this FREE opportunity to middle school girls with disabilities. Real scientists will teach you about cryogenics through making ice cream, about polymers by making your own Floam™, and much more.
Camp applications are available online and accepted until May 9, 2008.
2008 Camp Application and Video
2007 Camp Photo Album
Please contact Meghan Kunz at 952-838-9000 or stc@pacer.org with any questions.
Family Center on Technology and Disability
Free Online Discussion Beginning May 1, 2008
Using Visual Strategies and Supports for All Learners
Visual Strategies and supports are an important resource and strategy to help learners improve their ability to attend, understand, communicate, and so much more. Using visual strategies can be as simple as pointing to something and, while not magic, certainly provide an important framework for a wide variety of learners. Leading experts Linda Hodgdon and Brenda Fossett will moderate this forum.
FCTD Online Discussions are free and participant-friendly, so get your questions and comments ready! Join the discussion May 1, 2008 at www.fctd.info.
Free Early Childhood Workshops!
Early Childhood Assistive Technology Workshops are available by request for communities in Greater Minnesota! Workshops can be requested by parents and/or professionals.
For information on scheduling a free workshop in your area, please contact Katrina Weibel at 952-838-9000 or at stc@pacer.org.
Possible workshop topics include:
- Introduction to Assistive Technology
- Boardmaker or Boardmaker Plus
- Clicker
- Speaking Dynamically Pro
- Augmentative and Alternative Communication
- Toys and Universal Design
A limited number of trainings are available. Trainings are funded in part by the Minnesota Department of Education.
Library Popularity...And Note Of Thanks!
The STC Library continues to increase in volume by both library items and members. Students report increased levels of freedom and independence through exposure to the assistive technologies in the STC Library. In an effort to continue to maintain an up-to-date library, the STC is continually adding new software and devices as well as updating old versions of items. The STC Staff would like to thank all members for being understanding and patient in this process. In addition, timely returns of library items and taking care of borrowed items helps make the STC Library a success as this allows others to also discover a technology that opens a new world to them. Thank you also to all of those who have shared an inspiring story or two with the STC about the success of students with their assistive technology!
Product Spotlight: Sci-Plus Calculator Series 3000
By Sight Enhancement Systems
The Sci-Plus Calculator is a large display calculator that allows people with low vision to perform scientific, statistical, and trigonometric calculations. The Sci-Plus has a high contrast LCD display that shows enlarged, proportional numerals. It also has an enlarged, highly visible keypad with positive activation and color-differentiated operation keys.
The Sci-Plus also has selectable speech output with headphones or external speaker jack with volume control.
The Simon Technology Center Library has recently acquired a Sci-Plus Calculator available for check-out. Please stop in during Library hours to try it out! Library hours are Tuesdays noon to 6 p.m. and Saturdays 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information on the Sci-Plus Calculator visit www.sightenhancement.com.
Web Spotlight: CAST UDL Book Builder
By CAST
This free resource gives students, parents and educators a place to create, read, and share engaging digital books that support and promote literacy skills.
Don't have time to make a book? Book Builder allows you to access a variety of books created and shared by others. Book Builder addresses the area of reading comprehension by using reading coaches such as Pedro to help readers think about what they are reading. Visit it online http://bookbuilder.cast.org.
PACER's site offers many PDF files for download, which require 
