PACER Center - Parents Programs, Parents Workshops of Special Needs Children

PACER Center
952-838-9000

Champions for Children with Disabilities

All workshop times are listed in the central time zone (CST) unless otherwise noted.

In the event of inclement weather, PACER Center may cancel workshops. If you are registered for a workshop, we will contact you about cancellations. Also, please check this site the day of the workshop for a possible cancellation due to weather problems.

The Minnesota Parent Center is a unique statewide project designed to help families and schools build stronger ties to benefit students.
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Workshops

PACER Center offers free workshops throughout Minnesota to parents of children with disabilities and the professionals working with families.

Workshop topics include areas of interest in special education, including information on the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), the Individualized Education Plan (IEP) program, early childhood, the area of transition for students 14-21 (housing, post secondary, employment, and community), assistive technology, and many more!

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Workshops Ordered by Date

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Workshops Ordered by Name
Workshops Ordered by Program
Workshops Ordered by Location

Monday, February 13, 2012
Three-part Housing Workshop Series: Creating Your Independent Living Plan - see flyer
Learn about person-centered planning and begin creating your son/daughter’s housing plan. Please attend all three housing workshops in this three-part housing workshop series (2/13, 2/27, 3/12)
7:00pm-9:00pm (PACER Center - see Map)
Register for this workshop
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Social Security for Transition-age Youth - see flyer
Topics in these two back-to-back workshops on school registration night include the difference between Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), application and appeal information, and "Work Incentives." This workshop is for parents of children ages 14 and over. Information presented will be the same at both sessions. Co-sponsored by PACER Center and Faribault CTIC.
6:00pm-7:00pm (Faribault - see Map)
Register for this workshop
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Social Security for Transition-age Youth - see flyer
Topics in these two back-to-back workshops on school registration night include the difference between Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), application and appeal information, and "Work Incentives." This workshop is for parents of children ages 14 and over. Information presented will be the same at both sessions. Co-sponsored by PACER Center and Faribault CTIC.
7:00pm-8:00pm (Faribault - see Map)
Register for this workshop
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Introduction to Unity, Prentke Romich Company
Attend this training to learn more about Unity, the language representation model used in Prentke Romich Company (PRC) augmentative communication devices.
9:00am-12:00pm (PACER Center - see Map)
Register for this workshop
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Apps for Older Learners (Suggested Donation $10-$25)
In this workshop, we will be showing off and discussing some of the great iPod Touch/iPad apps designed for teens and adults with disabilities. We'll cover topics such as organization, note taking, digital text books and more. If you have an iPod Touch or iPad, be sure to bring it along with your own favorite apps to share. PACER provides many free, high quality trainings on timely and important topics in assistive technology. This workshop is not funded by any grants or donations. If you would like to see us continue to offer these high quality workshops, please consider making a suggested donation when you register. Your donation contributes to our ability to continue to offer this valuable service to parents and professionals.
6:00pm-9:00pm (PACER Center - see Map)
Register for this workshop
Thursday, February 23, 2012
A Parent's Guide to the Use of Restraints and Seclusion on Children with Disabilities - see flyer
Dan Stewart, attorney with the Minnesota Disability Law Center, will review the new law on restraint and seclusion and the use of prone (“face or front down”) restraints in Minnesota schools. Topics include the different types of restraint and seclusion practices; how parents can understand when, how, and why they can be used in schools; and strategies on reducing their use.
7:00pm-9:00pm (PACER Center - see Map)
Register for this workshop
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Creative Kids Contest 2012
Join PACER, other families, and celebrated artist Tony Whelihan for a fun family event where imaginations run wild. Children spend the morning creating artwork by expressing themselves and their creative ideas through various mediums and vibrant colors. Their masterpieces are then entered in PACER's Annual Creative Kids Contest and the winners artwork will become the cover design of the 2012 PACER Greeting Card. The original artwork of the top 10 designs will be sold at PACER's Benefit Silent Auction. Please visit http://www.pacer.org/help/creativeKids/creativekidscontest.asp for more information. All kids are welcome to create artwork, however, Creative Kids with disabilities ages 4 to 17 are eligible for the contest.
10:00am-12:00pm (PACER Center - see Map)
Register for this workshop
Monday, February 27, 2012
Three-part Housing Workshop Series: Housing Eligibility & Funding - see flyer
Learn about requirements for housing funding from a variety of sources and options. Please attend all three housing workshops in this three-part housing workshop series (2/13, 2/27, 3/12)
7:00pm-9:00pm (PACER Center - see Map)
Register for this workshop
Monday, February 27, 2012
Finding Hope, Getting Help: Support for Your Child with Mental Health Needs - see flyer
Parenting a child with mental health needs can be challenging, but finding appropriate support and resources may be even more difficult. This workshop will familiarize parents and others with the Minnesota Comprehensive Children's Mental Health Act, which was designed to provide children and youth with mental health needs an integrated system of care so that they can develop and function as fully as possible in all areas of their lives. This workshop is presented by the Minnesota Statewide Family Network.
6:30pm-8:30pm (St. Cloud - see Map)
Register for this workshop
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
A Parent's Guide to the Use of Restraints and Seclusion on Children with Disabilities - see flyer
Dan Stewart, attorney with the Minnesota Disability Law Center, will review the new law on restraint and seclusion and the use of prone (“face or front down”) restraints in Minnesota schools. Topics include the different types of restraint and seclusion practices; how parents can understand when, how, and why they can be used in schools; and strategies on reducing their use.
9:00am-11:00am (PACER Center - see Map)
Register for this workshop
Thursday, March 01, 2012
Personalizing Visual Scenes, DynaVox Technologies
This workshop will focus on personalizing visual scenes with personally relevant images/photographs for DynaVox Series 5 (Vmax, V and Maestro) devices
9:00am-11:30am (PACER Center - see Map)
Register for this workshop
Monday, March 05, 2012
Six Skills for Effective Parent Advocacy - see flyer
This workshop will explore six skills parents can use to become more effective advocates for their child with a disability. Come learn these skills which include: understanding your child's disability, knowing your school district, knowing your rights and responsibilities, using clear and effective communication, understanding the special education process, and knowing the dispute resolution option.
6:30pm-8:30pm (Anoka - see Map)
Register for this workshop
Tuesday, March 06, 2012
Children Taking Medication for Mental Health Reasons - see flyer
Jane Marie Sulzle, RN, CNS, MS of PrairieCare, will share techniques to help parents of children who are already taking medications talk to their children about medications, listen to their children's feelings about taking medication, and encourage their children to take the medications.
7:00pm-9:00pm (PACER Center - see Map)
Register for this workshop
Thursday, March 08, 2012
IDEA: Blueprint for Understanding the Special Education Process - see flyer
The special education process is like building a house. There is a logical order to both. This workshop will cover how to use the building blocks of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) to develop appropriate services for your child.
6:30pm-9:00pm (PACER Center - see Map)
Register for this workshop
Monday, March 12, 2012
Finding Hope, Getting Help: Support for Your Child with Mental Health Needs
Parenting a child with mental health needs can be challenging, but finding appropriate support and resources may be even more difficult. This workshop will familiarize parents and others with the Minnesota Comprehensive Children's Mental Health Act, which was designed to provide children and youth with mental health needs an integrated system of care so that they can develop and function as fully as possible in all areas of their lives. This workshop is presented by the Minnesota Statewide Family Network.
6:30pm-8:30pm (Apple Valley - see Map)
Register for this workshop
Monday, March 12, 2012
Three-part Housing Workshop Series: Creative Housing & Services Options - see flyer
Explore creative housing options and services and hear personal stories about the journey through the housing process. Please attend all three housing workshops in this three-part housing workshop series (2/13, 2/27, 3/12)
7:00pm-9:00pm (PACER Center - see Map)
Register for this workshop
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Getting and Keeping the First Job
Competitive employment is the cornerstone of a successful transition to adult living for youth with disabilities. This workshop will provide youth and parents with answers to important questions about preparing for and keeping a job.
7:00pm-9:00pm (Marshall - see Map)
Register for this workshop
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Academic Success: Helping Children with Disabilities Learn What all Children Learn
There is a new or renewed focus on academic success and helping students with disabilities learn what all children are learning.
7:00pm-9:00pm (PACER Center - see Map)
Register for this workshop
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
IFSP's and IEP's: The Building Blocks of Early Childhood Special Education
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires states to provide certain services to eligible children with developmental delays or disabilities. This workshop will help parents of young children ages birth to 5 understand the essential components of the Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP) and the Individualized Education Program (IEP). Participants will learn about writing measurable goals and their rights within the special education process.
6:30pm-8:30pm (Waite Park - see Map)
Register for this workshop
Monday, March 19, 2012
Reality AAC, Prentke Romich Company
Learn how to integrate any type of augmentative communication device into a classroom. This high-energy, daylong workshop is full of video examples to illustrate AAC and linguistic competence, group lessons, literacy, writing, and differentiated learning. Leave with a jump drive full of resources and information for using AAC in the classroom. Presenter: Jane Odom, M.Ed., Director of Implementation Resources, Prentke Romich Company. ASHA CEU’s Provided. Lunch break with lunch on your own.
9:00am-3:00pm (PACER Center - see Map)
Register for this workshop
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
IDEA Three-part Series: Understand the Special Education Process
A new three-part series helps parents of children who receive special education services understand the special education process and their own child’s IEP (Individual Education Program). Parents are encouraged to attend all three workshops on 3/20, 4/3, and 4/17. This first workshop in the series will help parents understand special education including how to resolve disagreements.
7:00pm-9:00pm (PACER Center - see Map)
Register for this workshop
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Accessible Instructional Materials and Digital Books Workshop Series: Accessible Instructional Materials - see flyer
This workshop addresses how to identify students who would benefit from the use of accessible reading materials (braille, large print, audio, and/or digital text) in place of traditional reading methods and how to acquire AIM from a variety of sources. Funded by a grant from the Minnesota Department of Education in collaboration with the South Central Service Cooperative.
6:00pm-8:00pm (North Mankato - see Map)
Register for this workshop
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Education Revolution: Exploring Inclusion for Children with Emotional/Behavioral Challenges
Renowned filmmaker Dan Habib will screen portions of his new film,“Who Cares About Kelsey?", which explores how students with complex emotional/behavioral challenges are being successfully included in general education.
6:30pm-9:00pm (PACER Center - see Map)
Register for this workshop
Saturday, March 24, 2012
Families Are Important: Understanding the Early Intervention Process in Minnesota
An overview of families' rights, roles, and responsibilities within the early intervention system is featured in this workshop. It also addresses services in the natural environment, the Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP), and child and family outcomes. This workshop is for families of children ages birth to three and for professionals.
9:00am-11:00am (PACER Center - see Map)
Register for this workshop
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Unlimited Possibilites: Pete Winslow's Story
Join 17-year-old Pete and his mom, Carolyn, to hear Pete’s story of being born without legs, no right hand, and only three fingers on his left hand to becoming an elite athlete, jazz trombonist, and World Cup soccer player. Parents, professionals and students are encouraged to attend this motivational session.
7:00pm-9:00pm (PACER Center - see Map)
Register for this workshop
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Juvenile Justice and Special Education: What Do Parents Need to Know?
Some students are referred to court because of behaviors that are closely linked to their disability. In this session, parents and professionals will learn about this connection and about strategies that can be included in IEPs that meet the needs of youth with challenging behaviors.
7:00pm-9:00pm (PACER Center - see Map)
Register for this workshop
Monday, April 02, 2012
IFSP's and IEP's: The Building Blocks of Early Childhood Special Education
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires states to provide certain services to eligible children with developmental delays or disabilities. This workshop will help parents of young children ages birth to 5 understand the essential components of the Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP) and the Individualized Education Program (IEP). Participants will learn about writing measurable goals and their rights within the special education process.
6:30pm-8:30pm (PACER Center - see Map)
Register for this workshop
Tuesday, April 03, 2012
IDEA Three-part Series: Understand the IEP Process
A new three-part series helps parents of children who receive special education services understand the special education process and their own child’s IEP (Individual Education Program). Parents are encouraged to attend all three workshops on 3/20, 4/3, and 4/17. This second workshop explores the IEP requirements and components of IEP development.
7:00pm-9:00pm (PACER Center - see Map)
Register for this workshop
Thursday, April 05, 2012
Implementation Strategies for AAC: How to Get Kids Really Talking
Learn strategies to teach and promote use of an augmentative communication system to get users to independently initiate spontaneous, novel utterances rather than simply repeating pre-stored sentences when prompted. The strategies presented cover a range of ages, abilities, variety of devices and programs. The workshop is not limited to people using Prentke Romich communication devices. You do not need to bring an AAC device to the workshop. This presentation is appropriate for anyone (teacher, SLP, parent, paraprofessional, etc.) working with student using communication devices.
12:00pm-3:00pm (PACER Center - see Map)
Register for this workshop
Thursday, April 12, 2012
Technology for Girls: What is Your Reality - see flyer
Every day, we interact with technology in new ways. Join this workshop to learn how computer engineering and technology play a critical part of the creation of virtual reality. In an interactive presentation, Brice Pollock, a Master of Science student at Iowa State University, will discuss human-computer interaction and augmented reality with cool demonstrations! Attend this workshop to be inspired by technology as you learn about all it can do. This workshop is for middle school girls with disabilities. Sponsored in part by IBM.
6:00pm-7:30pm (PACER Center - see Map)
Register for this workshop
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
IDEA Three-part series: Understand Your Child’s IEP
A new three-part series helps parents of children who receive special education services understand the special education process and their own child’s IEP (Individual Education Program). Parents are encouraged to attend all three workshops on 3/20, 4/3, and 4/17. This final workshop in the series helps parents take a close look at their own child’s IEP using Minnesota’s recommended IEP form and PACER’s booklet, A Guide for Minnesota Parents to the IEP.
7:00pm-9:00pm (PACER Center - see Map)
Register for this workshop
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Preparing for the Journey: Transition to Work and Independent Living
This workshop is for families of youth with disabilities who are in the transition process (age 14-21). It will provide parents with information about employment, independent living, and the physical, emotional, and social changes of adolescence and young adulthood.
7:00pm-9:00pm (Alexandria)
Register for this workshop
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Managing Tourette Syndrome: A Story from the World’s Strongest Librarian
Josh Hanagarne, a librarian at the Salt Lake City Public Library, shares the hope-filled story of his mother’s belief in him and his journey from letting Tourette syndrome control his life to becoming “the world’s strongest librarian.”
7:00pm-9:00pm (PACER Center - see Map)
Register for this workshop
Monday, April 23, 2012
Special Education: What Do Parents Need to Know
This workshop helps parents understand special education, learn to resolve disagreements, and discover the role of parents in the process.
6:30pm-8:30pm (Austin - see Map)
Register for this workshop
Monday, April 23, 2012
Special Education and Zero Tolerance Policies: How Can Parents Advocate
Schools have incorporated zero tolerance policies for many years to reduce the potential for violence. In this session, parents and professionals will learn how to advocate for children with disabilities when these policies conflict with needs identified in an IEP.
7:00pm-9:00pm (PACER Center - see Map)
Register for this workshop
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
If I Knew Then What I Know Now
A panel of experienced parents of children with disabilities will share insights gained while raising and educating their children. Participants will be encouraged to ask questions and share their own insights and experiences as well.
6:30pm-8:30pm (PACER Center - see Map)
Register for this workshop
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Six Skills for Effective Parent Advocacy
This workshop will explore six skills parents can use to become more effective advocates for their child with a disability. Come learn these skills which include: understanding your child's disability, knowing your school district, knowing your rights and responsibilities, using clear and effective communication, understanding the special education process, and knowing the dispute resolution option.
6:30pm-8:30pm (Granite Falls)
Register for this workshop
Thursday, April 26, 2012
What I Could Have Said: Parents Share Communication Tips
A panel of parents of children with disabilities will share communication insights gained through years of experience at IEP meetings. Participants will receive the top ten tips for parent/professional communication.
7:00pm-9:00pm (PACER Center)
Register for this workshop
Saturday, April 28, 2012
Everything You Need to Learn Before Your Child Turns Three
Families will learn about the transition process from Part C Early Intervention services to Part B preschool services. Topics include transition requirements, Least Restrictive Environment (LRE), Inclusion, and Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals and objectives.
9:00am-11:00am (PACER Center - see Map)
Register for this workshop
Monday, April 30, 2012
Tools for Teaching and Supporting Sequenced Unity
This course focuses on how to use tools Vocabulary Builder, PASS, and the AAC Language Lab to teach the sequenced Unity software programs available in the Vantage Lite. Participants will receive an overview of the vocabulary options available, how to use pre-stored word lists within Vocabulary Builder and how to build their own word lists. Participants will learn how to use the VantageLite emulation software (PASS) to create manual boards to help teach vocabulary and will be introduced to the AAC Language Lab for additional ideas on teaching language.
9:00am-12:00pm (PACER Center - see Map)
Register for this workshop
Tuesday, May 01, 2012
Transition: Pathway to the Future
This workshop will help parents of children with disabilities understand how to use the special education transition process to help plan for life after high school. Parents of students in the 9th grade and beyond are encouraged to attend.
7:00pm-9:00pm (Mankato - see Map)
Register for this workshop
Tuesday, May 01, 2012
Making the Move from Early Childhood Special Education to Kindergarten
This workshop will help parents plan for this transition and learn strategies to help their child be successful and make that first school experience a good one.
6:30pm-8:30pm (PACER Center - see Map)
Register for this workshop
Tuesday, May 08, 2012
Life Planning for Persons with Disabilities: Part I
Each of these two sessions (5/8 and 5/22) covers different information, including guardianship-conservatorship laws, power of attorney, trust, and other issues. Participants should plan to attend both sessions.
7:00pm-9:00pm (PACER Center - see Map)
Register for this workshop
Wednesday, May 09, 2012
Accessible Instructional Materials and Digital Books Workshop Series: All About Digital Books - see flyer
this workshop will inform participants about the assistive technology available to read accessible instructional materials and maximize learning potential for individuals with disabilities. Funded by a grant from Minnesota Department of Education in collaboration with the South Central Service Cooperative.
6:00pm-8:00pm (North Mankato - see Map)
Register for this workshop
Thursday, May 10, 2012
Special Education, Juvenile Justice, and Foster Care: Working Across Systems to Keep Kids Out of the Justice System
A high proportion of youth with disabilities in the foster system and adopted youth are involved in the juvenile justice system. Participants will learn why this population is at greater risk and discover new trends in working with youth and families in systems that often overlap.
7:00pm-9:00pm (PACER Center - see Map)
Register for this workshop
Saturday, May 12, 2012
Family Leadership Summit
This one-day training is free for parents of young children with developmental delays or disabilities. Parents will enhance their communication and leadership skills, and have the opportunity to network with others. Accommodations will be available for parents traveling more than 70 miles one way. Contact Judy Swett at 952-838-9000 or at jswett@PACER.org for more information.
8:30am-3:30pm (PACER Center)
Register for this workshop
Monday, May 14, 2012
Using AAC to Support Individuals with Autism
While there is growing awareness and acceptance for incorporating AAC strategies for people with autism, ensuring that AAC is implemented in the most appropriate way is important. We will show in a case study how AAC is used to address communication, emotional regulation and behavioral challenges. We will demonstrate how the tools on a high tech AAC device, paired with proven teaching strategies, can support implementation of an AAC plan. Planning tools that support the integration of communication, visual supports, and emotional regulation in various activities at all ability levels will be introduced. Following this session, participants will: summarize 2-3 research studies related to using high-tech AAC with individuals with autism, describe why we might address communication, behavioral supports, and emotional regulation with one AAC solution, create lesson plans that incorporate AAC to address communication, emotional regulation, and behavioral supports.
8:00am-2:00pm (PACER Center - see Map)
Register for this workshop
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Life Planning for Persons with Disabilities: Part II
Each of these two sessions (5/8 and 5/22) covers different information, including guardianship-conservatorship laws, power of attorney, trust, and other issues. Participants should plan to attend both sessions.
7:00pm-9:00pm (PACER Center - see Map)
Register for this workshop
Thursday, May 24, 2012
Play and Explore with Tobii Communicator 4, Tobii Technology
Explore the features that include using photos, environmental controls, cell phone features, and more on the Tobii Cseries devices.
9:00am-12:00pm (PACER Center - see Map)
Register for this workshop

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