PACER Center
952-838-9000
Champions for Children with Disabilities
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.
Workshops with this notice means that this workshop offers an off-site attendance option: a video-streaming service will broadcast the workshop live over the Internet so people who can’t attend the workshop in person can view the presentation live on their computer or tablet.
You will receive an e-mail about one week before the workshop with instructions and a link to the livestream.
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!
Workshops Ordered by:
Date
|
Order Worksops by Name
|
Order Worksops by Location
|
Order Worksops by Online Streaming Availible
-
Exploring Microsoft Accessibility
Date: Thursday, May 23, 2013Time: 5:00pm-6:30pmHaving trouble seeing things on your computer screen or accessing files? Discover how to make your Windows computer easier to see, hear, and use by taking advantage of Microsoft’s built-in accessibility features. Participants will learn how to adjust computer settings to improve the visibility of the computer screen, create customized sounds for your computer, make the mouse and keyboard easier to control by slowing down the movement, create display captions for speech and sounds and use text-to-speech features.Location: PACER Center - Map and Address -
KITE - Session 5 - Assistive Technology for the Communication Needs of Young Learners
Date: Thursday, May 23, 2013Time: 6:30pm-8:30pmOne of the most important and empowering skills a young child can have is the ability to communicate. Participants in this workshop will discover how assistive technology can strengthen and enable the communication skills of young children. A wide variety of alternative and augmentative communication (AAC) solutions will be demonstrated and discussed, ranging from simple do-it-yourself solutions to high-tech apps and dedicated communication devices. This workshop is part 5 of a 5-part series.Location: PACER Center - Map and Address -
Planning for the Future: Guardianship, Conservatorship, and Other Options
Date: Tuesday, May 28, 2013Time: 6:30-8:30pmAttorney Lori Guzmàn, founder of Guzmàn Law Firm, P.A. and parent of a child with multiple disabilities, will discuss what families should consider when planning to protect and assist a child with disabilities in the transition to adulthood. She will answer such questions as: What is guardianship? What is conservatorsi? When are they necessary and how are they established? What are the options for less restrictive alternatives? When are other options more appropriate?Location: PACER Center - Map and Address
May 2013
June 2013
-
Assistive Technology for the Blind and for People with Low Vision
Date: Monday, June 10, 2013Time: 6:00pm-8:00pmMore advances in technology have resulted in more technology that is accessible for people with disabilities. What tools are available for people who are blind or have low vision and how do these tools impact their lives? This workshop for parents and professionals takes an in depth look at assistive technology for the blind and for people with low vision in four categories: work/education, day-to-day operations, socializing and navigation. Join us to learn about assistive technology for the blind and for people with low vision and for some hands on experience with these tools.Location: PACER Center - Map and Address -
Do-It-Yourself Assistive Technology for Early Childhood and Elementary Aged Children
Date: Monday, June 17, 2013Time: 6:30pm-8:30pmAssistive technology (AT) does not need to be complicated or expensive. In fact, many AT devices can be made quickly and easily at home with inexpensive, common materials. In this workshop, we will showcase simple do-it-yourself (DIY) projects for a wide range of skills and needs including communication, behavior, writing, literacy, and community involvement. A make-and-take item will be created and additional DIY resources will be provided to participants. Both families and professionals are encouraged to attend.Location: PACER Center - Map and Address -
Families Are Important: Understanding the Early Intervention Process in Minnesota
Date: Tuesday, June 18, 2013Time: 6:30pm-8:30pmAn 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.Location: PACER Center - Map and Address -
Ready, AIM, Go: A Hands on Experience Learning About Reading Accessibility
Date: Thursday, June 20, 2013Time: 6:30pm-8:30pmImprove the reading experience; discover the power of Accessible Instructional Materials! There are many who benefit greatly from using reading content that is formatted in audio, digital, Braille, and large print. Come join us in our computer lab for a fun hands-on learning experience. You will learn about accessible instructional materials (AIM); what it is, how to find it, and how to read it. Presenters will demonstrate software and hardware options, including mobile technology options such as apps for smartphones and tablets. A variety of software will be available on the computers for hands-on exploration.Location: PACER Center - Map and Address
July 2013
-
Cool Tools for Back to School: Mobile Technology and More
Date: Tuesday, July 30, 2013Time: 6:30pm-8:30pmCome ready to be impressed by sleek and slick tools for back to school. We will cover cool tools for students in middle school through post-secondary. Android and iOS apps, software and hardware will be demonstrated for reading, writing and organization. It’s all about: smaller, lighter, faster, easier, cooler, newer and MORE FUN!Location: PACER Center - Map and Address -
Assistive Technology for Social Skills and Behavioral Support for Early Learners
Date: Wednesday, July 31, 2013Time: 6:30pm-8:30pmWhen many people think about assistive technology (AT), they often think of tools for communication and academic skills. But did you know that AT can also be used to develop social skills and address behavioral needs? Assistive technology can be used to teach skills that children use to focus, calm and redirect themselves for positive peer interaction and behavior management. These skills are particularly important for young children who are just beginning to learn these essential skills. In this workshop, we will explore no tech, low tech, and high tech solutions for social and behavioral supports for young children and discuss how to effectively integrate this AT into your daily routines. The information presented will be appropriate for both families with young children and early childhood professionals.Location: PACER Center - Map and Address
September 2013
-
Epilepsy and the IEP: Understanding IDEA Requirements and Development of the IEP
Date: Thursday, September 19, 2013Time: 6:30pm- 8:30 pmThis Individual Education Program (IEP) workshop explores new IEP requirements and components of IEP development, including evaluation, resolving disagreements, and writing measurable goals with an emphasis on students affected by epilepsy. This workshop is co-sponsored by the Epilepsy Foundation of Minnesota.Location: PACER Center - Map and Address -
Assistive Technology for Beginners: Matching Technology with Need
Date: Wednesday, September 25, 2013Time: 6:00pm-8:00pmTechnology of all kinds can have a powerful impact in helping children reach their full potential. This workshop will introduce participants to the continuum of assistive technology options available and how to think about matching need with the appropriate technology. A range of options on the continuum of Assistive Technology in a variety of categories will be presented. A variety of AT will be on display.Location: PACER Center - Map and Address
PACER's site offers many PDF files for download, which require