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.
Select workshops may include:
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. The link to the Livestream channel is in the workshop confirmation you receive after you register. All events are free. You do not need a Livestream account to view our live and recorded events. You can sign up for a free account if you would like to receive notifications when we go live or when we post new events.
Links to the handouts will be posted on the event page. Certificates of attendance are available for attending the live event stream and can be accessed by completing a workshop evaluation after the event.
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Filter Workshops by Online Streaming Available IEP Workshop Series Tech for Girls Club Tech for Teens Club View Archived Live Stream EventsSeptember 2018
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Switch it Up!
Date: Wednesday, September 19, 2018 — 11:00 AM - 12:30 PMLocation: PACER Center - Map and AddressSwitches can help individuals with disabilities control a variety of devices such as a computer, tablet or communication device. But with so many different types of switch options available, it’s hard to know which one is right for your child or student. This workshop will cover different types of switches, switch interfaces and positioning options. -
Planning for Educational Inclusion: A Viewing of 'Including Samuel'
Date: Thursday, September 20, 2018 — 6:30 PM - 8:30 PMLocation: St. Cloud - Map and AddressPACER Center is excited to offer a showing of 'Including Samuel,' produced by photojournalist Dan Habib. This one-hour, award-winning documentary is designed to help schools, families, community groups, and others work toward educational inclusion in an informed and innovative way. It examines the educational and social inclusion of youth and young adults with disabilities. Q&A with a PACER advocate will occur before and after the film. -
Tech Tools for Students: Researching and Organizing for School Projects
Date: Thursday, September 20, 2018 — 4:00 PM - 5:30 PMLocation: PACER Center - Map and AddressThis workshop will explore a range of technology to help with school projects for students in middle school, high school, and beyond. We will look at apps, software, and web resources that can help with the completion of school projects. Demonstrations will include tools for online searching, mind mapping, visual organizing, assignment calculators, and creating a bibliography. We will discuss the steps of a project from defining your topic, researching, and organizing information, to creating an outline or plan, citing sources, and managing project completion. Content will be relevant for a range of school projects, such as research papers, posters, presentations, or models. -
Being an Active Participant in your Child’s Transition Before Age Three
Date: Tuesday, September 25, 2018 — 6:30 PM - 8:30 PMLocation: PACER Center - Map and AddressFamilies will learn to understand and take an active role in the transition process from Part C Early Intervention services to Part B preschool services or other services in the community.Being an Active Participant in your Child’s Transition Before Age Three - live stream event page Being an Active Participant in your Child’s Transition Before Age Three - Register for this workshop
Sponsored by PACER’s Family Information and Resources Project. Funding for this workshop is made possible with a contract from the Minnesota Department of Education. The source of the funds is federal awards, Special Education Part C. -
Tips and Strategies for a Productive Doctor’s Visit
Date: Thursday, September 27, 2018 — 6:30 PM - 8:30 PMLocation: PACER Center - Map and AddressLearn to organize your medical information, create questions and follow-up expectations, develop an emergency preparedness plan and learn communication skills to facilitate a partnership and shared decision making for better health outcomes.
October 2018
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Transition: Pathway to the Future
Date: Tuesday, October 02, 2018 — 6:00 PM - 8:00 PMLocation: Little Falls - Map and AddressThis workshop will help parents of students in the 8th grade or above who have an Individualized Education Program (IEP) gain a broad understanding of how appropriate transition services support planning for life after high school.Transition: Pathway to the Future - Register for this workshop
This event is funded in part by a grant from the Minnesota Department of Education. -
Paths to Employment: How Families Can Help
Date: Tuesday, October 09, 2018 — 6:30 PM - 8:00 PMLocation: PACER Center - Map and AddressParents will learn about career planning options for in-school and out-of-school youth with disabilities, and where they can find help to launch their youth on the path to employment. -
APPy Hour: Apps for Time Management – Alarms, Timers, and Reminders
Date: Wednesday, October 10, 2018 — 1:00 PM - 2:00 PMLocation: PACER Center - Map and AddressThis ‘APPy Hour’ will showcase a variety of tools to support time management. Apps demonstrated will include clocks, alarms, timers, and reminders for both iOS and Android devices. These apps will benefit people with ADHD, executive function disorder, and blind or low vision. -
IEP Workshop Series : The ABC’s of the IEP: Making the Individualized Education Program (IEP) Work for Your Child
Date: Thursday, October 11, 2018 — 6:30 PM - 8:30 PMLocation: PACER Center - Map and AddressThis workshop will help parents understand how to use the Individualized Education Program (IEP) to benefit their child. Presenters will use the PACER booklet, "Guide for Minnesota Parent to the IEP", to help participants understand how each required part of the IEP can be developed to meet the child's needs. Parents need to bring a copy of their child's most current IEP.The ABC’s of the IEP: Making the Individualized Education Program (IEP) Work for Your Child - Register for this workshop
This "The ABCs of the IEP" workshop is offered on two different dates:
Please also plan to attend the 10/29 Hot Tips on the Individualized Education Program workshop.
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Tech for Girls Club : Painting with Robots
Date: Saturday, October 13, 2018 — 10:00 AM - 11:30 AMLocation: PACER Center - Map and AddressArt and robotics collide in this fun workshop for girls! Code a Sphero robot and use it to create your own painting and photography masterpiece. This workshop is led by TPT, Twin Cities Public Television. No coding or photography experience is necessary; all skill levels are welcome. -
How Parents Can Effectively Communicate with the Individualized Education Program (IEP) Team
Date: Monday, October 15, 2018 — 6:30 PM - 8:30 PMLocation: Granite FallsThis interactive workshop helps parents learn to advocate for their child in the special education process. Parents receive tips and tools to help them become more effective communicators as a member of their child’s IEP team.How Parents Can Effectively Communicate with the Individualized Education Program (IEP) Team - Register for this workshop
This event is funded in part by a grant from the Minnesota Department of Education. -
10 Topics to help Your Child Succeed in School
Date: Tuesday, October 16, 2018 — 6:30 PM - 8:30 PMLocation: Worthington - Map and AddressParents who participate in this interactive workshop will learn about 10 important areas in special education, and acquire skills and knowledge they can use to help their child with disabilities by more successful. Parent will also be provided with several useful tools.10 Topics to help Your Child Succeed in School - Register for this workshop
This event is funded in part by a grant from the Minnesota Department of Education. -
Becoming an Active Partner in Your Child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP)
Date: Thursday, October 18, 2018 — 6:30 PM - 8:30 PMLocation: PACER Center - Map and AddressThis workshop for parents of children ages 3 to 5 will provide an overview of the early childhood special education process and how to take an active lead in the IEP process.Becoming an Active Partner in Your Child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) - live stream event page Becoming an Active Partner in Your Child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) - Register for this workshop
This workshop is offered by PACER’s Family Information and Resources Project. It is funded by a contract from the Minnesota Department of Education. The source of the funds is federal awards, Special Education Part B. -
Transitioning to Employment
Date: Thursday, October 18, 2018 — 6:30 PM - 8:30 PMLocation: Grand Rapids - Map and AddressFamilies of youth will receive information on career exploration and planning Including preparing their youth for employment, information about agencies that provide independent living, financial, and employment services and supports. -
Tech for Teens Club : Intro to Coding and Video Games
Date: Saturday, October 20, 2018 — 10:00 AM - 12:00 PMLocation: PACER Center - Map and AddressThis two-hour hands-on workshop will introduce teens (boys and girls) with disabilities to the fundamentals of coding through the use of MIT's Scratch online software. Teens will create interactive games and stories while developing basic programming skills. This workshop is designed for students with basic computer skills, but no previous coding knowledge is required. Students of all abilities are encouraged to attend. -
School Avoidance and Challenging Behaviors: Special Education and Section 504
Date: Monday, October 22, 2018 — 6:30 PM - 8:00 PMLocation: Elk RiverWhen children or teens experience difficulties attending school or participating in school tasks, parents may struggle to know how to help. This workshop will provide parents and others with information and resources on the role of Special Education and Section 504 when addressing a child’s challenging behaviors. -
The ABC’s of AAC: Augmentative Communication Basics for Parents
Date: Monday, October 22, 2018 — 6:00 PM - 7:30 PMLocation: PACER Center - Map and AddressJoin us to explore augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) technology and learn about the process from trialing available communication technologies to purchasing a piece of technology. Parents will learn about available technology, what questions to ask your provider, resources to support the process, and more. This session will be presented by Elizabeth Barry, Assistive Technology Specialist at PACER Center, and Meghan Kunz, Augmentative Communication Consultant with Prentke Romich Company. -
IEP Workshop Series : The ABC’s of the IEP: Making the Individualized Education Program (IEP) Work for Your Child
Date: Monday, October 22, 2018 — 6:30 PM - 8:30 PMLocation: Chanhassen - Map and AddressThis workshop will help parents understand how to use the Individualized Education Program (IEP) to benefit their child. Presenters will use the PACER booklet, "Guide for Minnesota Parent to the IEP", to help participants understand how each required part of the IEP can be developed to meet the child's needs. Parents need to bring a copy of their child's most current IEP.The ABC’s of the IEP: Making the Individualized Education Program (IEP) Work for Your Child - Register for this workshop
This "The ABCs of the IEP" workshop is offered on two different dates:
Please also plan to attend the 10/29 Hot Tips on the Individualized Education Program workshop.
This event is funded in part by a grant from the Minnesota Department of Education.
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ABLE to Save – ABLE Accounts, a New Savings Opportunity for Individuals with Disabilities
Date: Tuesday, October 23, 2018 — 6:30 PM - 8:30 PMLocation: PACER Center - Map and AddressLearn how new ABLE Accounts allow families to save up to $15,000 per year for their child without affecting their eligibility for Supplemental Security Insurance (SSI) or Medicaid. Guest speakers from the ABLE National Resource Center and the State of Minnesota ABLE Plan will discuss eligibility requirements, qualified expenses, annual and lifetime savings limits, and the relationship of ABLE Accounts to special needs trusts. -
Paths to Employment: Exploring the Options
Date: Thursday, October 25, 2018 — 6:30 PM - 8:00 PMLocation: Worthington - Map and AddressA panel of representatives from Minnesota's Special Education, Career and Technical Education, Vocational Rehabilitation, and WorkForce Center systems will share information to help youth with disabilities get started on a career path, ways the programs work together, and how youth can access these services. Information will primarily address options available to in-school youth, but some information about programs for out-of-school youth will also be presented. -
IEP Workshop Series : Hot Tips on the Individualized Education Program: Is Your Child’s IEP Individualized and Appropriate?
Date: Monday, October 29, 2018 — 6:30 PM - 8:30 PMLocation: PACER Center - Map and AddressParents will learn to use their child’s special education evaluation report to determine how well the Individualized Education Program (IEP) addresses their child’s needs. Parents must bring the child’s most current school evaluation and IEP. -
School Avoidance and Challenging Behaviors: Special Education and Section 504
Date: Monday, October 29, 2018 — 6:30 PM - 8:00 PMLocation: DuluthWhen children or teens experience difficulties attending school or participating in school tasks, parents may struggle to know how to help. This workshop will provide parents and others with information and resources on the role of Special Education and Section 504 when addressing a child’s challenging behaviors. -
The ABC’s of the IEP: Making the Individualized Education Program (IEP) Work for Your Child
Date: Monday, October 29, 2018 — 6:30 PM - 8:30 PMLocation: OwatonnaThis workshop will help parents understand how to use the Individualized Education Program (IEP) to benefit their child. Presenters will use the PACER booklet, “Guide for Minnesota Parent to the IEP”, to help participants understand how each required part of the IEP can be developed to meet the child’s needs. Parents need to bring a copy of their child’s most current IEP. -
The ABC’s of the IEP: Making the Individualized Education Program (IEP) Work for Your Child
Date: Tuesday, October 30, 2018 — 6:30 PM - 8:30 PMLocation: HutchinsonThis workshop will help parents understand how to use the Individualized Education Program (IEP) to benefit their child. Presenters will use the PACER booklet, “Guide for Minnesota Parent to the IEP”, to help participants understand how each required part of the IEP can be developed to meet the child’s needs. Parents need to bring a copy of their child’s most current IEP.
November 2018
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Transitioning to Employment
Date: Thursday, November 01, 2018 — 6:30 PM - 8:30 PMLocation: AlexandriaFamilies of youth will receive information on career exploration and planning Including preparing their youth for employment, information about agencies that provide independent living, financial, and employment services and supports. -
Tech for Teens Club : Programming Robots
Date: Saturday, November 03, 2018 — 10:00 AM - 12:00 PMLocation: PACER Center - Map and AddressIn this workshop, teens with disabilities will learn some of the fundamentals of robotics by programming a Finch robot to interact and respond to its environment. Students will use Snap!, an online tool, to program a Finch robot’s lights, movement and reaction to obstacles. This workshop is designed for students with basic computer skills, but no previous coding knowledge is required. Students of all abilities are encouraged to attend. -
Special Education: What Do I Need to Know
Date: Saturday, November 03, 2018 — 1:00 PM - 3:00 PMLocation: Minneapolis - Map and AddressParents will gain an understanding of special education, how to resolve disagreements, and discover the role of parents in the process. -
School Avoidance and Challenging Behaviors: Special Education and Section 504
Date: Monday, November 05, 2018 — 6:30 PM - 8:00 PMLocation: WadenaWhen children or teens experience difficulties attending school or participating in school tasks, parents may struggle to know how to help. This workshop will provide parents and others with information and resources on the role of Special Education and Section 504 when addressing a child’s challenging behaviors. -
How Parents Can Effectively Communicate with the Individualized Education Program (IEP) Team
Date: Thursday, November 08, 2018 — 6:30 PM - 8:30 PMLocation: Elk RiverThis interactive workshop helps parents learn to advocate for their child in the special education process. Parents receive tips and tools to help them become more effective communicators as a member of their child’s IEP team.How Parents Can Effectively Communicate with the Individualized Education Program (IEP) Team - Register for this workshop
This event is funded in part by a grant from the Minnesota Department of Education. -
Transition: Pathway to the Future
Date: Thursday, November 08, 2018 — 6:00 PM - 8:00 PMLocation: PACER Center - Map and AddressThis workshop for parents of students in the eighth grade and above who have Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) understand how to develop transition services to support planning for life after high school.Transition: Pathway to the Future - Register for this workshop
This event is funded in part by a grant from the Minnesota Department of Education. -
Tech for Girls Club : Artbots – Part I
Date: Saturday, November 10, 2018 — 10:00 AM - 11:30 AMLocation: PACER Center - Map and AddressWires, circuits and art, oh my! In this workshop, girls will make a doodle bot (a drawing robot) and create a circuit to make it draw. They will also learn how to code the Hummingbird robot. Girls will draw their own creature and use their newly learned skills to make it come alive in the next Tech for Girls workshop. This workshop is led by TPT, Twin Cities Public Television. No programming experience is necessary; all skill levels are welcome. -
10 Topics to help Your Child Succeed in School
Date: Tuesday, November 13, 2018 — 6:30 PM - 8:30 PMLocation: Cottage GroveParents who participate in this interactive workshop will learn about 10 important areas in special education, and acquire skills and knowledge they can use to help their child with disabilities by more successful. Parent will also be provided with several useful tools.10 Topics to help Your Child Succeed in School - Register for this workshop
This event is funded in part by a grant from the Minnesota Department of Education. -
Transitioning to Employment
Date: Wednesday, November 14, 2018 — 6:30 PM - 8:30 PMLocation: St CloudFamilies of youth will receive information on career exploration and planning, including preparing their youth for employment, and information about agencies that provide independent living, financial, and employment services and supports. -
Planning For an IEP Team Meeting When Your Child Has Mental Health Challenges
Date: Thursday, November 15, 2018 — 6:00 PM - 7:30 PMLocation: New Ulm - Map and AddressIEP team meetings can be challenging when a child has complex mental health needs. This workshop will provide parents and others with information to help prepare for a positive team meeting to support the child’s mental health needs in school.Planning For an IEP Team Meeting When Your Child Has Mental Health Challenges - Register for this workshop
This event is funded in part by a grant from the Minnesota Department of Education. -
Special Education & the Important Role You Play for Your Child
Date: Thursday, November 15, 2018 — 6:30 PM - 8:30 PMLocation: PACER Center - Map and AddressLearn how parents can use their rights and abilities to advocate for their child and work effectively with the school. This workshop will also provide valuable information for surrogate parents, foster parents, and the professionals who work with them on behalf of children.Special Education & the Important Role You Play for Your Child - Register for this workshop
This event is funded in part by a grant from the Minnesota Department of Education. -
Being an Active Participant in Your Child’s Transition from Early Childhood Special Education to Kindergarten
Date: Saturday, November 17, 2018 — 9:00 AM - 11:00 AMLocation: PACER Center - Map and AddressKindergarten is a big step in any child’s life. This workshop will help parents of young children with disabilities plan for this transition and learn strategies to help their child be successful.Being an Active Participant in Your Child’s Transition from Early Childhood Special Education to Kindergarten - live stream event page Being an Active Participant in Your Child’s Transition from Early Childhood Special Education to Kindergarten - Register for this workshop
Sponsored by PACER’s Family Information and Resources Project. Funding for this workshop is made possible with a contract from the Minnesota Department of Education. The source of the funds is federal awards, Special Education Part C. -
Tips and Tools for Talking with School Staff
Date: Saturday, November 17, 2018 — 1:00 PM - 3:00 PMLocation: MinneapolisParents of special education students will learn practical tips and interactive problem-solving strategies to build the skills necessary to communicate effectively with school staff and resolve differences. -
Becoming an Active Partner in Your Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP)
Date: Monday, November 26, 2018 — 6:30 PM - 8:30 PMLocation: PACER Center - Map and AddressThis workshop will help parents of children birth to age 3 understand early intervention services, the Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP), and how families can be involved in writing child and family outcomes and become an active participants in the IFSP process.Becoming an Active Partner in Your Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) - live stream event page Becoming an Active Partner in Your Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) - Register for this workshop
Sponsored by PACER’s Family Information and Resources Project. Funding for this workshop is made possible with a contract from the Minnesota Department of Education. The source of the funds is from federal awards, Special Education Part C. -
A Recipe for Success: A Healthy Start with Augmentative Communication at Home
Date: Thursday, November 29, 2018 — 6:00 PM - 7:30 PMLocation: PACER Center - Map and AddressA recipe for success with Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) starts with consistency and opportunity. Join us to learn how to create communication opportunities at home using AAC and how to get off to a healthy start. During this session we will practice modeling on an AAC system and review other tips and tricks to include it in your daily activities and routines. This session will be presented by Elizabeth Barry, Assistive Technology Specialist at PACER Center, and Meghan Kunz, Augmentative Communication Consultant with Prentke Romich Company (PRC).
December 2018
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Using Smartphones, Watches, and Wearables to Support Executive Function for All Ages
Date: Monday, December 03, 2018 — 4:00 PM - 5:30 PMLocation: PACER Center - Map and AddressThis workshop will explore ways that smart phones, smart watches, and other wearable can support executive function skills for people of all ages. Participants will learn ways to increase time awareness and focus, how to use reminders, explore tools to organize and prioritize, and discuss task initiation and completion. The tools and strategies demonstrated will benefit people with disabilities, such as ADHD, executive function disorder, autism spectrum disorder, and blind or low vision. -
School Engagement and Avoidance: What to do When Your Child is Struggling
Date: Tuesday, December 04, 2018 — 6:30 PM - 8:00 PMLocation: PACER Center - Map and AddressThis training will help parents and others consider positive approaches to working with a child’s school to increase school engagement when attendance becomes a concern. -
The Next Step: Planning for Success in Employment and Postsecondary Education
Date: Wednesday, December 05, 2018 — 6:30 PM - 8:30 PMLocation: MankatoAttendees will gain information on the link between postsecondary education and employment success, and offer strategies to help youth prepare for work and education after high school. -
Tech for Girls Club : Artbots – Part II
Date: Saturday, December 08, 2018 — 10:00 AM - 11:30 AMLocation: PACER Center - Map and AddressThis workshop expands on skills learned in the November Tech for Girls workshop. Girls will continue to learn how to code the Hummingbird robot. They will build a creature out of recycled materials and craft supplies. Once their creature is built, girls will make it come alive! This workshop is led by TPT, Twin Cities Public Television. Attending the November workshop is encouraged but not required. No programming experience is necessary; all skill levels are welcome. -
ABC’s of the IEP for Transition Age Students and Their Parents
Date: Tuesday, December 11, 2018 — 6:00 PM - 8:00 PMLocation: Minnetrista - Map and AddressParents and their students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) in 8th grade and above will learn how to use the IEP to assist with the transition to adulthood. -
Tech for Teens Club : Building Websites
Date: Saturday, December 15, 2018 — 10:00 AM - 12:00 PMLocation: PACER Center - Map and AddressThis workshop will introduce teens with disabilities to the basics of coding for the internet with HTML and CSS. Students will create their own unique website and publish it on the Internet using Mozilla Thimble. Students will be able to experiment with code and see the results online in real time. This workshop is designed for students with basic computer skills, but no previous coding knowledge is required. Students of all abilities are encouraged to attend.
January 2019
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Tech for Teens Club : A Star Wars 3D Printed Universe
Date: Saturday, January 12, 2019 — 10:00 AM - 11:30 AMLocation: PACER Center - Map and AddressA guest speaker from a galaxy far far away will present the basics behind 3D printing. Teens with disabilities are invited to watch a 3D print from start to finish and to experiment with the 3D design software called SketchUp. Students of all abilities are encouraged to attend. Curiosity is the only requirement. -
Parent Leadership Training on Children’s Mental Health
Date: Thursday, January 17, 2019 — 6:30 PM - 8:00 PMLocation: PACER Center - Map and AddressParents of children and youth who have behavioral health challenges play an important role in their child’s services and supports and can use those experiences to help others. This training will cover information for parent leaders in Minnesota including: Parent leadership opportunitis, systems advocacy: an overview for parent leaders, and influencing change through the parent story.
February 2019
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Tech for Teens Club : Building a Robot
Date: Saturday, February 09, 2019 — 10:00 AM - 12:00 PMLocation: PACER Center - Map and AddressIn this workshop, teens with disabilities will assemble a robot and program it to respond to the environment. Students will learn about the entire process of building a robot, from assembly to executing code. This workshop is designed for students with basic computer skills but no previous coding knowledge is required. Students of all abilities are encouraged to attend.