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.
The Minnesota Parent Center is a unique statewide project designed to help families and schools build stronger ties to benefit students.See all the upcoming MN PIRC workshops >>>
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
Alternative workshop listings are available:
Workshops Ordered by Name
Workshops Ordered by Program
Workshops Ordered by Location
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Tuesday, December 01, 2009
Computer and Assistive Technology Basics - see flyer
Come learn the basic skills needed to use a computer and navigate the Internet. You’ll also find out what assistive technology is, how it can benefit people with disabilities, and how you can have access to computers and the Internet for little or no money. Sponsored in part by the Minneapolis Foundation’s Digital Inclusion Fund. Minneapolis residents who attend all three workshops will get a free one-year membership to the Simon Technology Center Lending Library.
6:00pm-8:00pm (PACER Center)
Register for this workshop
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Monday, December 07, 2009
How to Advocate for Your Child with Disabilities in the Juvenile Justice System - see flyer
This workshop is for parents of children with disabilities who are at greater risk for entering the court system because of issues in school or in the community.
7:00pm-9:00pm (PACER Center)
Register for this workshop
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Tuesday, December 08, 2009
Free/Open Source Software and Internet Resources - see flyer
Learn about the many free software and Internet resources available for writing, e-mailing, translating, sharing photos, and more. Discover where to find them and how to make them work for you. Sponsored in part by the Minneapolis Foundation’s Digital Inclusion Fund. Minneapolis residents who attend all three workshops will get a free one-year membership to the Simon Technology Center Lending Library.
6:00pm-8:00pm (PACER Center)
Register for this workshop
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Tuesday, December 08, 2009
Housing: First Steps Toward Independent Living - see flyer
Come hear about the person-centered planning process and begin to create your son/daughter’s housing plan. This workshop provides an opportunity for families to think about the first steps needed in helping their son or daughter with a disability prepare to move out of the family home. Topics include independent living skills, support networks, and parents’ real-life journeys through the housing process.
7:00pm-9:30pm (PACER)
Register for this workshop
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Saturday, December 12, 2009
Creation Station: The Art of Leatherworking - see flyer
Join the fun as you create unique bracelets, key chains, and ornaments from leather. Use leatherworking stamps and dies to add a personal touch to your design. (Bring ear plugs if loud sounds bother you: Hammering the leather is noisy!)
10:00am-12:00pm (PACER Center)
Register for this workshop
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Tuesday, December 15, 2009
How to Access, Download, and Play Free Digital Books for Children - see flyer
The Internet offers a wealth of free books to help children read, learn, and grow. Come discover where to find them and how to share them. Sponsored in part by the Minneapolis Foundation’s Digital Inclusion Fund. Minneapolis residents who attend all three workshops will get a free one-year membership to the Simon Technology Center Lending Library.
6:00pm-8:00pm (PACER Center)
Register for this workshop
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Saturday, January 09, 2010
Creation Station: Sculpey™ Extravaganza - see flyer
However you squish it, squash it, or squeeze it, Sculpey™ clay gives shape to imagination. Create amazing necklaces, key chains, bracelets, or whatever you can imagine!
10:00am-12:00pm (PACER Center)
Register for this workshop
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Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Tech For Girls: My Messy Little Experiments
Does an egg float or sink in water? How about a paper clip? How much water can a penny hold? Can a raisin really dance? We will answer questions you’ve had about science and have fun while completing all the little experiments you thought about trying at home but were too messy.
6:00pm-8:00pm (PACER Center)
Register for this workshop
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Thursday, January 21, 2010
Transitioning From Pediatric to Adult Health Care: Barriers, Resources, and Supports
This workshop will focus on barriers and issues that emerge, and share resources and supports that are helpful to patients with special health care needs and their caregivers throughout the process of transition from pediatric to adult healthcare. Guest presenter: Becky Nelson , LICSW Gillette Lifetime Clinic
7:00pm-9:00pm (PACER Center)
Register for this workshop
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Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Disability Day at the Capital
More information regarding this event will be available soon.
9:00am-1:00pm (St. Paul)
Register for this workshop
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Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Tech For Girls: Be a CSI!
Put on your lab coat and come to PACER to be a crime scene investigator (CSI)! We will explore the science of forensics by fingerprinting, analyzing powders, making teeth impressions, and determining someone’s height based on her shoe size. We will test our CSI skills by analyzing data and solving a mock crime.
6:00pm-8:00pm (PACER Center)
Register for this workshop
PACER's site offers many PDF files for download, which require 
