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Simon Technology Center Overview
Assistive technology can be a device or service that helps children with disabilities participate more independently within their environment at home or school.
The Simon Technology Center (STC) is dedicated to making the benefits of technology more accessible to children and adults with disabilities. Through a collaborated effort involving parents, professionals, and consumers, the STC can provide numerous services for your family, as well as resources and informative answers to your questions. Since 1987, the Simon Technology Center has helped many children and adults, with a variety of disabilities, use assistive technology to enhance learning, work and independence.
Services
The Simon Technology Center provides a variety of core services to help children, families, and professionals including:
- Technology consultations
- Lending library
- Individualized Training Sessions
- Facebook Buy & Sell Group - MN Special Needs Equipment for Sale
Find equipment and assistive technology after its initial use. Items such as, communication devices, walkers, adaptive switches and toys, motorized cars (that can be adapted), adapted keyboards, etc.
- In-services and workshops
- Simon Technology Center videos
Projects
The Simon Technology Center also operates several projects with specific focuses such as:
Featured Services and Projects
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The STC Lending Library has launched a new modern online catalog of items!
With more than 1,900 items, the Lending Library lets you try out and borrow some of the newest educational and disability-specific software and devices on the market including:
- Text-to-speech software for reading accessibility
- Speech-to-text software for improved written communication
- Universally designed toys for playtime accessibility and inclusion
- Communication devices for communication freedom
- Computer access adaptations for independence
- Talking calculators for improved independence with math
The Simon Technology Center Lending Library allows you to try assistive technology before making a purchase decision and is open to Minnesota residents. Families, educators, and consumers who become library members benefit from personalized assistance, convenient hours and services. As a member, you can:
- Receive personal assistance in selecting and checking out materials.
- Try out devices and software.
- Reserve, check-out, or renew items online, by phone, email or in person.
- Schedule quick pick-up during regular business hours or library open hours.
- Have items mailed to you for free if you live in Greater Minnesota.
Upcoming STC Workshops & Events
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Tech for Teens Club : Intro to coding
Date: Tuesday, September 17, 2024 — 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM CTLocation: Online Web StreamingThis virtual workshop will introduce teens with disabilities to the fundamentals of coding using MIT's Scratch online software. Participants 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. -
Tech for Teens Club : Code your own website
Date: Tuesday, September 24, 2024 — 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM CTLocation: Online Web StreamingThis 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 using a free online tool at Glitch.com. Students will be able to experiment with code and see the results online in real time. -
Beyond keyboards: Alternative tools for controlling your computer
Date: Tuesday, September 24, 2024 — 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM CTLocation: Online Web StreamingKeyboards and mice are great tools to control computers, but do not work for everyone. In this workshop, we'll explore many alternative ways to control computers and mobile devices. Tools will include voice control, switches, adaptive mice, keyboards, and more. We'll demonstrate several simple and complex setups to make accessing your computer easier. -
Assistive technology for reading
Date: Thursday, October 24, 2024 — 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM CTLocation: Online Web StreamingThis workshop will demonstrate assistive technology to help with all stages of reading. It will explore apps and tools to help with learning the basics, minimizing the effects of dyslexia, and more. -
Tech for Teens Club : Introduction to soldering
Date: Saturday, October 26, 2024 — 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM CTLocation: PACER Center - Map and AddressIn this introduction to soldering workshop, participants will explore soldering basics using a soldering iron and heat gun. Participants will also gain hands-on experience by assembling a weevil with light-up eyes that they can take home. -
Assistive technology for writing
Date: Thursday, November 14, 2024 — 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM CTLocation: Online Web StreamingThis workshop will explore assistive technology to help with various writing skill levels. Participants will look at apps that help with different writing stages from drafting to revising, along with learning the basics and various digital and voice options. -
Using Chrome extensions to support reading
Date: Tuesday, November 19, 2024 — 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM CTLocation: Online Web StreamingThis workshop will explore Chrome extensions (apps) that provide support for reading with a Chromebook or the Google Chrome browser. It will address visual supports, literacy skills, and text-to-speech. Attendance is recommended for middle school through college students with dyslexia and other learning challenges, including ADHD. -
Accessibility Series : iPhone and iPad
Date: Thursday, December 12, 2024 — 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM CTLocation: Online Web StreamingiPhones and iPads have many accessibility settings built-in to their operating systems. This workshop will teach participants about different ways to modify these Apple devices to make them more accessible, including voice control, text-to-speech features, head tracking, and more.
The Simon Technology and its projects are generously sponsored by private donations and the following foundations: 3M, Best Buy, Boston Scientific, Donaldson Foundation, Ecolab, Fred C. & Katherine B. Andersen Foundation, Grotto Foundation, IBM, Medtronic, Minneapolis Rotary Community Service Foundation, The Minneapolis Foundation, Schulze Family Foundation, Verizon, and Xcel Energy. In kind support provided by Accenture and Target.