Three Areas of Focus
Three Areas of Focus
Parent Training & Advocacy
PACER staff help parents and others navigate systems that serve children and young adults with disabilities in areas such as special education, mental health, transition to adulthood, and more. These services include:
Individual assistance
PACER advocates are available by phone and email to provide guidance to families, explain available options, and share additional resources. PACER has advocates who speak English, Spanish, and Somali and will work to provide assistance in other languages upon request.
Trainings and workshops
PACER’s free virtual and in-person trainings and workshops educate parents of children with disabilities and professionals on a variety of topics related to special education and other disability services.
Information dissemination
PACER’s print and online resources provide practical tips for accessing services for children and youth with disabilities.
Minnesota’s Parent Center
PACER Center is a centralized source of information and support for Minnesota families. We are the federally designated parent training and information center (PTI), family-to-family health information center (F2F), statewide family network, and RSA-funded parent training and information center for transition-aged youth.
Assistive Technology Solutions
PACER’s Simon Technology Center (STC) provides critical access to assistive technology for individuals with disabilities, their families, and the professionals who work with them. The STC offers innovative, customized solutions to help people meet their education, employment, and daily living goals. STC services include:
Technology consultations and trainings
Try a variety of software and assistive technology devices. In-person and virtual options are available for individuals and groups.
Assistive Technology Lending Library
The Lending Library offers Minnesota families and professionals the opportunity to explore and borrow assistive technology devices and software.
Trainings and workshops
PACER’s STC trainings and workshops educate parents and professionals on a variety of technology-related topics.
STEM opportunities
These opportunities include EX.I.T.E. Camp, a free summer camp for Minnesota middle school girls and gender expansive youth with disabilities and Tech for Teens Club, a series of workshops with fun activities like 3D printing, robotics, coding, and more.
Social Inclusion Programs
PACER provides bullying prevention resources, social and educational activities for teens with disabilities, and puppet shows for all young children that promote kindness, acceptance, and inclusion. These programs include:
National Bullying Prevention Center
The National Bullying Prevention Center (NBPC) leads social change across the nation to prevent childhood bullying so that all youth are safe and supported in their schools, communities, and online.
Fun Times
Fun Times is a free program that connects youth ages 13-20 with and without disabilities in the Minneapolis/St. Paul metro area through free activities and events during the school year.
Puppet Program
The Puppet Program brings the message of disability awareness and social inclusion to young children in the Minneapolis/St. Paul metro area through shows featuring child-sized puppets.