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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:

Projects

The Simon Technology Center also operates several projects with specific focuses such as:

Featured Services and Projects

  • 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.

    Become a member today.

Upcoming STC Workshops & Events

  • see the flyer for Koding with Kodu

    Tech for Girls Club : Koding with Kodu

    Date: Saturday, June 8, 2019 — 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM CST
    Location: PACER Center - Map and Address
    Learn how to code with Kodu, a visual programming language created by Microsoft. Girls will use their coding skills to create their own game! Kodu is designed to be accessible for children and enjoyable for everyone.
    Koding with Kodu - Register for this workshop
  • see the flyer for Take Apart a Computer

    Tech for Teens Club : Take Apart a Computer

    Date: Saturday, June 15, 2019 — 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM CST
    Location: PACER Center - Map and Address
    This workshop will introduce teens with disabilities to the different components that make up a computer. Start with a completely assembled machine and take it apart piece by piece. We’ll discuss the different parts and what they do. And if you’re up to the task, try to put it back together! Use of a screwdriver and some small screws involved. No previous experience is required.
    This workshop is full.
  • see the flyer for Building a Robot

    Tech for Teens Club : Building a Robot

    Date: Saturday, July 13, 2019 — 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM CST
    Location: PACER Center - Map and Address
    In 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.
    Building a Robot - Register for this workshop
  • see the flyer for 3D Printing Basics

    Tech for Teens Club : 3D Printing Basics

    Date: Saturday, August 17, 2019 — 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM CST
    Location: PACER Center - Map and Address
    This workshop will introduce teens with disabilities to the basics of 3D Printing. Teens are invited to watch a 3D print from start to finish and to experiment with the 3D design software to create their own computer general models. Students of all abilities are encouraged to attend.
    3D Printing Basics - Register for this workshop

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.

 
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