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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 : LEGO Stop Motion Videos
Date: Saturday, August 15, 2020 — 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM CSTLocation: Online Web StreamingIn this Livestream, participants will learn to create stop-motion style videos with a camera and LEGO toys! Requirements: mobile device with camera, Stop Motion Studio app, your choice of LEGO figure or other toys with moving parts. -
Tech for Teens Club : Build a Robot
Date: Saturday, August 15, 2020 — 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM CSTLocation: PACER CenterIn 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.This workshop has been canceled. -
Assistive Technology to Increase Independence for Young Adults with Disabilities
Date: Wednesday, September 30, 2020 — 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM CSTLocation: Online Web StreamingThis workshop will explore tools for independence, including devices and apps for time management, tasks, medications, money, meals, transportation, and communication. Features that support those with vision loss will also be addressed.
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.