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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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Assistive Technology for Students with Dyslexia: A Two-Part Series, Part 2
Date: Wednesday, December 7, 2022 — 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM CTLocation: Online Web StreamingPart 2 will look at a range of tools to support students with dyslexia throughout their school years. Tools demonstrated will cover text-to-speech for various formats, audiobooks, and writing support. -
Tech for Teens Club : A) Intro to Coding Virtual Reality
Date: Saturday, December 10, 2022 — 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM CTIn this STEM workshop, join us to learn about virtual reality. We will cover what virtual reality is, how we can create our own virtual reality experiences, and then explore virtual reality experiences. -
Tech for Teens Club : B) Coding Virtual Reality - The Next Level
Date: Saturday, December 10, 2022 — 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM CTIn this workshop we take virtual reality coding to the next level and create our very own virtual reality experience. -
Assistive Technology Supports for Writing
Date: Tuesday, December 13, 2022 — 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM CTLocation: Online Web StreamingDoes your student struggle with writing? In this workshop, learn about the most up-to-date devices and tools to help improve writing skills.
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.