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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 : Building Websites
Date: Saturday, January 23, 2021 — 10:00 AM - 11:30 PM CSTLocation: Online Web StreamingThis workshop will introduce teens with disabilities to a method of designing websites using the free online tool at Weebly.com. Students will learn how to use template designs and insert small amounts of code to customize and publish their own websites online. This is an extension of the Coding Websites workshop but past attendance isn't required. -
Tech for Girls Club : Mad Scientist: Chemistry Experiments
Date: Saturday, January 30, 2021 — 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM CSTLocation: Online Web StreamingJoin us to conduct experiments using common household items! In this workshop, girls will learn about the scientific method and make hypotheses about what happens when you mix certain items together. Girls will also make a rainbow using milk and create their own slime! Zoom access links for this workshop will be emailed to participants the week of the virtual meeting. -
Tech for Teens Club : LEGO Stop-Motion Videos
Date: Saturday, February 6, 2021 — 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM CSTLocation: Online Web StreamingJoin us for another Livestream Tech for Teens! Using just a mobile phone and LEGO brand toys, we’ll be learning how to create stop-motion style videos that you can share with your family and friends. Learn the techniques to create smooth animation using the Stop Motion Studio app (iPhone & Android). Then create your own stories and bring your characters to life! Requirements: 1 mobile device with camera (iOS or Android), Stop Motion Studio app installed, your choice of movable figures or objects such as LEGO brand toys. -
Tech for Girls Club : Code a Ping Pong Game
Date: Saturday, February 20, 2021 — 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM CSTLocation: Online Web StreamingIn this virtual Tech for Girls workshop, participants will use Scratch to code their own ping pong game. Girls will learn how to code sounds, movement and point scoring to their game. No coding experience required. Zoom access links for this workshop will be emailed to participants the week of the virtual meeting. -
Google Chrome for Students : Part 1: Tools to Support Reading
Date: Tuesday, February 23, 2021 — 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM CSTLocation: Online Web StreamingThis session will explore Google tools that make text more accessible with visual supports and text-to-speech. This workshop will be helpful for students in middle school through college -
Tech for Teens Club : 3D Printing Online
Date: Saturday, March 6, 2021 — 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM CSTLocation: Online Web StreamingIn this Zoom Webinar Tech for Teens, we’ll be learning how to create a 3D model using Tinkercad online software. Then we’ll learn about what public resources are available for printing your own 3D models. -
Tech for Girls Club : Koding with Kodu
Date: Saturday, March 20, 2021 — 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM CSTLocation: Online Web StreamingCome learn how to code with Kodu, a visual programming language created by Microsoft. Middle school girls with disabilities will use their coding skills to create their own game! Kodu is designed to be accessible for children and enjoyable for anyone. Zoom access links for this workshop will be emailed to participants the week of the virtual meeting. -
Google Chrome for Students : Part 2: Tools to Manage Time, Focus, and Information
Date: Tuesday, March 30, 2021 — 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM CSTLocation: Online Web StreamingThis workshop will explore Google tools to help students manage time, maintain focus, and organize information. This session will be helpful for students in middle school through college. -
Tech for Teens Club : Intro to Coding & Video Games
Date: Saturday, April 3, 2021 — 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM CSTLocation: Online Web StreamingAn introduction to the fundamentals of coding. Teens will create interactive games and stories while developing basic programming skills. This workshop is designed for teens with all levels of coding experience. -
Google Chrome for Students : Part 3: Tools for Notetaking and Writing
Date: Tuesday, April 27, 2021 — 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM CSTLocation: Online Web StreamingThis session will explore Google tools for taking notes, using dictation, and writing school papers. This workshop will be helpful for students in middle school through college.
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.