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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 : Intro to Robotics
Date: Saturday, February 25, 2023 — 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM CTLocation: PACER Center - Map and AddressParticipants in this in-person Tech for Teens workshop will learn the basics of robotics, including how to assemble a Mbot robot and how to use simple commands to control the Mbot. -
Tech for Teens Club : Robotics: The Next Level
Date: Saturday, February 25, 2023 — 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM CTLocation: PACER Center - Map and AddressIn this part 2 robotics workshop, participants will learn how to program the robot to do more than basic commands. Attendance of part 1 is not required to attend part 2. -
Evaluation Milestones Across the Lifespan of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
Date: Tuesday, February 28, 2023 — 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM CTLocation: Online Web StreamingParticipants will learn more about what the Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) evaluation process looks like across the lifespan and what parents and professionals need to know to support it. -
Tech for Teens Club : Build a Computer
Date: Saturday, March 25, 2023 — 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM CTLocation: PACER Center - Map and AddressA hands-on workshop where participants learn how to take apart a computer and rebuild it, gaining a better understanding of the inner workings of a computer and how to troubleshoot common issues.
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.