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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 : Coding Websites
Date: Saturday, May 28, 2022 — 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM CSTLocation: Online Web StreamingThis workshop will introduce teens with disabilities to the basics of coding for the internet with HTML and CSS. Students will create their own unique website and publish it on the Internet. Students will be able to experiment with code and see the results online in real-time. -
Tech for Teens Club : Building Websites
Date: Saturday, June 11, 2022 — 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM 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. -
Mental Health Technology: Management & Maintenance
Date: Wednesday, June 15, 2022 — 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM CSTLocation: Online Web StreamingPart two of this series will feature apps and devices to help manage distressing moments, symptoms, and can assist with medication management. Tools demonstrated will be appropriate for late elementary-aged students and up. -
Tech for Girls Club : 3D Printing
Date: Saturday, June 25, 2022 — 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM CSTLocation: Online Web StreamingLet’s get printing! In this virtual workshop, we will ideate, design, and create 3D models for printing by learning how to use the 3D printing software Tinkercard. We will then learn about resources for printing our 3D models we created. -
Tech for Teens Club : LEGO Stop-Motion Videos
Date: Saturday, August 13, 2022 — 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM CSTLocation: Online Web StreamingUsing 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.
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.