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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 : 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.This workshop is full. -
Accessible Smart Homes: A Review of Environmental Assistive Technology
Date: Wednesday, March 29, 2023 — 2:00 PM - 3:15 PM CTLocation: Online Web StreamingThis workshop explores devices and apps that can help turn your home into a Smart Home and be more accessible. -
A Review of Apple Accessibility Features
Date: Wednesday, April 19, 2023 — 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM CTLocation: Online Web StreamingParticipants in this workshop will review of Apple accessibility features, both established and newly added iOS 16 and macOS Ventura features. -
Tech for Teens Club : Wind Energy Part 2
Date: Saturday, April 22, 2023 — 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM CTParticipants in Part 2 will learn how to harness the wind to generate electricity. During the workshop, they will select a wind turbine design, and then build a model that will generate electricity. -
Tech for Teens Club : Wind Energy Part 1
Date: Saturday, April 22, 2023 — 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM CTParticipants will learn about the science behind this renewable energy source, and then get hands-on with building different types of wind turbines. This workshop is a great opportunity to learn about the potential of wind power. -
Tech for Teens Club : May the Force Be With You: Star Wars Lightsabers
Date: Thursday, May 4, 2023 — 5:30 PM - 6:15 PM CTLocation: Online Web StreamingParticipants in this virtual workshop will celebrate Star Wars by creating their very own lightsabers using paper circuits and LED lights. Register by April 21 to ensure you’ll receive workshop supplies in time. -
Tech for Teens Club : May the Force Be With You: Build R2D2
Date: Saturday, May 6, 2023 — 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM CTLocation: PACER Center - Map and AddressIn celebration of Star Wars Day, participants will build R2D2! This in-person activity involves building a controllable R2D2 robot, learning about engineering, 3D printing, and coding. -
Choosing Reading Tools to Match Reading Material
Date: Monday, May 15, 2023 — 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM CTLocation: Online Web StreamingReading can be challenging for many with reading disabilities and visual impairments. In this workshop, presenters will introduce how to match reading tools to the type of reading material. Tools include auditory and visual modifications. -
Tech for Mental Health: The Latest Tools and Resources
Date: Wednesday, May 24, 2023 — 2:00 PM - 3:15 PM CTThis workshop will discuss various tools and strategies for using technology to improve mental health and promote positive mental health practices. -
Tech for Teens Club : Web Development Part 2 – JavaScript
Date: Saturday, June 24, 2023 — 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM CTIn part 2 of this STEM workshop for teens, participants will learn more advanced website development skills and tools including learning to code JavaScript. This event has been rescheduled from June 17. -
Tech for Teens Club : Web Development Part 1 – HTML and CSS
Date: Saturday, June 24, 2023 — 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM CTIn this STEM workshop, participants will learn the basics of website development and craft their own webpage using HTML and CSS. This event has been rescheduled from June 17.
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.