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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 Coding and Video Games
Date: Saturday, April 4, 2020 — 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM CSTLocation: PACER Center - Map and AddressAn 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.This workshop has been canceled. -
Assistive Technology to Increase Independence for Young Adults with Disabilities
Date: Wednesday, April 8, 2020 — 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM CSTLocation: Online Web Streaming - Map and AddressIn this workshop we will explore a wide range of assistive technology that can help young adults with disabilities to increase their independence. Topics covered will include time management, task planning, taking medications, managing money, cooking, transportation, and communicating with others. Device demonstrations will include watches, medication dispensers, electronic magnifiers, and smart speakers (Alexa or Google). We will explore apps for smartphones and tablets that can help you to be more aware of time, keep a list, get reminders, plan a meal, track your money, and find your way. This workshop will also address features that provide support for increased independence for individuals living with vision loss.This workshop has been canceled. -
Tech for Teens Club : Building Websites
Date: Saturday, May 2, 2020 — 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM CSTLocation: PACER Center - Map and AddressAn introduction to the basics of coding for the internet. Students will create their own unique website and publish it online. This workshop is designed for all levels of coding experience.This workshop has been canceled. -
Educational Apps for Young Children
Date: Thursday, May 7, 2020 — 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM CSTLocation: Online Web Streaming - Map and AddressApps have become a large part of learning. Attend this presentation to explore apps and their appropriate use for children with disabilities in early childhood.This workshop has been canceled. -
Tech for Teens Club : Coding Virtual Reality
Date: Saturday, June 13, 2020 — 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM CSTLocation: PACER Center - Map and AddressIn this workshop, teens will use basic coding concepts to create their own customized virtual solar system. Then using virtual reality headsets, teens will explore their solar systems in 3D space. Each solar system will be saved online and accessible from a home computer or VR headset. This workshop is designed for students with basic computer skills, but students of all skill levels and abilities are welcome to attend. No previous coding experience is required. -
Tech for Teens Club : Take Apart a Computer
Date: Saturday, July 11, 2020 — 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM CSTLocation: PACER Center - Map and AddressThis workshop will introduce teens with disabilities to the different components that make up a computer. Start with a completely assembled machine and take it apart piece by piece. We’ll discuss the different parts and what they do. And if you’re up to the task, try to put it back together! Use of a screwdriver and some small screws involved. No previous experience is required. -
Tech for Teens Club : Build a Robot
Date: Saturday, August 15, 2020 — 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM CSTLocation: PACER Center - Map and AddressIn this workshop, teens with disabilities will assemble a robot and program it to respond to the environment. Students will learn about the entire process of building a robot, from assembly to executing code. This workshop is designed for students with basic computer skills, but no previous coding knowledge is required. Students of all abilities are encouraged to attend.
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.