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Workshops and Live Stream Events

September 2024

  • Beyond keyboards: Alternative tools for controlling your computer

    Date: Tuesday, September 24, 2024 — 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM CT
    Location: Online Web Streaming
    Keyboards and mice are great tools to control computers, but do not work for everyone. In this workshop, we'll explore many alternative ways to control computers and mobile devices. Tools will include voice control, switches, adaptive mice, keyboards, and more. We'll demonstrate several simple and complex setups to make accessing your computer easier.
  • Tech for Teens Club : Code your own website

    Date: Tuesday, September 24, 2024 — 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM CT
    Location: Online Web Streaming
    This 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 using a free online tool at Glitch.com. Students will be able to experiment with code and see the results online in real time.
  • The critical role of interpreters in special education meetings

    Date: Wednesday, September 25, 2024 — 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM CT
    Hosted by PACER Center's multicultural advocates, this training is designed for language interpreters who support families of children with disabilities in special education meetings. Participants will learn about language access laws, strategies for supporting parent engagement in special education meetings, and ethical considerations when interpreting for parents and school staff.
  • Advocating for your child with significant healthcare needs

    Date: Thursday, September 26, 2024 — 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM CT
    Location: Online Web Streaming
    Parents and guardians of children or young adults with significant health care needs bring a wealth of information to their health care team. Combining your personal knowledge with advocacy skills can help ensure that your child or young adult receives the best quality of care. This workshop will review using service plans (IHPs, IEPs, and 504Plans) as advocacy tools, understanding the roles of the medical team supporting your child or young adult, and provide possible solutions for common problems.
  • Working towards positive educational outcomes: Mental health and special education

    Date: Thursday, September 26, 2024 — 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM CT
    Location: Online Web Streaming
    This introductory workshop will provide parents and others with information to help them understand the special education process, how to prepare for a positive Individualized Education Program (IEP) team approach to support their child’s mental health needs, and how to navigate IEP team disagreements.

October 2024

  • Special education paperwork and the Prior Written Notice

    Date: Thursday, October 10, 2024 — 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM CT
    Location: Online Web Streaming
    This workshop will help parents learn about the purpose of paperwork, what needs to be kept and for how long, and everything they need to know about the Prior Written Notice (PWN).
  • Addressing challenging behaviors

    Date: Wednesday, October 23, 2024 — 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM CT
    Location: Online Web Streaming
    Academic, behavioral, and social expectations can overwhelm students with mental health, emotional, or behavioral needs and increase challenging behaviors. This workshop will provide information and resources to help parents support their child or youth with challenging behaviors at home, at school, or in the community.
  • Assistive technology for reading

    Date: Thursday, October 24, 2024 — 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM CT
    Location: Online Web Streaming
    This workshop will demonstrate assistive technology to help with all stages of reading. It will explore apps and tools to help with learning the basics, minimizing the effects of dyslexia, and more.
  • Effective communication with the IEP team

    Date: Thursday, October 24, 2024 — 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM CT
    Location: Online Web Streaming
    This workshop will teach parents how to effectively collaborate with their child’s IEP team. Participants will learn how to have productive discussions at IEP meetings and engage in their child’s educational planning.
  • Tech for Teens Club : Introduction to soldering

    Date: Saturday, October 26, 2024 — 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM CT
    In this introduction to soldering workshop, participants will explore soldering basics using a soldering iron and heat gun. Participants will also gain hands-on experience by assembling a weevil with light-up eyes that they can take home.

November 2024

  • Supplemental Security Income: Qualifying for benefits

    Date: Wednesday, November 13, 2024 — 1:00 PM - 2:20 PM CT
    Location: Online Web Streaming
    This workshop will provide basic information on applying for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for young adults aged 18 and over. Medical Relations Officers Sara Dicks and Tanya Heitzinger will help clarify the eligibility and application process while providing tips on how to submit a successful application. Participants will also learn about SSI’s disability criteria and how benefits can help youth while working or attending post-secondary education.
  • Assistive technology for writing

    Date: Thursday, November 14, 2024 — 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM CT
    Location: Online Web Streaming
    This workshop will explore assistive technology to help with various writing skill levels. Participants will look at apps that help with different writing stages from drafting to revising, along with learning the basics and various digital and voice options.
  • Using Chrome extensions to support reading

    Date: Tuesday, November 19, 2024 — 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM CT
    Location: Online Web Streaming
    This workshop will explore Chrome extensions (apps) that provide support for reading with a Chromebook or the Google Chrome browser. It will address visual supports, literacy skills, and text-to-speech. Attendance is recommended for middle school through college students with dyslexia and other learning challenges, including ADHD.
  • Creating an evaluation plan for your child with mental health needs

    Date: Wednesday, November 20, 2024 — 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM CT
    Location: Online Web Streaming
    This workshop will teach parents of children with mental health needs what to expect from the special education evaluation process. Participants will work through a sample evaluation plan that will help them to create a list of their concerns and provide them with a better understanding of how to ensure those concerns are addressed in their child’s evaluation.

December 2024

  • Accessibility Series : iPhone and iPad

    Date: Thursday, December 12, 2024 — 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM CT
    Location: Online Web Streaming
    iPhones and iPads have many accessibility settings built-in to their operating systems. This workshop will teach participants about different ways to modify these Apple devices to make them more accessible, including voice control, text-to-speech features, head tracking, and more.