Workshops and Live Stream Events

April 2020

• Tech for Teens Club : Intro to Coding and Video Games

  Date: Saturday, April 4, 2020 — 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM CST
  Location: PACER Center - Map and Address
  An 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.

• ABC's of the IEP: Transition age Students & Parents

  Date: Tuesday, April 7, 2020 — 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM CST
  Location: Detroit Lakes - Map and Address
  This workshop helps parents and students in 8th grade and above understand how to use the Individualized Education Program (IEP) to support the transition to adulthood. Students can register separately for their own workshop where they will have the opportunity to talk about what transition means to them, learn about the laws that support transition, get to know their IEP better, and create a self-advocacy tool.
  This workshop has been canceled.
• see the flyer for Assistive Technology to Increase Independence for Young Adults with Disabilities
  

  Assistive Technology to Increase Independence for Young Adults with Disabilities

  Date: Wednesday, April 8, 2020 — 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM CST
  Location: Online Web Streaming - Map and Address
  In 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.
• see the flyer for Assistive Technology and Play in the Natural Environment
  

  Assistive Technology and Play in the Natural Environment

  Date: Tuesday, April 14, 2020 — 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM CST
  Location: Online Web Streaming - Map and Address
  Play is an essential part of a child’s development. However, young children with disabilities often experience barriers to play. In this workshop, assistive technology tools and strategies will be explored to make play more accessible for young children with disabilities in their natural routines and environments.
  This workshop has been canceled.
• see the flyer for Working with Culturally or Linguistically Diverse Families in Early Intervention and Early Childhood Special Education (EI/ECSE)
  

  Working with Culturally or Linguistically Diverse Families in Early Intervention and Early Childhood Special Education (EI/ECSE)

  Date: Friday, April 17, 2020 — 9:00 AM - 11:30 AM CST
  Location: Online Web Streaming - Map and Address
  Cultural liaisons and foreign language interpreters will increase their capacity to collaborate, provide assistance, and communicate to enhance families’ understanding at Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) and Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings for children ages birth to five.
  This workshop has been canceled.

• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): First Steps

  Date: Monday, April 20, 2020 — 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM CST
  Location: Waseca - Map and Address
  Learn how your youth can apply for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) to help meet his or her postsecondary education, training, employment, and independent living goals.
  This workshop has been canceled.

• Life Planning for People with Disabilities : Guardianship

  Date: Tuesday, April 21, 2020 — 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM CST
  Location: PACER Center - Map and Address
  In this first session, participants will learn about guardianship-conservatorship laws and other life planning issues. Plan to attend both the 4/21 and 5/5 sessions as they cover different information. Visit Life Planning for People with Disabilities for more information.
  This workshop has been canceled.
• see the flyer for Special Education and the Important Role You Play for Your Child
  

  Special Education and the Important Role You Play for Your Child

  Date: Monday, April 27, 2020 — 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM CST
  Location: Online Web Streaming - Map and Address
  Parents play an important role in the special education process. Participants in this workshop will learn how parents can use their rights and abilities to advocate for their child and work effectively with the school. This workshop will also provide valuable information for surrogate parents, foster parents and the professions who work with them on behalf of children.
  This workshop has been canceled.

May 2020

• see the flyer for Building Websites

  Tech for Teens Club : Building Websites

  Date: Saturday, May 2, 2020 — 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM CST
  Location: PACER Center - Map and Address
  An 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.
• see the flyer for Special & Supplemental Needs Trusts

  Life Planning for People with Disabilities : Special & Supplemental Needs Trusts

  Date: Tuesday, May 5, 2020 — 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM CST
  Location: PACER Center - Map and Address
  This workshop will focus on power of attorney, health care directive, special & supplemental needs trusts, and the ABLE Act. Each session (4/21 and 5/5) covers different information. Visit Life Planning for People with Disabilities for more information.
  This workshop has been canceled.
• see the flyer for Educational Apps for Young Children
  

  Educational Apps for Young Children

  Date: Thursday, May 7, 2020 — 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM CST
  Location: Online Web Streaming - Map and Address
  Apps 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.
• see the flyer for Executive Function Tools and Strategies for K-12 Students
  

  Executive Function Tools and Strategies for K-12 Students

  Date: Tuesday, May 12, 2020 — 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM CST
  Location: Online Web Streaming - Map and Address
  Executive function skills allow a student to successfully plan, focus, follow a schedule, and carry out tasks. Students of all ages and abilities struggle with executive function, which can have a dramatic impact on their ability to be successful in school. This workshop will explore a variety of tools, such as calendars and visual schedules, and strategies to support the needs of the K-12 student.
  This workshop has been canceled.
• see the flyer for Transition to Employment: Tools to Help You Find a Job
  

  Transition to Employment: Tools to Help You Find a Job

  Date: Wednesday, May 13, 2020 — 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM CST
  Location: Online Web Streaming - Map and Address
  Join us to learn about tools that help during a job search. We will explore apps for searching for jobs, writing a resume or letter, and preparing for an interview. We will also explore how to keep track of communications, read with text-to-speech, and write with dictation.
  This workshop has been canceled.
• see the flyer for A Force for Change: Leveraging Your Family's Experience to Change the Way Your Pediatrician Practices
  

  A Force for Change: Leveraging Your Family's Experience to Change the Way Your Pediatrician Practices

  Date: Thursday, May 14, 2020 — 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM CST
  Location: Online Web Streaming - Map and Address
  Families of children with special needs have a wealth of information to share on what styles of communication work well and what their pediatric providers could do differently to improve the experience for the patient and their family. In this workshop, Dr. Mike Pitt will share several evidence-based strategies for how patients and their families can be empowered to communicate with their providers and ensure they receive patient-centered care.
  This workshop has been canceled.

June 2020

• see the flyer for Coding Virtual Reality

  Tech for Teens Club : Coding Virtual Reality

  Date: Saturday, June 13, 2020 — 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM CST
  Location: PACER Center - Map and Address
  In 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.
  Coding Virtual Reality - Register for this workshop

July 2020

• see the flyer for Take Apart a Computer

  Tech for Teens Club : Take Apart a Computer

  Date: Saturday, July 11, 2020 — 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM CST
  Location: PACER Center - Map and Address
  This 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.
  Take Apart a Computer - Register for this workshop

August 2020

• see the flyer for Build a Robot

  Tech for Teens Club : Build a Robot

  Date: Saturday, August 15, 2020 — 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM CST
  Location: PACER Center - Map and Address
  In 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.
  Build a Robot - Register for this workshop