PACER Center
952-838-9000
Champions for Children with Disabilities
In the event of inclement weather, PACER Center may cancel workshops. If you are registered for a workshop, we will contact you about cancellations. Also, please check this site the day of the workshop for a possible cancellation due to weather problems.
Select workshops may include:
Workshops with this notice means that this workshop offers an off-site attendance option: a video-streaming service will broadcast the workshop live over the Internet so people who can’t attend the workshop in person can view the presentation live on their computer or tablet. The link to the Livestream channel is in the workshop confirmation you receive after you register. All events are free. You do not need a Livestream account to view our live and recorded events. You can sign up for a free account if you would like to receive notifications when we go live or when we post new events.
Links to the handouts will be posted on the event page. Certificates of attendance are available for attending the live event stream and can be accessed by completing a workshop evaluation after the event.
Filters:
Filter Workshops by Online Streaming Available APPy Hour Early Childhood and Assistive Technology Housing: Starting the Journey IEP Workshop Series Special Events Tech for Girls Club Tech for Teens Club View Archived Live Stream EventsOctober 2018
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School Avoidance and Challenging Behaviors: Special Education and Section 504
Date: Monday, October 22, 2018 — 6:30 PM - 8:00 PMLocation: Otsego - Map and AddressWhen children or teens experience difficulties attending school or participating in school tasks, parents may struggle to know how to help. This workshop will provide parents and others with information and resources on the role of Special Education and Section 504 when addressing a child’s challenging behaviors. -
The ABC’s of AAC: Augmentative Communication Basics for Parents
Date: Monday, October 22, 2018 — 6:00 PM - 7:30 PMLocation: PACER Center - Map and AddressJoin us to explore augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) technology and learn about the process from trying available communication technologies to purchasing a piece of technology. Parents will learn about available technology, what questions to ask your provider, resources to support the process, and more. This session will be presented by Elizabeth Barry, Assistive Technology Specialist at PACER Center, and Meghan Kunz, Augmentative Communication Consultant with Prentke Romich Company. -
IEP Workshop Series : The ABCs of the IEP: Making the Individualized Education Program (IEP) Work for Your Child
Date: Monday, October 22, 2018 — 6:30 PM - 8:30 PMLocation: Chanhassen - Map and AddressThis workshop will help parents understand how to use the Individualized Education Program (IEP) to benefit their child. Presenters will use the PACER booklet, "Guide for Minnesota Parent to the IEP", to help participants understand how each required part of the IEP can be developed to meet the child's needs. Parents need to bring a copy of their child's most current IEP.The ABCs of the IEP: Making the Individualized Education Program (IEP) Work for Your Child - Register for this workshop
Please also plan to attend the 10/29 Hot Tips on the Individualized Education Program workshop.
This event is funded in part by a grant from the Minnesota Department of Education.
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Special Events : ABLE to Save — ABLE Accounts, a New Savings Opportunity for Individuals with Disabilities
Date: Tuesday, October 23, 2018 — 6:30 PM - 8:30 PMLocation: PACER Center - Map and AddressJoin national speaker Miranda Kennedy from the ABLE National Resource Center here at PACER Center to learn how new Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Accounts allow families to save up to $15,000 per year for their child with a disability without affecting their eligibility for Supplemental Security Insurance (SSI) or Medicaid. Kennedy and Colin Stemper from Minnesota's ABLE Plan will discuss how ABLE accounts can make a difference in your child's future. Eligibility requirements, qualified expenses, annual and lifetime savings limits, and the relationship of ABLE Accounts to special needs trusts will be covered. Join us to get the answers you need. Suitable for parents of children of all ages, birth through adulthood. -
Paths to Employment: Exploring the Options
Date: Thursday, October 25, 2018 — 6:30 PM - 8:00 PMLocation: Worthington - Map and AddressParents will learn about career planning options for in-school and out-of-school youth with disabilities, and where they can find help to launch their youth on the path to employment.Paths to Employment: Exploring the Options - Register for this workshop
Co-sponsored by the Southwest Minnesota Private Industry Council (SW PIC) -
IEP Workshop Series : Hot Tips on the Individualized Education Program: Is Your Child’s IEP Individualized and Appropriate?
Date: Monday, October 29, 2018 — 6:30 PM - 8:30 PMLocation: PACER Center - Map and AddressParents will learn to use their child’s special education evaluation report to determine how well the Individualized Education Program (IEP) addresses their child’s needs. Parents must bring the child’s most current school evaluation and IEP.Hot Tips on the Individualized Education Program: Is Your Child’s IEP Individualized and Appropriate? - Register for this workshop
Please also plan to attend ONE of "The ABCs of the IEP" workshops.
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School Avoidance and Challenging Behaviors: Special Education and Section 504
Date: Monday, October 29, 2018 — 6:30 PM - 8:00 PMLocation: Duluth - Map and AddressWhen children or teens experience difficulties attending school or participating in school tasks, parents may struggle to know how to help. This workshop will provide parents and others with information and resources on the role of Special Education and Section 504 when addressing a child’s challenging behaviors. -
The ABC’s of the IEP: Making the Individualized Education Program (IEP) Work for Your Child
Date: Monday, October 29, 2018 — 6:30 PM - 8:30 PMLocation: Owatonna - Map and AddressThis workshop will help parents understand how to use the Individualized Education Program (IEP) to benefit their child. Presenters will use the PACER booklet, “Guide for Minnesota Parent to the IEP”, to help participants understand how each required part of the IEP can be developed to meet the child’s needs. Parents need to bring a copy of their child’s most current IEP. -
The ABC’s of the IEP: Making the Individualized Education Program (IEP) Work for Your Child
Date: Tuesday, October 30, 2018 — 6:30 PM - 8:30 PMLocation: Hutchinson - Map and AddressThis workshop will help parents understand how to use the Individualized Education Program (IEP) to benefit their child. Presenters will use the PACER booklet, “Guide for Minnesota Parent to the IEP”, to help participants understand how each required part of the IEP can be developed to meet the child’s needs. Parents need to bring a copy of their child’s most current IEP.
November 2018
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Transitioning to Employment
Date: Thursday, November 1, 2018 — 6:30 PM - 8:30 PMLocation: Alexandria - Map and AddressThis workshop will provide information on career exploration and planning, including information about agencies that provide independent living, financial, and employment services and supports. -
Tech for Teens Club : Programming Robots
Date: Saturday, November 3, 2018 — 10:00 AM - 12:00 PMLocation: PACER Center - Map and AddressIn this workshop, teens with disabilities will learn some of the fundamentals of robotics by programming a Finch robot to interact and respond to its environment. Students will use Snap!, an online tool, to program a Finch robot’s lights, movement and reaction to obstacles. 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. -
Special Education: What Do I Need to Know
Date: Saturday, November 3, 2018 — 1:00 PM - 3:00 PMLocation: Minneapolis - Map and AddressParents will gain an understanding of special education, how to resolve disagreements, and discover the role of parents in the process. -
School Avoidance and Challenging Behaviors: Special Education and Section 504
Date: Monday, November 5, 2018 — 6:30 PM - 8:00 PMLocation: Wadena - Map and AddressWhen children or teens experience difficulties attending school or participating in school tasks, parents may struggle to know how to help. This workshop will provide parents and others with information and resources on the role of Special Education and Section 504 when addressing a child’s challenging behaviors. -
Early Childhood and Assistive Technology : Introduction to Assistive Technology (AT) for Young Children
Date: Tuesday, November 6, 2018 — 2:00 PM - 4:00 PMLocation: onlineThis workshop will explore the breadth of assistive technology (AT) available for young children (ages birth to five). Participants will learn about the continuum of early childhood AT tools from the very simple to the highly complex and the research that supports the use of AT with young children. Live captioning provided.Introduction to Assistive Technology (AT) for Young Children - Register for this workshop
Co-sponsored by the Minnesota Department of Education -
Paths to Employment: Exploring the Options
Date: Tuesday, November 6, 2018 — 6:30 PM - 8:30 PMLocation: Hutchinson - Map and AddressParents will learn about career planning options for in-school and out-of-school youth with disabilities, and where they can find help to launch their youth on the path to employment.Paths to Employment: Exploring the Options - Register for this workshop
Co-sponsored by Central Minnesota Jobs & Training Services, Inc. -
How Parents Can Effectively Communicate with the Individualized Education Program (IEP) Team
Date: Thursday, November 8, 2018 — 6:30 PM - 8:30 PMLocation: Elk RiverThis interactive workshop helps parents learn to advocate for their child in the special education process. Parents receive tips and tools to help them become more effective communicators as a member of their child’s IEP team.This workshop has been canceled.
This event is funded in part by a grant from the Minnesota Department of Education. -
Transition: Pathway to the Future
Date: Thursday, November 8, 2018 — 6:00 PM - 8:00 PMLocation: PACER Center - Map and AddressThis workshop for parents of students in the eighth grade and above who have Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) understand how to develop transition services to support planning for life after high school.Transition: Pathway to the Future - Register for this workshop
This event is funded in part by a grant from the Minnesota Department of Education. -
Tech for Girls Club : Artbots – Part I
Date: Saturday, November 10, 2018 — 10:00 AM - 11:30 AMLocation: PACER Center - Map and AddressWires, circuits and art, oh my! In this workshop, girls with disabilities, ages 11-18, will make a doodle bot (a drawing robot) and create a circuit to make it draw. They will also learn how to code the Hummingbird robot. Girls will draw their own creature and use their newly learned skills to make it come alive in the next Tech for Girls workshop. This workshop is led by TPT, Twin Cities Public Television. No programming experience is necessary; all skill levels are welcome. -
10 Topics to help Your Child Succeed in School
Date: Tuesday, November 13, 2018 — 6:30 PM - 8:30 PMLocation: Cottage GroveParents who participate in this interactive workshop will learn about 10 important areas in special education, and acquire skills and knowledge they can use to help their child with disabilities by more successful. Parent will also be provided with several useful tools.10 Topics to help Your Child Succeed in School - Register for this workshop
This event is funded in part by a grant from the Minnesota Department of Education. -
Planning For an IEP Team Meeting When Your Child Has Mental Health Challenges
Date: Thursday, November 15, 2018 — 6:00 PM - 7:30 PMLocation: New Ulm - Map and AddressIEP team meetings can be challenging when a child has complex mental health needs. This workshop will provide parents and others with information to help prepare for a positive team meeting to support the child’s mental health needs in school.Planning For an IEP Team Meeting When Your Child Has Mental Health Challenges - Register for this workshop
This event is funded in part by a grant from the Minnesota Department of Education. -
Special Education and the Important Role You Play for Your Child
Date: Thursday, November 15, 2018 — 6:30 PM - 8:30 PMLocation: PACER Center - Map and AddressParents 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.Special Education and the Important Role You Play for Your Child - live stream event page Special Education and the Important Role You Play for Your Child - Register for this workshop
This event is funded in part by a grant from the Minnesota Department of Education. -
Being an Active Participant in Your Child’s Transition from Early Childhood Special Education to Kindergarten
Date: Saturday, November 17, 2018 — 9:00 AM - 11:00 AMLocation: PACER Center - Map and AddressKindergarten is a big step in any child’s life. This workshop will help parents of young children with disabilities plan for this transition and learn strategies to help their child be successful.Being an Active Participant in Your Child’s Transition from Early Childhood Special Education to Kindergarten - live stream event page Being an Active Participant in Your Child’s Transition from Early Childhood Special Education to Kindergarten - Register for this workshop
Sponsored by PACER’s Family Information and Resources Project. Funding for this workshop is made possible with a contract from the Minnesota Department of Education. The source of the funds is federal awards, Special Education Part C. -
Tips and Tools for Talking with School Staff
Date: Saturday, November 17, 2018 — 1:00 PM - 3:00 PMLocation: Minneapolis - Map and AddressParents of special education students will learn practical tips and interactive problem-solving strategies to build the skills necessary to communicate effectively with school staff and resolve differences. -
Becoming an Active Partner in Your Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP)
Date: Monday, November 26, 2018 — 6:30 PM - 8:30 PMLocation: PACER Center - Map and AddressThis workshop will help parents of children birth to age 3 understand early intervention services, the Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP), and how families can be involved in writing child and family outcomes and become an active participants in the IFSP process.Becoming an Active Partner in Your Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) - live stream event page Becoming an Active Partner in Your Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) - Register for this workshop
Sponsored by PACER’s Family Information and Resources Project. Funding for this workshop is made possible with a contract from the Minnesota Department of Education. The source of the funds is from federal awards, Special Education Part C. -
APPy Hour : Apps to Support Youth with Vision Loss in the Transition to Adulthood
Date: Tuesday, November 27, 2018 — 2:00 PM - 3:00 PMLocation: PACER Center - Map and AddressThis workshop will provide an overview and demonstration of apps that support increased independence for youth who are blind or vision impaired. Apps will address accessing print and digital text, identifying objects, and transportation. -
A Recipe for Success: A Healthy Start with Augmentative Communication at Home
Date: Thursday, November 29, 2018 — 6:00 PM - 7:30 PMLocation: PACER Center - Map and AddressA recipe for success with Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) starts with consistency and opportunity. Join us to learn how to create communication opportunities at home using AAC and how to get off to a healthy start. During this session we will practice modeling on an AAC system and review other tips and tricks to include it in your daily activities and routines. This session will be presented by Elizabeth Barry, Assistive Technology Specialist at PACER Center, and Meghan Kunz, Augmentative Communication Consultant with Prentke Romich Company (PRC).
December 2018
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Using Smartphones, Watches, and Wearables to Support Executive Function for All Ages
Date: Monday, December 3, 2018 — 4:00 PM - 5:30 PMLocation: PACER Center - Map and AddressThis workshop will explore ways that smart phones, smart watches, and other wearable can support executive function skills for people of all ages. Participants will learn ways to increase time awareness and focus, how to use reminders, explore tools to organize and prioritize, and discuss task initiation and completion. The tools and strategies demonstrated will benefit people with disabilities, such as ADHD, executive function disorder, autism spectrum disorder, and blind or low vision. -
School Engagement and Avoidance: What to do When Your Child is Struggling
Date: Tuesday, December 4, 2018 — 6:30 PM - 8:00 PMLocation: PACER Center - Map and AddressThis training will help parents and others consider positive approaches to working with a child’s school to increase school engagement when attendance becomes a concern. -
The Next Step: Planning for Success in Employment and Postsecondary Education
Date: Wednesday, December 5, 2018 — 6:30 PM - 8:30 PMLocation: MankatoAttendees will gain information on the link between postsecondary education and employment success, and offer strategies to help youth prepare for work and education after high school. -
Tech for Girls Club : Artbots – Part II
Date: Saturday, December 8, 2018 — 10:00 AM - 11:30 AMLocation: PACER Center - Map and AddressThis workshop expands on skills learned in the November Tech for Girls workshop. Girls with disabilities, ages 11-18, will continue to learn how to code the Hummingbird robot. They will build a creature out of recycled materials and craft supplies. Once their creature is built, girls will make it come alive! This workshop is led by TPT, Twin Cities Public Television. Attending the November workshop is encouraged but not required. No programming experience is necessary; all skill levels are welcome. -
ABC’s of the IEP for Transition Age Students and Their Parents
Date: Tuesday, December 11, 2018 — 6:00 PM - 8:00 PMLocation: Minnetrista - Map and AddressParents and their students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) in 8th grade and above will learn how to use the IEP to assist with the transition to adulthood. -
Tech for Teens Club : Building Websites
Date: Saturday, December 15, 2018 — 10:00 AM - 12:00 PMLocation: PACER Center - Map and AddressThis 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 using Mozilla Thimble. Students will be able to experiment with code and see the results online in real time. 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.
January 2019
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Tech for Teens Club : A Star Wars 3D Printed Universe
Date: Saturday, January 12, 2019 — 10:00 AM - 11:30 AMLocation: PACER Center - Map and AddressA guest speaker from a galaxy far far away will present the basics behind 3D printing. Teens with disabilities are invited to watch a 3D print from start to finish and to experiment with the 3D design software called SketchUp. Students of all abilities are encouraged to attend. Curiosity is the only requirement. -
Early Childhood and Assistive Technology : Assistive Technology Consideration and Assessment
Date: Tuesday, January 15, 2019 — 2:00 PM - 4:00 PMLocation: onlineAssistive technology (AT) is important for many children with disabilities but it isn’t always clear how to consider and document AT in the Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP) or Individualized Education Program (IEP). Although AT consideration for children ages birth to 3 is not legally required, it is considered best practice. This workshop will address how to intentionally consider AT and ensure it is documented in both the IFSP and IEP. The AT assessment process will also be discussed. Live captioning provided.Assistive Technology Consideration and Assessment - Register for this workshop
Co-sponsored by the Minnesota Department of Education -
Parent Leadership Training on Children’s Mental Health
Date: Thursday, January 17, 2019 — 6:30 PM - 8:00 PMLocation: PACER Center - Map and AddressParents of children and youth who have behavioral health challenges play an important role in their child’s services and supports and can use those experiences to help others. This training will cover information for parent leaders in Minnesota including: Parent leadership opportunitis, systems advocacy: an overview for parent leaders, and influencing change through the parent story. -
Transitioning to Employment
Date: Thursday, January 17, 2019 — 6:30 PM - 8:30 PMLocation: St CloudFamilies of youth will receive information on career exploration and planning, including preparing their youth for employment, and information about agencies that provide independent living, financial, and employment services and supports.
February 2019
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Tech for Teens Club : Building a Robot
Date: Saturday, February 9, 2019 — 10:00 AM - 12:00 PMLocation: 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. -
Housing: Starting the Journey : How do we start? (Step 1)
Date: Monday, February 11, 2019 — 6:30 PM - 9:00 PMLocation: PACER Center - Map and AddressHelp your son or daughter get started with their vision for community living, housing, and services. An overview of housing and services options will be provided. Registration recommended for all three workshops in this series (Monday 2/11, Monday 2/25, Tuesday 3/12). -
Early Childhood and Assistive Technology : Introduction to Assistive Technology (AT) for Young Children
Date: Thursday, February 14, 2019 — 1:00 PM - 3:00 PMLocation: onlineThis workshop will explore the breadth of assistive technology (AT) available for young children (ages birth to five). Participants will learn about the continuum of early childhood AT tools from the very simple to the highly complex and the research that supports the use of AT with young children. Live captioning provided.Introduction to Assistive Technology (AT) for Young Children - Register for this workshop
Co-sponsored by the Minnesota Department of Education -
Early Childhood and Assistive Technology : Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) for Young Learners
Date: Tuesday, February 19, 2019 — 2:00 PM - 4:00 PMLocation: onlineAugmentative and alternative communication (AAC) tools can help individuals say whatever they want to say to whomever they want to say it to whenever they want to say it. This workshop will introduce AAC and explore tools, strategies, and resources to implement communication tools in early childhood routines, settings, and classrooms. Live captioning provided.Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) for Young Learners - Register for this workshop
Co-sponsored by the Minnesota Department of Education -
Housing: Starting the Journey : How is it paid for? (Step 2)
Date: Monday, February 25, 2019 — 6:30 PM - 9:00 PMLocation: PACER Center - Map and AddressGain a “big picture” view of how housing is funded through federal, state, and county resources. Learn how your son or daughter can become eligible for and access funding. Topics include income supplements and budgets. Registration recommended for all three workshops in this series (Monday 2/11, Monday 2/25, Tuesday 3/12).
March 2019
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Early Childhood and Assistive Technology : Assistive Technology and Play in the Natural Environment
Date: Tuesday, March 12, 2019 — 2:00 PM - 4:00 PMLocation: onlinePlay 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. Live captioning provided.Assistive Technology and Play in the Natural Environment - Register for this workshop
Co-sponsored by the Minnesota Department of Education -
Housing: Starting the Journey : What are the options? (Step 3)
Date: Tuesday, March 12, 2019 — 6:30 PM - 9:00 PMLocation: PACER Center - Map and AddressA more detailed explanation of individualized housing and services options will be provided by a panel of parents, young adults, and housing providers as they share their journeys through the process. Registration recommended for all three workshops in this series (Monday 2/11, Monday 2/25, Tuesday 3/12).
April 2019
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Special Events : PACER’s 15th Annual Housing Resource and Information Fair
Date: Saturday, April 13, 2019 — 9:00 AM - 12:00 PMLocation: PACER Center - Map and AddressFamilies can meet with service providers, state and county representatives, along with representatives from referral organizations to discuss housing options, services, supports, and related issues for children and young adults with disabilities.
August 2019
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Incorporating Home Living Skills Into Daily Life for Your Middle School Youth
Date: Monday, August 19, 2019 — 6:30 PM - 8:30 AMLocation: PACER Center - Map and AddressCome have fun exploring the tools and technology to help your son or daughter learn and practice home living skills. Topics will include: Meal planning and cooking, healthy living and smart choices, safety and emergency services, shopping and managing money, communication and self-advocacy, recreation and leisure, transportation.