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 Early Childhood and Assistive Technology Housing: Starting the Journey Life Planning for People with Disabilities Special Events Tech for Girls Club View Archived Live Stream EventsUpcoming Workshops by Title
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A Recipe for Summer: Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
Date: Wednesday, May 15, 2019 — 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 over the summer using AAC. During this session we will practice modeling on an AAC system and review other tips and tricks to include it in summer routines and activities. This session will be presented by Elizabeth Barry, Assistive Technology Specialist at PACER Center, and Meghan Kunz, Augmentative Communication Consultant with Prentke Romich Company. -
ABCs of the IEP for Transition-age Students and Their Parents
Date: Thursday, March 28, 2019 — 6:00 PM - 8:00 PMLocation: Faribault - Map and AddressThis 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. -
ABCs of the IEP for Transition-age Students and Their Parents
Date: Thursday, April 11, 2019 — 6:00 PM - 8:00 PMLocation: Fairmont - Map and AddressThis 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. -
Anxiety and School Success: Creating a Plan that Works
Date: Monday, March 4, 2019 — 6:30 PM - 8:30 PMLocation: PACER Center - Map and AddressThe most common emotional difficulty experienced by youth in school is anxiety. When anxiety contributes to challenging behaviors parents and others may struggle to know how to help. Topics addressed will include: understanding behavior as communication, learning about behaviors that may reflect anxiety, discovering alternatives to consequences and punishment, exploring effective interventions for support at school, including the role of Section 504 and special education. -
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 -
Becoming an Active Partner in Your Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP)
Date: Tuesday, April 23, 2019 — 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 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. -
Being an Active Participant in Your Child’s Transition from Early Childhood Special Education to Kindergarten
Date: Saturday, March 9, 2019 — 9:00 AM - 11:00 AMLocation: PACER Center - Map and AddressKindergarten is a big step in any child’s life. Parents of young children with disabilities will learn how to plan for the 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. -
Being an Active Participant In Your Child's Transition Before Age Three
Date: Monday, May 13, 2019 — 6:30 PM - 8:30 PMLocation: PACER Center - Map and AddressFamilies will learn to understand and take an active role in the transition process from Part C Early Intervention services to Part B preschool services or other services in the community. -
Challenging Behaviors & School Success: The Role of Section 504 and Special Education
Date: Tuesday, April 23, 2019 — 6:30 PM - 8:30 PMLocation: OwatonnaEvery child has the right to an education, but children and youth with challenging behaviors often struggle to be successful in school. This workshop will cover the role of Section 504 and Special Education as well as the importance of using a strengths-based approach when working with the school to address behavior concerns. -
Special Events : Early Childhood Family Leadership Summit
Date: Saturday, April 27, 2019 — 8:30 AM - 3:30 PMLocation: PACER Center - Map and AddressThis interactive training for parents of young children up to age seven with developmental delays or disabilities will help parents learn how to make their voices heard and enhance their knowledge of the early childhood special education process. Deadline to apply is April 18. Email [email protected] for additional information. -
Getting and Keeping the First Job
Date: Thursday, April 25, 2019 — 6:30 PM - 8:30 PMLocation: PACER Center - Map and AddressCompetitive employment is the cornerstone of a successful transition to adult living for youth with disabilities. In this workshop, co-presented by Transition Specialists from PACER and Vocational Rehabilitation Services (VRS), youth and parents will learn about preparing for and keeping a job. -
Life Planning for People with Disabilities : Guardianship
Date: Tuesday, April 16, 2019 — 6:30 PM - 8:30 PMLocation: PACER Center - Map and AddressIn this first session, participants will learn about guardianship-conservatorship laws and other life planning issues. Plan to attend both the 4/16 and 4/30 sessions as they cover different information. Visit Life Planning for People with Disabilities for more information. -
Hot Tips on the Individualized Education Program: Is your child's IEP individualized and appropriate?
Date: Saturday, March 2, 2019 — 9:30 AM - 11:30 AMLocation: 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. -
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 Housing: Starting the Journey series (Monday 2/11, Monday 2/25, Tuesday 3/12). -
How Parents Can Effectively Communicate with the Individualized Education Program (IEP) Team
Date: Tuesday, March 19, 2019 — 6:30 PM - 8:30 PMLocation: PACER Center - Map and AddressThis 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.How Parents Can Effectively Communicate with the Individualized Education Program (IEP) Team - Register for this workshop
Funded in part by a grant from the Minnesota Department of Education. -
Improving Learning Outcomes for Your Young Child
Date: Thursday, March 14, 2019 — 6:30 PM - 8:30 PMLocation: PACER Center - Map and AddressFamilies of young children with disabilities ages birth to five will learn about evidence-based practices and how they can be used to increase family engagement and improve learning outcomes.Improving Learning Outcomes for Your Young Child - live stream event page Improving Learning Outcomes for Your Young Child - Register for this workshop
Sponsored by PACER’s Family Information and Resources Project. -
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. -
Tech for Girls Club : Mad Scientist: All About Chemistry
Date: Saturday, March 16, 2019 — 10:00 AM - 11:30 AMLocation: PACER Center - Map and AddressGirls will become mad scientists in this Tech for Girls workshop! Join us to learn about chemical reactions, molecules, and atoms through hands-on experiments. Girls will also get to create slime! -
Making the Transition Beyond High School: Technology to Support Success for College and Career
Date: Thursday, March 21, 2019 — 2:00 PM - 3:30 PMLocation: PACER Center - Map and AddressThis workshop will feature assistive technology to support youth with disabilities at college and in their career. Demonstrations will include tools and apps for executive function, computer access, reading, writing, and notetaking. -
Off to College: What You Need to Know Before You Go
Date: Thursday, March 7, 2019 — 6:00 PM - 8:00 PMLocation: PACER Center - Map and AddressThis interactive workshop for families of youth with disabilities heading off to post-secondary education programs will provide essential information about changing rights, roles, and responsibilities, along with practical tips for student success. -
Opening Doors to Inclusive Education and Employment: A Screening of "Intelligent Lives"
Date: Tuesday, March 5, 2019 — 6:30 PM - 8:30 PMLocation: Bloomington - Map and AddressPACER Center is excited to offer a showing of "Intelligent Lives", produced by photojournalist Dan Habib. The film stars three pioneering young American adults with intellectual disabilities—Micah, Naieer, and Naomie—who challenge assumptions and low expectations as they navigate high school, college, and the workforce.Opening Doors to Inclusive Education and Employment: A Screening of "Intelligent Lives" - Register for this workshop
Co-sponsored by Beyond Limits! -
Special Events : PACER Day at the Minnesota State Capitol
Date: Wednesday, March 6, 2019 — 9:30 AM - 1:00 PMLocation: St. Paul - Map and AddressParents of children with disabilities have important stories to share that can impact systems change and improve outcomes for students. Participants will attend a dynamic workshop led by advocacy leaders and legislators to hear about potential legislation affecting special education, education funding, school discipline, and assistive technology. Private funds used for this workshop.PACER Day at the Minnesota State Capitol - Register for this workshop
Private funds used for this workshop. -
Paths to Employment: Exploring the Options
Date: Wednesday, March 13, 2019 — 6:30 PM - 8:30 PMLocation: WorthingtonParents 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) -
Planning for Educational Inclusion: A Viewing of 'Including Samuel'
Date: Monday, April 1, 2019 — 6:00 PM - 8:00 PMLocation: Waseca - Map and AddressPACER Center is excited to offer a showing of 'Including Samuel,' produced by photojournalist Dan Habib. This one-hour, award-winning documentary is designed to help schools, families, community groups, and others work toward educational inclusion in an informed and innovative way. It examines the educational and social inclusion of youth and young adults with disabilities. Q&A with a PACER advocate will occur before and after the film. -
School Avoidance & Challenging Behaviors: Special Education & Section 504
Date: Monday, March 11, 2019 — 6:30 PM - 8:30 PMLocation: Rochester - 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. -
School Avoidance and Challenging Behaviors: Special Education and Section 504
Date: Monday, February 25, 2019 — 6:30 PM - 8:30 PMLocation: Willmar - 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.School Avoidance and Challenging Behaviors: Special Education and Section 504 - Register for this workshop
Co-sponsored by PACT for Families Parent Advisory Committee -
School Avoidance and Challenging Behaviors: Special Education and Section 504
Date: Monday, April 8, 2019 — 6:30 PM - 8:30 PMLocation: Forest LakeWhen 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. -
School Avoidance and Challenging Behaviors: Special Education and Section 504
Date: Tuesday, April 23, 2019 — 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. -
Tech for Girls Club : Space Explorer
Date: Saturday, March 2, 2019 — 10:00 AM - 11:30 AMLocation: PACER Center - Map and AddressJoin us on a space exploration in this Tech for Girls workshop! Girls will use virtual reality to discover just how big the planets are and to explore the fascinating science behind solar eclipses and constellations. They will also be guided through creating their own moon habitat. -
Life Planning for People with Disabilities : Special & Supplemental Needs Trusts
Date: Tuesday, April 30, 2019 — 6:30 PM - 8:30 PMLocation: PACER Center - Map and AddressThis workshop will focus on power of attorney, health care directive, special & supplemental needs trusts, and the ABLE Act. Each session (4/16 and 4/30) covers different information. Visit Life Planning for People with Disabilities for more information. -
Supplemental Security Income (SSI): First Steps
Date: Wednesday, March 27, 2019 — 6:30 PM - 8:00 PMLocation: CloquetLearn how your youth can apply for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) to help meet his or her postsecondary education, training, employment, and independent living goals. -
Supplemental Security Income (SSI): First Steps
Date: Tuesday, April 30, 2019 — 6:30 PM - 8:00 PMLocation: St. CloudLearn how your youth can apply for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) to help meet his or her postsecondary education, training, employment, and independent living goals. -
Switch It Up! Understanding Switch Access for Computers and Tablets
Date: Thursday, March 28, 2019 — 1:00 PM - 2:30 PMLocation: PACER Center - Map and AddressSwitches can help individuals with disabilities control a variety of devices, including computers, tablets, and communication devices. This workshop will provide information about how to set up switch access on an iPad, Android tablet, and computers. -
The ABCs of the IEP: Making the Individualized Education Program (IEP) Work for Your Child
Date: Thursday, February 28, 2019 — 6:30 PM - 8:30 PMLocation: PACER Center - 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
Funded in part by a grant from 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 service 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 Housing: Starting the Journey series (Monday 2/11, Monday 2/25, Tuesday 3/12). -
Working with Culturally or Linguistically Diverse Families in Early Intervention and Early Childhood Special Education (EI/ECSE)
Date: Friday, March 22, 2019 — 9:00 AM - 11:30 AMLocation: PACER Center - Map and AddressCultural liaisons and foreign language interpreters will build their capacity in order to enhance communication and families’ understanding at Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) and Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings for children ages birth to five.Working with Culturally or Linguistically Diverse Families in Early Intervention and Early Childhood Special Education (EI/ECSE) - live stream event page Working with Culturally or Linguistically Diverse Families in Early Intervention and Early Childhood Special Education (EI/ECSE) - Register for this workshop
Sponsored by PACER’s Family Information and Resources Project.
