Upcoming Workshops
Creation Station (for children of all abilities ages 4 – 20)
Saturday, September 12, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. – PACER Center, register
What do sequins, glitter, and beads have in common? They are all materials that can become part of your masterpiece. Use buttons, stickers, fabric and more to create a one-of-a-kind 3-D piece of art!
Computer and Assistive Technology Basics (for Minneapolis parents)
Thursday, September 17, 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. Minneapolis, register
Getting started on the computer and using the internet can be easier than you think. Come learn the basic skills needed to use a computer, navigate the internet and learn about what assistive technology is and how it can benefit individuals with disabilities. We will also learn how to gain access to computers and the internet through discount prices or public access in the community.
Free/Open Source Software and Internet Resources (for Minneapolis parents)
Wednesday, September 23, 1:00 p.m.– 2:30 p.m. Minneapolis, register
Learn about the many free software and internet resources available for writing, email, translating, sharing photos and more. You will be surprised at the number of resources that are available for absolutely free. Come join us to learn where to find them and how to make them work for you.
Free/How to Access, Download and Play Free Digital Books for Children (for Minneapolis parents)
Thursday, October 01, 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Minneapolis, register
Did you know there is a wealth of free books for children to read, learn and grow with on the internet? In this workshop we will learn about where we can find these books and how to give our children access to them.
Tech For Girls: Dream It, Build It! (for middle school girls with disabilities)
Tuesday, October 6, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. PACER, register
If you can dream it, you can build it! Join us to put your creative thinking skills to the test while we design bridges, boats, and more. Toothpicks, pennies, aluminum foil, gumdrops, straws, and clay will be used to make a variety of structures. We will test our structures by adding weight. Come see what structures will fall and which ones will stand!
Computer and Assistive Technology Basics – Presented in Somali (for Minneapolis parents)
Tuesday, October 6, 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. Minneapolis, register
Getting started on the computer and using the internet can be easier than you think. Come learn the basic skills needed to use a computer, navigate the internet and learn about what assistive technology is and how it can benefit individuals with disabilities. We will also learn how to gain access to computers and the internet through discount prices or public access in the community.
Creation Station: Monet in Your Own Way (for kids of all abilities ages 4 – 20)
Saturday, October 10, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. PACER Center register
Pretend you’re the famous French artist and make an impression with your paintings. Your mini-Monets will be worthy of hanging on your living room wall!
Free Hands-on with Read and Write Gold 9 (for parents and professionals)
Wednesday, October 14, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. PACER Center register
TextHelp’s Read and Write Gold is a versatile literacy utility program that includes word prediction and one-touch scanning. Other unique features include: fact finder, folder, and mapping tools; web highlighting; a talking dictionary and scientific calculator. This free workshop is a hands-on software training of the Windows version 9, presented by TextHelp representatives. Previous experience is not required and space is limited.
SAVE THE DATE
Annual Simon Technology Center Open House (for kids, parents and professionals)
Saturday, November 14, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. PACER Center, register
Hey Kids!! Bring your parents to this popular annual event. Parents and professionals will have demonstrations of assistive technology and educational software, resources, and there will be fun interactive games for children. This year’s theme will focus on technologies and resources available in your own backyard and is open to all age levels and disabilities. The Open House offers many opportunities to sample assistive technology and learn how assistive technology can make a difference.
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On Demand: All About Digital Books
Webinar NOW AVAILABLE
This popular Webinar, originally held in July 2009, covers the sometimes confusing world of digital books and is designed to help parents and professionals sort through an increasing number of options for accessing digital books for students with print-related disabilities. Attend this training when and where it is convenient for you.
register
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NEW Accessibility Features in Windows 7
 When Windows 7 is released this fall, it will feature several new accessibility enhancements. For example, the Magnifier in Windows 7 will include both a full screen and “lens” mode that focuses on a specific area of the screen. The speech recognition in Windows 7 will offer more advanced voice control so you can compose emails or even surf the Internet without touching the keyboard. To learn more about the accessibility features in Windows 7, visit http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/products/features/accessibility
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EX.I.T.E Camp 2009 a Huge Success
 Thirty middle school girls participated in PACER’s seventh year of the EXploring Interests in Technology and Engineering (EX.I.T.E.) camp, an IBM initiative. Eager middle school girls worked alongside chemists, engineers, and scientists from local companies to complete a variety of science experiments and activities.
Science and technology experts from local technology corporations including Accenture, Best Buy, IBM, Medtronic, Target, and 3M and presentations by KARE 11 meterologist Belinda Jensen, the Science Museum of Minnesota and Underwater World showed the girls what fun science can be.
The support from the six volunteering corporations along with generous contributions from H.B. Fuller Company Foundation, IBM Corporation, Xcel Energy Foundation, and the Medtronic Star Foundation made the 2009 camp an enormous success and life changing event for the campers.
For more information please visit www.pacer.org/stc/exite/Camp.asp.
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Consultant’s Corner:
Does your school need an AT consultant?
Does your school or district need help selecting, acquiring, or using assistive technology devices or software? Could your school benefit from expert guidance regarding the appropriate strategies or technologies for use in regular or special education settings? If so, the PACER Simon Technology Center can help. Our experienced and knowledgeable assistive technology team can provide a variety of services that include:
- Training and supporting district teams in the selection, acquisition, and use of assistive technology devices.
- Consultations regarding any student’s specific assistive technology needs
- Recommendations regarding appropriate strategies and/or technologies for use in regular or special education settings
- Development of an assistive technology plan or program
- Dissemination of information regarding available resources
To learn more about PACER Simon Technology Center consultation services, contact Bridget Gilormini, Simon Technology Center coordinator, at 952-838-9000 to discuss options and rates.
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NEW STC Blog: Let Your Voice Be Heard
 More than just information on a Web page, the Simon Technology Center Blog offers parents and professionals an opportunity to interact with staff from the Simon Technology Center. Below each blog post is a link to make a comment. Stay up-to-date with the newest AT products, resources, upcoming events and more and then let us know what you think. We are interested in what you want to see. Check it out at http://simontechnologycenter.blogspot.com.
Not sure what a blog is? Check out Common Crafts explanation at YouTube: Blogs in Plain English
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Library Corner: Special Request Forms
 STC library staff can customize your library experience with your own specialized request form which will list items that are of interest to you! These lists may be created by library staff, you, or by collaboration with library staff. To start a specialized request form or for questions please contact Tara Bakken at stclibrary@pacer.org or 952-838-9000.
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Web Spotlight:
Atomic Learning has been providing comprehensive online training with short, easy to understand videos for almost 10 years. Their expansive library includes tutorials on software like Microsoft Word to lessons on 21st century skills for the classroom. But most notably they have a large segment on assistive technology.
Atomic Learning’s assistive technology videos lead you step by step on how to use some of the most popular AT solutions available. From Boardmaker to WYNN, each tutorial is broken up into a series of small videos that allow you to quickly learn from the beginning or jump ahead for more advanced tips and techniques. If you are curious about what is available and how the videos look, you can browse their collection and watch the first two videos on any subject for free.
Atomic learning is a subscription-based service. A year of individual access to their library costs $99.99 for just the technology skills and $149.99 for access to their assistive technology library. You can also request a price quote and get a trial subscription for your school. Volume pricing is available at a significant discount to schools, districts, organizations and businesses. Be sure to check with your school or organization to see if they provide access to Atomic Learning before signing up. If a school has a contract with Atomic Learning, then access to the site is extended to attending students and their parents/guardians.
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Early Childhood Corner: CELL Infant Practice Guide – Playing with Words
 September’s featured CELL Practice Guide focuses on toddlers’ first interactions with letters of the alphabet and developing their letter recognition skills. Before a child learns to read, he or she must be able to identify letters and words and understand how print is different than pictures. To help toddlers become familiar with letters and words, gather together several alphabet toys such as alphabet blocks, magnet or foam letters or create letter toys using items such as alphabet cookie cutters or cut out sponges. Play with your child and describe to them what they are doing with the letters
Access more information about this practice guide Playing with Words.
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Product Spotlight: Talking Photo Album
 A talking photo album can be a cost effective communication tool to help children and adults who are nonverbal communicate. The Talking Photo Album has 24 pages that each hold a 4”x6” photo. A voice recording up to 10 seconds can be recorded for each page of the device. When a photo, symbol, or text card is inserted, it becomes an effective communication tool.
This tool can be used for to create talking stories, make a communication book, or record step-by-step directions.
Talking photo albums can be used in a variety of ways to increase independence, communication, and support literacy skills. More information about the talking photo album can be found online at: http://www.ablenetinc.com http://www.attainmentcompany.com, or enablingdevices.com. $30 - $50
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Computer Access Methods for Young Children By Tenley McDonald
In many early childhood classrooms, a common addition to the curriculum is computer time. Young children seem drawn to the computer as it provides a fun alternative to learning and an opportunity for inclusion with their peers. For young children with disabilities, however, access to the computer can be a quite a challenge. There are many options available to parents to help their little ones find success using the computer.
The following is a quick guide to several AT options available to help young children. The Simon Technology Center Library has a variety of these access tools available for check-out.
 Touch Screen: A touch screen is a device placed on or built into the computer monitor that allows the user to activate the computer or select a program by touching the screen instead of a mouse. For young children just beginning to use the computer, a touch screen is often very helpful and easy. It takes away the confusion of a mouse and cursor and allows the child to make a direct selection by touching the screen.
 Switch: A switch offers an alterative way to input information into a computer when it is not possible to use a standard keyboard or mouse. For young children, the switch is usually a large, one button device the child presses to make a selection on the computer screen. When using a switch on the computer, an interface is needed to connect the switch to the computer, as well as scanning software that allows the program to be accessed by a switch. Software programs designed for children with disabilities often have scanning available in the options menu of the software.
 Alternative Mouse: For young children who understand how to use a mouse, but are unable to use a standard mouse, there are several alternative options available. A tiny mouse is a popular option for young children as it is easier for little hands to maneuver. Additionally, a one-button mouse may be more suitable for children, eliminating the right-click function found on a standard mouse.
Other options include a trackball or joystick. For a trackball, the base is stationary, while the user controls the cursor by using the small ball placed on top of the base. A joystick may also be an option to control the onscreen cursor, especially if the young child already uses a joystick to control his/her wheelchair.
 Alternative Keyboard: An alternative keyboard differs from a standard keyboard in size, shape, layout, or function. Keyboards with large keys and bright colors are often helpful for young children when they are just beginning to use the keyboard. The large keys and bright colors allow the user to find the letters on the keyboard more quickly. The option of using an ABC layout instead of the standard QWERTY layout on the keyboard may also prove to be more functional for the child.
Other keyboard additions include alternative labels (tags that add visual clarity and tactile information to the keys), keyguards (hard plastic covers with holes for each key that help users avoid striking unwanted keys), and moisture guards (thin sheets of plastic that protect keyboards from spills and saliva).
The Simon Technology Center Library has a variety of these access tools available for check-out. Please contact the Simon Technology Center for more information.
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Published by the Simon Technology Center at PACER Center
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Atomic Learning
PACER's site offers many PDF files for download, which require 
