STC Navigation Menu
News
Updated 06/05/2008
- Upcoming Workshops
- Early Childhood Project KITE
- Creation Station Says Goodbye For The Summer
- Free Early Childhood Workshop
- Microsoft Accessibility
- Product Spotlight: Object-Symbol Communication System
- Web Spotlight: 90 Days Of Summer
Upcoming Workshops
Assistive Technology for Reading, Writing, and Math
Participants will learn about universal design for learning (UDL) and the technology available to support it. Implementation strategies, including the parent's role in supporting UDL and classroom planning tips, will be given. This workshop is part of the Duluth Assistive Technology (AT) Workshop Series. Participants who attend three of the four trainings in this series will receive a free library membership to the Simon Technology Center. This series is funded by a grant from the Minnesota Department of Education.
- Saturday, June 7, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. - Duluth register
Building Capacity for Assistive Technology
Create a unique memory box worthy of holding all of your treasured keepsakes. You’ll decoupage a cardboard box with paper mosaic tiles and embellish it with stickers, stencils, stamps, and more.
- Saturday, June 28, 6:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. - Duluth register
Early Childhood Project KITE
Receive a free computer for your classroom!
Project KITE is a free program for early childhood personnel and parents of young children with disabilities. The primary goal of Project KITE is to foster inclusion of children with disabilities through the use of innovative assistive technology.
Project KITE Fall 2008 wants to come to Northwestern Minnesota. Three teams are needed to make the 2008 session complete. Teams consist of a parent of a child with special needs, the classroom teacher, and one other service provider.
Parent and professional participants will learn to use assistive technology together through five hands-on training sessions, starting in September 2008 and ending in December 2008. KITE trainers will provide participants with knowledge and confidence to modify, select, customize and incorporate appropriate technology to improve educational outcomes.
Participants are loaned a computer, digital camera, printer, and several customizable software programs for the duration of the training session.
Additionally, KITE teams completing the training will each receive a Young Explorer computer (donated by IBM) for their child’s classroom.
Interested parents and professionals should contact Katrina at
katrina.weibel@pacer.org or (800) 537-2237. For more information please visit
www.pacer.org/stc/kite. Applications are due June 30, 2008.
Creation Station Says Goodbye for the Summer
Summer is here and we know you will be enjoying many outdoor activities. Therefore, the Creation Station will be closed for the months of June, July, and August but will reopen in September 2008.
However, if you want to schedule a birthday party, please call PACER Center for more information at 952-838-9000. Birthday Parties can be scheduled select Fridays from 1 to 3 p.m. during June, July, and August.
Free Early Childhood Workshops!
Early Childhood Assistive Technology Workshops are available by request for communities in Greater Minnesota! Workshops can be requested by parents and/or professionals.
For information on scheduling a free workshop in your area, please contact Katrina Weibel at 952-838-9000 or at stc@pacer.org.
Possible workshop topics include:
- Introduction to Assistive Technology
- Boardmaker or Boardmaker Plus
- Clicker
- Speaking Dynamically Pro
- Augmentative and Alternative Communication
- Toys and Universal Design
A limited number of trainings are available. Trainings are funded in part by the Minnesota Department of Education.
Microsoft Accessibility
Microsoft Accessibility Features Make the Computer Easier to Use
Did you know that Microsoft products include accessibility features that make the computer easier to see, hear, and use? The PACER Simon Technology Center staff will show you how to take full advantage of Microsoft accessibility features in VISTA, XP, Office, and Internet Explorer 7 that make it possible to customize your computer to your own preferences. Contact the PACER Simon Technology Center to learn more about Microsoft Accessibility features or to request a free Microsoft Accessibility CD.
Product Spotlight: Object Symbol Communication System
By Object-Symbol Resource LLC
This low-tech communication system includes one Daily Schedule Board, one Choice Board and one Eye Gaze Board.
Communicate "what’s happening when" using Object-Symbols displayed in a sequence on a Daily Schedule Board.
Made of durable yellow plastic, the Daily Schedule Board is washable with safe, rounded corners and includes five Transition Cue Cards for getting started in developing independence and successful transitions through the use of the Daily Schedule Board.
Using the Choice Board, develop and support basic choice making with a display of Object-Symbols representing available options for food, drink, leisure and other activities. Made of durable blue plastic, the Choice Board also has safe, rounded corners and is washable.
The Eye Gaze Communication Board allows individuals with limited motor control to communicate through eye gaze. Made of clear durable plastic, this lightweight yet durable Eye Gaze Board provides a surface to adhere Object-Symbols for optimal eye gaze communication.
The Simon Technology Center Library now has the Object Symbol Communication System available for demonstration. To try it out, please stop in during Library hours, Tuesdays noon to 6 p.m. or Saturdays 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information on the Object Symbol Communication System, visit
www.objectsymbol.com.
Web Spotlight: 90 Days of Summer
By Special Education Technology Practice
Looking for a way to increase your knowledge of AT over the summer? Not sure about all the different ways technology is and can be used? Looking for some professional development opportunities? Check out the 90 Days of Summer where the AT magazine, Special Education Technology Practice, has compiled a daily dose of AT. Spend only 10 - 20 minutes a day exploring ideas, skills and resources. Originally compiled in 2007, this list of 90 resources continues to be a jewel of a find. Visit it online
www.setp.net/summer/90days.html.
The Special Education Technology Practice is a magazine about Assistive Technology published five times annually. It contains such features as New & Noteworthy, Screen Shots, Book Watch, Product Spotlight and more. It also offers users of assistive technology an opportunity to be a guest columnist and let their voice be heard by writing about their experience with assistive technology. Subscriptions are $39.95 a year. Information about subscriptions can be found by going to
www.setp.net.
PACER's site offers many PDF files for download, which require 
