Simply Said

Simply Said is an ongoing video series designed by the PACER Center to explain complex topics in easy-to-understand language. The videos feature simple drawings that make it quick and easy to learn. This format makes this resource especially easy to share. The series covers topics from Assistive Technology to Accessible Instructional Materials.

• Understanding Accessible Instructional Materials (AIM) The National Center on Accessible Instructional Materials and PACER Center are pleased to announce the release of our new video explaining Accessible Instructional Materials in easy to understand language. This fully captioned video is designed to increase awareness of AIM.
• Understanding Assistive Technology The Minnesota STAR Program and PACER Center present the definition of Assistive Technology in easy-to-understand language. This video explains what Assistive Technology is where you can go the find out more.
• Understanding Assistive Technology Loan Libraries The Minnesota STAR Program and PACER Center present an easy-to-understand video explaining what Assistive Technology Loan libraries are and where to find them. You'll be taken step by step through the process of borrowing an item and learn where you can find your closest library to you.
• Understanding Accessibility in Digital Learning Materials The National Center on Accessible Instructional Materials and PACER Center are pleased to announce the release of a new video explaining Accessibility in Digital Learning Materials in easy to understand language. This fully-captioned video is designed to increase awareness of digital learning materials and how we can work together to increase the demand for accessible materials.

AT In Action Video series

Assistive Technology (AT) devices can be highly effective tools to help individuals with disabilities participate fully in school, at home, and in the community. PACER’s Simon Technology Center and the Family Center on Technology and Disability (FCTD) have released the new video series “AT in Action” to raise awareness of available devices. The videos offer real-world examples of how innovative AT is making a difference in the lives of individuals with disabilities. The fully captioned video series was funded by the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP).

• Meet Brody, a student who uses word prediction software to help him write and a smart pen to take notes and save thoughts.
• Meet Joe, an 11th grade student who uses Accessible instructional materials (AIM) to access school and recreational books.
• Meet Jean, a student who uses an iPad to do school work and access modified curriculum. She also uses hearing aid Boots which allow her to listen to audio directly from her iPad.
• Meet Nick, a young man with cerebral palsy who uses an adapted van to drive and runs his own lawn care business.
• Meet Mason, a young boy with vision loss who, with the help of AT, is able to learn reading and writing in the same classroom as his sighted peers.
• Meet Jared, a young man with cerebral palsy who, with the help of AT, is able to control his entire computer and run his graphic arts business through a sip and puff switch.
• Meet Sam Graves Sam, a young man with cerebral palsy, is a successful college student, blogger, and sportsman.
• Meet Elle O'Gorman A young woman with cerebral palsy, with the help of AT, is able to communicate with family, friends, and teachers.

AT Minute Video series

AT Minute is an ongoing video series designed by the PACER Center that demonstrates a variety of Assistive Technology solutions. These short videos include quick technology demonstrations to step-by-step tutorials.

• AT Minute - Tablet Computers We explore why tablet computers like the iPad are so popular in the assistive technology world.
• AT Minute - Intel Reader Learn the basics about the Intel Reader, an assistive technology device that converts text to speech.
• AT Minute - Text to Speech We take a look at text to speech software and how it can give extra support for reading.
• AT Minute - Microsoft Accessibility We take a quick look at some of the accessibility features built into the Microsoft operating system
• AT Minute - Tar Heel Reader Tutorial We walk you through how to use the Tar Heel Reader website step-by-step. Tar Heel Reader is a free online resource for reading and creating simple accessible books. You can find out more about Tar Heel Reader by visiting their site at www.tarheelreader.org
• AT Minute - Word Prediction We take a quick look at word prediction software and how it can help with typing.
• AT Minute - Working with Photos on the iPad We go over a few different ways to get photos onto your iPad and then how to edit them. In addition to the methods mentioned in this video you can also email yourself photos or use the new Messages feature.

Check It Out

The Check It Out video series will feature different pieces of assistive technology, available from the Simon Technology Center Lending Library.

• Anybook Reader by Franklin The AnyBook Reader by Franklin supports young readers who are just developing their literacy skills.
• The VGo Telepresence Robot PACER's Simon Technology Center is proud to be a leader in assistive technology, and we are excited to introduce the latest innovation available to help children with disabilities achieve their full potential -- remote-controlled VGo robots!
• Tobii EyeMobile Part of the Simon Technology Center's Paul Adelman Collection of Assistive Technology, the Tobii EyeMobile gives hands-free access to Windows 8 tablets. Using only their eyes, users navigate the tablet to communicate, play games, change settings and more. This technology is available for checkout to library members in Minnesota or for demonstration at the Simon Technology Center.
• The UbiDuo 2 Wireless Part of the Simon Technology Center's Paul Adelman Collection of Assistive Technology, the UbiDuo 2 Wireless helps the deaf, hard of hearing and hearing communicate. The two wireless units allow synchronous communication via text in an easy to use, easy to adjust text environment. This technology is available for checkout to library members in Minnesota or for demonstration at the Simon Technology Center.

Teens Succeeding with Technology Series

The Teens Succeeding with Technology (TeST) Program is a replicable model that has been test piloted and evaluated by several MN schools including alternative school settings and juvenile correctional facilities. The TeST program is a collection of four video trainings; each training incorporates innovative, web-based technologies and resources to help high school students with disabilities transition successfully to post-secondary education and careers.

• Video Training 1: Career Possibilities: Explore, Dream, Discover!
  The "Career Possibilities: Discover, Explore, Dream" video helps teens explore career options and learn about skills and academic areas they can work on in high school to help prepare them better for post-secondary education and careers. Interviews of young adults working in career fields helps to demonstrate a variety of career paths and how to best plan for the future.
• Video Training 2: Mapping Your Future: Creating a Personal Transition Plan
  In this training students are encouraged to think about their hobbies and interests as they explore career paths. This training includes resources for interest assessments and accommodation assessments that can help students learn more about their needs and gives them more information about themselves to use in the creation of a personal transition plan. Students learn the value of having a transition plan and explore multimedia tools they can use to create one of their own such as; PowerPoint, Inspiration, Glogster, and eFolioMinnesota.
• Video Training 3:Knowing Your Options: College, Independence, and Beyond
  In this training high school students learn about self-advocacy, positive self-image, various college and employment supports and resources post high school, rights and protections of Section 504 of the Rehab Act and the ADA, and understanding what “self-advocacy,” “accommodations,” and “disclosure” mean before and after high school.
• Video Training 4:Virtual College Campus Tour
  The Virtual College Campus Tour was created to help teens explore the world of post-secondary education through the comforts of home. This virtual college campus tour t can help students discover and explore the many different types of higher education institutions available and answers the questions a student with a disability needs to ask to have a successful experience.