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Simon Technology Center Overview
Assistive technology can be a device or service that helps children with disabilities participate more independently within their environment at home or school.
The Simon Technology Center (STC) is dedicated to making the benefits of technology more accessible to children and adults with disabilities. Through a collaborated effort involving parents, professionals, and consumers, the STC can provide numerous services for your family, as well as resources and informative answers to your questions. Since 1987, the Simon Technology Center has helped many children and adults, with a variety of disabilities, use assistive technology to enhance learning, work and independence.
Services
The Simon Technology Center provides a variety of core services to help children, families, and professionals including:
- Technology consultations
- Lending library
- Individualized Training Sessions
- Facebook Buy & Sell Group - MN Special Needs Equipment for Sale
Find equipment and assistive technology after its initial use. Items such as, communication devices, walkers, adaptive switches and toys, motorized cars (that can be adapted), adapted keyboards, etc.
- In-services and workshops
- Simon Technology Center videos
Projects
The Simon Technology Center also operates several projects with specific focuses such as:
Featured Services and Projects
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The STC Lending Library has launched a new modern online catalog of items!
With more than 1,900 items, the Lending Library lets you try out and borrow some of the newest educational and disability-specific software and devices on the market including:
- Text-to-speech software for reading accessibility
- Speech-to-text software for improved written communication
- Universally designed toys for playtime accessibility and inclusion
- Communication devices for communication freedom
- Computer access adaptations for independence
- Talking calculators for improved independence with math
The Simon Technology Center Lending Library allows you to try assistive technology before making a purchase decision and is open to Minnesota residents. Families, educators, and consumers who become library members benefit from personalized assistance, convenient hours and services. As a member, you can:
- Receive personal assistance in selecting and checking out materials.
- Try out devices and software.
- Reserve, check-out, or renew items online, by phone, email or in person.
- Schedule quick pick-up during regular business hours or library open hours.
- Have items mailed to you for free if you live in Greater Minnesota.
Upcoming STC Workshops & Events
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Tech for Teens Club : 3D modeling a Mario pipe planter in SketchUp
Date: Saturday, November 9, 2024 — 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM CTLocation: PACER Center - Map and AddressJoin us for a hands-on workshop to learn the basics of 3D modeling in SketchUp. Explore different tools and create a model of a brick and pipe planter from Nintendo's Super Mario. Participants will take home their own 3D printed planter. -
Assistive technology for writing
Date: Thursday, November 14, 2024 — 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM CTLocation: Online Web StreamingThis workshop will explore assistive technology to help with various writing skill levels. Participants will look at apps that help with different writing stages from drafting to revising, along with learning the basics and various digital and voice options. -
Using Chrome extensions to support reading
Date: Tuesday, November 19, 2024 — 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM CTLocation: Online Web StreamingThis workshop will explore Chrome extensions (apps) that provide support for reading with a Chromebook or the Google Chrome browser. It will address visual supports, literacy skills, and text-to-speech. Attendance is recommended for middle school through college students with dyslexia and other learning challenges, including ADHD. -
Accessibility Series : iPhone and iPad
Date: Thursday, December 12, 2024 — 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM CTLocation: Online Web StreamingiPhones and iPads have many accessibility settings built-in to their operating systems. This workshop will teach participants about different ways to modify these Apple devices to make them more accessible, including voice control, text-to-speech features, head tracking, and more. -
Tech for Teens Club : 3D modeling a Super Mario question block
Date: Wednesday, December 18, 2024 — 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM CTLocation: Online Web StreamingJoin us for a virtual workshop to learn the basics of 3D modeling in SketchUp. Participants will explore different tools and learn how to create a model of a question block from Nintendo's Super Mario.
The Simon Technology and its projects are generously sponsored by private donations and the following foundations: 3M, Best Buy, Boston Scientific, Donaldson Foundation, Ecolab, Fred C. & Katherine B. Andersen Foundation, Grotto Foundation, IBM, Medtronic, Minneapolis Rotary Community Service Foundation, The Minneapolis Foundation, Schulze Family Foundation, Verizon, and Xcel Energy. In kind support provided by Accenture and Target.