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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:

Projects

The Simon Technology Center also operates several projects with specific focuses such as:

Featured Services and Projects

  • 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.

    Become a member today.

Upcoming STC Workshops & Events

  • Assistive technology to support sensory needs

    Date: Thursday, April 24, 2025 — 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM CT
    Location: Online Web Streaming
    Join us for a sensory workshop to explore tools and devices designed to enhance sensory experiences in sight, sound, and touch. Participants will discover a variety of options that can support their different sensory needs and learn how they can be used in everyday settings!
  • Tech for Teens Club : Build your own 3D printed lightsaber

    Date: Saturday, May 3, 2025 — 10:00 AM - 11:15 AM CT
    Location: PACER Center
    Unleash your inner Jedi (or Sith) and learn how to assemble a custom mini lightsaber in this hands-on workshop! Students will learn how to wire an LED filament for a glowing blade and piece together the components to create their finished product. Tech for Teens is a workshop for youth with disabilities ages 12-20.
  • Executive function tools to support independent living

    Date: Monday, June 16, 2025 — 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM CT
    Location: Online Web Streaming
    This workshop will explore technology that helps support executive function for individuals with disabilities so they can increase their independence. It will also include a demonstration of apps and devices that support independent living.

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.

 

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