PACER Center
952-838-9000
Champions for Children with Disabilities
Simon Technology Center
STC Navigation Menu
Technology Consultations
The PACER Simon Technology Center (STC) offers free, informal assistive technology consultations for children and adults with disabilities. A consultation at PACER is a way to explore educational software and assistive technology in a stress-free, collaborative environment. This is not a formal assessment or evaluation but rather a starting point to locate technology that may help people with disabilities become more independent at home, school, or work. Please note this service is separate from our fee-based
Individualized Training service.
If interested, please submit the appropriate consultation form (online or mail), or call PACER Center at 952-838-9000.
Submit appropriate consultation form online:
Adult Consultation Form |
Child Consultation Form
Print and mail form:
Adult Consultation Form
|
Child Consultation Form
Technology Consultation Process
Although the consultation is provided free of charge, a $50 refundable deposit must be received by the STC prior to scheduling and appointment. This refundable deposit holds your appointment. Your deposit will be returned to you at the consultation. Consultation appointments are scheduled during the business hours of 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday–Friday at the PACER Simon Technology Center. Each consultation lasts approximately one to one-and-a half hours. Due to high demand, consultations are typically scheduled out three to four weeks. We will make every attempt to accommodate your schedule.
Before the Consultation
Once the application form and deposit are received, an assistive technology specialist will be in contact to schedule the consultation. Because the consultation is customized to meet individual needs, the assistive technology specialist may ask further questions to best determine appropriate assistive technology.
During the Consultation
We encourage a team approach and recommend that the child or adult with a disability, family members, teachers, and professionals be present during the consultation. During the consultation, the assistive technology specialist will provide guidance and “hands-on” experiences based on the information provided on the application form. The assistive technology specialist will demonstrate a variety of software and adaptive equipment such as alternative keyboards, voice recognition, augmentative communication devices, and switches. Information about purchasing or upgrading technology, where to buy software and peripherals, and how to hook up adaptive equipment will be discussed during the consultation. At the end of the consultation, the assistive technology specialist will return your $50 deposit and explain the services of the STC Library, if appropriate.
After the Consultation
After the consultation a follow-up letter will be sent to you which may include: observations regarding assistive technology use, strategies for assistive technology use, product names, manufacturers, prices, and suggestions about other useful resources. The follow-up letter is not intended to serve as a prescription for technology but rather as a starting point for finding useful technology for the individual.
PACER's site offers many PDF files for download, which require 
