The latest newsletter from the Pacer Center describes, the Simon Technology Center, a division which focuses on assistive technology for children and adults. This was the idea of Barb Wollak, a retired Speech and Language Pathologist. STAR spoke with Bridget at the Pacer Center who now runs the program. She said the motivating factor was to have their students learn to read and write for real purposes, and online learning was a great way to achieve this. At first, it was difficult to get administrative support; they tried to have this be a web-based program, but that was unsuccessful. There were not many start up costs associated with the program as they already had computers. As this was listed in their students’ Individual Educational Plans, funding was not as much of an issue. This program has the potential to help learners struggling with reading and writing to engage in writing for real purposes. They refer to it as their On-line E-pal Exchange Program. Technology allows children and adults with disabilities to keep pace with a rapidly changing world by providing opportunities for communication, education, recreation, employment, and independence.

http://simontechnologycenter.blogspot.com/2010/06/improving-literacy-skills-tips-for.html

The Oakdale/Lake Elmo Review published a story about The Valley Social Club that just opened in June in the area. This social club for people with and without disabilities in the St. Croix Valley area is intended to help enhance the lives of participating children and young adults. Susan Kane, one of the founders, is quoted as saying “There really is a need, by the time kids with disabilities are in junior high, there's not a lot of social opportunities for them." The program was founded by three mothers of children with developmental disabilities and funded by The CCP Foundation. Jamie Hanson Blair was quoted as saying "We're trying to eliminate barriers for people with good ideas."

http://oakdalelakeelmoreview.com/main.asp?SectionID=4&SubSectionID=13&ArticleID=6616

In an Opportunity Partners’ press release, the announcement was made that they have designed a 5 day summer camp for people with disabilities who are looking for employment. This camp is called “Opportunity Partners Career Camp.” The camp takes place at Opportunity Partner’s site in Minnetonka. Participants will gain knowledge of career resources and will be able to fine tune their job seeking skills and tour local companies to explore work environments and careers, among other learning activities.

http://www.opportunities.org/media-press.asp?DocID=254

Opportunity Partners’ Karlin Center has also started a program for their participants that integrates iPods and cameras for use in steadily climbing the ladder to productivity, positive behavior and, ultimately, independence. Through the use of the small, hand-held camcorders, individuals will soon be tapping into their work skills with "video modeling" – a practice where individuals actively role play, participate in mock interviews and upload the results to a computer to witness their conduct. "These activities give them a chance to look back and evaluate what’s going on.” Participants can see what positive traits they have, as well as what they need to focus on and improve. Individuals are able to see and know a sense of accomplishment and joy.

http://www.opportunities.org/presidents-corner.asp

Karly Wahlin is a woman living with Rett Syndrome. One of several characteristics of this syndrome is the inability to communicate. After hearing of a disabled man who learned to communicate using a special keyboard, Wahlin and her mother developed a special technique of their own. Her mother holds her hand to keep it from moving unintentionally, while Karly touches the letters on the keyboard, which her mother reads and puts into words. “I felt free, I felt understood,” expressed Wahlin. “It gave my heart such joy." Karly became one of only a handful of girls with Rett Syndrome in the world who can communicate at all, but she didn't limit herself to just words. She also composes music, and has made a CD of her music. The CCP Foundation funded the recording of her CD.

http://www.myfoxtwincities.com/dpp/news/karly-wahlin-rett-voice-through-music-april-8-2010