PACER Center

05/25/2026

PACER Center is closed today, May 25, in observance of Memorial Day.

05/21/2026

Thank you to Target and the Disability & Mental Health Belonging Community (DMH) for having PACER at your Cards of Encouragement event! This event brought Target team members together to create uplifting, decorated cards for parents of children with mental health and neurodevelopmental disabilities. Thank you for sharing your passion and dedication for the disability community with us!

05/15/2026

📣 Calling all Minnesota girls and gender expansive youth with disabilities entering 6th grade through 8th grade! 📣

Gear up to be daring and think big at PACER Center’s 2026 EXITE Camp, August 3-7! Campers will dive into exciting hands-on STEM activities and make new connections in a safe and inclusive environment. Did we mention that this stellar camp is FREE?! Visit pacer.org/assistive-technology/exite-camp to view eligibility and apply.

Camper applications are due May 31, 2026. Don’t miss your chance to be part of an unforgettable week at PACER!

05/13/2026

PACER was pleased to welcome Assistant Secretary of Labor for Disability Employment Policy Julie Hocker in April! Assistant Secretary Hocker met with youth and young adults who have benefited from the Minnesota Workforce Access for Youth (MN WAY) program, which serves transition-age (14-24) youth and young adults with disabilities in greater Minnesota.

The Assistant Secretary opened the meeting by highlighting her role at the Department of Labor and invited participants to share their successes, insights, and any challenges they’re navigating.

Next, she and four youth participants in the ETM/MN WAY program visited PACER's Simon Technology Center where they learned about and demoed assistive technology (AT), including communication supports, switch-controlled devices, meta glasses, and a motorized toy car retro fitted with switches for a 3-year-old with limited mobility.

Finally, the Assistant Secretary continued her conversation with the four youth and three more who joined the conversation remotely. They discussed their participation in and the supports they were receiving through the ETM project and shared their career pathways, including diesel and auto mechanics, carpentry, disability rights consulting, public speaking, and internships.

The young adults shared their experiences with the MN WAY program and their perspectives on how the U.S. Department of Labor can provide support to help American youth and young adults with disabilities pursue their dreams of postsecondary education and dream jobs.

We hope the stories and input from the young adults and program staff helped highlight the importance of the ETM/MN WAY program for young people with disabilities in rural communities and are proud to be a part of this important effort!

For more information about the ETM/MN WAY program, view the flyer at: https://media.pacer.org/mn-way/mn-way-flyer.pdf, or email [email protected] or [email protected].

MN WAY is funded through a U.S. Department of Labor Employment Transition Model (ETM) Demonstrant grant: https://www.dol.gov/newsroom/releases/odep/odep20240402

05/12/2026

Ready to EX.I.T.E. your summer?

Join us August 3-7 for the 23rd annual EXITE (Exploring Interests in Technology and Engineering) Camp is back! We’re calling all Minnesota middle schoolers (girls and gender-expansive youth) with disabilities for a fun-filled week of high-voltage STEM exploration.

Last year, we tackled topics like nuclear fission and dove into the world of coding. This year, campers will experience new and engaging, hands-on magic alongside our partners, volunteers, alumni, and staff.

Safe. Inclusive. Unforgettable. FREE!

Registration closes May 31! Snag your spot today at pacer.org/assistive-technology/exite-camp

For any questions, email [email protected] or call (952) 838-1407.

05/08/2026

Norma is a surrogate parent who has used PACER's services to help her advocate more effectively for the children she supports. Raising a child with a disability can come with many complexities. PACER helps Minnesota parents and surrogate parents like Norma along this journey and supports them as they navigate systems like special education, health care, assistive technology, and more. To learn more about how PACER can help your family, visit pacer.org or call (952) 838-9000.

05/05/2026

May is American Indian Month in Minnesota. PACER recognizes their heritage, culture, and contributions, and supports their families of children with disabilities through workshops, resources, and individual assistance from our parent advocates.

This month, American Indian families and caregivers are invited to join a virtual and in-person community story circle that will explore how the stories we hear about schools, families, and special education shape what we expect and how we show up for our children. Participants will leave with questions to carry with them into everyday moments like Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings, classroom conversations, and communicating our children’s strengths and needs. This event is in partnership with the Saint Paul Public School Indian Education Program. Dinner will be provided for in-person attendees.

Read the full event details and register today at pacer.org/workshops

05/04/2026

Learn more about Specific Learning Disability (SLD), how to create a crisis plan, and special education for American Indian students with disabilities during PACER's May workshops! View all upcoming workshops and register today at pacer.org/workshops.

Don't forget to update your email preferences and subscribe to our workshops newsletter for a current list of what we're offering twice a month, straight to your inbox. Sign up at pacer.org/newsletters

05/02/2026

Drop by PACER's STC Lending Library from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. TODAY to loan devices, return items, or try something new! We're open with staff ready to help you find the assistive technology solutions you need.

Our regular hours include Tuesdays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. No appointment needed, contact [email protected] for questions and more information.

05/01/2026

May is Mental Health Awareness Month! It is a time to raise awareness about mental health challenges, offer support, and break the stigma. Learn more about PACER's mental health resources at pacer.org/advice-guidance/topic-mental-health/

05/01/2026