PACER Center

07/24/2025

Are you a parent, educator, caregiver, or advocate of a student with a disability? Join us for free, virtual listening sessions to share your feedback on the state of special education in Minnesota.

Minnesota’s new Blue Ribbon Commission on Special Education is developing an action plan that could result in $250 million in statewide funding cuts if no legislative agreement is reached. PACER Center and the Coalition for Children with Disabilities are hosting these listening sessions as an opportunity for you to provide insights that can make a lasting impact on special education services, funding, and classroom support. These events are free to attend, with registration required. ASL services will be provided. Register today at https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/1DL9XxBORaOdG0jwc_b3hg

These events will be hosted in partnership with The Autism Society of Minnesota, Minnesota Brain Injury Alliance, Legal Aid - Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid, Multicultural Autism Action Network, Decoding Dyslexia Minnesota, Epilepsy Foundation of Minnesota, Minnesota Council on Disability, Proof Alliance, Prader-Willi Syndrome Association Minnesota, and The Arc Minnesota.

07/23/2025

Are you worried about how to talk about your child's disability with your friends and family? You can’t control others’ reactions towards your child, but you can turn experiences into opportunities to educate others. Check out PACER's new video for tips on how to start those converstations and reduce stigma. Watch the video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cXAqa4q-TZQ&list=PLMe9zDtTPTVdR4tMwfEtXZ4gYsMItgr0z&index=15

Accompanying tip sheet can be found in the video description.

Spanish version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Gf5LyrXmTc&list=PLMe9zDtTPTVehP33SwI-a_TCS6O_VVTtn&index=15
Somali version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CxNl7Z_sGBk&list=PLMe9zDtTPTVdOWbdW8amDCxVAwq5QqM_G&index=15

Explains why it can be difficult to talk to others about a child’s disability. Gives tips on starting conversations.Tip sheet: https://media.pacer.org/php/ph...

07/22/2025

Join us for a special Tech for Teens event and learn about what it's like living and working in space! The event will include a Q&A session with an astronaut from the Expedition 73 crew as they livestream with us while they pass over our location. In-person attendees will also have the opportunity to participate in a straw rocket launching workshop where they will get to design and test their own paper rockets. All ages welcome; questions must be pre-submitted and recorded before the event. Register and submit your question at https://forms.office.com/r/J0Qt5cqRgL

07/17/2025

Navigating the transition to adulthood can be exciting and overwhelming. Join Fraser at Metro State University for their Emerging Adulthood Conference to hear from PACER advocates and more about how you can best support your young adult with a disability. Registration opens this summer. Learn more at https://fraser.org/events/fraser-emerging-adulthood-conference

07/11/2025

In Minnesota, parents and school districts are encouraged to resolve disputes through a variety of options, including mediation. Watch PACER’s new video “10 things you should know about mediation” at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dscI2Som93s

For more information about mediation, contact PACER Center or the Minnesota Department of Education. Contact information is available at the end of the video.

PACER Center explains 10 things you should know about the mediation process.Related materials:Checklist: Preparing for and Attending Mediation -- https://med...

07/10/2025

Summer break can be a good time for you to reconnect with your teen and talk to them about their mental health. Check out PACER's tips for how to engage in these conversations with your teen:https://media.pacer.org/php/php-c216.pdf

07/09/2025

Are you a parent, educator, or student with a disability? The Minnesota Inclusive Higher Education Technical Assistance Center (MIHEC) is requesting your feedback to help them better understand how to meet the needs of students with intellectual and developmental disabilities in postsecondary education. Complete their needs assessment survey at https://umn.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3UySm3CeY2E0YWW?j=13389516&sfmc_sub=486094376&l=72416_HTML&u=274949750&mid=6379454&jb=0

For questions and additional information, contact [email protected]

07/08/2025

Do you have concerns about your child's development or suspect they have a disability? Check out PACER's new guide on development and early intervention to learn more about what you should look for and what steps to take next. Find the answers at https://www.pacer.org/guides/early-childhood/ec-200/

07/07/2025

Save the date for Raise a Glass - a toast to PACER on Thursday, September 18 at Wooden Hill Brewing Company! This open house-style event is a great opportunity to connect with the community and support PACER’s work on behalf of children and young adults with disabilities and their families. All are welcome for a night of fun games, tasty treats, and a variety of delicious drinks. Ticket sales coming soon to pacer.org. We can't wait to see you!