BridgingApps is wrapping up the first year of our Expansion Pilot project, which introduces Easterseals affiliates across the country to our App Search Tool and to apps we recommend for Easterseals clients. As the end of the year approaches, all five of our 2025 affiliates have shared about their learning experiences and future plans.
For the final post in this series, we interviewed Easterseals PORT Health, which serves North Carolina and Virginia.
Q: What influenced your Easterseals affiliate to join the Expansion project?
A: At Easterseals PORT Health, we have collaborated with Easter Seals Greater Houston before, and it was an honor to do it once again. We were delighted to have the opportunity to actively participate in this initiative.
Q: What did you initially hope to get from the program? Where were your expectations surprised or exceeded?
A: We were eager to become more knowledgeable about the BridgingApps database, and the trainings were very helpful there. Also, the wealth of information in the blog was a great surprise.
Q: What app(s) did you learn about that you’d had no idea existed, but are now planning to use with the clients you serve?
A: Standout apps include:
- Be My Eyes [a crowdsourced video app that connects visually disabled users directly to volunteers who answer questions about the user’s surroundings]
- If I Need Help [a web-based app linked to wearable QR codes, so that if the wearer is nonverbal or mentally confused and no companion is in sight, helpers can scan the code for family-contact information]
- Vroom: Early Learning [provides caregiving tips, also tools for tracking developmental progress]
Vroom and If I Need Help are both excellent resources for families in our Early Childhood services program.
Q: What are the most valuable things you learned? How will they benefit your clients?
A: The trainings provided a perfect model for how to break down and share app information with our community, including people who are new to digital learning.
Q: How will your affiliate continue building on what you’ve learned?
A: Our Early Childhood team plans to continue to meet and share favorite apps from the BridgingApps site, with ideas on how they can benefit those we serve.
See also:
- “BridgingApps” section of PORT Health’s Assistive Technology & Resources page
- Expansion Pilot Update: From Easterseals PORT Health
An extra note of thanks to PORT Health’s Virginia team, for their collaboration on the Youth2Adult websites. Youth2Adult (Y2A) resources are designed for disabled young adults (and future young adults) planning their transitions to independent living. See VirginiaYouth2Adult and TexasYouth2Adult.
Thanks also to Comcast NBCUniversal Foundation, whose generous support made the Expansion Pilot possible.