Katherine Swarts – BridgingApps

Expansion Pilot Report: Easterseals Iowa

Welcome to the second post in our summer 2026 series from the Easterseals affiliates in our Expansion Pilot project. The following comments are from Tracy Keninger, Director of Rural Solutions/Assistive Technology Center at Easterseals Iowa. (Information tidbit: Easterseals Iowa services…

From the Classroom to the Family Room: “Technology for Households” Update

“Since going to Technology for Households (which we heard about through my child’s school), I’ve learned how to manage my kid’s time and apps on the iPad. He is eager to learn, and pays attention.” –Tomicka Charles, Technology for Households…

Steps Toward Independence: Garrett Groogan’s Client Story

Garrett Groogan is a young-adult BridgingApps client with autism: he came to us through the Comcast Digital Literacy program (Year 3 cohort) and the Compudopt laptop grant. Garrett has earned multiple Certificates of Completion for Northstar Digital Literacy courses. Garrett’s…

child sitting at table writing with parents and therapist looking on

What Everyone Should Know About Aphasia

June is National Aphasia Awareness Month. Today, we share an overview of this more-common-than-recognized disability. Just What Is Aphasia? If you’ve never even heard of aphasia, you’re not alone. According to research by the National Aphasia Association, “aphasia” is a…

young lady and teacher looking at each other in classroom

Saving for Independent Adulthood: The Latest on ABLE Accounts

However much help they need with daily living, people with disabilities become legal adults at the same age as everyone else. An 18-year-old with cerebral palsy, low vision, or intellectual disability has the same rights and responsibilities as a “typically…

female looking stressed with one hand to her forehead and other holding phone in bedroom

Autistic Burnout: What It Is, How to Recover from It, and How to Prevent It

Today, we look at a condition that often accompanies mental-health problems. “Exhausted” means “fatigued,” but in a more general sense it means “spent, out of energy.” You can exhaust yourself by working until you drop. You can also exhaust the…

A person is holding a printed sheet with a large letter "A" and cherries, engaging with a young individual who is smiling. In the background, stuffed animals and art supplies are visible on shelves.

Family Resources for Speech-Language-Hearing and Aphasia Awareness Month

May was Speech-Language-Hearing Month and June is National Aphasia Awareness Month. If you have a child with hearing disabilities, the following resources can help you find assistive technology, peer support, and valuable information. Texas Hands & Voices Texas Hands &…

A Salute to Military Appreciation Month

Hope everyone had a meaningful Memorial Day on May 25! As we wrap up National Military Appreciation Month (May in the United States), take a look at the following apps and lists from BridgingApps’ App Search Tool. Besides topics directly…

Hands typing on a laptop keyboard with a blurred cup in the background.

New Frontiers in Self-Help and Connection: Hodari Patton’s Story

Hodari Patton is a BridgingApps client, who has experienced mental health challenges and a schizophrenia diagnosis. He first connected with us in September 2025, through digital-learning classes at Fort Bend CONNECT and Hope Fort Bend Clubhouse. Anna Gonzales, Executive Director…

Seeing Success: Edgar’s Journey with Low Vision and Technology

Edgar Sheppard, a senior citizen with vision impairment, has been a BridgingApps client for several years. He first connected with us through his volunteer job as a Senior Companion with AmeriCorps. Among client benefits he has received: a laptop computer…