Katherine Swarts – BridgingApps

The Challenge of Invisible AT: Assistive Technology, Smartphones, and IEPs

You’ve probably heard of “invisible disabilities”: chronic pain, Level 1 autism, and epilepsy, to name a few. Assistive technology (AT) can also be “invisible.” And in either case, “invisible” often means “misunderstood.” Hidden in Plain Sight Think of AT as…

Happy National AT Awareness Day! The World of Expertise vs. Experience

National AT Awareness Day is Wednesday, April 30. This post is dedicated to everyone who prioritizes individual needs when finding or recommending assistive technology. “I know what’s best for you.” As in “Because I said so.” As in something frequently…

Parkinson’s Disease: Basics, Lesser-Known Facts, and Helpful Hints

April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month. Nearly 1 million people in the U.S. have Parkinson’s disease, with 90,000 new cases diagnosed each year. Most Parkinson’s patients (96 percent) are over 50; more men than women are affected. Common symptoms include: These…

Walk With Me 2025 Keeps on Walking

If you follow BridgingApps and/or Easter Seals Greater Houston on social media, you’ve no doubt heard of Walk With Me, our annual fundraising event. April 12 was Easter Seals’ 14th Walk With Me, at the Houston Zoo, and we were…

Social Security in the Digital Age

Earlier this month, the U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA) announced—and then withdrew—a plan to drastically cut telephone-based services. Political issues aside, the agency’s phone lines are already understaffed: on-hold times range from a boring 21 minutes to an excruciating three…

Digital Notes and Other Organizers

If you have autism, an organized life is probably extra-important to you. This article is dedicated to April as Autism Month, and to everyone who works with autism-friendly technology. Some Organization Tools Do you have more appointments, duties, and goals…