Katherine Swarts – BridgingApps

Two individuals sit on a couch in a room with large windows. One is looking at a phone, while the other appears deep in thought, with a hand over their mouth. The setting is calm and softly lit.

AI for Mental Health: Pros, Cons, and Expert Opinions (Part 2)

May is National Mental Health Awareness Month; and Easter Seals clients should know about mental health services, since disabled adults in the U.S. experience “mental distress” five times as often as non-disabled adults. Artificial intelligence (AI) can support assistive technology…

close up of one hand holding phone while other taps screen

AI for Mental Health: Pros, Cons, and Expert Opinions (Part 1)

As National Mental Health Awareness Month begins in May, let’s be aware that disabled adults in the U.S. experience “mental distress” five times as often as non-disabled adults. One reason is that disabled people deal with more stress: stress from…

Group of learners in classroom looking at big screen

Expansion Pilot Project: Welcome to 2026

Good news for readers who enjoyed last year’s “Expansion Pilot” articles by Easterseals affiliates from Indiana, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, southwest Texas, and Virginia/North Carolina: the project is still expanding. In 2026, BridgingApps is hosting virtual training for five more Easterseals affiliates:…

Moving Forward Through Digital Access: Cameron Asaf’s Client Story

Today’s Client Story features Cameron Asaf, a 20-year-old graduate of Clear Creek ISD. Cameron has autism and first became a BridgingApps/Easter Seals client in summer 2023, through our Comcast-sponsored Digital Literacy Training Project. More recently, he’s received a BridgingApps-distributed laptop…

Tech Tools, Transition Training, and Tender Care: Devin’s Journey

College student Devin Mills, who has autism, came to BridgingApps/Easter Seals Greater Houston in 2025, through Houston City College’s Pathways to Success program, on the advice of success coach Madelyn Traylor. (Pathways to Success focuses on career training for high…

young man wearing hat and yellow shirt standing outside

Looking Forward with Vision Disabilities: A Report From “Discovering the Future”

The Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired (TSBVI), in Austin, is a residential school for K–12 students and an education partner for Texas public schools. One of TSBVI’s regular programs is its annual Discovering the Future workshop, an educational…

large group of individuals at the starting line of a walk event

Walk With Me 2026: Not Finished Yet

Thanks to all who joined us this year for Walk With Me, Easter Seals Greater Houston’s annual fundraiser at the Houston Zoo. Despite fickle spring weather and a few late-morning showers, an estimated 3,500+ people turned out on Saturday, April…

Two adult women sitting at table chatting

Our Favorite Fintech (Financial Technology) Resources

April is National Financial Literacy Month. Here are some fintech (financial technology) resources to assist with budgeting, saving, and other important skills. Apps lists: Individual apps with five-star reviews: And if you need personalized guidance, visit our BridgingApps Financial Tech…

You Don’t Say! Common AAC Misconceptions and Facts

National AT [Assistive Technology] Awareness Day is this Wednesday, April 22. National Speech-Language-Hearing Month begins next week. We recognize both today, with a look at AAC and why families shouldn’t hesitate to consider it. Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) tools…

Seeing the World in New Ways

Our latest BridgingApps Client Story is from Michelle Johnson, a program participant with vision disability. I got information about BridgingApps through a mentor in the Blind Professionals Network (BPN) and a contact in the Houston Council of the Blind. They…