Katherine Swarts – BridgingApps

BridgingApps Partner Resource: MindApps

“[A mental-health app] is an extremely personal choice and a complex process involving many variables.” –Cristen Reat, BridgingApps Program Director It’s been almost five years since we first highlighted our partnership with the Division of Digital Psychiatry at BIDMC, led…

two females using ipad on table for augmentative communication

BridgingApps and the ESGH Adult Program

“Easter Seals Greater Houston’s Adult Programs put hope within reach for adults, seniors, Veterans, and Service Members. The diverse services provide participants opportunities to live, learn, work, and play as a vital part of their own community. In addition, these…

young man in wheelchair with therapist or teacher

Medicaid: Much More Than Affordable Healthcare

This post recognizes May as Mental Health Awareness Month and Older Americans Month—celebrating two demographics that benefit from Medicaid. We also recognize an important recent event: In the last week of April/first week of May, 120+ people representing 30+ Easterseals…

VA Benefits 101

This post is dedicated to all U.S. Veterans, and to May as Military Appreciation Month. What’s the VA All About? Do you know what the U.S. Veterans Administration (VA) offers Veterans? Here are a few things: Not all the above…

girl pointing to mouth while looking at therapist's face

Celebrating Speech-Language-Hearing Month: 100 Years of ASHA

“Making effective communication, a human right, accessible and achievable for all.” –ASHA mission statement The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) was founded in 1925, just three years after the first “speech correction” PhD in the U.S. Initial membership comprised 25 speech…

young nurse assisting older female adult

National Nurses Week: Technology on the Job

May 6–12 is National Nurses Week. Salute The Power of Nurses™ and thank a nurse for their service! A Nurse by Any Other Category If you’ve ever gone to a doctor, chances are a nurse was among the first people…

Young lady sitting at table with head resting on hand with eyes closed

Mental Health Awareness Month: What Everyone Should Know About Medication Side Effects

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Today’s post also recognizes May 4–10 as Tardive Dyskinesia [TD] Awareness Week. TD, characterized by facial tics and trouble speaking or swallowing, is a side effect of some antipsychotic medications. Could the Treatment Be…

Client Story: Entering Adulthood with Autism

Wrapping up Autism Acceptance Month, we share input from a mother and daughter in Montgomery County. The daughter, Shana, is 18 and planning for long-term independence, including new routines—a demanding challenge for many people with autism, and also for many…

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…