What actions would you take if your computer froze, your smartphone bookmarks disappeared, you couldn’t find the right document, or an online account refused your login? If you already know what to do, most technical issues can be resolved in…
Author: Katherine Swarts (page 12)
When You’re Born with It: Managing Lifelong Disabilities
The term “birth defect” is falling out of favor, as people rightly resent implications of being “defective.” This writer personally prefers “congenital disabilities”; the World Health Organization speaks of “congenital anomalies”; but for the present, “birth defects” remains the official…
From the BridgingApps Team: Holiday Notes 2023
Happy Holidays from the BridgingApps team! Enjoy this collection of our favorite tips and traditions. Cristen Reat, Co-Founder and Program Director: Growing up in rural Pennsylvania in the 1970’s, I remember spending hours looking through the Sears catalogue for toys…
Meltdown-Proofing the Busiest Weeks of the Year
With all the meltdown triggers in the world, the common element is stress: stress of unfamiliar situations, stress of physical discomfort, stress of unreasonable demands, stress of overload. Even minor stresses, when they pile up for too long, can trigger…
Making Time to Relax
By mid-December, many people are already a bit overdosed on holiday cheer. A constant stream of ads, crowds, and sugar highs is particularly challenging if your children are prone to meltdowns in the face of overstimulation. Perhaps you’re feeling on…
Gift-Giving on a Budget
You may be among those prudent souls who create a “holiday savings fund” each year, putting aside a little each month to ensure ample funds when gift-buying season arrives. If you’ve never considered the idea, don’t feel bad: few souls…
Digital Shopping to Reduce Holiday Stress
If you hate the sensory overload of mall shopping, there’s no need to force yourself. Digital shopping has been a convenient alternative for years—all the more so now that most stores have their own apps. Using an App for Shopping…
Assistive Technology for Holiday Events
Typical “holiday fun”—flashing lights, music, big parties—isn’t fun for everyone. With autism, epilepsy, or sensory processing disorder, even grocery shopping can be a trigger-loaded environment in December. And what do you do if everyone in your family is eager to…
Accessibility and Sustainability: Considering the Global Picture
“New York City, Las Vegas are among the 10 most accessible cities in the world for people with disabilities,” reported CNBC.com in November 2022. Orlando is the only other North American city among the top ten: the remaining seven are…
Seasonal Health Apps
Changing seasons bring new health concerns. Right now, as fall turns into winter, those concerns include: To help you take care of yourself, we’ve compiled a list of the best apps for managing seasonal health needs. Enjoy your December, and…