Katherine Swarts – Page 17

The Facts on Orofacial Clefts

The term “orofacial clefts” comprises “cleft lip” and “cleft palate”—congenital abnormalities in facial tissue that leave gaps in the upper lip and/or roof of the mouth. Most clefts can be closed surgically, but even after treatment, the child is often…

teen students meeting with adult teacher

How to Advocate Without Being Disagreeable: The Gentle Art of Winning Others to Your Point of View

Definition of an intimidating situation: needing to convince someone in authority that “the way things are done” is the wrong approach. It’s a situation all too familiar to many parents whose children have disabilities: Whatever your gut reaction may say,…

students and teacher gathered around a laptop at table

Tech Trends: What Else Is New?

As noted in our recent articles “Let’s Appreciate AI” and “VestLife: The Latest News,” the newest generation of artificial intelligence promises to be a major factor in improving assistive technology. AI can “teach” devices and apps to: AI-Based and AI-Enhanced…

image of original art displayed at craft fair

The Autistic Entrepreneur: Earning a Living in the Adult World

Among worker qualities valued at all levels and across all industries, one consistent top ranker is interactive or soft skills—such as networking, person-to-person communication, and teamwork. Hiring managers look for outgoing and empathetic candidates; supervisors and coworkers like sharing their…

Let’s Appreciate AI

Disclosure: This post is entirely human-written, with the help of word-processing software, online search engines, and digital exchanges with fellow humans. Once upon a time, artificial intelligence (AI) was the stuff of apocalyptic science fiction, usually featuring anthropomorphic robots in…

young man pointing up in front of virtual screen

The Ultimate in Inclusive Attractions: Morgan’s Wonderland, San Antonio

Theme parks aren’t just for the neurotypical and able-bodied. Meet Morgan’s Wonderland, aka “The First Theme Park Where EVERYONE Can Play” and “The One and Only Ultra-Accessible™ Theme Park.” Created by Gordon Hartman and named for his special-needs daughter, Morgan’s…

VestLife: The Latest News

This article is a follow-up to “VestLife: An Organization Solution for Families,” published last May. The text below is adapted from comments contributed by Michael Pearce, VestLife Founder and CEO. The Vest system was created to help parents “save time,…

Digital Use in Rural Areas, Continued

Even in today’s high-tech global economy, the American rural community lives on. You can still leave Houston (population fast approaching 2.5 million) after lunch; drive west; make a turn to the north; and reach Leakey, TX (population under 500) before…

Tons of Fun: Ross McCann on ESGH Kids’ Activities

Easter Seals Greater Houston (ESGH) offers year-round group activities for kids of all ages. In today’s post, ESGH Camp Coordinator Ross McCann shares his observations (with a nod to our own Daryn Ofczarzak, whose many ESGH duties include Speech Language…

birds eye view of family using technology

Staff Picks: All Our Favorite New-Routine Apps

By the time this article is posted, most schools in the U.S. will have reopened for the 2023–24 school year. But even if your kids have been back in class for two or three weeks, chances are it still feels…