Katherine Swarts – Page 20

Assistive Technology and Independence

Happy Independence Day month, everybody! No one is “confined to a wheelchair.” Or “stuck in a wheelchair.” Or “wheelchair bound.” Any such phrase marks the speaker as insensitive to wheelchair users. It’s not that wheelchair users have anything against the…

two girls sitting in grass looking at phone together

Fun Time: BridgingApps Summer App List for Kids

To most kids, summer means all the free time in the world—and fun, fun, fun!! Parents’ idea of the perfect summer is somewhat different, often starting with how we don’t want our children to spend their vacations. Who hasn’t been…

man looking at computer screen with calendar displayed

PTSD Awareness: Finding the Right Organizer App

PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) is not an illness exclusive to battle-scarred Veterans: about one in twenty Americans have it, and they come from all career fields, genders, ethnicities, and ages. Nor do all trauma survivors develop PTSD: probably the highest…

teen boy in wheelchair arms outstretched

The Freedom to Be Respected

“As we celebrate Independence Day, I think it aligns with our mission perfectly. Supporting clients and their families as they gain strength, skills, resources, and information to build the life they want is what independence is all about. Our work…

How to Keep Physically Active in Summer Weather

It’s not only academic skills that can suffer from “summer slide.” As every Houstonian knows, a summer heat wave—which can strike anytime from May to September—can make it a challenge just to walk to your car without collapsing. So if…

A New Level in Noise Cancelling: myNoise App

Cancel the environmental noises you don’t like, by filling your ears with sounds you do like. The myNoise app is free to download and provides 20 My Noises options that include favorite low-noise indoor backgrounds (e.g., airplane, Restaurant, Calm Office)…

Why Cognitive Decline Needn’t Be Inevitable

Nearly 6 million Americans—and 1 in 9 people over age 65—have Alzheimer’s disease, the best-known and most dreaded form of dementia. But Alzheimer’s isn’t the only cause of memory, reasoning, or concentration difficulties in senior adults. Vitamin deficiency, hormonal imbalances,…

woman in wheelchair smiling at laptop screen

Starting Fresh After Your Life Is Turned Upside Down

June is Rebuild Your Life Month. What does “rebuilding life” mean to you? Although many people decide on their own to start fresh/look for a new job/revive old dreams, “rebuilding season” forces itself on many others. The trigger might be:…

man and young boy looking at book together while using sign language

Assistive Technology for Hearing and Vision Impairments

In recognition of Deafblind Awareness Week this June 25–July 1, today we look at assistive technology for people with impaired hearing and/or vision. Worldwide, over 1.5 billion people have hearing loss; at least 175 million have blindness or low vision;…

You Deserve Some Down Time

Can you, in the spirit of the old song, say that “the livin’ is easy” in your summertime? Maybe you still have a full-time job and children to take care of; but even if the kids are on their own…