Katherine Swarts – Page 4

The Top Teachers’ Tech Event in Texas: 2025 Report

The Texas Computer Education Association (TCEA) holds an annual Convention & Exposition to help educators keep their tech knowledge updated. The 2025 Convention was February 1–5 in Austin. Tara Rocha, BridgingApps’ Digital Learning Specialist, is also our annual TCEA delegate…

caregiver smiling with older adult woman

For Caregivers: Respite Without Guilt

Today’s post is in honor of National Caregivers Day, the third Friday in February (February 21). Taking Care of Everyone but Yourself For many people, caring for a disabled family member is less challenging than caring for oneself. Or, rather,…

ESGH Youth Council: A Report from the Field

The Youth Action Council (YAC) of Easter Seals Greater Houston is a student-led group that encourages community leadership, emphasizes youth engagement, and supports the ESGH mission. Their work reaches beyond Houston—sometimes even overseas. In November 2024, YAC member Fife Famurewa…

ATIA 2025: BridgingApps Attendee Report

The Assistive Technology Industry Association (ATIA) hosts a conference each year to showcase the latest in assistive technology. For 2025, the conference was held January 30–February 1 in Orlando, Florida, and had: In-person attendees included BridgingApps’ own Amy Fuchs (Program…

Consumer-Directed Services: Friends and Family as Paid Caregivers

Disclaimer: The following is based on consumer-directed-services rules for the State of Texas and is not intended to: (1) provide specifics on rules elsewhere; (2) guarantee up-to-date information on every law/regulation anywhere; (3) provide instructions on qualifying for Medicaid or…

older man and younger gentlemen looking at ipad together and smiling

Expanded Senior Services from BridgingApps, Thanks to Next50

“It’s expensive to age in this country. That’s why we seek partners like BridgingApps who will change the status quo and help create a world that values aging.” –Peter Kaldes, President & CEO of Next50 “Easter Seals Greater Houston is…

Consumer-Directed Services: Are You Ready to Hire Your Own Caregivers?

About PDSES: A Texas Grant for Your Children’s Special Education

“Free” public education isn’t really free. Families still pay for non-textbook supplies, school clothes/uniforms, in-school meals, and many extracurricular activities. And that’s just for able-bodied, neurotypical students. If your child has disabilities, there are expenses such as wheelchair maintenance, medications,…

older adult holding smartphone with younger adult sitting next to her on couch looking on

Overcoming Social Isolation for Older Adults

More than one-third of 50–80-year-old Americans report feeling lonely and/or “socially isolated.” There are many reasons, but the most common factors are: Other contributing factors include: How We Can Help For many, the answer is “getting together” virtually, with the…

photo of CES sign at las vegas convention center

Consumer Electronics Show 2025: Recap

This year’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES) was held January 6–10 in Las Vegas. Sponsored by the Consumer Technology Association Foundation (CTA Foundation or CTAF), this gigantic expo showcases the latest in technology for the everyday consumer. Over 4,500 exhibitors and…