Katherine Swarts – Page 8

Using High Tech to Plan a Low-Tech Retreat

In recognition of our BridgingApps team retreat this week, September 27–30. Retreat: A change of setting that makes time for doing less, experiencing more, and clearing your mind for long-term planning. For most experienced “retreaters,” the definition would also include…

No Need to Fear: Digital Security for Digital Newbies

Of everything that makes people nervous about the digital universe, the security issue is the most likely to have significant consequences—and the most likely to inspire fears far beyond the true risks. Knowledge is power, so BridgingApps has asked four…

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…

young adult female sitting on grassy lawn with laptop open. male in wheelchair beside her. autumn colored trees in background

Autumn Is on Its Way: Preparing for Cooler Weather 🍂

The brains behind this blog are all Gulf Coast residents, so we empathize if you’ve had more than enough of summer. In some places, summer is the most beautiful season: in the southeastern U.S., it’s mostly one long slog of…

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,…