Texas Children’s Hospital, Easter Seals Greater Houston, and the BridgingApps AT Lab

Much of BridgingApps’ work involves helping children and families find the best assistive technology (AT) to meet their unique needs. There are many pediatric MDs trying to do the same, but lacking full information on AT options. Now, BridgingApps and Easter Seals Greater Houston (ESGH) have partnered with Texas Children’s Hospital and the Baylor College of Medicine to bridge that gap.

man using eye gaze

Begun early this fall, the new program hosts pediatric residents on monthly tours of ESGH and the BridgingApps AT lab. By learning about the lab and other local resources, doctors begin their careers better prepared to advise patients’ families on available technologies.

Amy Fuchs, BridgingApps Program Manager, describes the partnership:

“Easter Seals Greater Houston has the privilege of hosting Baylor pediatric residents who are learning about Developmental–Behavioral Pediatrics through the Meyer Center for Developmental Pediatrics and Autism at Texas Children’s Hospital.

“One day each month, a new group of residents spends two hours in the AT lab, learning about ESGH’s services for young children and adolescents. Our BridgingApps team shares details on lab and other in-person services, as well as our web-based services such as the app search database, blog, and YouTube channel. Residents are invited to try the technology themselves, and they appreciate the hands-on experience. For example, when we demonstrate Augmentative & Alternative Communication (AAC) devices, the residents learn firsthand how eye-gaze technology works, along with details on why a child may need this method of communication—or any of the wide variety of options available.

group of people in assistive technology lab learning how to use eye gaze

“Each month’s program includes a visit to the ESGH Children’s Therapy Clinic, where residents discover how their patients can qualify for speech, physical, and occupational therapies. Residents also see The Caroline School, where students 18 months to 21 years old learn in an ability- and individual-focused environment.

“The ultimate goal of this partnership is to provide opportunities for personally observing our services for children and adolescents with neurodevelopmental diagnoses, and to share these opportunities with as many pediatric residents as possible. Once they attain a better understanding of Easter Seals Greater Houston and BridgingApps, they remember our resources as they move forward in their medical practices.”

Want to learn more about our AT Lab services? BridgingApps hosts Open Lab Days after school most Tuesdays, at our Loop Central offices. We also have locations in Stafford and The Woodlands. Check our Assistive Technology Lab Services page to plan or schedule a visit.

Leave a Reply