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Health & Fitness

Technology and the Special Needs Mom

This Mom writes about how modern technology and the use of today's "smart phones" make her life with special needs children a tad easier.

I will admit it: I am a technology addict.  Gotta have voicemail.  Love to be able to send a text message.  Would be lost without email.  Marvel at the ability to have both my calendar and contacts at the touch of a button.  Luckily, I can have it all with my Blackberry.  Yes, I am addicted to my Blackberry.  But given the cards that I have been dealt and the schedule we keep with two children with special needs, I would argue that a "smart phone" is more of a necessity rather than an option for me.  My SUV is my mobile office, and I have found that I am quite proficient (while being safe and efficient) with my time at stoplights.  I get a lot accomplished in therapy waiting rooms with this puppy.  I have cancelled therapy appointments only to make doctor appointments for sick kids while in the car pool lane at school.  I have whipped out IEP goals from saved files.  I have gotten that urgent email without having to be dependent on my laptop at home.  I have sent the occasional urgent email as I am driving home from school after my daughter informs me that she visited the school nurse that day.  Texting a therapist who is waiting in front of your house with your ETA because you thought you would have time to fly through the drive-thru for that extra jolt of coffee.  Yes, I am addicted to my Blackberry.  But this addiction actually keeps me sane.  I have two busy kids.  Two kids with special needs.  Two kids with two equally busy schedules.  Can't just schedule a mammogram when one has speech therapy and the other has an ENT appointment, can you?  Can't just squeeze in a quick haircut and color when this one needs to be in one place for school and that one needs to see the dentist with her favorite hygenist, can I?  See what I mean?  Between school, therapies, swim lessons, IEP meetings, doctor appointments, and gymnastics, this device is my lifeline.  And let's not forget the Facebook and Twitter updates!  So, yes, my Blackberry is a necessity for me.  Someday, I will have a boring phone.  Maybe even no phone at all.  But until then...I LOVE TECHNOLOGY!

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