iPad Benefits Kids with Special Needs Too

I'm not generally one to say, "I told you so," but I really did this time.

When Apple introduced its iPad awhile ago, I told my husband it was a perfect device for kids like our son, Andrew. The screen is bigger than an iPod Touch, which is too small for Andrew to manipulate due to his fine motor limitations from cerebral palsy. And many of its entertaining features go far beyond the capabilities of a PC. Since then, Andrew has obtained an iPad of his own. He uses it to surf the internet, communicate via Facebook, download music and even explore "Romeo & Juliet" with a special application that enhances his homework. He also watches movies and YouTube on it. It is truly amazing technology.

In Andrew's case, the iPad supplements a laptop PC provided by our local school district. The laptop is great for schoolwork and books online. He can also email assignments to his teachers and track homework online. It's a great TOOL. The iPad, on the other hand, is a fabulous TOY that enables our son to access a variety of worlds and interests in an easy-to-use interface that's incredibly accessible. He takes it on vacation, to doctors appointments, to friends' houses and is now using it in the hospital (making our stay much more tolerable). Importantly, the iPad is something that Andrew shares with his non-disabled peers. There's no stigma with it, as is often the case with less mainstream assistive technology. It's just fun!

Nothing is perfect, and our son is still working to master certain aspects of the iPad and its sensitive touchscreen. Still, it's a joy to watch him as he perfects his hand movements to keep up with his passions and brainpower.

Great to hear that Steve Jobs and the folks at Apple are actually excited about the many ways their technology can help children and others with "special needs." Perhaps the best is yet to come.

Sayonara Minivan

Forget that we just bought a new handicapped-accessible minivan. I'm still thrilled to hear that I may not be destined to drive a minivan for the rest of my life, now that the Vehicle Production Group has created the new MV-1. This car has been specifically created to meet the needs of passengers in wheelchairs, and it does so in a way that looks safe, economical and fun -- not to mention just a little bit English. Move over Mini Cooper, here we come!

When our family traveled to London recently, we marveled that every black London cab had a ramp and could easily accommodate the five of us, including Andrew in his wheelchair. Looks like New York, along with many other U.S. cities, may now be able to follow suit. And if I'm lucky, I'll be cured of my minivan-itis forever! Silly thing to hope for with everything wrong in this world, but a mom can still dream.

Work for Change at Any Age

With back-to-school season upon us, I thought it was worth pointing out something great that just happened in Kansas. According to local media, students at Lawrence High School recently overhauled their homecoming rules so all students are eligible to serve on the homecoming court. This is really inspiring, especially given that many school districts across the country still don't fully comply with ADA laws, which were enacted more than 20 years ago.

I was never a homecoming queen, but I remember this part of high school quite fondly and am thrilled that kids in Lawrence care enough to include everyone. 800 signatures is a lot. So refreshing to see this behavior instead of reading about people who burn the Koran. Even the youngest people in our society can challenge unjust laws and outdated "rules."

Teach your kids to advocate for things that matter to them. It really does make a difference.

High School Here We Come

Andrew started high school today. New school. New teachers, New aide. New bus drivers. New schedule. New challenges. New fears. He definitely could use a new mother to help navigate all this.

His old mother (me!) is filled with emotion as we enter this next phase of life. Flooded with memories about how far he's come, awed with all that he's accomplished, and terrified by some of the obstacles that no doubt lie ahead.

But just as we tell our kids not to fear the unknown and to persevere in times of challenge, and just as we tell our kids to try their hardest and not let the tough times dampen their spirits -- so must we as mothers and fathers follow these instructions. To that end, here are some specific things to keep in mind along the way:

1) Focus on the positives -- Stay grounded in all that's working, and try not to get hung up on what might need fixing. New staff, new building, new processes. We need to allow time for a learning curve. People will get it (and him) if we give them time to learn.

2) Aide progress -- Look for small ways to help your child and/or his school. Since high school is all about independence, we're going to direct our energies to finding ways for Andrew to gain independence. His principal spoke about this yesterday, and Andrew is pumped! Enhancing school/home communication is another key focus area.

3) Don't sweat the small stuff -- Life is an adventure and school is a big part of it. Don't let the daily minutia of problems overtake the joy of daily successes. Look for things to celebrate.

4) Enjoy the ride !

We spent countless hours working with our local school district to identify the best high school environment and program for Andrew. Now that school is about to begin, we are reminding ourselves that this is a commitment -- to our son, to his teachers and other expert resources, and to our family. Andrew is clearly committed to achieving success in high school. We must all commit to helping him in whatever ways (big and small) that we can.

Bring it on!

Team Spirit!

Andrew is back from camp...and back to the Yankees, too. He has become an obsessed baseball fan this year, and it's bringing him so much joy and excitement, it warms my maternal heart. So did the efforts of his beloved Bronx Bombers, who apparently have been sponsoring "Hope Week" for some time now, and making dreams come true for die hard Yankee fans. Makes me question my cynical outlook on professional athletes (especially those who get paid ridiculous amounts of money, like the Yanks). I admit that it's great publicity and "good for the team," and all that. Yet I also must say here that people cannot fake compassion in such situations, I don't think. I still am not happy that Andrew awoke in the middle of the night crying and, when I went to his bedside to help, explained that he was simply sad about the Yankees loss to the White Sox last night. (Go figure! Now go back to sleep, son!) Still, it's great to have such team spirit and passion. God love 'em all.

Camp, Here We Come!

I awoke at 6AM today to the sound of Andrew was yelling, "Mom! Mom!" Of course, I thought something was really wrong. I entered his room, and he proudly exclaimed, "Today is my last day before camp!" He was so excited he just couldn't sleep. Simply wonderful!

Tomorrow morning, also around 6AM, my husband and I will take Andrew to The Southampton Fresh Air Home. For the sixth year in a row, he'll participate in a fabulous sleepaway camp experience that provides incredible independence and social opportunities for him -- and gives us a chance to rest and relax, in anticipation of the coming school year. Earlier this summer, we feared Andrew might miss camp because of his complicated orthopedic surgery to correct scoliosis. Simply not so. In fact, the camp director instilled great confidence when he said they have lots of experience with kids who are recovering from spinal fusion surgery. How terrific is that? Check out my earlier post about selecting a camp for children with special needs. There are plenty of good ones out there just waiting to be explored.

For now, we're thrilled that Andrew has found a special place that's all his. No parents or siblings required to accompany him. He advocates for himself. Gets his needs met. Makes new friends. Explores his ever-changing world. Just thinking about it makes me excited, too. But I still wish he'd let me sleep in this morning!

More Travel Tips

Just received great info from the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation. Very helpful for people planning travel. Our family trip to Paris was outstanding in April, by the way. Lots of good tips to share when I have more time. Meanwhile, enjoy these. This organizaion is really outstanding, I think.