Hi, Paul Sawka here from CDSS. I wanted to write about technology and tell people about how I use it, and how it can benefit others like me who have Down syndrome.
I use technology every day. It has especially benefited me over the last two years with the Covid-19 pandemic. My phone, tablet, and computer have allowed me to stay connected with my friends and family when we were unable to meet face to face. Technology has also allowed me to keep a job. I now work from home to do my CDSS work and complete all of my work on my computer and cellphone. Over the course of the pandemic, I downloaded the app Zoom which I use to not only do my work but to take my university classes, curling, baseball, and Special Olympic exercise classes, and stay connected with my peers and family.
Technology helps me become independent because I can explore information on the internet that I want to learn about and can do it all on my own. I also use the internet to find new recipes to bake with my mom. Technology has helped me improve on my writing and typing skills, and those skills have given me more independence.
Without technology I don’t believe I would be able to do certain things. Technology gives me more independence in my relationships with my girlfriend and friends. I can talk and make plans without my parents always needing to do it for me.
CDSS: What kind of devices do you use at home Paul?
Paul: At home I use my cellphone, tablet, and computer.
CDSS: How old were you when you got your first tablet or phone?
Paul: I first got a phone when I was 19 years old, at the time I had to memorize phone numbers such as my mom and dad’s, my sister, and my granny.
CDSS: Did anyone help you when you first started using a tablet or phone? Who helped you and how did they help?
Paul: Yes! When I first started using my tablet and phone my dad helped me to set these up. My dad helped me by programing the important phone numbers into my contact list, and downloading apps such the Canada weather app, SportsNet, Viber (a messenger app), and I recently download Zoom.
CDSS: What are your favourite things to do on your tablet or phone?
Paul: Some of my favorite things to do on my phone are to connect with my friends and family by calling, texting, and facetiming. I also use my phone by creating voice memos to record myself singing. I also enjoy using my tablet to play games. My favorite game right now is Harry Potter Hogwarts mystery. I also use my tablet to answer emails and check Facebook.
CDSS: How much time a day do you spend on your devices? Do you track this?
Paul: During the day I spend more time on my tablet playing my game than on my phone. I don’t track the time spent on each device but have been using technology more frequently with the pandemic as I have more alone time. Roughly, about 8 hours a day. During the work week, I spend about 4-5 hours twice a week on the computer.
CDSS: Who do you connect with on your tablet or phone?
Paul: I connect with my mom and dad, sister, and granny, roommate, support worker, coworkers, and my girlfriend. My main form of communication is calling and texting. Sometimes I facetime or use WhatsApp to make long-distance calls.
CDSS: Do you stay in touch with any family with your tablet or phone?
Paul: Yes! I keep in touch with my parents of course. They are my main source of contact. I do this by both calling and texting. I also connect with my granny by calling her as she does not text. I will use my phone or tablet to text my family.
CDSS: Do you connect with anyone who also had Down syndrome on your phone or tablet?
Paul: Yes! A lot of my friends also have Down syndrome, including my girlfriend. I also keep in touch with my friends Murray, Alex, and Matthew. We always connect by calling or texting each other. When we connect, we discuss making plans to meet up, how each other are doing, and we discuss the things like the pandemic.
CDSS: Can you think of anything negative about your tablet or phone? Some people get addicted to their phones and use them too much. Do you agree with this, and do you do anything to avoid this?
Paul: I often spend too much time on my phone and tablet playing a game instead of doing other things such as going for a walk or reading a book. I for one call people too much when they’re busy. I try to avoid this by limiting my number of times I call them.
CDSS: Do you have any favourite apps that help you with scheduling? With being more independent?
Paul: Yes, WhatsApp and Zoom.
CDSS: What lifestyle apps do you use?
Paul: I use an E-transfer banking app, Zoom for work and Special Olympics for my exercise such as baseball and curling, and WhatsApp for music lessons.
