BT make a telephone with a little pull out keyboard that allows you to send and receive emails.
Found it for sale online at £70 at the link below, I think it's about £80 at Dixons etc.
If "Mom" needs any help setting it up, I live in South Manchester and would be happy to help if she's not too far away.
Phoneshop online
pilot-lite
[This message has been edited by pilot-lite (edited 05 June 2000).]