One of my first clients lived with severe pain from thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) and couldn’t type on a keyboard. While we worked together to create employment for her, she bought Dragon Naturally Speaking Voice Recognition Software. It was a big expense for her (she was living on a disability payments) but she believed (rightly so) that this would be her ticket off disability and to self employment.
She eventually developed a successful eBay business. Since then, several clients have either asked me about this or were using it on their own, successfully. Briefly, I tried a demo from one manufacturer who wanted me to sell it on my website. I had trouble with the activation and decided I didn’t want to sponsor a product. But my curiosity was piqued.
Especially when I had trouble myself, using the keyboard last winter. I was able to work through the pain with physical therapy. But, once again, I found myself thinking about the benefits of this software.
Then today, my brother-in-law brought over a copy of Dragon Naturally Speaking Version 9. He doesn’t have hand problems but he likes not having to use them to type. And now you can purchase Dragon Naturally Speaking for $99 on the web. There are more sophisticated programs for more money but this is fantastic for simple writing and email tasks.
I’m going to buy it myself so I can be more familiar with the software when clients ask about it. For most chronic illnesses, even when pain isn’t involved, the act of typing is tiring and a strain. I don’t know of too many work situations that wouldn’t let you install this software if you purchased it.
I’m excited about the prospects. Anyone out there using it?
Rosalind
Sherril Johnson says
Hi Rosalind,
I just bit the bullet and bought DNS. I got it at Sam’s for $46.87!!! Haven’t had time to load it yet. I’ll let you know how it goes. I am also reviewing it on my blog and would appreciate it if you would share on your site any comments you get from your readers about it. I’m especially interested in the headset microphone that comes with the software. I can tell the instant I put it on that it’s going to be painful for me quickly. It’s too tight. I’m going to try to figure out a way to modify it so I can use it, but I’ve already had a response from a fellow person with fibro that she just went and bought a more comfortable headset.
Sherril
Rosalind says
Awesome! A great price you got. I’ve got mine but haven’t loaded it either. I’ll try to remember to share the comments on your site! Rosalind
Barbara says
Dragon Speak is a phenomenon. I use it often and we also use it at our support group meetings to type what is said for the deaf and hard of hearing.
Amzing tool… I highly recommend it.
Barb
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