I Speak Dragon to Improve My Life
Beryl. C.
I am an 82-year-old retired professor of physics, who was a good typist until about four years ago. At that time I was stricken with Guillain-Barré syndrome, a neurological disease, which has reduced my typing very nearly to the two-finger level. Dragon Naturally Speaking has given me back the ability to write at a reasonable speed using the computer. I have used the program to write my memoirs, and I use it every day to write e-mails and diary entries. I write a column about Medicare which runs regularly in the local paper – something that would be so difficult that I would not continue if I did not have the dictation program. Writing is a very important part of my life, and Dragon NaturallySpeaking is one of my most valuable tools.
Andrea R.
In 2001, I was deemed partially disabled due to a repetitive stress disorder. Not being able to type when needed was very frustrating! Then I when introduced to Naturally Speaking Dragon and it allowed me to go back to typing through voice. I am not able to spend long hours on the computer in order to due paperwork necessary for school, work, etc. I just love the freedom it has given me. Its recognition of my voice just amazes me! Thanks you for a wonderful product. Allowing me my freedom to use the computer again!
Marshall A.
I began experimenting with Dragon NaturallySpeaking with version 4 several years ago, which I purchased through AOL. I really thought that within the next few years most people would communicate with their computers by voice recognition software. However, in my own situation, fate intervened on July 2, 2001. After being a firefighter for 22 years, (on that date) I left the fire station one morning and went home to Desoto Texas. As a result of a bicycling accident that afternoon, I broke my neck and became a quadriplegic at the C4 C5 level. By the time I got to rehab, they (Baylor Hospital Dallas) had version six available. When I got out, I went home and practiced. In less than six months the city of Fort Worth allowed me to go back to work within the fire department in a staff position and one of the first things they did for me was purchase Dragon NaturallySpeaking 6. That was January 2002 and thanks to city management and your product I am able to work 40 hours a week (or more) on two different computers, and manipulate my personal computer and various office applications with Dragon NaturallySpeaking 9 professional. Obviously, without Dragon NaturallySpeaking 9 my proficiency with a computer and Microsoft Office would be a fraction of what it is today.
Lenora R.
All my life I have been a crafter. I'd crochet, knit, tat, paint, woodburn, bead, & more. I'd stay connected with family & friends all over the world by sending emails almost daily. All of this became more & more difficult as neuropathy continued to make using my hands a very painful experience. As time marched on I lost the ability to tat, knit, crochet, bead, & type. Since I could for some mysterious reason continue to hold a paint brush my need to craft remained happy, but I missed communicating with people via the internet. I couldn't stand the pain typing caused, so I could no longer write letters or chat in game sites. Depressing. As a surprise last year my daughter bought me a Dragon NaturallySpeaking. I LOVE my newfound freedom. I can write, I can chat, & I am learning something new everyday with my Dragon. Might sound no big deal but teaching a 66 year old lady is no easy trick sometimes!! Thank you for inventing such a wonderful product. I may be forced to use a cane at home or a wheelchair out in public, but I truly feel less handicapped now that I have Dragon NaturallySpeaking.
John B.
I am an 83 year old retired professional civil engineer with sound mental capacity, but with many serious and debilitating physical maladies. Thus I am very limited in what I can accomplish physically. My world today involves computers, e-mail, and snail mail correspondence. Six years ago I had triple bypass heart surgery and a pacemaker installed. Following the surgery I had complete kidney failure. A great Greek nephrologist concocted a witches-brew that restored my kidney function. A second problem was more subtle. Over the next two years, I gradually lost my fine motor skills, ultimately resulting in an inability to write legibly. I even lost the ability to sign my name. It also affected my typing to the extent that I was no longer able to even "hunt and peck" type accurately at a reasonable rate of speed. As despair was setting in, I recalled that my son-in-law…asked me years earlier to investigate the possibilities of a voice recognition program called Dragon NaturallySpeaking. It was version 3. Because computers were too slow at that time, we agreed that this program was not productive enough to consider using. Investigating further, I learned Nuance had just purchased Dragon NaturallySpeaking and was offering their Preferred 8 version for $99.99. I purchased it immediately began using it on my correspondence and e-mail. I found it performed beautifully with my Dell Dimension 8300 computer. Now I speak only Dragon. Based upon my experience with Dragon, my son-in-law now speaks medical Dragon.
Maralee K.
I’ve had MS for 20 yrs, but only in the last 10 have I had continual physical problems. Prior to that I was able to type 85 wpm, but after I lost the feeling & coordination in my fingers it dropped to a mere 20 - most of it hunt & peck. I use my computer 8-14hrs/day, at work & home I put out numerous documents & emails. To not be able to type would have cost me my job. I found Dragon about 10 years ago & was blown away from the first. I’m able to put out 3x as many letters, charts & other documents as I ever could using just my fingers. If a new word comes around I just click ‘Train’ & Dragon never forgets. I don’t even miss my fingers when it comes to deskwork! I turn out lengthy letters in half the time I used to, clear my emails, go through technical documents, and IM family & friends. If some issue or event comes along I feel needs to be talked about, I can click the microphone on and start dictating my blog, all hands free thanks to Dragon. I recently created a database for our church’s music library… music collected over 60 years that had never been counted or collated are now in a file listing it by title, composer, instruments, voices & theme to which they apply (Christmas, Lent, Praise, Thanks, general etc). Those who watched me dictating into the tables were astounded at how fast I was able to enter one and go on to the next. The task without the power of NaturallySpeaking would have taken months instead of a few weeks. I’ve even nicknamed my laptop ‘George’ since using Dragon NaturallySpeaking (after the mythical St. George & the dragon) because together we slay a lot of nasty pieces of work in short time. I’ve tried the so-called dictation which comes with Microsoft Office, but it makes me feel like my hands are tied. Frustrated & clumsy…because it doesn’t have the nearly the capabilities of Nuance’s Dragon NaturallySpeaking, constant corrections are needed because of poor voice recognition, doesn’t learn new words well….frankly, Microsoft’s version is more trouble than it’s worth. Not only is NaturallySpeaking a better program, it comes with better technical support, an excellent library for online downloads, patches etc. Customer service is unfailingly terrific. All in all, I can’t think of better money spent than to get Dragon NaturallySpeaking for one’s computer. Anything else is, well, like having your hands tied.
Greg M.
"My Story" was originally developed as part of a presentation given to the Education Board and the President of San Joaquin Delta College. I told "My Story" using Dragon NaturallySpeaking (DNS) projected onto a screen so the audience could see how I used the technology. My Story: In 1998 I was no longer able to perform my job as a carpenter because of injuries to my elbows. I immediately enrolled at San Joaquin Delta College, and began my career search. I decided to pursue a Paralegal Certificate. However, by the time I had completed all of the courses I could no longer type or write because of the pain in my elbows, which meant that I could not perform the required internship. It was at that point, frustrated, bewildered that I walked into the Disabled Students Programs and Services (DSPS) Department at San Joaquin Delta College and asked for help. Fortunately, they offered a class in Adaptive Keyboarding, where I learned to use DNS. After I had learned to use the technology I was asked if I would help other students in the classroom as an aide. To this I readily agreed, and gained even more skill and experience with DNS. While I was working as an aide in the classroom I continued to take undergraduate classes and pursue a Bachelors of Science degree. Having acquired the skill to use DNS I was able to write easily, and I earned my Bachelor of Science degree in 2001. I was able to find a career choice that matched my functional limitations. I went on to earn a Master's of Science degree in Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling. I chose to complete a Masters project, which was titled: A Basic Training Manual for Adults with Disabilities using Dragon NaturallySpeaking. This Masters Project is currently in the library at California State University, Sacramento. It was only because of the assistive technology that DNS provided that I was able to complete this degree. Today I am a DSPS Counselor. I use DNS in my office to send e-mails, and produce letters. I often demonstrate Dragon NaturallySpeaking in my office to students who I feel could benefit from this wonderful technology. I still work as in the Assistive Technology Classroom whenever time allows. Even though I enjoy my job as a counselor, my greatest sense of achievement comes when a student masters DNS, and can proceed with their education goals.
Michael L.
I run my own law practice, and Dragon NaturallySpeaking allows me to bring my 11 week old son to work with me. Using NaturallySpeaking, I can draft documents, answer emails and other work while holding my son and caring for him. Without NaturallySpeaking, it would be difficult to bring my son to work because of the difficulty of typing while caring for him. NaturallySpeaking definitely makes a difference!
Gary P.
Imagine my world. You’re at the computer and you can’t use the keyboard, all you can do is stare at the screen. The television is stuck on one channel, you have no remote. You're in a dark room and can't turn on the light. You’re cold and you can't turn up the heat. You hear strange noises and you can't activate your alarm. You want to escape and you can't even open the door. You’re trapped in dark, cold and uninviting world you can't control. Such was my world….before Dragon NaturallySpeaking. I'm 44 years old and I'm a quadriplegic. An automobile accident in 2000 left me paralyzed from the neck down. Before the accident, like most of us, I was fiercely independent. After the accident, I was dependent upon other people for even the most basic everyday tasks. When I was alone I had no control of the things around me. I had an active mind trapped in a broken body. Using the advanced capabilities of Dragon NaturallySpeaking Professional, I was able to fully automate my home. Allowing me to live a more independent and fulfilling life. Now I'm able to use my computer, which has opened up my world tremendously. I can work any remote control device, turn my lights on and off and adjust my thermostat. I can activate my alarm, even unlock and open my front door. All by using voice commands. Technology links Dragon to an environmental control unit which interfaces with the various devices in the home. We’ve been working to bring this technology to more people who could benefit from it. Creative Housing, a nonprofit company, has installed systems for people with disabilities including Multiple Sclerosis, Cerebral Palsy, and spinal cord injury. To see a brief video about this amazing technology visit www.creativehousing.org and select “download video” under “What's new”. A brochure is also available on the website. Spread the word, Dragon NaturallySpeaking is improving lives. Bringing hope to people, people just like me, and all of the other amazing people I have read about in the stories posted.
Cathy C.
I was born in the year of the Dragon. Dragons have always been close to my heart. When I had cancer I used the dragons to breathe their fire to kill the bad cells and leave the good ones to help me. When I was younger I never really learned to type, because I never wanted to be anyone's "sexratery". This became a great disadvantage in the computer age. After car accidents and back surgery I became disabled. When I found out about Dragon NaturallySpeaking and I began to use it at Santa Rosa Junior College it improved my creativity, my work, and my life. I'm a songwriter, a poet, and a writer. Without Dragon I would have no outlet for my creativity, no way to record my work, and my life and anyone whose life I could touch would be the worst for it. Yes I Speak Dragon! Voice Activated Software is definitely the future... I am really amazed at how many people who really could use Dragon do not even know it exists. Thank you for reigniting my creative spark and allowing me to express all that I have in my heart.
Taylor G.
I started speaking Dragon in 2007. It was referred to us when we were looking for suitable typing software. As a full-time Pastor, I wanted to use it to write a book of blessings, I am a poor typist due to dyslexia. My right hand doesn't know what my left hand does and it gets confused. With Dragon I am able to dictate to my computer and make corrections when necessary to my work. I have my secretary now using Dragon; she started using it after wrist surgery when she was unable to type. We are still using it today to make things go smoother and faster in our office. Dictation is a breeze! We use it all the time. Speaking Dragon is a very good thing!
Tanya
When I was diagnosed with a frozen shoulder in December 2007, my productivity was already down to about 20% of normal. I'm an author, and I had books to finish -- no time for a useless arm! The pain of typing anything at all was excruciating. Someone on a forum suggested Dragon NaturallySpeaking, and a whole new world opened up for me. My shoulder is still frozen, but thanks to my Dragon I can work as much as ever. The incredible array of voice commands mean that I can format, change, edit, and write; my editors aren't even aware of my "handicap."
Gregory T.
I'm a 57 year old man who has been using Dragon NaturallySpeaking Professional for the last eight years. Back in high school I was diagnosed with a degenerative disease that affects my coordination and speech. Today I am confined to a wheelchair, I have lost most of my handwriting skills, and my speech is very slow. To insure that my speech is recognizable, I have been forced to use short phrases between breathes. Dragon was quick to learn my unique voice pattern and sometimes even seems to anticipates what I'm about to say. With Dragon's help, I've been able to continue working full-time. My job has been revised to allow me to spend most of my time in front of a computer. With Dragon’s custom commands I have been able to modify my computer so that I can keep up with my fellow employees... Without the Dragon NaturallySpeaking my life would be completely different. Dragon NaturallySpeaking has improved my self-competence and self-worth as an employee. I have become very productive, both at work and at home.
Anonymous
Using Dragon NaturallySpeaking has allowed me to dramatically improve my life. I have a chronic illness called Lupus or SLE. This condition creates intense muscle and nerve pain, making it extremely difficult (often impossible) to type. Since I am in university and must write numerous research papers as well as exams, Dragon has been indispensable to me. Without Dragon I would never have been able to complete the requirements for my degree. Thank you so much Dragon NaturallySpeaking!
Merrilynn B.
When I saw the original offer for a contest, I thought of all the reasons Dragon speak has changed my life; and I thought it was all boring. Rather that I was boring. Undoubtedly everyone says Dragon speak is fun, saves my fingers from typing to the bone, and allows the free expression of thought because many of us can think faster than we can type… Yes it does all the things I mentioned above its fun and saves my fingers; but the joys of Dragon speak are just beginning. For I at the tender age of 48 am going back to school. I will be learning all kinds of new computer programs, writing lots of reports and essays and Dragon speak will be my tool every step of the way. So at this juncture I can only bore you with the reasons Dragon speak has changed my life because to this time I’ve only been a nominal user enjoying the training and laughing…while we get to know each other. But now that I am poised on the brink of the new and great adventure which will advance me and my income potential into the far reaching corners of the galaxy; Dragon NaturallySpeaking will be perched on my shoulder as Pip the flying Dragon is poised on the shoulder of Flinx in the Alan Dean Foster books. Or, if you’re not a sci-fi fan, Dragon speak can be more like the Jimmy Buffett parrot. Either metaphor speaks to me because Dragon NaturallySpeaking is the familiar tool that will ensure my success, will be my backup when others fail me (as long as my computer runs). My Dragon NaturallySpeaking meets my pace and allows me to multitask, to free associate, to make notes while I research and read. So as Humphrey Bogart said to Claude Rains at the end of Casablanca: “I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.” Thank you Dragon NaturallySpeaking for the opportunity to give you the kudos you so richly deserve.
Patrick B.
I use Dragon NaturallySpeaking for my improvement of life. I work from home and I am on a computer an average of 7 hours per day. The constant typing affects my right hand due to an industrial accident. Using Dragon allows me to free up the use of my hands and allows me the opportunity to enjoy more fun activities after a long day of work. I do not have to have as much therapy for my hand since I have started using Dragon NaturallySpeaking.
Larry M.
I was paralyzed from the neck down in September of 1998. Dragon NaturallySpeaking improves my quality-of-life by allowing me to use my computer as an information source and to communicate with others. Through the use of Dragon NaturallySpeaking I can be informed, educated, and communicate as well as any one. Disabilities limit us but do not define us. Just because my physical body does not work that does not mean my mind does not work. Dragon NaturallySpeaking allows me to exercise my mind and grow mentally overcoming any shortcomings physically. Thanks to all concerned for the great software and please continue to upgrade the software to enhance its capabilities. Thank you, Larry Moore
Kristina Y.C.
I use Dragon NaturallySpeaking because of repetitive strain injury (RSI). I have had RSI since 2001. My injury is relatively severe and I am not able to use the keyboard or mouse manually. I ended up losing my job at a large Silicon Valley software company in 2003 due to RSI. Fortunately, through a vocational rehabilitation plan I was able to obtain Dragon NaturallySpeaking software and a training program in which I learned how to use the Internet, Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other applications exclusively by voice. Like many others using Dragon, I am very aware of the extreme personal and professional challenges resulting from this type of injury. Fortunately, due to physical therapy, many modifications I've made in my life, and a rigorous stretching and exercise program, my injury has improved. Although I'm still not able to use the computer manually, I am now functioning at a much higher level with most activities of daily life. I cannot fully express how grateful I am to have Dragon NaturallySpeaking. Because of this software, I have been able to keep working. Without the software, I cannot imagine any way that I could have remained in the work force and continued to be productive and earn any income. Using Dragon, I have been able to create a self-employment situation for myself doing freelance writing, editing, and educational consulting. I use Dragon in all of my work. An added bonus of this situation is that having been blessed with a son who is now 14 months old, I am able to be home with him most of the time and work a flexible schedule through telecommuting. In the first several months of his life, I was able to work and nurse him at the same time because I was doing all my work by voice! I would also like to note that because of the incredible ease of using e-mail with Dragon, I can easily keep in touch with all of my friends, family, and colleagues locally, nationally, and internationally. Without Dragon, it would have been very difficult for me to maintain the many relationships and friendships in my life that are so important to me, much further compounding the isolation of disability. Thank you Nuance for keeping the software going and available to so many people in need. You have completely transformed innumerable lives and saved people who otherwise would have been profoundly incapacitated and incapable of independent living or the ability to have any livelihood. My deepest gratitude and God bless.
Pinky P.
It was the fall of 2003 when I began using Dragon NaturallySpeaking, I had just graduated high school and started college. My major was Creative Writing. I wanted to be a fiction writer. Because of my impaired mobility, progressive disability called Friedreich's Ataxia, I had a slurred voice so Vocational Rehabilitation bought Dragon NaturallySpeaking for me to help me type assignments. They said Dragon NaturallySpeaking would be the best speech recognition software for my situation once I had trained it to recognize my voice. In my junior year at college, I changed my major to journalism. Even though I began writing nonfiction reports instead of fictional stories, Dragon NaturallySpeaking never changed its way of helping me to type faster. It let me turn in my assignments on time. Five years later, with a bachelor's degree in journalism, I am a freelance writer with the help of Dragon NaturallySpeaking. I am not able to write with a pen and paper at all, except for my signature, and Dragon NaturallySpeaking also helps me fill out online applications for scholarship, job or volunteer opportunities. I have a lot of pen pals on the Internet and many of them are from foreign countries. I love chatting and corresponding with them through e-mails using Dragon because I feel like I am having a conversation with them. The new version 9 of Dragon NaturallySpeaking is so compatible with almost every program I use. My goal is to become a novelist and poet, and Dragon will be there to help me achieve that goal. I don't know what I would do without it! Thank you to the inventor of Dragon NaturallySpeaking; you assisted a quadriplegic to believe in herself!
Ernie L.
I speak Dragon for several reasons. First off my handwriting is very poor, or I should say my printing is. I do very little handwriting as it looks terrible and I do not feel good about it even if what I wrote was interesting. In any case no one could read it even if it was good. Secondly I am an extremely slow typist who has to look at the keyboard, then to the screen, then back to the keyboard etc. etc. It's better than hand writing, but still very much a pain...! My typing has improved over the years and is a great improvement over handwriting. By far the largest important reason is: I’m a horrendous speller, and have been my entire life. Any type of writing was always hindered by looking for how to spell words in dictionaries. I was one of the first people to buy the Franklin thesaurus because of the spell check function it had. I could have cared less for the thesaurus; I have been a great contributor to Franklin over the years trying to get the bigger dictionary with the better spellchecker. When I started using a computer I was delighted but often frustrated with their spellcheckers. The spell check function in the computer helped, but my spelling was so bad the computer couldn't figure out the word I was trying to use to give me the correct spelling. I don't have problems in creating letters, memos etc. but the added time and frustration in trying to find the correct spelling of the words I wanted to use inhibited my willingness to write I started using Dragon around 10 years ago and it has added to my job performance tremendously as well as my personal ability to have fun with writing. I have put more words to paper this last year than I have in my entire life up to 10 years ago. I use Dragon for reports, e-mails, personal letters, business letters, and even to different newsletters. Dragon recognizes most of the words that I use; those that it doesn't can be easily trained in Dragon. The improvement of the technology over the years has made it even easier and a lot more fun to write. That is why I Dragon, a little bit of history of a person who was suppressed by his own inabilities and how he was freed from his own inabilities by the use of Dragon. I love how simple it is to use, how simple the tutorial is, and it is getting simpler with every upgrade.
Sandi S.
Sixteen years ago I was at the top of my game. I was a hotshot computer programmer, and I adored my job. But, as sometimes is the case at the top, I didn't find much to challenge me anymore, and I was growing bored. Then the challenge came. I was charged with creating a prototype of an entirely new system to demo at our yearly client seminar. These people were sharp, and the product could not fail in front of them. I worked 90-hour weeks and completed the prototype on time. But in the process, I developed carpal-tunnel syndrome in both hands, and I could no longer type without great pain. In short, I could no longer do my job. Dragon NaturallySpeaking Pro has made it possible for me to return to school and get my Engineering degree. With the Pro edition, I am able to write macros to drive all of my engineering software, from MathCad to Altium Designer. Now, as an Electrical Engineer out in the workforce for 6 years, I can do math, create printed circuit boards, write email and reports, control test equipment…basically everything I need to do on a computer, I can do with Dragon NaturallySpeaking!
Alex T.
While working as an engineer on a foreign assignment, I developed severe tendonitis and bilateral carpal tunnel. The pain was so bad that I had trouble with the most basic daily activities. Faced the very real possibility of ending my professional life at the age of 40 with a young family to sustain, I came upon Dragon NaturallySpeaking. It has literally saved my life. I have been using it since October 2000, and it has allowed me to continue growing in my profession as a manager in engineering related field. My profession requires the use of a wide variety of software applications, and using the professional version I have been able to create custom commands for those special applications, and also productivity commands to make some tasks faster. For someone in a highly technical field I would say that… it can be an excellent resource, and a career saver.
Judith T.
My children's grandfather passed away a few years ago. He would be near 100 now, and my children, husband and I miss him greatly. He was a very wise and well educated man who took in my husband and his 5 siblings (to add to his 5 children) when they were young children upon the death of their mother in an auto accident and their father going insane as a result. Grandpa had filled out a book of questions posed to him by a grandchild shortly before his death. The answers are written in a very difficult to read, halting script. I am deciphering his words and dictating them via my Dragon 8. I believe this will ensure that the legacy of this remarkable man lives on.
Laurie B.
Thank you for freeing me of pain and allowing me to keep my good job with salary and benefits difficult to obtain in this area! I developed tendonitis from overwork on a computer several years ago and it was painful to do any activity let alone work. A worker's comp claim resulted in my receiving Dragon Dictate…What a blessing, the pain went away and I am able to go my work pain free! Also the tendonitis healed since I was able to stop typing.
Roger H.
I am a pastor and have to write the equivalent of between two and three 15 page messages each and every week. Each fall and spring I spend a week, sometimes two, writing. During those weeks I write upwards of 25 papers. That means sitting for more than 20 hours per day for 7 days. That much sitting totally messes up my lower back. My tail bone will shift and I can hardly walk. Since getting my Naturally Speaking I am now able to stand and walk around while writing. My productivity has increased and the messages are actually more similar to the actual speaking. It allows my editing back at the church to go very smoothly. My back has gotten better, my health has improved, and my time that is available for my family has increased. The ease of use and the learning curve of the software were great. Pretty much load it, spend a few minutes training and I was up and running. I don't EVER do a writing sabbatical without Naturally Speaking.
Daniel G.
I first started using Dragon in university in order to produce essays more quickly… I was able to dictate as fast as I can type… I realized that I had developed two surprising skills: my articulation & presentation abilities had improved and I was now much better at producing new thoughts while dictating/talking. Both of these skills have now helped me in industry where I have to give weekly progress reports, technical presentations, etc. as well as in my day to day general communications with people. I've been told that I'm articulate, concise, and pleasant to listen to. I first started using Dragon as a means to an end (to produce essays in a more rapid manner) but now I use Dragon as a fun toy to improve my efficiency as well as my communication skills. Since becoming a Dragonite, I've recommended the software to and helped people with learning disorders, lisps, second language learners as well as colleagues and friends. Thank you Dragon!
Kevin B.
In the space of two years — from 1992 through late 1993 (at the age of 19-20) — I was diagnosed with three neurological maladies that prevented the normal functioning of my arms and hands, particularly the dexterous movement of my fingers. The specific medical terms for these three maladies are: carpal tunnel syndrome, radial nerve entrapments, and thoracic outlet syndrome. At the time of these diagnoses, I was a brand-new and aspiring undergraduate at the University of Maryland. My undergraduate tenure was interrupted numerous times by surgeries and extensive periods of physical therapy; but through it all I managed to maintain at least part-time student status. More particularly, through the help of… DragonDictate, I was able to complete my undergraduate education (graduating cum laude). Without these voice recognition tools I simply would not have been able to complete my undergraduate education. My reliance upon NaturallySpeaking’s predecessors was indeed profound and plenary. By the time NaturallySpeaking was released, I was a grad student at Virginia Tech. As a result of these ongoing medical conditions, and just as with my undergraduate tenure, I was only able to maintain part-time student status throughout my Masters program at Virginia Tech. Nevertheless, after 3 1/2 years, and through a complete reliance upon NaturallySpeaking, I was able to not only graduate from a Masters program in political science, I was also able to produce a rather extensive Masters thesis (the subject of which is the Americans with Disabilities Act). It is no exaggeration to say that without NaturallySpeaking I would not have been able to have completed my educational goals and desires. I have now been accepted to a Masters program in economics at the University of London. Once again, I will be totally reliant upon NaturallySpeaking for the completion of all program coursework, including another Masters thesis. My ultimate goal is to secure a Ph.D., either in political science, or economics. I will likewise be completely reliant upon (and completely thankful for) NaturallySpeaking and its marvelous voice recognition capabilities during this doctoral tenure. At this point in my life, I feel as though NaturallySpeaking has become a natural extension of my everyday life; not just educationally, but personally as well as professionally. I would simply be lost without it.
Theresa P.
My intention was originally to use Dragon Naturally Speaking to help me in my writing. As a freelance writer, ideas come from the "cuff" and Dragon is a valuable accessory. But when life kicks you in the butt, start Dragon. Sixteen years ago I lost seventy percent of my hearing within two weeks. So more than just a tool for writing, Dragon has improved the quality of my daily life. From email to grocery lists, correspondence and more, Dragon NaturallySpeaking is an integral part of my everyday routine. At this point in life, I don't know what I would do with out my Dragon.
Ed. M
Dragon allowed me to complete college, a BS & Masters (MPA) UCONN-I have quadriplegia. I now use it in my job-Ombudsman. Dealing with people and problems all day requires much correspondence; Dragon allows me to write letters (and) e-mails in 1/10 of the time, otherwise I would not be able to do this job, which I love! Besides my powerchair, Dragon is the 2nd most important tool I use. It has greatly improved my quality of life… Thanks NUANCE
Michael N.
I am 41-year-old disabled male and have been using DragonDictate since 1998. The program has given me the ability to contact someone in case of emergencies, of which there have been several, I am unable to use a telephone or control my mouse with my thumb, so I use verbal commands to control my computer. Recently… I had someone light a cigarette and place it in my mouth, and when they left the fire from the cigarette fell off and onto my leg. I simply said "start Skype", called him up on the cell phone, and by the time the smoke started rolling from my pants he returned to save me. I have been left alone for long periods of time and I have had to call ambulances to go to the hospital. Without DragonDictate I would not be able to communicate with people. I wouldn't be able to enter this contest without using DragonDictate. Thank God because DragonDictate has totally changed my life!
John W.
My son is an officer in the Army and one of his men was badly burned in battle in Iraq. I had been following his progress and trying to be supportive for some six months when he hit a very bad point with infections and was at real risk of dying. The soldier's mom appealed to us to send e-mails that she could read aloud to keep up his spirits. I am a pretty good story teller, so I thought that I could send a story every day from some exciting part in my life, but didn't know how I would find the time. Well, my one hour commute each way would be plenty of time, so I put my laptop in the front seat and dictated during the ride (very carefully!). I edited when I got home and was surprised at how accurate it was. My soldier survived and his mom said she read some of my stories many times. Plus, my grandchildren will now have the stories to read about their grandpa. I would never have undertaken that mission without Dragon!
Sue R.
I became permanently disabled in 1998 from a repetitive strain injury. Having lost my job as a department secretary and living with chronic pain, I didn’t see my future as being very lucrative. My friend told me about voice activation classes at a local college, College of San Mateo, where they taught DragonDictate and eventually Dragon NaturallySpeaking. Using DragonDictate I could say one word at a time into a microphone and see them appear in type on the computer screen. I was totally amazed but I knew that it was too slow to use it in a competitive job market. When my instructor, Carolyn…introduced Dragon NaturallySpeaking with its natural voice commands and capability of dictating in phrases, I knew there were opportunities for me to be an asset in the work force and that I would be able to move forward with my educational goals. That was 10 years ago. Since then I have gotten my Master’s degree in Special Education using Dragon NaturallySpeaking to write my papers including a 126 page Creative Curriculum Masters project. I use Dragon NaturallySpeaking Professional on my job as an Alternate Media Service Provider helping people with print disabilities. Having used voice activation technology to improve my own life, I now use Dragon NaturallySpeaking to help others fulfill their educational goals and career dreams and to be productive members of society.
Alan K.
Dragon has made it possible for me to stay productive in my life. I have Multiple Sclerosis and am basically a functional quadriplegic. Because of Dragon, I am able to perform many volunteer activities that I'm very passionate about. I am currently the vice president of the booster club at my son's elementary school, perform various activities with the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, and I'm involved with communicating with the sick and elderly at church. As you can imagine, there is a lot of documentation involved with all of these activities. Since I am basically unable to use my hands, Dragon has made it possible for me to document my activities, seek funding for my son's school and send cards and letters to the members of our congregation and my friends and family. Because of Dragon and the way that it allows me to communicate I now WANT to stay active and it helps to facilitate my independence. What more can I say than thank you.
David P.
I have been using Dragon since version 2 in the mid-90s. I used it as a school accommodation for my disabilities when I was pursuing my Computer User Support degree. I became so good at using it, the school asked me to help other students who needed keyboard accommodations. I agreed and went to work supporting assistive technology, DragonDictate primarily. 14 years later I am still supporting and working with Dragon, only now it is Dragon NaturallySpeaking 9 that I am using. Comparing DragonDictate to Dragon NaturallySpeaking is like having a pencil compared to a computer… I use both DNS professionally at work and privately at home. Over the last 15 years I could not begin to count how many students I have helped graduate by introducing them to the wonders of Dragon NaturallySpeaking, and hope to continue doing DNS support for many years to come.
Michele M.
Dragon has really been a life/work saver for me. I am a lawyer for the federal government and my job requires me to sit at a computer all day long for both research purposes (internet) and drafting documents. About a year into this job I started having shoulder and neck/back problems. My doctor diagnosed tendonitis and muscle spasms from my work situation -- the constant mouse use and poor posture using the keyboard. I was on restricted work duty (limited/no keyboard use) and actually took time off for rehab. In doctor's orders, my employer had an ergonomic evaluation done and one thing that was recommended was Dragon. It has really helped being "hands-free" and able to change my posture more often. I can also produce documents faster because I can dictate large blocks of text much faster than I can read and type. Dragon is also amazingly accurate in recognizing my voice and some of the strange medical terms I use in drafting documents. Finally, I was so pleased with Dragon that my supervisor decided to use it also. This has been a great help because his handwriting was almost impossible to decipher and he was not be able to use the keyboard due to physical limitations. So, thanks to Dragon, I am back at work and there are at least 2 very happy users in the federal government.
Scott D.
After losing my sight four years ago, I began to speak Dragon to improve my life. By having access to Dragon, I can communicate so much easier than just using the keyboard. The disease that I have has also affected my sense of touch making it difficult to utilize the keyboard. The opportunity that Dragon has provided me makes it easier to record my thoughts and to journal my ideas. I hope that by recording my thoughts and feelings now, my wife and kids can read these in the future and hopefully gain knowledge and insight into what I have gone through. Thank you for your technology.
Bob T.
I am very proud to say that Dragon NaturallySpeaking has greatly improved my quality of life. As a young man in school, I was diagnosed by the Mayo Clinic of Rochester, Minnesota with having chronic dyslexia. Dyslexia is the inability to read or spell words. Since I have used Dragon NaturallySpeaking I have been able to work on my computer, create documents, open and manage an online business, and have Dragon read material to me… which has opened up an entire world that I never knew existed. Now I do not feel fear, shame, and guilt when I am asked to do an assignment or create a document. Dragon NaturallySpeaking has assisted me in getting promotions at work, and more importantly as open the world of reading up to me. Anyone that is reading this can only sympathize with me, but unless you have chronic dyslexia you will never understand fully what it means to me to even be able to write this message to you using Dragon NaturallySpeaking right now. It's like a gift from God..... Thank You!!!!!!!
Sandi S.
Sixteen years ago I was at the top of my game. I was a hotshot computer programmer, and I adored my job. But, as sometimes is the case at the top, I didn't find much to challenge me anymore, and I was growing bored. Then the challenge came. I was charged with creating a prototype of an entirely new system to demo at our yearly client seminar. These people were sharp, and the product could not fail in front of them. I worked 90-hour weeks and completed the prototype on time. But in the process, I developed carpal-tunnel syndrome in both hands, and I could no longer type without great pain. In short, I could no longer do my job. Dragon NaturallySpeaking Pro has made it possible for me to return to school and get my Engineering degree. With the Pro edition, I am able to write macros to drive all of my engineering software, from MathCad to Altium Designer. Now, as an Electrical Engineer out in the workforce for 6 years, I can do math, create printed circuit boards, write email and reports, control test equipment…basically everything I need to do on a computer, I can do with Dragon NaturallySpeaking!
Alex T.
While working as an engineer on a foreign assignment, I developed severe tendonitis and bilateral carpal tunnel. The pain was so bad that I had trouble with the most basic daily activities. Faced the very real possibility of ending my professional life at the age of 40 with a young family to sustain, I came upon Dragon NaturallySpeaking. It has literally saved my life. I have been using it since October 2000, and it has allowed me to continue growing in my profession as a manager in engineering related field. My profession requires the use of a wide variety of software applications, and using the professional version I have been able to create custom commands for those special applications, and also productivity commands to make some tasks faster. For someone in a highly technical field I would say that… it can be an excellent resource, and a career saver.
Judith T.
My children's grandfather passed away a few years ago. He would be near 100 now, and my children, husband and I miss him greatly. He was a very wise and well educated man who took in my husband and his 5 siblings (to add to his 5 children) when they were young children upon the death of their mother in an auto accident and their father going insane as a result. Grandpa had filled out a book of questions posed to him by a grandchild shortly before his death. The answers are written in a very difficult to read, halting script. I am deciphering his words and dictating them via my Dragon 8. I believe this will ensure that the legacy of this remarkable man lives on.
Phyllis F.
It's about a year now since I have been using Dragon; it's very hard for me to explain myself but I find that now I can do more writing than I could do before. I am 70 years old and I could never write a letter to anybody because of my spelling. It was very difficult for me to do .I would only write one or two lines at time. Thanks to Dragon it's helping me to go to college. Within this past year I've found out the reason why I had a problem with my spelling. I guess it's about more than 50 years they did not know that I was dyslexic until I went ahead and was retested. On the test they found out that I was dyslexic. When we went ahead and had a conference about the test they did not see why I could not go to college. Because it seems that a lot of colleges have resources and will give you the help that you need I'm already started in college. I already took a course which I passed.
Laurie B.
Thank you for freeing me of pain and allowing me to keep my good job with salary and benefits difficult to obtain in this area! I developed tendonitis from overwork on a computer several years ago and it was painful to do any activity let alone work. A worker's comp claim resulted in my receiving Dragon Dictate…What a blessing, the pain went away and I am able to go my work pain free! Also the tendonitis healed since I was able to stop typing.
Roger H.
I am a pastor and have to write the equivalent of between two and three 15 page messages each and every week. Each fall and spring I spend a week, sometimes two, writing. During those weeks I write upwards of 25 papers. That means sitting for more than 20 hours per day for 7 days. That much sitting totally messes up my lower back. My tail bone will shift and I can hardly walk. Since getting my Naturally Speaking I am now able to stand and walk around while writing. My productivity has increased and the messages are actually more similar to the actual speaking. It allows my editing back at the church to go very smoothly. My back has gotten better, my health has improved, and my time that is available for my family has increased. The ease of use and the learning curve of the software were great. Pretty much load it, spend a few minutes training and I was up and running. I don't EVER do a writing sabbatical without Naturally Speaking.
Martha Lanclos
My husband has been ill for almost 20 years now, and I came home from my eight to five job three years ago to take care of him. I sell products on eBay, and I do digital transcription to make a living for our family. Unfortunately, I have all the initial symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, and pounding away on the keyboard all day has become very painful. We've always paid our own way, and we want to continue to do so. That means I need to be able to work to pay the bills, for medications, and for doctor visits. With Dragon NaturallySpeaking I'm able to hear digital audio in my ear and dictate to the screen and by the end of the day turn in flawless transcripts. I'm even able to do my listings on eBay with ViaVoice. Dragon NaturallySpeaking means we're not a burden on our children or on our society now. That's a very good feeling, and we're very grateful for it. Since childhood I've always been fascinated with stories about dragons. It's an added comfort that my mythical dragon is my hero. Thank you.
Douglas M.
I realized a wonderful benefit from Dragon NaturallySpeaking Preferred by purchasing it for my 95 year old uncle, who lives in California and has lost his vision due to macular degeneration. My uncle Carl is a retired physicist with a beautiful mind and heart. In fact, he sponsors physics lectures and is a physics chair at his alma mater. With the aid of remote computer control software, I was able to assist Carl in loading and training Dragon Preferred to the point that he is now capable of dictating and hearing messages from his nephews, nieces, and friends across the country. Dragon Preferred enables my uncle to defeat the effects of old age and share his beautiful mind and heart across the country with people who love him.
Robert D.
I am 72-year-old man that started working on computers in 1954. The training I received from the U.S. Army… allowed me to get a job with IBM, where I worked for 20 years. During this time, I never learned to type; that's what the keypunch operators were for. After leaving IBM I had my own business for 30 years. Again, I never learned to type. I have been using the Internet since its inception, and all I did was hunt and peck, I had a secretary to do the rest. I have just started using NaturallySpeaking, and it has totally changed my Internet usage. Now that I can type the Internet has really opened up to me. I can go in chat rooms and communicate with people. I like NaturallySpeaking so much that I have decided to form a computer club with the intent of teaching people my age to use computers. Men in particular over 50 do not type so their Internet usage is very low. The club will teach people how to use computers and bypass the step of typing. The club is already formed, and I'm putting together literature. In an attempt to make it grow I have setup a booth at a local flea market, where I am demonstrating NaturallySpeaking, along with other things digital. This is a real test as there is lots of background noise and it is working very well. My response has been excellent. It has changed my life in this way. I have something that is very useful to do. I believe that NaturallySpeaking will help open up the lives of many people in my age group, as it has opened up mine.
Richard L.
Before I can tell you my story about how I speak Dragon to improve my life, I think it is appropriate to tell you a little bit about my life, how it dramatically changed, and how I have used Dragon to adapt to some abrupt physical changes in my life. I am a professor at Saginaw Valley State University, in Michigan. In 2001, at the age of 55, I became a stroke survivor. As a result of this stroke, my left side was paralyzed. Through therapy I was able to relearn how to walk. However, I am still essentially unable to use my left hand or arm for much of anything. This was a bit of a problem since I am (or was) left-handed, and was a relatively fast typist in the use of my personal computer.
About 40% or more of my teaching and grading course components are now based upon individual, e-mail based, research and writing assignments. I use Dragon to write almost all of my course documents, and also use Dragon to communicate feedback to students about grades on their assignments. Without Dragon, it would be virtually impossible for me to write and promptly process over 1000 student e-mails per class. As a result, approximately 7 years after the stroke, I have been able to continue university teaching on a full-time basis. The attitude of my rehab doctor was considerable surprise, perceived amusement, and even his strongly indicated disapproval that I should continue to work and teach. He apparently expected that I would quickly retire on a disability basis. However, the applied use of adaptive technologies, including the use of Dragon, has allowed me to continue teaching successfully and productively on a full-time basis. (But my rehab doctor is now retired!) Apparently, the assumption by my doctor was that that “disabled” professionals, like me, should be expected and satisfied to simply retire, sit on my behind, and receive disability payments until I reached official, normal, retirement age. At the age of 55, I was not ready to do that! At my current age of 62, I am still not ready to allow my physical disabilities to end my teaching career. I can specifically credit the use of Dragon as a key part of my ability to process written documents on both a quality and timely basis for my students. Thus, I can most emphatically state that I not only speak Dragon in my teaching, but also that I have very effectively USED IT to allow me to continue my teaching career!
Howard S.
I recently cut my right forearm/wrist upon on a sharp edge of tin can in the trash. After getting back from the ER with many stitches and lots of pain, I was thankful that I had already installed Dragon NaturallySpeaking on my system. The quality is so good that I was able to be productive and pain free and more importantly get my work done. This is not the first time I have relied on Dragon to save my butt. I spend a lot of time on the computer and I know I was on the way to developing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome or Repetitive Stress Disorder. By using Dragon for several months the pain completely resolved as did the problem and I was able to go back to normal typing when and If I wanted to. But Dragon is so good that once you get into the habit the immediate productivity gain is immense. I now recommend Dragon to all my associates as well as to many doctors and lawyers who aren't aware of the tremendous productivity as well as ergonomic benefits.
Kelly M.
I began using Dragon at the Assistive Technology Training Center- Educational Assistance Center at Venture College to get up to speed, making it easier to type and not have to take time to spell words. I've been using at home also, assisting students to get started with Dragon NaturallySpeaking.
Sandy M.
In 2004, I was in the final stretch for my on-line MBA when my left elbow started to hurt. It spread to my hands and then, almost overnight, I couldn’t type or write with my right hand for longer than a few minutes without excruciating pain. I was diagnosed with a form of chronic tendonitis and frozen shoulder (the right one). I’ve been working in the Information Technology industry since 1971, working on computer systems of one sort or another for hours everyday, so it’s not unexpected that I could end up with a repetitive motion problem… But I had to work! And, I did not want to drop out of school! I had had the uncommon fortune of linking up with a great set of classmates and wanted to finish my coursework with them. I didn’t have much time. I either had to find a solution or I would be forced to take disability from work AND drop out of school. I found Dragon… Out of the box, I found Dragon easy to use, both for business and for school… My shoulder is healed now, but I still use Dragon. I will always have tendonitis problems, and Dragon is my way to stay pain free.
Rick P.
When I heard about Dragon NaturallySpeaking software I thought that this is the miracle I have been looking for! I am a 50 year old Man and I lost my left hand in an accident. Strike 1, 2 & 3. This put me in a category not many want to be in! Disabled! People in the offices where I worked would make inferences to the fact I couldn't do anywhere near as well as them. There were many other crass comments I don’t need to go into. Since the computer is, and continues to, be an essential part of daily work activity and life in general, I felt I had no more use. My disability and the inherent problems cost me 8 jobs because I was too slow. Now that I have Dragon Naturally Speaking I laugh! Now they can't keep up with me! Now, everyone I come in contact with wants to know how can I be so fast with one hand??? I tell them all Dragon NaturallySpeaking. I have been able to hold this job the one I love thanks to Dragon NaturallySpeaking!
Abdollah R.
Dragon enables my injured clients, who have lost their hand function, to reclaim their personal and professional life. Dragon enables me to advocate, effectively and in a timely fashion, for their need, to use assistive technologies.
Anonymous
Dragon has reopened a world of communication for me that had been shut because I no longer use my hands. With Dragon, I was able to share the following with friends to encourage them to get help for children who share my same birth defect. "I’m an artist who no longer can draw, a writer whose children's book lies on a shelf unfinished. I’m a sculptor whose unfired pieces need repair before completion, a gardener whose flowerbeds are pathetic due to neglect. My crocheted blanket waits to be finished; my journal is almost 15 years outdated. I’m a seamstress who had to buy dresses for her daughters’ weddings, a flower arranger who had to instruct her sister how to put her daughters’ flowers together. I’m a singer from a large family with tight harmony whose voice has been destroyed, an avid reader who can’t hold a book or even move papers. I’m a dancer whose legs have been stilled. I can’t dress myself, bathe myself, or even go to the bathroom myself. I can’t stand by myself. I can’t feed myself, & I can’t prepare meals. I can’t take a deep breath unless my body wants to. I miss slipping out to see sunsets & walking at dawn. I miss making snow sculptures with my children. I miss the smell of hyacinths & lilacs in spring, roses in summer & fall. I miss studying ant hills, watching tender seedlings in our garden grow, running off to a park when everyone is stressed, pointing out planets & constellations to my little ones, & telling them the myths about them. I miss the first robin in spring, & flocks of birds flying south for winter. I miss singing in harmony with my children, dancing with them, tickling & hugging them, & holding them tightly when they are scared or hurting.” Until I got voice-recognition software, I was slowly being robbed of the ability to type, &, therefore, losing my voice to the world. Thankfully, I can “speak” again. I would not wish my life upon anyone. This has been the greatest trial I have ever experienced. However, when I start to wonder "why me?" I often ask instead, "why not me?", because there are many worse than I. If this did nothing more than prevent one of my family members from going through what I have gone through, then it has been worth it. Am I happy? Yes, even with all of my struggles, I am happy. We all have different heartaches, but we also have the strength of God to call upon in our times of need.
Brent L.
My daughter Brenna had Raynaud's disease and was in college. Typing was painful and stressful for her because her fingers were swollen and the tips of her fingers hurt. She could not grasp a pen very well to write college papers and typing was painful. We purchased Dragon for her and I can't tell you how much pleasure she gained by using this software. I mention enjoyment before practicality because Brenna actually enjoyed practicing and using Dragon. Of course her college papers could be typed neatly and quickly. Dragon was also used for typing class notes. Brenna is no longer with us. I was just reminded by the email I received about Dragon how much Brenna enjoyed your product. Thank you.
John M.
I have been using DragonDictate for several years to enhance the quality of my life. I started out using Simply Speaking and upgraded so that I'm now using NaturallySpeaking Professional 9. Every upgrade was an improvement. I always believed that technology was keeping up with my disability -- muscular dystrophy -- over the years and speech recognition has been a wonderful part of that improved technology. But it is not just the physically disabled who can benefit from great speech recognition programs like DragonDictate. Anyone who requires writing and documentation can save time and improve productivity with it. I shudder to think that there are many people who are hurting their wrists and hands at computer keyboards when they do not realize that programs like NaturallySpeaking exist! I use it for e-mail, article writing, description of items I'm selling on eBay, stories I'm working on, etc. Recently I've used it to compose e-mail invitations to my 70th birthday bash! There's no limit to its usefulness in documentation. I would be lost without the enhanced quality of my life that DragonDictate provides. I have trained this Dragon...and I am proud that it performs so beautifully! Thanks, Nuance!
Sandy H.
After a tendon injury 16 years ago, I thought I'd have to give up computers. Thank goodness, I discovered Dragon. I use Dragon at work to administer the network, program Access databases, process my dictation and work orders, maintain our voicemail system, design web pages and write tutorials for other staff members. At the end of the day it leaves my hands free from pain and able to do other things I enjoy - some of which don't require a computer. At home, I use Dragon to design embroidery designs for my computerized embroider machine. I also enjoy researching my family history and with so many documents and resources online, it allows me to search for and save the documents and history with ease and turn them into newsletters to share with the rest of my family. I've been able to connect with cousins all over the world and make many new friends. Thanks Dragon!
Sheldon E.
Unfortunately I have developed a neurological condition that has created great difficulty using the keyboard with my right hand and decreased the legibility of my handwriting. I therefore rely on the Dragon when writing letters, reports, and as a physician learning to use the hand held dictating device to chart the necessary data.
Frederick S.
Many years ago I attended a conference where I first learned about Dragon Dictate. I had never been able to type but had dictate skills which I used with secretaries. I bought the product, fell in love with it, and have purchased every upgrade since then. At that time of my first purchase, I was told that naturally speaking technology would not be available until long after I was dead. Fortunately, that prophecy was erroneous. I have used these products to compose legal briefs running hundreds of pages and letters of merely a few lines. All I have to do is sit back, think, and then talk to accomplish my compositions. Every aspect of both my personal and professional life has been positively affected by the availability of these products. Thank you Dragon!!
Tawnia A.
Words, words, words, so many words! Of Course, I speak Dragon. I use Dragon in my e-mail, in my children's stories, in the music books I designed with my friend, and my everyday communication. I speak Dragon from 6:30 a.m. until 9:30 p.m. I have trained my PC and laptop to obey my voice. I have developed a process that I think would amaze even the designers of Dragon NaturallySpeaking. I have called this process VOICEPAINTING™ I began using Dragon when I was unable to use my hands. I needed a way to continue communicating and Dragon was presented to me. I resided in a nursing home in 1997 with a life expectancy of 1-2 years. I embraced my Dragon and 11 years later I am a productive member of society. Over the years I have developed a unique way of using Dragon and I welcomed this opportunity to share the product I have developed. I have used the Dragon software in conjunction with the Broderbund Print Shop for around 10 years. I started making my own greeting cards but I wasn't satisfied with the clipart available, so I started making my own artwork. I made my first full-page picture of a hummingbird drinking from a flower, in 2003. I arranged my pictures into four collections and have had them copyrighted. The subjects vary greatly and have pleased all ages. Most of the pictures are created using preformed shapes, color, textures and photographs that my friend takes for me. I do have several pictures using the Windows paint program. The world looked at me as a quadriplegic with multiple sclerosis. I HAVE SHOWN THE WORLD AN ARTIST. Dragon's dictate has not only changed my life but added many years of pleasure I would not have known. I am so grateful to the creators of the software program I want to take this opportunity to say Thank You.
John M.
On October 9, 1979, I had a stoke that left my right side paralyzed. I was forty-five years old, with a wife and a two-year old boy dependent on me. I was truly frightened, but it took only two and a half months, with a lot of hard work, to get to a point where I could return to the classroom and continue teaching philosophy. I got an electric typewriter to make it easier for me to do class hand-outs and tests. Over the years, I changed with the technology, starting with an Apple II computer and moving up every few years, so I was not a stranger to the electronic media. In 1997, I retired from full-time teaching, but continued to teach an Ethics course part-time. My other interest in retirement was writing short stories, which had been a life-long desire. The story jumps to the year 2000. My right-side paralysis began to return very slowly. After visits to various doctors, it was determined that I had post-stroke spasticity, something similar to post-polio paralysis. I was slowly finding my use of the computer was increasingly difficult. But as luck would have it, I saw an ad for Dragon Naturally Speaking. It sounded like an answer to a prayer. I purchased a copy, then version 6, and with patience and practice had it working in a very short period of time. As proof of its effectiveness, I continued to write short stories and in July of 2006, I published The Final Draft, a small book of collected short stories and essays (available on amazon.com). Without the help of the Dragon none of this would have been possible, including this small note to you. Having upgraded several times, I now am using version 9, and have shown it to a number of people, some of whom are now Dragon-users themselves. Dragon has become an indispensable tool of my daily routine – email, letters, and an occasional short story are all composed with it. I’m now using it with Word Perfect, and I’ve found them to be completely compatible. May you find Dragon Naturally Speaking as useful as I have.
Ed C.
In my first job out of college, I developed repetitive strain injuries in both of my arms from using the computer. As anyone in the workforce today can attest, not being able to use a computer eliminates the vast majority of all jobs in the US. I purchased Dragon NaturallySpeaking a few years ago, and my life has been much better since then. I can do many of the things that I used to be able to do without pain because Dragon allows me to interact with the computer in a way that is pain-free and sometimes even faster than what I could do with my hands. Dragon is far and away the best tool that I have ever purchased to help me deal with my RSI issues. No keyboard, mouse, pointing device, or therapeutic product has provided as much relief and as great a recovery of ability as Dragon. I recommend Dragon to everyone I know who has any sort of RSI condition or precursor, but I recommend Dragon to my family and friends so that they can avoid RSI issues altogether. Dragon is a great product, and I look forward to the great benefits that future versions surely hold.
Lee D.
Several years ago I had a stroke that made it very difficult for me to type on my computer. Since I use my computer for a variety of uses, inputting figures and organizing spreadsheets, checking e-mail as well as search engines etc., it became virtually impossible as well as time-consuming for me to get any work done. By using Dragon NaturallySpeaking. I have been able to improve my productivity and continue on with my work at a much improved pace versus before my stroke. This program has of literally been a lifesaver for me.
Roy A.
I am a very active quadriplegic entrepreneur. Thanks to the reliability and speed of my Dragon NaturallySpeaking 9 I am now able to eliminate my need to use my Personal Assistant for dictation. She is now able to help me in many other ways. In doing this... I'm able to put my ideas for a new businesses or business improvements into written form in a matter of a few minutes. I can now dictate accurately at a fast rate 90 words per minute... which I could not do with my Assistant. This is a great aid to me... being able to dictate as fast as my mind works. As a result of Dragon NaturallySpeaking I've been able to not only financially support myself... where all of the doctors said it would not be possible because of the severity of my paralysis... I now have an oceanfront condominium valued at about $1.5 million... fully paid for... and a new 7500 ft.² home that is almost completely paid for it... and a 5000 ft.² office warehouse facility that will soon be paid fully. All of this has happened because of the incredible Dragon NaturallySpeaking software and my personal mind. A personal endorsement of this software will in no way be sufficient to acknowledge how the software has not only changed my life but can change many lives to more productivity. Thank you Nuance.
Claire C.
I speak Dragon to improve my life. As I tell you this story I am sitting at my desk with my arms folded and sharing my life with you. Up until August 2005 I was a successful business person, with a good income and a wonderful social life. One day, as I was driving to my niece’s wedding reception in Santa Fe, I noticed that I couldn’t see the road. I told my friend Irene, with whom I was traveling, that I couldn’t see the road. She said, “Pull over.” I said, “I can't see the side of the road.” She said what any intelligent person would have said at that time, “AAAAAAAAAAghghgh.”. Then she eventually guided me to the side of the road and came around and took the wheel and I have never driven since. What I discovered when I finally got to the eye hospital was that I had an optic stroke and was now legally blind. What follows in this story was a period of mourning over my lost vision and lost income, lost independent life. I had been a writer and administrator and accountant but I had never learned how to touch type. For the next year I learned how to use new computer technology and to grope my way along the keyboard but never with the facility I had previously had at the keyboard. That is, until a fellow blind student introduced me to Dragon naturally speaking software. It took me 15 minutes to be up and running. Once I had that power my communications with the world stunned all my friends and family. Again I was able to communicate and share my dreams and visions. My next big adventure was going to Guide Dogs for the Blind to be trained to be a guide dog owner. I spent 30 grueling days in guide dog camp with many difficulties, laughs, joys, and the licks from my delightful guide dog DaVida. Every night of the 30 day experience I shared the thrills and challenges of the day with my friends. It was only through Dragon Naturally Speaking that I was able to convey my powerful experience at guide dog camp. My friends and family loved my story and each day passed on my adventures to their friends. So many people were able to share this beautiful story with me. When I returned home I was asked to share the story with the public and I have now submitted my story for publication. In addition I have been asked to speak to public school students, business clubs like the Lions Club and rotary, and other organizations to tell my story. Thank you Dragon.
Zac C.
“We got Dragon Naturally Speaking for our Middle School aged son three years ago. He was having a really tough time with home work assignments, especially essays. He would get frustrated trying to type his ideas into the word processor. Both his slow typing speed and poor spelling were holding him back. The first assignment that he wrote using Naturally Speak was so amazing, well we had trouble believing he had written it himself! Being able to "talk" his ideas into the computer allowed his words to flow easily from his mind to the word processor. He began, dare I say, "enjoying" his writing assignments. Not only that, but his spelling got much better because Naturally Speaking helped teach him the correct spelling of words. Now we tell all of our friends with kids about Naturally Speaking and the difference it has made in our child's academic life. Thank You Dragon!
Jonathan W.
“Thanks for the terrific program! I'm 14 and have a problem with reading and writing which is related to dyslexia. I'm home schooled and my mom and dad bought Dragon Naturally speaking for my school work and e-mail. Dragon Naturally speaking has given me the ability to write reports for school and e-mail my friends. I really like the read back function. Even if I didn't have dyslexia I would want to use this program it's great. Thanks”
Kevin K.
“I speak Dragon to improve my life and work. With many changes at work to PC intensive applications, painful physical problems developed in my hands and arms. With Dragon I have taken the strain off my body so everything feels better. I've used Microsoft’s product as well as older IBM products, but none compare to speaking Dragon for ease, versatility and accuracy. Beyond word processing and web searching, Dragon seems to adapt itself and run many programs and formats I use. I'm impressed and appreciative.”
John S.
“In 2005, I had an accident that left me a incomplete quadriplegic with limited use of my hands. I Use Dragon Speak to write all of my letters, e-mails and Excel schedules. It is a very powerful program that I've been using now for 2 1/2 years. Yet, I still have a lot to learn about all of its capabilities. I would be unable to accomplish all of the above tasks without it.”
Ralph E.
“Hello: Five years ago, I had a severe stroke. I am 57 years old. I am paralyzed on the right side and have brain damage in the language area. One of the side effects from my stroke was I can no longer spell. Dragon has been a lifesaver because now I can write e-mails. I used to be a college English teacher; you really can't be an English teacher if you can't spell. I love Dragons. I am living a full life now and Dragon is a big part of the reason why I can.”
Erica D.
“I became disabled in 2001 and I have degenerative spinal and nerve conditions. Having already had a triple-cervical fusion, I found myself unable to sit at my computer, look at the monitor or use my hands to type. Then I gained access to Dragon NaturallySpeaking, which completely transformed my life. Dragon NaturallySpeaking has enabled me to pursue my craft as a professional screenwriter, novelist, copy / ghost writer and poet. Your program has also given me full access to the outside world via the Internet and email, which is especially important for someone who can’t walk very far and is unable to drive. Dragon NaturallySpeaking has allowed me to overcome my physical challenges and keep my quality of life. Without it, I don't know what I would have done. I tried other voice recognition software before I found Dragon and found them to be totally inadequate for my needs – they don’t even come close to what Dragon is able to offer in order to keep my life going. For example, Dragon gives me the ability to interact with all of my programs (Internet Explorer, Microsoft Office, etc.) I use on a hands-free basis writing from a recliner. Nothing else offers this range of freedom. Nothing else is as easy to use or as friendly to the writing process. Dragon NaturallySpeaking is one-of-a-kind and the technical support has been wonderful. Thank you so much for providing me a way to stay connected to the outside world and to pursue / keep my creative career intact.”
Charles B.
“In the early 90s I bought my first computer at that time I bought DragonDictate. The reason was to improve my life. I was a carpenter by trade and have dyslexia. I was unable to spell or use a computer. Since then I have become general manager of a satellite office in McCall Idaho. The company that I work for is the largest in state contractor in Idaho. The office in McCall is the only satellite office that is operated by the construction company. We are approximately a $100 million a year construction company. With DragonDictate I have moved from a superintendent running $1-$2000000 projects to overseeing approximately 12 employees and operating between 20 to $30 million a year in revenue. This has totally changed my life I am able to have a quality-of-life that was not obtainable before. God bless DragonDictate for the opportunity that it has given me to provide a quality life for me and my family.”
Sharon O.
“Does speaking Dragon improve my life? You bet'cha! It helps me lose weight, earns me money, sparks my creative juices, saves time, organizes my daily living, and keeps my husband off my back. And that's just for starters. I'm so impressed that I can do so much with so little keyboard time. I straddle my exercise bike to burn calories, but at the same time I can accomplish any number of goals. The next "great American novel" (I hope) is being dictated into the laptop that sits on the TV tray beside my bike. I even entertain myself while speaking the characters' dialogues aloud instead of just imagining them in my head and poking a keyboard. I refine my phonics and reading program which is being used by several school districts and individual families. My daily and weekly "Do Lists" are enunciated (too bad Dragon can't actually do the chores listed), and my “Honey Do” lists for hubby are completed, as well. I dictate letters and informational notes for the various businesses we own. Keeping up personal correspondence with friends and relatives was never easy before getting a Dragon as an assistant. And it’s so nice that my Dragon never roars when it’s hit with so many different jobs to do (unlike Hubby when he gets hit with a multitude of odd jobs needing attention.) And, last but not least, Dragon keeps my hubby off my back. He’s a pretty good husband, but he’s a really poor typist. Rather than hunt and peck his way through documents, he has enlisted me as a personal secretary. Believe me, there are many things that I would rather do than sit for hours and take dictation. I decided that I would share my very own Dragon with him (and so far Dragon has not complained.) After minimal training time, hubby is now happily dictating all of his documents to Puff (as in Puff the Magic Dragon.) This has freed me up to go clothes shopping, play bridge at the club, gab on the phone with my best friend, sew, and to spend time with my grandkids. Now if this isn’t improvement in my quality of life, I don’t know what is.”
Richard P.
“Improve my Life, that’s an understatement! For the disabled like myself...having multiple sclerosis (M.S.) , I no longer make as many mistakes typing like I used to...as you know, MS has affected my hands a lot, shaking mainly, but with Dragon Speech....your worries are cut at least by 70%...nothing I have found does that. I wonder what Christopher Reeves (superman) would have thought of this software..hands down..I bet he would be the first to buy it..matter of fact, he's the one that gave me the idea to find such software and here at Nuance, I found Dragon Speech. God Bless you guys for making my life so much easier and fun to do as well. OK, I could write a book about this subject, but I hope my words will encourage other disabled users to buy this software. You will be amazed at how much a computer can be of use to the everyday grind we all deal with, but now you can be a contender too. Try it you will pleased...trust me.”
Giusi G.
“I am a translator and after 14 years of typing, my wrists and hands got worn out and started to ache. I had a colleague which kept on telling me how good DNS was, but I did not want to believe him, since I type very fast. He was right. DNS not only relieved my wrists and hands from the stress of typing, it is also much quicker than my typing and has increased my productivity, even if I cannot use it for all my translation jobs, due to the CAT tool programs I also have to use.”
John W.
“I speak Dragon To Improve My Life What is Dragon to me? It is everything. I use it seven days per week, and least five hours per day (sometimes more) I cannot use my arms due to multiple sclerosis so therefore I am forced to rely my voice. I use Dragon to control all of my Internet usage through Internet Explorer. I use Dragon in Microsoft Excel. (spreadsheets and calculations) I have edited photos by using the drag feature, download clip art, e-mail photographs, e-mail documents I have done basic HTML in Dragon. I have continually edited my work, created web pages for myself and friends and uploaded and downloaded programs. I have used ICQ, Yahoo,AIM, Windows messenger and chat programs on web sites. One can utilize an extremely valuable tool in communication (with Dragon NaturallySpeaking) I am taking classes on the Internet. I login to my account and review chapters one by one. I participate in discussions on the class, take quizzes and tests and never experienced something that Dragon cannot do. You can read newspapers, magazines or books there are several books you can download/read. I can do virus scans, read PDF documents, listen and download music, interact with others on chat programs such as ICQ/Yahoo, Windows live and AOL's version of chat, download and edit photographs, purchase things, switch between Internet Explorer, and Firefox, send out faxes or print whatever document you want, also create documents with Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, any HTML editor you want, check my bank statement, upload or download, watch DVDs, burn CDs and DVDs, play games, anything on the Internet, use and create PowerPoint presentations. Whether it is working, looking for a job, looking for a wife/husband, starting or maintaining a business, making friends, starting a hobby, taking care of personal business, personal or professional development (through a class), creating, listening or downloading music, creating or watching movies, create or edit documents in Microsoft Excel in addition to Microsoft Access, Microsoft PowerPoint and other software. I've been using Dragon for over five years. I consider myself very fluent, but there are some things that I do not know I am sure there are many things I have to learn. I am proficient but Dragon is so much more than just a facilitator for typing documents and letters; it is a tool that can make your life much more fulfilling, productive.”
Frank C.
“To put the cart before the horse, Dragonspeak has returned me to my kids and family as well as them to me. I am more relaxed, laugh more and certainly play more since being released from the health care paperwork mill. I am responsible for all of the documentation created in my Chiropractic office. I work with a medical doctor and physical therapist and often found myself creating templates and re-writing all of the reports generated in our office. As a result, I got into the office earlier and earlier and left later and later. When it came to family, I was leaving early or getting home later and later....and missing my kids lives. I had researched many industry specific systems but felt that they would not meet my needs or have the flexibility to handle three different disciplines. WOW, Dragon NaturallySpeaking not only met our needs but exceeded my expectation. I am able to do in 2 hours per week the same amount of work that used to take me 15-20 hours per week has returned me to my kids, wife and family life. In short, not only did I recover my life but I have also recovered the lifestyle that I promote as a healthy lifestyle and have probably added years to my life and career.
Jean-Paul P.
“I have been using DNS for the better part of six or seven years. The problem with carpal tunnel syndrome that I WAS developing as a result of excessive typing (I'm a translator, and I write 5000-7000 words per day) has completely disappeared. Also, I can do my work more quickly, thereby giving me more time to do other things!”
Raegan H.
“I use dragon to help me with typing notes for my school work. Dragon makes it easier for me, as I have a 20 month old son, who likes to stay on my lap anytime I am on the computer. By using Dragon, I am still able to spend time with my son and am able to do my homework for school at the same time. By taking the added notes, it has helped me achieve better grades in school and will help me in my future career after I graduate from college. I will continue to use Dragon even after I graduate for other activities, such as making my life easier or I will let my children (I have another one on the way) use it for their school activities or for playtime. My wife also uses it to help me out when I need a break. She also uses Dragon to type letters to family or to just play around on the computer. I definitely believe that Dragon has improved my life also by helping me to use the computer a lot more and feel comfortable with using the computer.
Sylvia D.
“My use of Dragon is really multi-reasons not only to improve my life since my hands usage is very limited due to carpal tunnel. It is also to improve my work since working from home my computer is the essential piece to employment for me. If I was not able to use dragon speak for work, my health would suffer because of the intense amount of usage I must do on the computer for work. I am ever so grateful that dragon exists and can be such a great assistance in my life since becoming disabled in the past three years. Having the dragon has allowed me to keep functioning in my job and can get the job done so easily by using the dragon. It has become a friend, and a work assistant in my life and the more I use it the more easier it is to use and it gets to know my voice. It is amazing how like a friend, the more time you spend with it, the more familiar it becomes with your unique style of talking and it understands you more! It is truly a bonding relationship that occurs with use and becoming familiar with each other. I just want to say that I am extremely grateful for the dragon and without it my life would be very limited. Thank you.
Lyn W.
“I was introduced to Dragon about 4 years ago when the doctor I worked with would use the program to type up his medical reports. I could see where it was of great benefit to him, he is a brilliant doctor but typing was definitely not his strong point. At age 46 my husband decided to go back to college, after 16 years of being a police officer he knew that retirement would be around the corner but that he would need a new career to fill the gap to collecting his pension. He had many pressures in going back to school, competing with younger students, holding down a full time demanding job and supporting a family, he felt he had to work harder than the other students to prove himself. His home work consisted of many hours of typing which made his days very long. He too was a two fingered typist. I had purchased Dragon for myself because I was ready to narrate a book I had been carrying around it my head and I felt I would have a better flow if I could just talk instead of typing every word. For me it was more for handiness sake but then I could see the pressure my husband was under to complete his papers and I got him started on Dragon. He was so relieved once he got the hang of it, and days of typing turned into only hours. I was excited for him. He passed his finals with flying colors. Thanks Dragon.”
Benita L.
“I am a 54 year old disabled woman with a son that’s in prison and its hard for me to write because of my arthritis. He is my Life, not knowing how he is doing I'll die your program has brought me closer to him and for that I’ll be forever grateful.
Anonymous
“Since I have been working with Dragon Naturally Speaking over the years I have been able to be a part of other peoples lives. I have cerebral palsy and have limited use of my hands. By using Dragon Naturally Speaking I have been able to write a column for my local newspaper. I have had several people who help me with this program. It has taken time and patience but it has made my life easier. It has allowed me to be able to express myself over the past six years in a way that I had not been able to before. Thanks Dragon!”
Larry D.
“I use Dragon NaturallySpeaking to help me with e-mails and letter writing. I have macular degeneration and have trouble seeing the keyboard on my computer. With Dragon NaturallySpeaking I can dictate what I want to say without worrying about saying the keyboard. Dragon NaturallySpeaking makes my life easier by removing some of the obstacles created by macular degeneration.”
Meredith
“I use Dragon both at home and at work. At work, I've created lengthy macros for Dragon to perform in Command mode -- they fill in fields in my MS Access db, close/open new records, and so forth. Saves me thousands, maybe billions? of keystrokes and is very fast. At home, I use Dragon to write PowerPoint presentations, then toggle over to Word for added notes, for my part-time teaching job. I have severe arthritis in both thumbs and this helps tremendously ... I {heart} my Dragon!”
Melanie T.
“In an era of "do more with less" and "work better, not harder" I found myself doing a LOT of typing with less time to do it. And the more I typed, the better I got. Soon I was typing 150 to 200 words a minutes. Then the pain began. Aching in my wrists and hands. So I went to the Health department of the company and had them check it out. Their recommendation, "type slower". This was really not an option. So when I left and started my own company I re-evaluated. Every time I spent a hard day on the keyboard, I spent a week with splints and ibuprofen. Then a sight impaired peer told me about Dragon. I was skeptical but I decided to spend the money for what I was told was the best. And I am glad I did. When I decided to get a Master's degree and I found myself at the keyboard day AND night, I know I would have been permanently disabled if I did not have Dragon.”
Jon K.
“I hate email and exercise. I mounted a device arm on which I place my wireless laptop next to my treadmill at home. Now I exercise and answer email with Dragon. The value proposition of getting two things done helps me be productive!”
Richard B.
“I am 55 years old. I had a stroke on April 4, 1997 at age 44. It occurred when I was bowling at the Naval Air Station in Jacksonville, FL. I was rushed to the hospital at the base and fortunately someone contacted my wife. My stroke occurred at 7:15 p.m. and she arrived at the hospital at 7:45 p.m. She was told about the TPA drug that was being used at University (Shands) Hospital. She said ok and a decision was made to air-lift me to the hospital. I meet the criteria for this drug and I received it by Dr. Silliman at 9:30 p.m. I was the third person to receive this drug. I stayed at this hospital for 4 days until I could be sent to a rehab. unit. My stroke was on the left side of my brain which affected my right arm and leg. It also affected my speech leaving me, "Asphasic." I had a hard time of it. Dragon Naturally Speaking-9 was envisaged "HOLY COW". I was back on track. I spoke to the computer then words... came across the screen.”
Marvin G.
“I speak to dragon for all my e-mail communications. I am a retired cardiologist, Dragon is able to capture my infrequent cardiological terms which makes my life and communications much easier. I have never learned to type and with Dragon see no need to. Thank you the Dragon naturally speaking”
Tom H.
“My 21 son Steve is blind. He cannot read or type very well because he also has cerebral palsy. Until this latest version of Dragon (preferred) he couldn't use your product because you had to read a story to it to use it. And since he could not see to read he was out of luck. With new preferred edition he for the first time in his life at age 20 "wrote" a letter… Then another and finally after 16 letters to family, teachers, friends etc. he rested… A full weekend of letter writing… This incredibly determined Young man's life was changed by this product. He is free to speak his mind and write for the first time in his life. This is a breakthrough product for the blind and those with low vision and/or cerebral palsy… The best way to really understand what this means would be to talk to him in person. Regards, Stephen's Dad”
Jan T.
“Do I speak Dragon? Of course I do. Not only does it give me more time (I talk faster than I type) but some days it makes work actually possible and I am self employed so no work--no eat. It's not just that it makes things faster but I suffer from Rheumatoid Arthritis. FOr those of you not aware of this disease it is sneaky. Some days are wonderful but I can wake up on a random morning and my shoulders, arms and hands are so sore that typing is just not possible. If it weren't for "my dragon" work would stop. I have always loved dragons now I have one that loves me back!”
Jay N.
“I speak Dragon to be able to instantly record my life's and my family's history. My parents and almost all my cousins, uncles, aunts and grandparents were immigrants from Eastern Europe. Most of their stories of life there and their early days in the US were lost because no one took the time to record them. I keep DNS open with the microphone off. This allows me to turn the mike on and record some small piece of my personal history. Usually I would lose the paper it was written on or not be able to decipher my handwriting, and the anecdote would be lost. With Dragon the thought is always available ready to be edited or whatever.”
Alexander A.
“I have a language based learning difference, so homework takes me alot of time. I was having alot of trouble getting my work completed. It took a long time to write a paragraph, and even longer for me to type. I spent hours every night on my homework, and never had any time to myself. My mom bought me dragon, and now i can just say what i want to write, and the computer does the rest. It took some time for the computer and I to learn to speak the same language, but it was worth it. Now I can do long assignments in alot less time.”
Philip H.
“I speak dragon to improve my life, and speed in writing letters, and everything else I write. I find it very important to have a dragon in my life. I've been a quad for 31 years and cannot use my hands anymore, . It's close to impossible for me to type out anything on a keyboard, it takes me forever to write without it, and my spelling is hurt by not having it .too. Dragon came into my life in 1998 or 99. If as been a very good friend ...a friend I miss very dearly. I draw S.S.D.I., and have to save for every thing I buy. My computer died last year, and the new one came with a Microsoft text to speech program, Well its not a dragon and never will be, so I'll do without until I can afford a dragon again,,but that being said...it took me over two hours to type this short email, Dragon is worth very cent they ask for. If you have a computer you need a dragon. I KNOW!”
Tim S.
“I use my Dragon to talk to family and friends and it spares me the time of typing everything out. My friends and family get upset lol when they type a message and I just speak into the mic and is send to them so fast they can't keep up with me. I also use it for business which saves me time using Dragon that is frees up time for more important matters. I love it.”
Vanessa S.
“Actually I speak dragon for all three reasons! In the late 80's I started to have pain in my right thumb and was told that I worked too hard. In 1992 it was discovered that at some point I had broken a small bone in my wrist that caused the thumb pain and because it had not been properly treated had become a cyst. I had to have a bone graph done to replace the shell of the bone left. Holding a pen typing for extended periods of time and doing other simple tasks remains painful. So I use Dragon. But it also improves my work...as I can work longer without the pain. And since I enjoy writing short stories and hope to someday write a book I use it to improve my creativity. I can get ideas down "on paper" much quicker so they are not lost and can later be developed. I can do conscious streaming and ramble on getting thoughts captured that would otherwise be lost. I wish I had it right now to use…I am in a location other than my permanent home and last month had to do a restore on my computer. When I came here I didn’t think I needed to bring all of my software disks with me…they would just take up space. But now I am missing many programs that I really relied on and can’t wait to get home next month and reinstall it! So at this point I am not speaking dragon but sure wish I could.”
Robert P.
“I am a high school English teacher. I see 186 kids a day. We work almost daily on our writing skills. We practice and practice. One downside of all of that practice for me is that I have to read and comment on all of the kids' work. A few years ago I was diagnosed with a rare condition called OPLL- a disease where one's body produces extra calcium and one's muscles and tendons calcify and become like bone. I was also diagnosed with RA. The arthritis often makes it very difficult for me to sit and write for even short periods of time. Typing is a little better than hand writing, but also quite difficult for longer periods of time. In the past couple of years I have had to assign fewer and fewer essays because I couldn't get all of the reading and commenting done in a timely manner. Feedback on student papers is only helpful to them if it is timely. Last fall I went in search of a computer program that would allow me to speak in order to give comments to my student. What a lifesaver the Dragon software has become. Now I can read and respond to the students' essay quickly. I can add more comments because I am not limited to the length of time that my fingers are up to the task. Their writing is improving. Dragon has also given me the ability to sit back and relax as I add comments to their papers. I am no longer tied so closely to the desk and computer. I can move around as I dictate my instructions. This mobility allows me to work for longer stretches of time. I get more work done during each grading session and the kids get their responses back faster. While at home, Dragon has also helped with the quality of my life. I return from work less physically tired and therefore a happier husband and father. Also, when I am emailing friends and coworkers, if my body becomes weak and tired, but I don't want to stop, I can fire up the software and simply speak my emails. What a pleasure it is to not have to give up my correspondence simply because my back or hands or arms hurt. I know it sounds like I am making Dragon out to be a miracle cure. I know it is not. It doesn't solve everything, but for me it is wonderful. I tell everyone I know how great it is and how freeing it is.”
Gloriz K.
“My first mistake was not learning to type in high school. As long as I was well and agile, with the help of a good word-processing program and spell-check, I hunted and pecked my way through life successfully. I'm a good speller, but a very poor typist. Now that I'm older and have been diagnosed with multiple systems atrophy, I no longer have complete control of my hands and fingers. The Dragon provides me with the agility I need to write books for my granddaughter, write business letters when I need to, and communicate with my family and friends. I'm constantly amazed how the Dragon knows what I'm saying.”
Robert M.
“I am the only attorney is a firm of 1100 to use Dragon but that may change based on this story. I injured my neck in a fishing accident and was required to lie flat on a hard bed for three weeks. I was able to successfully manipulate my computer using Dragon voice commands so i could continue to do briefs, emails, and other work, well enough that most of my clients didn't even realize i had been disabled at all. I did have some explanations to make when Dragon translated Rancho Palos Verdes, a local city, as "ranch of palace birdies" and a letter to the city was addressed that way. (Incidentally it was delivered properly, with a small handwritten dragon added next to the address - thanks USPS!)”
Michael M.
“In addition to being a free-lance writer of various forms in my day gig and using e-mail extensively to communicate with various clients, I also have a part-time gig as a tennis instructor. What’s more, I write, sing and play lead-guitar in an original rock band. I am passionate about my writing, music and tennis and in my gig as a tennis instructor, I love to watch my students improve and become better players. In 1999, I began feeling pain in my right-hand, wrist and forearm as I was working hard on the computer to meet a deadline. I got to the tennis court that afternoon and could not grip my racket. Later that week I saw my doctor and he informed me that I acquired carpal-tunnel-syndrome and a form of tendinitis that I developed from continual use of the computer. As advised, I stopped playing tennis and the guitar for six months. My passion, partial income, and primary form of exercise came to an abrupt halt, and all of my band-mates abandoned me. To further my problems, I felt continual pain and had great difficulty meeting deadlines in my writing gig, which was my now my only source of income. I couldn't quit my job and I was backed up against a wall. I needed to come up with a solution fast. I researched the Internet extensively and read many good things about Dragon Naturally Speaking Voice Recognition Software. In fact, Dragon happened to be rated the best out of all of the other competing brands (which typically were more expensive) in numerous user and magazine reviews. I bought Dragon based on these reviews and haven't looked back. I'm teaching and playing tennis competitively again, my freelance writing productivity has reached new highs, and I'm currently planning an exciting, new entrepreneurial venture. I still play the guitar, but this instance in my life has made me realize that, as I’m not in my twenties anymore, my days of writing and playing original rock music are over! Mostly, I’m happy to have finally realized and traded my musical project for my new entrepreneurial project… I suddenly have all this time since Dragon has turned me into a productive “machine.” I now breeze through my writing projects in my day-gig, "jam" effortlessly through e-mails, and anything having to do with my new project is simply spoken. Once in great while, however, I may add a period or a comma with (my completely recovered hand) out of sheer habit. Dragon, you've changed my life and I truly love you!!!”
Rick E.
“My next door neighbor became a quad while body surfing at Hilton Head, North Carolina. He is a high-tech serial entrepreneur and marketing executive and was dealing with developments for hearing aids when he had this accident. I learned to speak Dragon to keep up with him! I have a simple approach with a headset and an IBM ThinkPad. He has a more involved computer with directional phase array mic enabling him to talk at a distance and fully control his computer as well as other nearby equipment. We not only have hands-free e-mail in addition to walking next door for a chat, but have the ability to paste sketches in the documents that require a lot of words to explain some new technology capability including the market and the financial plan for it. I've tried a lot of voice controlled equipment in the last 20 years but this makes it possible for normal computers to keep up, even if we have to occasionally spell new words that we make up or type tables of numbers for mathematical analysis. It is far easier with Dragon to get all the thoughts on paper even in a scattered mind mapping sort of way and edit them later for precise word choices and organization. My neighbor’s handicap became an inspiration to me and others to do things differently, much more than watching an attorney dictate a legal brief. My particular Dragon has a long tail -- a wired microphone-- so I can walk about and flip through reference material even while I'm writing. The Dragon is a good first test for software that will be voice controlled too. I haven't talked to Dragon to sketch or draw pictures yet but I expect that's only a while away. This Dragon is pretty smart. My Dragon rides in a backpack with the small Thinkpad, a small headset and a portable mouse. This is more mobile creative text ability than a platoon of people typing on keyboards. Dictated via dragon. Rick”
Theaoudoshia S.
“I use Dragon to make journal entries and and because I suffer with arthritis an fibromilgia. Dragon allows me to record information hands free. Also I use Dragon to record my life history by recording all my hand written journals and because my spelling and grammar are not the best Dragon spells the words correctly and I can use words that I can't spell. Thanks for this program.”
Randy M.
“Imagine how it must be for people who can't speak imagine the one finger hunt and peck method of typing at the speed of moss. Imagine having a story to tell about your triumphant battle with drugs alcohol smoking tobacco criminal insanity and poverty with no way to tell Anyone about your experience because you can't spell the words you need to use to tell the story. I have written a 200,000 word novel so far using Dragon Naturally Speaking 9. Until Dragon came along I had no way to communicate what I wish to say thank you. Your program is like magic to me.”
Chuck Z.
“Project Valour-IT began when I was wounded by an IED while serving as commander of a tank company in Iraq in June 2005. During my deployment I kept a blog, relating insightful stories of my experiences, and sharing self-deprecating humor. After I was wounded, my wife continued the blog, keeping my readers informed of my condition. As I began to recover, I wanted to return to writing, but serious hand injuries hampered my typing. When a loyal and generous reader bought me a copy of the Dragon Naturally Speaking Preferred (7.0) software, other readers began to realize how important such software could be to my fellow wounded soldiers and started to cast about for a way to get it to them. Patti Patton Bader from SoldiersAngels (www.soldiersangels.org) contacted me and we shared a vision of providing laptops with voice-controlled software to wounded soldiers whose injuries prevented them from operating a standard computer. Soldiers Angels offered to help develop the project, and Project VALOUR-IT was born. (Voice Activated Laptops for OUR Injured Troops) For the last three years, I have not only used Dragon NaturallySpeaking to work, (I continue to serve in the Army) play (I continue blogging at tcoverride.blogspot.com) but I also use your software in charity work. So far, we've raised the funds to donate over three thousand laptops with this software to our wounded service members who've suffered brain, hand, and/or eye trauma and would otherwise be "disconnected" from today's world. The use of your software to use a computer, to connect, to do something that I was able to do before I was injured made me feel somewhat whole, somewhat normal, for the first time. It has been my distinct pleasure and honor to give that feeling, a feeling of ability, to our wounded. Dragon has not only improved my life, it has changed my life.”
Allison S.
“I have a chronic wrist injury that affects my ability to do things with my hands. Using Dragon insures that I can compose my essays for college and do homework without typing. With the reduction in wrist-straining activities, I am no longer limited in my every day tasks such as grocery shopping and carrying bags.”
Kim M.
“I speak Dragon. I started using Dragon in college. I had to write two reports, one technical and the other oral. They are both different monsters and Dragon helped me focus on the important topics of each report. I started taking a digital recorder to school and record the professors lessons. Dragon helped me translate the words into a document that I can read to study for tests. I continue to use Dragon for work. My profession requires much writing and with the digital recorder, I dictate my thoughts while out in the field, later translating them into Dragon language. I love Dragon.”
Scott F.
“I have used Dragon for a few years now and I am completely blown away by it. I utilize its usefulness and creativity at work and have produced some of my best plans and programs lately. The program and I have come to know each other extremely well, corny or not we are best friends. I can close my eyes and really get my thoughts across with clarity and it in a short time frame. When lunch time arrives I begin my other 'non-paying' job as a high performance hockey coach and develop yearly and weekly plans and chat with team members, all in the in the odd language of hockey lingo... Dragon has no problem keeping up with me. Often times I am at home wishing I could get access to Dragon, that will be my next purchase. Thanks so much for a useful product that helps perfect my professional life as well as giving me more time to enjoy life way from work.”
Michael P.
“One of my hobbies that most enriches my life is Bible study; reading Scripture, making connections, and writing down my ideas. I have even dreamed of writing books along these lines. Well, in my long commutes every day to and from work, I have developed a most excellent use for Dragon NaturallySpeaking 9.0: My laptop runs, sitting closed on the floor of the passenger side of my vehicle where I don’t have to worry about it. I wear my hands-free microphone while I listen to Bible CDs in my car stereo, just talking about what I am hearing. Dragon types my ideas into a text document while I am able to attend to the road just as much as any time listening to CDs. In fact, given how long and monotonous my commute is, the Dragon solution seems to lead to safer driving, keeping my mind alert and active instead of mesmerized by the incessant drone of the engine and the passing partitions painted on the road. Now at the end of each commute, I have something to show for my hours of driving, for I am able to generate several pages during each trip. Dragon does so well at dictation that, amazingly, my writings take no more time to proofread than usual. My time spent organizing and laying out what I have written has resulted in some of my most productive times of study in many years, giving me enough material to seriously think about that book I’ve been wanting to write. It was especially neat to see how quickly Dragon learned the Bible-specific kinds of words I happen to use. I highly recommend Dragon for anyone who has lots of ideas and limited ability to sit and type them. I am trying to get several older relatives to use Dragon to dictate their life stories that otherwise get told and forgotten. Thank you, Nuance, for providing such a versatile and capable tool for dictation.”
Delano H.
“I have been confined to a wheelchair for almost 25-years as a result of a motorcycle accident. My hands hurt all the time from over use. My hands are all I have to move around with. I am a 3rd year student, majoring in Social service work at Chattanooga, State college. If it were not for "Dragon Easy Speak" I sincerely would not be able to do all the school work required of me! I live alone, and do everything by my self. Yes, I speak Dragon! Actually, Dragon does the walking since my fingers can't do the talking! Lol”
Jon S.
“I am blind and use a screen reader called JAWS. Although I can type fairly well, Dragon speeds up the process. I also prepare tax returns. Dragon allows me to dictate the information into the tax program. Dragon is faster for me and more accurate than typing. I can dictate letters to those nice people at the IRS to help them from making mistakes when they review my clients' returns. I use Word and Excel almost every day. Dragon makes those programs scream. Most things will scream when encountering a Dragon. To say that Dragon has improved my life is a great understatement.”
Eugenie B.
“I speak Dragon to keep working, and I've done so for 10+ years. Years ago I was diagnosed with a repetitive stress injury and my doctor told me to "refuse to touch a keyboard". Further doctors have told me that "computers are the worst thing for a person like you". But Dragon has made it possible for me to survive and thrive in a fast-paced world of outside sales. I simply load the latest version onto my computer and use it for everything -- e-mails to clients, expense reports, PowerPoint presentations, Excel spreadsheets, proposals, everything! People are so surprised when I tell them that I have been writing to them with my Dragon voice recognition system. I simply could not live without it! ”
Peter V.
“I am able to work more productively at home. I am able to bring work home from my office and complete tasks in a fraction of the time - without the disturbances. I am able to dictate straight into Microsoft Access. On the personal side, I am able to dictate letters that would otherwise not be done in a timely manner. I recommend the software highly.”
Dwayne S.
“I have been using Dragon NaturallySpeaking for about two years and it has been a tremendous help in my life. I'm paralyzed due to a spinal cord injury. I have very minimal use of my arms and no usage of my fingers. I can type on a laptop using my knuckles but as you can imagine it is very time-consuming to type this way. I read about different voice recognition software's and decided that Dragon was the best available and made my purchase. I have not regretted my decision in the least. It has been such a great help with typing, navigation of the Internet, writing e-mails to friends, and simply doing things on the computer that were too difficult to do in the past. I did the training that was recommended so that the recognition of my voice would be better and I have noticed that the more training I do, the better the recognition. I also love the commands that I can give. In my line of work, I have to give the same responses many times throughout the day and by simply adding commands, I can say one word and Dragon automatically type that whole paragraph for that command for me. I even bought a new laptop with a built-in microphone around the system requirements of the Dragon software so I don't have need to wear a headset. I can just turn on the computer, start the Dragon software and I am ready to talk my computer into doing almost anything. I'm so glad I found this program and I can't recommend it highly enough. Thanks, Dwayne”
Abraham S.
“I purchased Dragon Naturally Speaking to create a library catalogue of my extensive CD music collection (over 1000 items). There are many of a given selection by different performers and many CDs are compilations by different composers and performers. I was planning to create an EXCEL spread sheet with the necessary headings that could be manipulated to reveal the precise location in my library albums of any CD I wanted to hear. When I spoke about this to my grandson, (who is a computer genius), he suggested I look into existing software products that can read the contents of CDs to the computer. I have found a few that do just that but they do not enable a library catalogue to be assembled out of the information thus obtained. Also, I found many CDs had no other data than track numbers. In such cases, the information I need could only be found in the accompanying brochures or CD labels. So, after about a half year of fruitless searching, I've decided to go ahead with my original plan to speak all the needed information to my computer using "Dragon Naturally Speaking".”
Jorge D.
“I am a 100% disabled veteran with multiple medical problems that have placed limitations on the quality of my life. I depend on my computer for a great deal of services, since I am unable to drive. I Speak Dragon has made my life easier, and given me the feel of being independent without the leaving home. I can shop, without the fatigue of using a keyboard and mouse, thus limiting the further deterioration to bone and muscular damage to the hands, neck and shoulders. "Speak Dragon" has made it possible for me to obtain a Bachelor's Degree and now I am a productive, tax paying citizen of the community. I couldn't have done it with out Speak Dragon.”
Randy G
“This is all about how a person of 30+ couldn't read. Think about it. When you were growing up, do you remember hearing "Reading is a Fundamental"? Somehow I received a new found courage to learn to read at 32 years old. When I reached a proficiency level of the 8th grade, the literacy council in Fort Smith encouraged me to volunteer as a tutor. This had a huge effect on me. Suddenly I, the one being taught, was asked to be the teacher. It was at this moment I knew I could accomplish anything! I could do anything I wanted to do and I was going to do all I could to be one of the most successful people I knew. And that’s were and how me finally learning to read first started. In 2003, I became manufacturing trainer at my company. I go to every plant we have developed and teach classes, meet new people, listen to problems they may have, helping with problems and look for better ways of doing things. I feel I wear several different hats with this job, and I truly love it! Truthfully this is more of an adventure than it is a job. But I will say, Dragon NaturallySpeaking has been an incredible tool for me in so many ways. I purchased my first Dragon NaturallySpeaking 3 and I have bought every upgrades since. It helped me with the job I have now but it also has helped me so much in the class. I've even wrote a book using Dragon NaturallySpeaking. Which I am hoping to publish in the near future. I have tried on occasion other speech recognition programs but they don't come close to what Dragon NaturallySpeaking does. And I'm very grateful to have this incredible tool to help me. I'll always be a bad speller, and I don't read fast. Thank you Dragon NaturallySpeaking for making a difference in my life.”
Rick R.
“I have been using DragonDictate since nearly its inception many years ago. I find it interesting to note that I actually work for some of the original inventors while on active duty with the Army security agency. DragonDictate has allowed me to be much more productive as an emergency room physician not only as I am a woefully inadequate typist but also due to its unfailing spelling ability. Dragon has not only lived up to its promises, but in many instances succeeded them. I have been a staunch supporter of this program with many of my colleagues both at my hospital and at other emergency medicine conventions where I've had the opportunity to speak to my colleagues. You have allowed me to become much more efficient in my charting and documentation and saved my hands from probable carpal tunnel surgery. Keep up the good work.”
Michael G.
“Some people are pros when it comes to traveling light. I'm not. I hate to travel and when I do, like a child with his favorite blanket in tow, I feel insecure unless I lug my essential electronics. I used to end up dragging three suitcases, even on a two day weekend. I admit I |
