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.

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’m insecure—but what the heck. Please know that I’ve just described the old me. The me before I learned to speak Dragon. The new me travels light, yet arrives prepared with all my essential electronics. The difference is that instead of 50 lbs. in three cases, now I hit the pavement with a single thirty pound carry-on. So how did I lose all the weight? First I found an ultra-light, ultra-tiny laptop. That’s nice because I no longer spend my flights worrying that the big guy in the seat in the row ahead may suddenly lower his seat back and crush my laptop screen. My mini-laptop has a 9” screen which, while small, is adequate. I looked at several mini laptop options and choose a Fujitsu 1620 which weights just over two pounds. I could type on its mini keyboard in the normal two-handed fashion, but it isn’t easy—especially on longer documents. That issue would have been a deal-breaker, but it wasn’t because I don’t use its keyboard at all. Instead, I introduced my mini to my Dragon and I carry my lightest head phones. That's it. Problem solved. Now wherever my travels take me, I travel light and still get my business memos done. I can even work on the draft of my new book, since I do a bit of writing. I speak Dragon in cars when I have a long wait, on trains, on planes and in airports. I speak softly out of concern for seatmates, yet my Dragon hears me just fine. I find that my seatmates, rather than mind my dictation, are always fascinated as my voice fills the screen with additions to the Great American Novel. OK, so it’s just a memo to a vendor. My back thanks my Dragon too. What a relief to travel light. Look for me on your own next trip. You’ll find me dictating in Grand Central or perhaps while waiting at O'Hare Airport. I'll be the guy with the miniscule laptop, wearing jeans, a headset and a big smile.”

Dennis A.
“I'm a speech/language therapist and I have a ten year old student who has congenital myopathy (disease of a muscle). Her disease has weakened her hand muscles so she has great difficulty writing. In the classroom and at home she plugs in her Dragon and does her spelling, science, and even her math. Her Dragon allows her the independence of doing her own work. Chelsea says thanks for those of you who have made the Dragon literally her "right hand man"!”

Maggie G.
“I speak Dragon to not only improve my life and work, but also to improve other's lives. Let me explain: I am a full-time physical therapy student, which has caused me to incur quite a bit of student loans. To try to offset some of the money I will owe at the end of my program, I became a graduate research assistant. I am assisting the nursing department in researching the recovery of patients who have had traumatic brain injuries. The research involves several interviews with the caregivers and nurses of the above mentioned patients. Dragon has made it so much easier for me to transcribe these interviews through its dictation capabilities. Dragon made my work so much easier to transcribe the sometimes lengthy conversations we obtained from our study's participants. So thru Dragon, we have been able to better patients' lives by determining just what causes the most beneficial recovery in this population. Plus, decreasing the amount I have to pay back in student loans is always a good thing!”

Brian S.
“The day after Christmas, 2006, I fell (front-ways, believe it or not) on an escalator while goofing around with my brothers. (I should confess that I wasn't a teenager goofing off, but a 36 year old father of two.) Silly me, I stuck my left hand out to catch my fall, and after a sleepless night of pain, I went to the Emergency Room to discover I had broken my left wrist. Two problems emerged quickly. First, I am a drummer, and I could no longer play in my church band. A friend of mine stepped in, and that problem was solved. Second, I am a pastor, and even though most of my work is done by speaking, a good portion of it happens via e-mail and the use of programs such as Microsoft Word and Outlook. I hunt and peck with two hands. Doing so with one hand is entirely too slow! Years ago, I purchased Dragon Naturally Speaking 4, and later, IBM's version of a similar program. I remembered that even though the Dragon software was older, it worked better, though it had fewer bells and whistles. I decided it was past due time to upgrade, so I purchased Dragon Naturally Speaking 9, Preferred. There was no question in my mind that the expense over cheaper programs was worth it. Indeed, I popped the Cd's in my computer; installed it, and within an hour, I was using it. The funny thing was, I did the bare minimum of training before I started using it, and I was impressed beyond words with the accuracy. Yes, I did have to think differently about how I spoke to my computer, and I had more correcting to do than when writing by fingers - but it was still faster. Although I'm used to writing by my fingers for a couple of decades now, several times as I used your program, I thought, "I should've used this program all along." Once my left hand was healed, I went back to typing for the purpose of rehabilitation, but I have continued to use Dragon Naturally Speaking for documents such as sermons, which are oral documents in essence. I thank all the people who've put time in to improve the program, but I am as impressed with the quality of Dragon Naturally Speaking today (as opposed to competitors) as when I first discovered version 4, years ago! For the small portion of us users who are in religious fields, it isn't perfect, because we have a different vocabulary than business users, but it is well worth both the monetary and time investment to make it work!”

Jeanine Y.
“Like so many others who've submitted their stories, speaking Dragon changed my life. Six years ago, when I was 27 years old, I was diagnosed with severe Rheumatoid Arthritis. Daily tasks - from getting dressed to holding a pen - became too difficult, and I ended up having to stop working. Then, my dad came across Dragon for his work in the medical field, and he bought a copy for me. From day 1 it was amazing!!! Speaking Dragon opened up a world of opportunities I thought I'd have to give up on forever. Two years after my diagnosis, largely due to products like Dragon NaturallySpeaking that help those of us with disabilities navigate everyday life, I made the decision to go back to school and get an MA and PhD. Speaking Dragon lets me do everything I needed to for school, from writing Emails to preparing lesson plans to writing my Master's thesis...all 100 pages of it! Now, I'm in school full-time and working on my PhD - and Dragon is always with me. I've even been able to teach it a number of Chinese and Japanese words I use frequently for my studies! Outside of school, I also work part-time at a physical therapy clinic and volunteer with the Arthritis Foundation to help other young adults with arthritis. Not a week goes by that I don't recommend Dragon to friends - I even bought a copy of Dragon NaturallySpeaking for a friend with JRA who no longer has the use of her hands...now she's hoping to go back to work, too! At work, I've been able to recommend Dragon to clients and patients - from a news writer suffering from carpal tunnel, to a working mom with MS, to a teacher recovering from hand surgery - now they all are "speaking Dragon," too! Speaking Dragon changes lives - it changed mine, and I can't say "THANK YOU" enough!!! ”

Patrick P.
“I can't tell you how much dragon has made life easier. I began using dragon last year when on of the major health plans requested more information on patient files from 2003-2006. The health plan requested more information on 96 patient files which involved me re dictating all 96 files with the information the insurer needed to further evaluate medical necessity. I took me five months working 5-6 hours a day. Dragon made this process smooth and made life much easier so I could spend time with at that time our new baby boy. With out dragon I would be still working on that project and would of taken 2 years to complete it. Thank you very much.”

Constance D.
“I am not overly correcting this because I what you to be able to see some of the things that dragon does on its own from breathing it will often have the word who rule or one First I would like to thank you for sticking with DragonDictate I don't know if you'll find it in your records that I was one of your first customers. I don't even know if the same owner owns the company at approximately 10 years ago, I believe it was at the MacWorld show. Someone was selling DragonDictate. I bought five copies came with little headphones. I was never able to get the training to the place that I could use however, I continued to watch as you progress A couple of years ago I bought a little Sony microphone that I was supposed to be a the dictate into and then transferred to my computer This rekindled my interest in the Dragon software What I would like to share with you is, now that I can you use this program. It saves me hundreds if not thousands of hours of my typing was laborious and the main reason I used to typing was for the spell check. Dragon knows how to spell most of the words that I speak. As too little bit of background about myself and I went to school, never knowing I had dygraphia a form of dyslexia. It causes you to lose your train of thought when ever you write anything by hand. Therefore, I was never able to turn in any written compositions or any written papers I had a strong memory and had the ability to retain and learn well, I developed a strong compensating skills for my inability to write. Going through school. It was difficult no one knew what dyslexia was or dygraphia was However in spite of the dyspraxia I was able to obtain my pilot's license and later my Real Estate broker's license today I am in California real estate broker and relatively successful in Carmel by the sea California The real field where I think DragonDictate would be of benefit would be in the schools. If kids were able to give back the information they had in their head and receive passing grades instead of being treated as if they were dumb. It would make a huge difference in the way the world runs his. Your product is probably the best software on the market. You should also be aware that I am a big fan of PaperPort also.”

Hubert A.
“I am legally blind and I use Dragon to help me complete work assignments that I can not see. I have used dragon at home on my own computer when I was attending school to help me complete homework, book assignments, and my Master's thesis. At the moment I do not have dragon on my home computer and it makes it hard to type this letter. I was once tested on my typing skills and dragon. It was found that dragon increased my accuracy by 60% and speed by 90%. When visually handicapped Dragon is a wonderful tool. NOt only with the hands free computer operations but also with less time spent, respelling or proof reading letters and work assignments. Dragon helps me communicate in my own words, without searching a Thesaurus or ms-interpretation, when typing in a formal format. Dragon is a great tool improvements over the years just keep getting better. I hope that everyone someday will enjoy the freedom that Dragon provides me.”

Bob E.
“I need Dragon, because of my it disability! I find it very rewarding when I can talk normally not like I had to with DragonDictate. It really doesn't take too much effort for me to sit and dictate a letter to anti-Sally in Colorado, or a proclamation so I got this program.”

Sharanne S.
“I use Dragon NaturallySpeaking to improve my life. I have limited use of my right arm and have a torn rotator cuff on my left shoulder making keyboarding very difficult. I am also dyslexic with spelling being a problem. I use Dragon NaturallySpeaking to do my school work, my e-mails, and in writing a book.”

Jennifer A.
“Thank you for providing Dragon. The software saved my career as a writer and editor after I developed tendonitis in both arms. I've used some version of Dragon since 2000. It allows me to write faster and more accurately than virtually anyone could by hand.”

Elaine H.
“As a result from a hemorrhagic stroke in July 2004 one of the many long lasting issues I have is no feeling in my fingers in my left hand along with a vision deficit in my left eye. Therefore, I cannot type as I used to. One finger typing is long and slow and exhausting . With my new disabilities I have created new words and many new frustrations in my life. What took a minute or two to type before will take up to an hour now. Proofreading was long and exhausting. With the Dragon program I'm forced to slow down and get it right the first time. Proofreading is almost a pleasure now. Dragon has given me the self-confidence to voice my frustrations and issues out loud but not directed at an individual that may, in the end cause a fight but still getting the same gratification without suffering from the long-lasting consequences of a loud vocal fight with a person. This may not be an original design benefit, but it positively does benefit me, as it has benefited others like me. It helps me to pick and choose the correct words to say to someone, without having the common regrets afterwards and to feel sorry for what was said in anger and not being able to take what was said back. I can keep saying it over and over again until I get it right. This program has given me the freedom to express my thoughts in a coherent, logical and clear manner. Dragon is not a luxury it's a necessity. It is made one part of my life so much less stressful I could not imagine using a keyboard without it now. Thank you for designing this program and giving me back one of my freedoms I thought was gone forever.”

Timothy S.
“I really do not know where to begin! I was diagnosed with MS (multiple sclerosis) back in 1979 in, my senior year in college. Little did I know that this disease would take away my ability to walk and use my arms and hands. In 1991. I had to retire from my job because I could no longer drive to work. I've been in a wheelchair since then, and I am considered quadriplegic (even though I don't look at myself that way). DNS has changed my life because through this wonderful technology, and is giving me the opportunity to once again communicate with others. Not being able to use your hands to type, write a letter, or even sign a check for that matter, is very frustrating. I came across DNS at an Abilities Expo in the Chicago area. I stopped at the booth and watched the demonstration that was being given and was immediately excited. I thought I was seeing a magic show at first. I continued browsing around the Expo but couldn't get this technology out of my mind. I went back to the booth, and purchased the software (without even having a computer to install it in). That purchase motivated me to obtain my first computer and start learning the process of DNS. That software I purchased was Dragon NaturallySpeaking 7. Since then, I have upgraded to DNS 9. The world is full of knowledge, and the world is now once again opened up to me. I can surf the Internet, send e-mails to friends and relatives, shop online, and even plan in research trips around the world. I've even had the opportunity to win tickets to the NCAA men's basketball tournament, and I did it all by voice activation. I also planned my 30th high school reunion using DNS and my computer (made hundreds of contacts with old classmates). By the way, the reunion was a great success! What more can I say other than. "Thank You", for this wonderful technology. DNS has made me a better person, and I believe, of better communicator, and has brought me so much closer to family, friends, and to the world in general.”

Ginger H.
“I speak dragon to improve my life In 2004 I became ill, to my surprise I never dreamed that I wouldn't ever be able to sit at my computer and e mail, work and be a productive individual. I had always liked to write in school while I was growing up and never dreamed that it would bring much joy to me, but I was wrong it not also brought joy to me; but my family and friends also. My gifts to them is usual something that I have written them. I use the dragon with a headset and mic, I am able to sit a little, walk up to a 10 foot area, and record to a Sony recorder that will transfer to dragon. It has brought me closer to myself, to the Lord and all others that I have came in contact with through this life changing condition and my past life. With dragon my life has not been the same but it now has meaning, fulfillment, and the joy that I am now able to start on maybe a novel for the Lord and myself in hopes to help other people that have to accept change and challenge in their lives. Without Nuance Dragon this opportunity would not be possible. So I thank you so much it has helped with the notes and different things that I need in my research, mental thoughts and my journal. Who know maybe others will be reading a novel written by me! Anything is possible.”

Dawn G.
“I have had Multiple Sclerosis for 30 years and my eye hand coordination makes it very difficult to write my poetry in MS Word, record my medical history, and communicate by e-mail with my children. Dragon Naturally Speaking has changed all of that to allow me to become a functioning member of the computer literate world.”

Adrian D.
“Two years ago I started working on my M.B.A. with the University of Phoenix's online program. For those of you who aren't familiar with this program, you conduct 100% of your class room time in front of a computer. You receive you assignments electronically, talk to the professor electronically, conduct the bulk of your research online and you submit numerous papers and class submissions online. This involves an incredible amount of typing. One of my co-workers recently finished their Masters degree and had a shorter thesis than my final paper...and I only had six weeks to write it! I'm a pretty fast typist (61wpm/1err the last time I was tested) but between being in front of a computer at work, and then going home to do my class work, even I got tired. Dragon provided me with the means to not only type faster than I normally could, but it also allowed me to take a break from key mashing. Many a classroom post was written with the assistance of Dragon NaturallySpeaking. Further, quite a few of my papers were written using this software. Finally, I think faster than I type and where I would sometimes lose thoughts when hand typing, this was seldom the case with Dragon NaturallySpeaking. I have since finished my degree thanks to the help of Dragon. Great product.”

Rick G.
“Love my Naturally Speaking 9 - Preferred! Actually writing to you using it right now. I'm charged with investigating all train collisions and derailments in the State of California - and Dragon has made my life so much easier. Most of the writing is technical / but lots of it is creative and Dragon is tremendous. Additionally, I'm on 5-6 conference calls a day - I'm able to capture my portion of the conversation through Dragon and just make notes on what others say. Love it!! Thanks!”

Robert W.
“I am a university professor whose work brings me all over the world and the US. Last year I was in Malta and had to make 16 visits to social service agencies, policy bodies and social ministries in preparation for a report to the faculty at the University of Malta. I have a learning disability that prohibits me from taking notes,listening and observing simultaneously. I write down prompts and agonizingly reconstruct reports from the prompts. This is painful. Swearing I would never write a report this way again, I bought Dragon for my next trip to Wilmington Delaware for 26 agency visits. After each set of visits I immediately sat down, examined my prompts, and dictated the report. What usually would take 8 to 10 agonizing hours took 2 Thanks Dragon, you changed my life.”

Rick G.
“As a doctor, author and motivational speaker to Dragon NaturallySpeaking system has made a vast difference in my life and the lives of others. I recently completed my newest book, called Living a Championship Life "A Game Plan for Success" in just two weeks my typing skills are less than adequate, and it would have taken me a year plus. Just to write this book. In fact, in my chapter on clock management. I have included the Dragon naturally speaking product and a direct link to nuance. So that all my audience members and clients around the world can save time save money and be more creative by using your product. Our clinics have also gone to using Dragon naturally speaking in order to improve our transcription capability and decrease our overhead. That means more money to the bottom line, and more time and money to share with our staff. I now use Dragon every day to write my blogs, articles and consulting reports. In fact it's given me the opportunity to start on another book, which would mean I have put out two brand-new books in one year, which would have been unthinkable without your product. There isn't a one-day seminar program that I give around the world, where I don't mention your product and all the benefits I've received in creativity, time savings and wealth! Thanks for everything!”

Ken F.
“I wrote two books speaking Dragon. It's true. I'm a university professor. So while jogging, researching, walking around campus, hiking in the mountains, even while giving class lectures, I dictated into my digital recorder. Then I transferred the audio file to Dragon and asked it to transcribe my thoughts onto a nice, readable document. I edited, added thoughts, checked my grammar, even added charts and graphs, all with Dragon. You see, I had a publishers deadline to meet and had just had surgery on my arm and could not type... at least with my hands. Write on Dragon.”

Fred H.
“In 2004 I was diagnosed with Macular Degeneration. People with MD loose their central vision, the part that allows reading and fine detail sight as well as driving. I was 54 and thought my life was over. I was able to stay working, as a Customer Care Manager, till 2007 with the use of Dragon. Without Dragon's assistance I would have had to retire much earlier. The doctor said I had at least 10 years till I had to retire. Wrong, it was 3 years. In 2007 I retired and the first thing I did was buy Dragon 9 and install it on my home PC. It has allowed me to stay connected to the world and has given me the courage to start my own business. I know that with Dragon Naturally Speaking Professional I will be a professional in all my written communications. I am no longer disabled because I know Dragon. There is a support group, MD Support, an on-line list with millions of hits every year that I belong to. I think so much of your program that I have written a product review and tote Dragon to all who will listen. You guys are great!”

Ron M.
“To the judges. I am a 66 years old, and I have never learned to spell. Anything over three letters. I have a big problem as a result, before Dragon NaturallySpeaking, if I could not take care of it in person or by phone there wasn't much else I can do. The only reason I got a computer is because I heard of Dragon NaturallySpeaking. Now I am able to send messages to my friends…without Dragon NaturallySpeaking, I would not be on the computer, and I would be stuck with nothing to do but watch TV. So Dragon NaturallySpeaking has helped my life quite considerably. Whether I win or not, I want to thank the makers of Dragon NaturallySpeaking for making my life so much better. Thank you for this opportunity.”

Andrew S.
“Teaching ONLINE with Dragon: Well, the truth is that Dragon improves my life because it improves my work AND creativity! I teach English courses online. Dragon allows me to develop lectures and discussions in a small fraction of the time that typing would take. Dragon creates a way for me to produce virtually error-free impromptu course materials, and to respond quickly and extensively to student work. I can teach my online courses on Blackboard and WebCT HANDS FREE! Students marvel at my extreme level of dedication and involvement. Thanks, Dragon!”

Marcy D.
“Unable to write at length, my 11 year old son uses Dragon for extended writing assignments rather than dictating to me. It frees up my time so I can help my other children with homework. He enjoys using the software and his teachers are impressed with the length of his writing assignments. I also use the software to compose term papers for my college courses. Being hands free allows me to continue to find information to dictate into the file.”

Ronald B.
“Do you speak Dragon? I speak Dragon -- I have to speak Dragon -- it has become a necessary part of my life. You see, without Dragon I would never be able to write a note to myself, a letter to a friend, I couldn't used Quicken are Word are do a search on Google. Do I speak Dragon -- I live it -- it's part of my day -- it's become part of me. I ordered a special ordered Dell Computer built around The Dragons standards plus enough memory to handle Dragon, Quicken, Internet explorer simultaneously. Do I talk Dragon? In 1980 I had an experience with a Aneurysm and thank the Lord I'm still here. The doctors say that I have several deficits the most devastating is called Aphasia -- I cannot remember how to spell any word longer than three letters. To be specific, I cannot remember vowels -- which vowels are worth a go -- in a word. This causes a lot of frustration to say the least I give notice to myself read them later and I don't know what the mean -- I call my writings "Burke a graphics". I had the box from Dragon # 4 in I'm on #9 now. Yes, I speak Dragon!”

Robert G.
“When I went back to college (after a number of years) I did not relish the thought of typing on my office computer all day, and writing long papers for accelerated class schedules at night. Dragon Naturally Speaking 9 allowed me to dictate my thoughts, my class notes, and my papers without watching the screen or risking repetitive stress injuries. Naturally speaking was invaluable for keeping pace and allowing the free flow of ideas. I would recommend it to anyone for whom writing is a large part of their day.”

Gabriel G.
“I speak Dragon to improve my life! Back in November of 2005 while hanging Christmas lights I fell from the roof and became a quadriplegic. I have no dexterity in my hands or fingers and minimal use of my triceps. Two things that I still have working for me are my brain and my ability to speak. The rehabilitation center that I was staying at after my accident introduced me to Dragon. After seeing all it could do I knew I had to get it. Thankfully through the donation from another company I received the software! Getting onto the computer and trying to navigate the computer before I received Dragon was very difficult. With this software I have been able to not only keep in contact with people from around the world again but it has also helped me find a job. I am lucky enough to work for a company that allows me to use this software so that I can perform my duties much more efficiently. I know that without this software my life would still be very difficult and not that it's any easier right now but using your product has helped me out tremendously! I appreciate it and I thank you for designing this type of software. I know I do not speak for the entire quadriplegic community but I do know that there are a few of us who really appreciate your software allowing us to continue with somewhat of a normal life!”

Russell M.
“Yes I speak Dragon and I love it. I had Dragon Naturally Speaking Preferred V.7 and I was happy with that. Then I upgraded to Version 9. WOW, what an improvement, not only am I happy with it, but now I love it. It's installed on my home computer. Before I could speak Dragon, I would compose and send very short and very few e-mail. The reason was that I am a very poor (in my opinion) at spelling. Now I e-mail all the time to my friends and family. I also use it for buying online, it's especially handy for filling out long order forms that ask my name, e-mail address, credit card number ( I just read it off ), shipping address and etc. I have Dragon trained to recognize my name, addresses and etc. by my voice command alone. "What A Timesaver". I love it, I love it and I love it, Russ, ( 80 years old ). PS: This was all composed by speaking Dragon Preferred version 9.”

Andrew R.
“I lived in Colombia, South America for seven years. Our business was gold mining. All transportation was by airplane or helicopter. The aviation stories are alone enough to fill a book, plus there were many other exciting non aviation stories. I flunked typing in high school, but I have had an overpowering urge to write about my Colombian adventures, which are many and worthy. Because of my lack of typing skills, that goal seemed impossible. As a result, I became interested in voice recognition around 1987. The changes to today's voice recognition environment are, to me, as unbelievable as many of my adventure tales. Now, with Dragon, I can see the light at the end of the tunnel as to writing my book.”

Jenny P.
“Dragon NaturallySpeaking changed my life. When I say that, I'm not being metaphorical. In the summer of 2004 I started having serious pain in my hands and wrists. The pain worsened into the fall of 2004 to the point that I was unable to do normal everyday activities, such as pull clothes out of the washing machine, or push buttons on the TV remote. I was in incredible pain, and in the fall 2004 was diagnosed with tendonitis in both hands. I continued to have severe pain, along with intense depressive symptoms. I could not be on the computer for longer than 15 minutes without pain in my hands, wrists, and arms. When I say that Dragon NaturallySpeaking saved my life, I truly mean that. My job requires me to be on the computer about 70% of my day. Dragon NaturallySpeaking allows me to do this-and not only am I pain-free, but I am 10 times more productive because of the speed at which Dragon types! I have spread the word about this marvelous software, and advocate the implementation of Dragon software in organizations to minimize employee pain and suffering, and subsequent financial losses for the organization. Dragon Speak has revolutionized the world of work for me. I am thankful for it every day.”

Stephen D.
“I communicate through Dragon to improve my writing. It allows me to tap directly into my mind to get out my thoughts and ideas. With a wireless headset, I can even pace as I dictate, I do not have to be seated at my computer. Thanks to dragon I never can forget or lose a thought because I did not write it down. I can brain storm and speak my thoughts as they come, no matter how fast I speak it out Dragon keeps up, whether I am driving to and from work, out shopping or with friends even walking the dog, thanks to dragons I can dictate my thoughts into my small pocket size digital recorder, to have Dragon transcribe my notes when I get home. I am amazed at Dragon's ability to adapt not only to the newest technology but also to my increasing learned vocabulary, no matter how specialized it is to my trade, we both are constantly learning. I can use acronym or short cut keywords I create and have them expand to phases or sentences. Dragon is my personal alter ego assistant who documents my words and ideas for me without having me stop and write on a piece of paper, or clumsily hunt and peck at the keyboard.. Dragon understands my lingo. I recently had three surgeries and never missed a beat, I was able to lie in bed and completely control my computer with my spoken commands, and answer my e-mails, until I recovered. Dragon gets better and better with each version. It is a powerhouse program for individuals who need to communicate their thoughts to the computer quickly and effectively. It has become an indispensable aid to my daily life.”

Barton E.
“Looking for a product endorsement? Well, here it comes. I just went and checked my files, and I spent $150 for DNS Version 1.0 back on 10/10/97. I am now on version 9.0 Preferred and have probably spent something over $1000 with your company. Was it worth it? You bet. I selected the "improve my life" category, because, over the years, I have used it for practically everything. Before I retired, I used it to dictate "streams of thought" so that I could get relatively long and complicated concepts down on paper without worrying about typing. I could then easily go back and organize and clean up the text to produce a final document. I used it for dictating meeting minutes, always a pain. Now that I'm retired, I serve on a number of boards and use it, as in the past, to dictate all of my serious writing before sending off an attributable document or position paper. It's also great for writing and responding to longer e-mails with lots of questions to be addressed. Needless to say, the product has come a long way and is currently very fast and very accurate. I recommend it to everyone when we discuss time-saving ways to do serious writing these days. Do I “speak Dragon”? Yes, and have been for nearly 11 years.”

David A.
“If there's one thing I love, it's to write. Email, blog entries, essays, stories, books - you name it: writing means the world to me. It helps me to clarify my thinking and to communicate with others - whether those others happen to be loved ones, acquaintances or strangers. For years, when using a conventional, computer keyboard, sometimes I would develop repetitive stress injuries and wrist pain. With some rest and ergonomic adjustments, though, eventually, the pain would disappear. One year, however, during the course of a couple of weeks, while preparing a statement of my personal convictions for a public presentation, I did so much writing that by the time I had finished, my wrists, forearms and even elbows screamed in agony. If everything had developed the way that it had before, then in time, the pain would have gone away. This time, however, even after long breaks and many adjustments, using my keyboard still felt sharply painful. Before this happened, I had occasionally used and enjoyed Dragon NaturallySpeaking. Now, however, its use became crucial. I'm deeply grateful that by means of speech recognition, Dragon NaturallySpeaking software has enabled me to continue doing the writing that I love. It's hard to imagine the searing pain I would have experienced - not only physically but also psychologically - if no technology other than a traditional keyboard had existed by means of which I could write with my computer. Now, though, I can write the many thousands of words that I love to write, without fear of triggering agonizing pain in my wrists and arms. Thank goodness for Dragon NaturallySpeaking!”

Don O.
“I consider myself a very lucky man. Forty years ago I was diagnosed with MS. I'm fortunate to have had a slowly progressing case, with time for a full life, but now my disability has reached the point where I have no control of my body below the neck. What's left to someone in that situation? Not too long ago the answer would have been, not much: a life dependent on family and TV, career limited to a few occupations like social work if possible at all. (We can't all be Nero Wolfe.) But technology has come to the rescue. The combination of an electric wheelchair controlled by head motion, the Internet, and a PC with Dragon software gives me a surprising amount of independence. I can read even though I can't turn pages. I can write without touching a key. I can exchange email with my expatriate daughters. If I were younger there would be any number of ways I could earn a living. Even in the troublesome "other" category there's a lot I can do-- respond to this questionnaire, for example. And since I don't get around much any more it makes a big difference to have the world on my desktop, if for nothing else than to relish the human comedy. (The Internet is full to the brim with human comedy, or it would be if it had a brim.) It's a remarkable world, and Dragon software is my window to it.”

James H.
“Being a 93-year-old, dyslexic, one finger typist, legally blind, widower, and great grandfather, Dragon Speaking has been my liberator. In the middle 1990s I decided to write a book containing about 130 stories about my childhood and youth. A copy of the book would be given to my children and grandchildren. I needed help! Being dyslexic I was having a problem with spelling, punctuation, and grammar. My solution for help would have to be a voice recognition program. After investigating several available programs, I selected Dragon Speaking version 2.0, upgrading over the years. My son, an attorney, knew of my problem and my solution to it, so he also bought Dragon Speaking for attorneys. I have tried to encourage my peers, but too many off them are afraid of computers! To bed! They are missing so much. I cheat a little with Dragon by giving him extra work to do. Any e-mail or printed communication I receive is run through OmniPage and then pasted to Dragon Pad. Dragon graciously reads to me…I congratulate you for creating this wonderful program and look forward to each new improvement which helps me and countless others that depends so much on voice recognition concepts.”

Yocheved S.
“I see that you say Dragon has been around for about 10 years. May be Nuance has owned it for about 10 years however, Dragon and I have been around a lot longer.-------------- As much as 20 years ago I started working with the creators of Dragon. It began as an aid to people like me who are visually impaired or have physical disabilities. And, I must say, 20 years ago it did not work as well as it does now! Now, I'm a Professor with Kaplan University Online. Almost 2 years ago at a meeting other faculty members began talking about this wonderful thing that allows them to type so much faster this program called DragonDictate. I was very quiet and said nothing. I remember how much I worked in the early days and to help make Dragon what it is today. I remembered who it was for and who is using it now at I must say a much more reasonable price! Then I got back to being myself and said quietly, "technology lives". I Sit on a wheelchair which began with technology from the space program and I type with technology which has gone from a small group of users to everyone. Isn't that how technology is supposed to work?”

Susan S.
“Dragon speak has improved my quality of life both at home and at work. I had a spinal cord injury over 30 years ago, and have never been able to type since then. I have been able to work as a psychotherapist which never required any computer use until the past several years, when medical records and treatment plans at the hospital where I work have switched over to a completely paperless system. Even before this happened, I was never able to take advantage of e-mail, and if I needed to have a letter typed a secretary would have to do it specially for me. So two years ago my state Department of Rehabilitation bought me the Dragon speak software, Professional Edition, and gave me six hours of training on it. This not only saved my job, but also allowed me to join the rest of the world and communicate with e-mail. It has truly changed my life, and I can't live a day without it. Thank you for the wonderful product that has given me such independence.”

M. N.
“In 2000, I sustained a repetitive strain injury at work. The pain in my arms and hands was so severe that I was unable to work for several months. Even looking at a computer was enough to make me hurt. Eventually, my condition improved enough for me to return to my engineering job part-time, but the transition was very difficult. My job required a substantial amount of data entry and report writing, but I was barely able to type an hour per day. Assistants helped with larger reports, but I had no help with e-mails and other correspondence required of my job. Suffice to say, my productivity was extremely limited, and I considered any personal computer work out of the question. A few months later, I received Dragon NaturallySpeaking Version 5 as part of my vocational rehabilitation. I received two days of training along with the software, and then I was off and running. Within two months, I was dictating e-mails, reports, and letters that I had been struggling to complete. I was even able to dictate spreadsheet data that I previously had to enter by hand. About a year and a half after I was first injured, I found another use for Dragon NaturallySpeaking: creative writing. I had always enjoyed stories but had never considered writing my own until I got hurt. Like so many others that have suffered severe injuries, I found myself reassessing my life priorities, and among the things I decided was that I had to at least give creative writing a try. And as it turns out, writing creatively became my new passion. However, it was only because I had Dragon NaturallySpeaking available that I was able to try it at all. A few years later, a website invited me to write reviews for manga (Japanese comics), which is another passion of mine. As such, in 2006, I was actively using three different voice files. One contained all the technical jargon and chemical names, such as 1, 2, 4-trimethylbenzene, that I used at work; another was supplemented with Japanese proper names and terms for my manga reviews; and a third contained language and vocabulary specific to the worlds created in my stories. Today, writing is my sole occupation. As such, I use Dragon almost every day. I would never have thought of pursuing full-time writing after my injury had it not been for the availability of this voice recognition technology. For that, I am extremely grateful.”

Thomas N.
“I have Cerebral Palsy and it is difficult for me to type quickly and so I used DNS for years at work to help me to do my job more quickly. I worked in a customer service area. The greatest help for me was to be able to dictate customer letters that were hand written. All of my co-workers would give me their hand written customer letters and they would keep the typed letters for themselves. I was able to dictate much more quickly than they were able to type and now that I am retired I still use it at home. Oh what a help it is for anyone with a disability! I recommend it to anyone who could benefit. Thank you for a wonderful product.”

Lewis B.
“My life would not be half of what it is, if I did not have Dragon NaturallySpeaking. Since I am in a wheelchair, with no use of my hands, Dragon NaturallySpeaking allows me to operate the computer hands-free. I have used Dragon NaturallySpeaking and prior versions since 1992. At that point, it was still in a very early stage with limitations on which programs were accessible and cost over $4000, since it was probably still in beta. Prior to that time, my mom would sit with me to complete all of my homework. Once I became proficient with Dragon, I began to write my papers without an intermediary. Teachers commented that my writing had improved. After high school, I went to college and graduate school, relying heavily on Dragon to help me write papers, work with Excel, and write some e-mail. I graduated undergraduate magna cum laude. I now have a job as a CFO at a bank where I operate my computer with Dragon NaturallySpeaking to use not only Microsoft Office, but several industry-specific programs. My job entails managing a portfolio of $70 million worth of investments and managing the accounting of the bank. In addition to these responsibilities, I am also responsible for managing the web site, which I am able to do with Dragon NaturallySpeaking. This job has enabled me to earn enough to live on my own. In addition to all of this, I e-mail numerous friends throughout the US, which would not be possible without Dragon NaturallySpeaking.”

Lila S.
“I use it to help me do my writing, because I have multiple sclerosis. I have second aggressive multiple sclerosis, and I have real bad tremors in my hands, plus at times I have a terrible time speaking, helps me to write what I am trying to say! Also, my spelling is so much better. My husband spotted this Dragon NaturallySpeaking, and after bringing it home and training my voice, we were both extremely surprised how easy I was able to use it. Since then, I have told authors that have the same problem about Dragon naturally speaking. And they have tried it and found it to help them. I don't know where I would be if Dragon was not on my computer.”

Mike O.
“I am a motivational speaker and entertainer (see http://www.paulmccartneylookalike.com). I was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease two years ago, and I rely heavily on the ability to use my computer as I communicate with clients. The tremors from Parkinson's have made it increasingly difficult to type. Dragon NaturallySpeaking has allowed me to continue to build contacts, reach more people and communicate with my friends and family. I am making a difference and enjoying life thanks to Dragon. Thank you!”

Anne L.
“I use Dragon to improve my life. I also use it to speed up on how I get things done efficiently. Also about 3 years ago I was in a accident and the doctor said I would benefit from it, I have been using it since . It has helped me so much so i am not doing alot of reaching and typing I just sit and talk to my computer and all. I know my using this it will help the future in other injuries. So I thank you for this Program that has enhanced my life greatly. Thank you”

David B.
“I have a condition of Dystonia of the hand, and fine motor skills are virtually impossible to perform. In past years i used a dictating device to perform document, letters, and so on. This gave me the idea to try your product. I rate your product very highly. While not perfect, it works well and enhances my situation significantly. Many thanks.”

Mel B.
“After having spinal cord surgery back in 1981 left me with little or no use of my hands. Not being able to communicate was devastating to me. Thank you for giving me life again by being able to type letters and e-mails to all my friends and family. What a great world we live in thanks to you. Ironically, I was studying to be a court stenographer and had great dexterity in both hands when it came to typing.”

Phil V.
“Dragon has improved my life by allowing me to complete both a bachelor's degree and a master's degree. All my life I have been plagued with a learning disability, which prevented me from completing a higher education. This kept me from being able to advance in many of my employment situations. Since completing my degrees I have been able to advance with my current employer. This has allowed me to obtain better positions at my work being beneficial to my employer, as well as increasing my standard of living for my family and myself. I am very grateful to Dragon for being a catalyst which is help me to complete the only my dream but a dream of my father who never had the opportunity to go to college. I am the first member and only member of my family to obtain a college. Thank you again Dragon.”

Matt M.
“I am a sufferer of low back and forearm pain. Big time. It's been with me since I was 15 years old. On a recent Dr. office visit (after 3 rounds of physical therapy), my Doc suggested that the best thing I could do for my back would be to get out of my chair. My arm problem, he stated, would be solved by typing less. Uh-huh... "But, Doc...", I reasoned, "I won't be able to work at my desk if I'm standing, and keyboarding is just part of my job as a college instructor..." Then, the heavens parted. My doc suggested I try Dragon NaturallySpeaking. It has changed my life. I purchased a treadmill, placed my computer monitor above it, and created a small platform for my keyboard. While I haven't given up keyboarding completely, Dragon NaturallySpeaking has helped me to cut down my keyboard use to a minimum. I have automated many work tasks, become more efficient, and my students are amazed at the volume of feedback they get on their written work. The use of the treadmill in conjunction with the use of the NaturallySpeaking software has all-but-eliminated my back pain and kept me fit (averaging 6-7 walking miles a day while at work!). Thanks, Nuance!”

Tom M.
“I have enjoyed riding a motorcycle for years; my wife enjoys riding with me. Over the past 20 years I completed a master's degree and my work has shifted to involve much more typing. My hands were going numb from all of the typing, which meant I had to quit riding a motorcycle -- writing with out being able to feel your fingers is dangerous. I started using Dragon NaturallySpeaking after seeing it demonstrated at a trade show four years ago. My productivity and creativity increased from being able to speak and type. I'm even more pleased that I have avoided having to have surgery on my hands. The numbness is going away and I may soon be able to ride a motorcycle again.”

Walter S.
“Good morning, do I speak, Dragon? You bet your life I do. I would never be able to write this letter to you if it wasn't for Dragon naturally speaking program. I have been interested in and have tried almost every voice and typing program that ever came down the pike. I have used IBM. I have used Microsoft and several other ones. Dragon naturally speaking is the finest and best program I have ever run across. It has improved my life for the following reasons. Number one. I cannot type except with one finger, number two, my spelling is for the birds. This program makes me an expert at both and I sincerely thank you for developing this program for nerds like me. I now can handle my own mail, letters and correspondence, and I do not have to rely on my wife to do the typing for me. It's great to be independent and not tied down or obligated to someone else for help. Again, my sincerest thanks for developing this program. I'll be 80 years old on my next birthday. So don't let anyone tell you you can't teach an old dog new tricks. Look at me! Sincerely and with great gratitude!”

Ernest
“This won't take long my story is a short one.. it about five or six years ago I started going on the Internet and playing Internet games that were associated with chat rooms... but being a very slow typist and not the worlds best speller I could not keep up with the chat rooms.. one day my son came by and asked me what I was doing and I told him I was trying to type some messages in a chat room but was having a difficult time keeping up with them.. he suggested giving a speech recognition program and specifically Dragon.. so I went to my computer store and found one and installed it and from there on his history.. I use it exclusively when I'm on the Internet,, I still do my gaming I do all my e-mails coming and going,, write letters to prescriptions and just about everything that you can do on the Internet that requires typing.. I'm sure this will not be the most exciting or thrilling story you have read but it's just the plain truth.. I now have Dragon nine and it works quite well.. the only problem I have with it really is when I go to do a accuracy upgrade on my files the timer does not get me anywhere close to an acrid amount of time needed to do this upgrade but I have learned to live with that so therefore I can highly recommend this program is sure changed my life over the past few years.”

Kenneth S.
“I have lost both arms and shoulders due to an electoral accident in 1977. I got my first computer about a year afterwards and was typing with my toes. This was okay for a few years and then chat rooms came along which require a lot of typing. To facilitate typing I kind of curl my

Anne N.
“I speak Dragon!!! Dragon NaturallySpeaking has made a significant change in my life and in the life of our family. I am a C6 quadriplegic and use Dragon for email, articles, work, and personal correspondence. While I can, and do type, Dragon increases my productivity a thousand fold. This is a resounding promotion of your product, yet its true value lies in what Dragon provides our 16 year old daughter who has multiple learning disabilities. She speaks Dragon!!! She uses it to complete homework as she is significantly more capable of speaking articulately than she writes. However, one of the true values of this software is how it allows us to dictate assignments, texts, or stories and use them in an auditory format which is necessary to facilitate her learning needs. This has allowed her more time to be a teen while finding academic success as well. Kudos to Dragon for the freedom and accessibility it allows us!”

Marshall P.
“During my career as a professional electronics engineer, I encountered the tremendous number of history and liberal arts college graduates, by participating in conversation with these folks. My spoken language skills advanced. As one that studied sciences versus art my abilities with the written language were neglected and are considerably less proficient than my spoken language skills. Not only are my typing skills deficient, my written vocabulary is much more limited as a consequence of my spelling deficiencies. Dragon NaturallySpeaking, has improved my life in the sense that my writing now is more correct. As I travel around the world, almost every person, I've known, were more proficient with the spoken language skills than with the written language skills! Dragon NaturallySpeaking does not diminish the spoken language skills but has aided me tremendously in the study and improvement of my written language skills.”

Joseph G.
“I started using Dragon because I have cancer and the treatments used to keep me alive also the diabetes I have gave me nerve damage so I can tell the computer what to do. So I don"t feel so helpless.”

Roger F.
“As a technical writer I use my computer daily. I also like to surf the web and I write fiction on the side. Years of pounding the keyboard have cause so much repetitive stress that I cannot type without considerable pain. Medical reasons prevent me from having surgery so, for almost a year, I have been unable to do much. A friend told me about Dragon Naturally Speaking and I bought a copy. After an incredibly short time spent training it Dragon has given me back not only my livelihood, but my enjoyment of life. I couldn't imagine getting along without it now.”

John Z.
“A few years ago I joined E. Harmony, an online service that matches people who are interested in long-term commitments. The initial contacts between people are made through their closed e-mail service requiring answers and questions to be typed. Since I cannot type it would have taken me a great deal of time to answer each individual. As it was I was able to cut and paste responses I had written from a word processor program directly into the response area on E. Harmony's e-mail system. The fact that I was able to talk in conversational language and answer questions showing more personality than terse answers may have permitted in able to me to find the person that I am now married to. If I had not have the ability to dictate as easily and has flawlessly as Dragon allows I would not have been able to impress my now wife enough for her to permit me to call her by phone. Having Dragon software is the reason I was even willing to respond to this request of yours because if it takes more than three or four typed words I won't do it. Dragon software has enabled me to cost bond insurance business, and legal matters as well as matters of the heart in a simple and accurate form. Had I had this product when I was in college back before the computer was invented I am certain I would have graduated with a much higher grade-point average than I did simply because I am too lazy and inpatient to learn to type.”

Fredrick R.
“I use Dragon naturally speaking to answer most of my e-mails and write letters. Because I have big hands when I type I frequently it to letters at the same time. My writing is that much more accurate and faster and requires less correction. I spent quite a bit of time helping a young friend of mine with a learning disability was unable to write clearly but can dictate beautifully. They have since purchased the program and I think it is an incredible gift to those children who have writing disabilities. I think you ought to seriously consider advertising for those people.”

Franki M.
“My father passed away on 21 March 2008 after leading a full and interesting life. He had wanted to write a book about his life experiences and had typed dozens of pages until his failing eyesight and weakening condition made that task too difficult. My brother, sisters and I suggested that he record his stories on tape as he thought of them, and with Mom's help he generated several cassette tapes with many hours of his reminiscences. I bought Dragon Naturally Speaking with the intent that the software would be able to transcribe his voice from tape to screen and was very pleased to discover how easily that was done. Occasional changes in the quality of the recording and the timbre of his voice required infrequent adjustment, but we are very pleased with the product. Thank you for making it available!”

Kenny S.
“Dragon NaturallySpeaking has saved my career I wasn't exactly the smartest kid in my class and I didn't graduate high school this helps me make reports to very high ranking officials and even helped me with my divorce as i struggle back and forth with a separation agreement I will be honest with you the earlier versions wasn't that impressive I just love this new version 9”

Peter K.
“I am a Dragon NaturallySpeaking user of six years. I started with professional version 6, and I am now on version 9. The reason I started using Dragon was that in 2001 a repetitive stress injury to both wrists caught up with me (typing, of course). Over the years I have developed an efficient and ergonomic way of operating my computer to keep me productive despite my injury. I have developed specialized commands using scripting, and I have also started using an infrared camera driven mouse and a clicker that does not require me to use my hands. The condition in my wrists considerably improved, but I'm not going to go back to typing. Dragon and the other ergonomic tools are working for me very well indeed: over the past six years I've written tens of thousands of lines of computer code (yes, even though the Dragon speech recognition software was not designed for programming), over 20 technical articles, and a 300 page book. And all that while improving my health! Thanks, Dragon. You are much appreciated.”

Mary D.
“I am almost blind and have severe tremors in both hands, yet I am able to supplement my retirement income, allowing me a more comfortable existence. All of this is made possible by dragon Naturally Speaking!”

Ralph S.
“Dear Friends, I use Dragon because I can't spell well enough for the dictionary to even recognize my chosen word. ‘Love you guys ‘”

Stanley L.
“I Speak Dragon to Improve My Life - Due to a head injury several years ago, my left side is partially paralyzed. Because of this when I do actually type, I can only type of my right hand. Sometimes I use my left hand to hold down the shift key. Using Dragon helps me with typing and data entry, and saves a lot of time and frustration.”

Louise S.
“In 1997, I developed a condition called RSD in my Right hand after an accident at work, which led to a cast and finally surgery. I was left with chronic pain in my right hand radiating up to my collar bone. My hand and forearm would turn ice cold and my fingers would become purple and mottled. I couldn't write. I went to Staples and spoke to a salesperson Myron, who became a good friend. I bought a computer and started with Dragon Naturally Speaking 3 and have 3.5 up to 9. Dragon Naturally Speaking helps me to write problems and fax them to my Doctor so I can get an answer right away. I can write to my Attorney about anything that needs to be kept in his file. I keep a list of my medications on the computer HD and can either run it off for whichever Doctor I am seeing or add the last time I took each medication if I'm having a procedure. I also keep a list of my surgeries for the same. Most important of all, I can do all my banking and bill paying online with DNS and now that the pain is affecting both arms and hands, it has proved to be a god-send.”

Jon J.
“I am 44 years old and severely dyslexic. I was diagnosed at eight and it has been an uphill battle to do the simplest things my whole life. Like righting notes or letters. Dragon by far has been the biggest helping change in my life. Without it I couldn't do simple things like writing this. Spell check is not an option for me. Spell checks finds the misspelled word and gives me options, but I can't read well enough to know the correct word from the list. I no longer have to go to my coworkers and be humiliated by my bad spelling. Because with Dragon it can read it back to me. I waited a long time for an opportunity like this so that I could thank the producers of this program. Thank you, you change my life for the better.”

Frank S.
“I have been using Dragon NaturallySpeaking for over 15 years. I have a degenerative neurological condition called Charcot Marie Tooth. As a result of this I am unable to type as I used to. Because of Dragon NaturallySpeaking I was able to continue active employment until the age of 85. I still depend on this wonderful program (version 9 the best ever) for all of my correspondents, e-mail, writing devotionals for church and preparing Sunday School lessons when I am called upon to teach. My life has been much more enjoyable and productive because of Dragon.”

David K.
“Dragon NaturallySpeaking has saved my life. I am an adult with a learning disability. I was diagnosed with a learning disability (dyslexia) at the age of eight years old (I am now 36). I struggled in school my whole life but managed to graduate high school and college. I wanted to go to graduate school but because of the learning disability it was extremely difficult. I purchased Dragon NaturallySpeaking 1.0 my first year of graduate school and I now hold two master's degrees and am in the process of completing a Ph.D. program. This would not have been possible without Dragon NaturallySpeaking. That is how Dragon has saved my life.”

Katherine C.
“I am diabetic, and suffer from one of the side effects, peripheral neuropathy. That means I have numbness and random pain in my finger tips. This, added to the fact that I test my glucose on my fingertips really causes issues when I have to type for long stretches. Instead, I speak Dragon, especially for long documents like procedures, policies, guidelines. I also create training materials using Dragon. It helps much to be able to get my work done without the pain!”

Helen C.
“I have had multiple sclerosis for more than 20 years. Although people associate MS with difficulty walking, it can also affect manual coordination. I used to be a fast touch typist (65 words per minute), but can now only use my index fingers to type and not accurately at that. Several years ago, a rehabilitation doctor recommended Dragon Naturally Speaking even though I was still able to type at that point. I purchased the program and over the years have fallen increasingly in love with it. I use it to write my friends and relatives lengthy letters, compose e-mails and navigate between web pages. I love the way the program learns from mistakes and anticipates the correct word for you. It's made my life a whole lot easier. Thanks people at Nuance!”

Tracy B.
“When I was a young mother I suffered my first stroke at the age of 27. That was in 1978, and that stroke paralyzed my entire left side. While I did recover much of the use of my left arm and left leg after many months of physical therapy, some of the damage was permanent. Over the years I have had several more strokes, and each has taken its toll on my physical abilities. My left arm and hand are now completely paralyzed, and I can no longer stand or walk without using a walker. Much of my time is spent in a wheelchair. For many, a personal computer can greatly improve and enhance the quality of life. But for me this was not possible. For years I have found it nearly impossible to use a computer. Typing with only my right hand is painfully slow and awkward. The use of a computer offered many possibilities, but for me my physical limitations kept that computer just out of reach. Dragon NaturallySpeaking has changed all that! Dragon lets me easily open and close applications. Using email and writing letters have become a reality for me! I can now freely correspond with friends and family. I not only open and read messages easily, but now I can actually respond!!! Dragon NaturallySpeaking allows me to freely dictate my feelings and thoughts to my family and friends. Before adding Dragon to our family computer, the use of email was a frustrating experience. I usually limited my responses to just a few words because typing was so awkward and slow. Now I can sit back and speak to my friends and family (through the computer microphone) as openly and easily as if they were in the room! Dragon NaturallySpeaking has changed my life, and made the computer a useful and user-friendly tool for me so that I no longer feel like an outsider. I can now enjoy many of the advantages computer technology offers so many others – but until recently had not been attainable by me because of my disabilities. I am so grateful for this wonderful software tool! It was easy to learn and easy to master. The quality of my life has been improved so much by this wonderful technology. My thanks to those at Nuance for creating such an amazing and easy to use product that has made the personal computer a reality for me.”

Dinah D.
“It did not seem as if I could do much in life from day to day until I had Dragon NaturallySpeaking. Being able to use e-mail and the Web have given me much more control over my life since I cannot use my hands. By also being able to use word processing, I am able to create a "laundry list" of things as well as a shopping list, notes for physicians, or other documents that come in handy repeatedly. One unusual thing I use is the mark and drag feature to play solitaire which is a great way to exercise my lungs death of a medicated treatment. It is one less medication for me to take, gives me the freedom of not doing something when someone has time and it certainly is more fun. Dragon has allowed me to feel independent and be independent in many ways that is so important in my life.”

Leo A.
“I retired from one job in March 2000. In October 2000, I was diagnosed with throat cancer. After a radical neck dissection, I was left with a tongue half numb and severe nerve damage in my right hand. Typing and speaking became a challenge. As an Episcopal Priest,my new job, I spend a lot of time with my computer researching for and writing sermons and many other computer tasks. Dragon Naturally Speaking was able to learn my unique speech patterns and become an invaluable tool in my daily life. Thanks Dragon.”

Glen L.
“Several years ago I developed a disease essential tremor were the fingers shake and makes it almost impossible to type. Using the Dragon program, I have written a poem book, in the processing of completing my autobiography and now starting to write a novel. Without Dragon, my life(mental) would be in a serious depression I believe since I love to write. I usually spend 6 to 8 hours per day on the computer writing my work and communicating with my friend and family. Dragon to me is more than a program for it is a close friends who writes for me”

Lin T.
“I have a disease called Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Not being able to use my legs, arms, fingers or hands I use my computer with Dragon NaturallySpeaking exclusively. I have written letters, plays, poems, grocery lists, household directions, searched the web, play games, send and receive e-mail and even look for jobs for my husband. It has become a necessary tool for me to use and to keep in contact with people and keep my mind sharp with games. I enjoy using DragonDictate. When I tell people about Dragon NaturallySpeaking and what it can do, they are very surprised and impressed. This program is in valuable to me. I don't want to live without it.”

Chris D.
“For the past several years, I have used Dragon Naturally Speaking to assist me in my work. I work at my computer all day long and have Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. At times, working the mouse and keyboard are painful. During these times, I am able to activate my Dragon Naturally Speaking and minimize my mouse and keyboard usage. I especially like Dragon's vocabulary continuous improvement capabilities. I work in marketing department of a software company that provides solutions globally for manufacturing companies. In that capacity, I frequently use technical/engineering terms as well as unique product and company names. With Dragon Naturally Speaking, spelling and word corrections are quickly learned by the software and automatically saved for future use. Thanks to Dragon Naturally Speaking, workdays that were once painful at best are productive again.”

David R.
“I purchased Dragon for my son who is not a freshman in high school. He was diagnosed with aspergers syndrome when he was in second grade. One of the difficulties that has plagued him throughout school has been writing. Getting his thoughts from his mind to the paper has always taken an extreme amount of time and work. Dragon natural has improved his life and ours (his parents). An assignment that might have taken him several hours or days to write now can be completed in a third the time. We as parents don't have to keep pestering him to get his written work done. He goes to the computer and dictates his thoughts and gets his homework completed on time. We are a happy family that is proud to speak Dragon.”

James O.
“Speaking Dragon has change the way I practice law 100% for the better. unfortunately, I never taught myself to type well so I dictated and gave the tapes to my secretary for transcription. Now, with Dragon Dictate I simply take an earlier generation of the document/file, and dictate directly to Word or WordPerfect. When I'm done, the document is "final" except for the occasional formatting or editing issue which is reviewed by the paralegal. As a result, I have eliminated the need for a full-time secretary. Now I use a far less expensive personal assistant to manage my calendar and office communications. The endless stream of revisions and corrections between the secretary and the lawyer is over! The Dragon Dictate program is a snap to learn, and easy for even barely literate computer users like me to master. what a difference this program has made in my practice!”

Victor G.
“Since finding Dragon Speak a few years ago, I have quite literally found my voice. You see, I've been an amputee with one arm for over 40 years. That limitation forced me to hunt and peck on the keyboard, making writing a tedious and time-consuming task. Because of that frustration, I restricted my correspondence to the bare minimum. My life dramatically changed when I learned to speak Dragon. Now I write e-mails and other documents with ease. And I am able to enjoy it! I am a retired community college professor and, freed from all the frustration, spend much of my time at the keyboard. I can now write poetry and keep in touch with old friends. I have even begun creating a family history for my children and grandchildren. All of this has been made possible by Dragon Speak. In fact I am writing this submission by speaking Dragon. I am more grateful than I can say.”

Tom M.
“improve my life might seem a little overboard, excuse the silly nautical humor, BUT i put together a shipwreck collection as a hobby which moved onto trying to sell the books in tackle and dive shops, which went together nicely, but didn't do to well. as i was tinkering with my lotus approach '97 program i accidentally deleted the 3000 entries that took 10 years + to accumulate. after the initial shock and asking myself if i just did what i thought i did and realizing the 10 years turned into 10 seconds i knew i had to recoup the loss. i had a colorado tape back up system that worked beautifully for the years being used. each night it would run back and forth, forth and back very impressively making all the wizzing and werring sounds they make. unfortunately i never tested the back ups. i was so impressed with the sounds. to make the bad situation worse it was all corrupted gobbly gook. at this point i checked other restoring possibilities, expensive hard drive restore, etc. scanning my printed pages and not last or least voice recognition. hearing that dragon naturally speaking v.5 was the best of the choices in the store i gave this a try over my new microtek legal size scanner and omni pro 14 scanning software. it seemed a little to involved for what had to be done, restoring probably hundreds of thousands of numbers plus text. the dragon stepped up to the plate and has been hitting home runs ever since, reading and reentering the numbers as nice as can be. all restored within probably record time of a couple of months. i have various backup systems now, not quite as exotic and have moved on to ms access office database. like the old saying all's well that ends well. i'm now working with dragon v.9.5. and the dragon keeps knocking them out of the park !!!!!!!! thanks a lot”

Jen M.
“My life would be very different without voice recognition because it allows me to entirely control my computer easily tha otherwise would not be possible. I am a ventilator-dependent quadriplegic who is unable to use my hands for typing or mouse usage. It is this program that allows me to play, organize information, email and even work. It has made me a productive citizen who is able to hold down a full time job in technology and not rely on governmental programs for living. This is quite an accomplishment considering the significance of the disability. Furthermore, it allowed me to complete a Master's online degree in Special Education where I wrote a 150 page thesis in record time. Today, part of my job is to introduce other individuals with a variety of disabilities to voice recognition. All kinds of disabilities benefit from this unique technology whether physical, visual or cognitive. Just imagine the delight of someone tripling their speed or being able to use the computer again after an accident. It is beyond words to say what this technology does for so many. The affordability of the product with the excellent results makes the product appealing to many who try it. The ability to use a computer entirely hands free has made my life exciting and challenging. Thanks for the opportunity to live a normal life again.”

Greg T.
“My name is Greg Traynor and I have used Dragon NaturallySpeaking since my spinal cord injury in 1999. After my spinal cord injury I needed a way to communicate with my friends and family on the Internet and Dragon NaturallySpeaking provided that access. With the help of Dragon NaturallySpeaking I attended the University of Pittsburgh and received my masters in rehabilitation counseling. By using Dragon NaturallySpeaking I was able to complete all my assignments and papers independently. This technology empowers me to work independently on my website www.pittrehabcounselor.com helping others with disabilities. Without speech recognition software Such as Dragon, my quality of life would be greatly affected and I would become more dependent on others. Thank you for improving the lives of individuals with disabilities and giving us the tools necessary to accomplish our goals independently.”

Jean B.
“I purchased the Dragon program because my hands had gotten weaker and were clenching up like fists. I have secondary progressive multiple sclerosis and am greatly handicapped. With the Dragon program I came alive again on the computer. I can communicate with my friends via e-mail, write stories for my writing class, and travel the Internet. Thank you so much for creating such a flexible program!”

Barbara H.
“Several years ago, due to repetitive stress injuries at work I was so severely injured that my doctors all but told me I would never work again. The HP returned to work program advised me that Dragon NaturallySpeaking could possibly help me. So I began with version 4, and I've never looked back. Most of the people that I work with, have no idea but I do not type. It's only when I request their assistance in doing other hand intensive chores that they will exclaim, "well how are you working?". No one notices a loss of productivity or efficiency in my work. In fact, I receive awards from my management as well as my peers on my contributions to the organization. I believe that I am a better problem solver and think out of the box more now than I ever have in my career...For every developer, and every scientist and engineer who works on your product, I am truly thankful as is my family. You provided a solution, you gave me hope, and the future is bright indeed!”

Dave W.
“To be fair I feel forced to pick this category because my first experience with Dragon came when my right hand was paralyzed with carpal tunnel syndrome. That was several years ago, and since then my regular use of Dragon has upgraded the quality of my work, and my appreciation of Dragon's power to the point that I am currently operating in all three categories. The most noticeable dimension that Dragon brings to my work is that which I call word flow. The spoken word tends to have a more natural rhythm. Dragon created prose, flows. It seems easier to read. And, it is definitely easier to create when I am free to lean back in my easy chair, calling up the visions there from my imagination. After that, the traditional team of keyboard and screen seem positively obscene! I would like to believe that my upgraded status category will thus give me three times as many opportunities to be chosen as a winner! And just for the record, this entry is sent to you as dictated with no corrections needed or added, whatsoever! That is true Dragon power!”

Scott H.
“In 2005 I started having pain, tingling, and occasional numbness in my left hand. They thought my ulna nerve was being pinched in my wrist from continuous use of the computer. I had arthroscopic surgery and they found nothing. I got Dragon Naturally Speaking 9 to minimize any further stress to my wrist. They ultimately found my ulna nerve was pinched in my elbow and surgery corrected the problem. I continued to use Dragon Speak, but was still using my right hand to do a lot of mouse work. In ended up with tennis elbow from 22 hours of continuous computer work. Following that, I increased my use of Dragon Speak during physical therapy and recovery from my tennis elbow. I now use Dragon Speak more than ever and will continue to do so as long as I'm using my computer. It is an excellent product and will save wear and tear on my body due to repetitive computer useage.”

Richard S.
“I am a person with a disability (cerebral palsy). The condition has impacted my lower extremities and I have used crutches and a wheelchair for mobility all of my life. I have been a high school teacher, social worker and currently teach social work at California State University, Fresno. About eight years ago, I was diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome after completing my first textbook. The surgeon suggested that I use of voice activated software. After doing extensive research, I concluded that Dragon was the best. I can say that without Dragon, I would have been unable to perform my duties as Professor for the last eight years. All my writing is through Dragon. I require that my students send their papers via e-mail so I can correct them using Dragon. As new versions of the software come out, the accuracy increases tenfold. I would venture to say in the last version (version 9), the accuracy is anywhere from 98 to 99%. Dragon voice activated software has certainly changed my life because it allowed me to maintain my viability as an educator and a writer. I've recommended the software thousands and thousands of times. Thank you for your fine product.”

Caroline R.
“I am physically challenged due to M.S. I do all business - ordering groceries,clothing,medications etc. online. I also pay all my home bills including property taxes, utilities online. I do my banking online. Your program has made it so much easier, I would be lost without it. I also use Paperport11 preferred so I can access all my records easily and quickly after I scan them into my computer. I feel these 2 programs by nuance are a must for anyone who has lost use of hands, fingers due to a physical impairment or mobility impaired. I my case,I am confined to a wheelchair and am unable to use my left hand and fingers and my right hand and fingers are also impaired. Your programs provide me independence in online as well as organizing all my paperwork without depending on others to fumble through my filing cabinet which I cannot even access from my wheelchair. THANK YOU NUANCE FOR MAKING MY LIFE EASIER!!”

Daniel M.
“About five years ago I started to use Dragon NaturallySpeaking, I asked a friend about six years ago, was there anything available that I could communicate verbally, to use the computer, he said there was some things out there but not very good. So five years ago he told me about Dragon NaturallySpeaking 7, he said it was good enough to help me. Since then, I have owned Dragon NaturallySpeaking 8, and now I am using Dragon NaturallySpeaking 9, and when (10) comes out I'll have it also. I have just turned 74, when I was 69 started with the computer and the Dragon NaturallySpeaking, I was dyslexic, illiterate, with the help of the Dragon NaturallySpeaking, I am able to use the computer quite well. My reading skills in the beginning was grade 1 or 2, now I am reading at a grade,8 or9, very slow, but, without the Dragon NaturallySpeaking, and the computer, I would not be able to write this letter, or story. This is my story. About 25 years before I started to use Dragon NaturallySpeaking and the computer, I was getting tapes, books, from the library of congress for those that are physically challenged, several thousand books later, I give up the books and the computer is my source of information, thanks to Dragon NaturallySpeaking, it has changed my life. Since Dragon NaturallySpeaking and computer change my life so much, I thought I would spread the word, but without very much success, I did locate a gentleman in Washington state, Daniel Makus, He was putting out a program called, speechIO, and I was under the impression that he was using Dragon NaturallySpeaking, I have been unable to get more information on this. I do not expect to get your prizes, or to win the story category, I would like to see more targeting to help the illiterate in this world, there are millions of us. ”

Arthur C.
“I have been writing for 63 years; books and articles have flowed from my pen, manual and electric typewriter, and computer. But my overused fingers were too full of arthritic pain to continue. So began my date with Dragon and 2 years later 3 novels are in the works and my fingers are unchanged. The voice of my writing has become my own vocal chords.”

Anonymous
“I was diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome 11 years ago, which was later diagnosed as tendonitis. It has now been diagnosed as a problem that can't be fixed surgically. Physical therapy and anti-inflammatory drugs haven't helped. Wearing wrist braces at night helps a bit, but I am in severe pain if I type for over an hour a day, or more than 20 minutes at a time. The only thing that has helped me be able to function typing was greatly reducing my typing time by using Dragon NaturallySpeaking! I am currently finishing my final year of law school, in the top 5% of my class. All of my classmates type their notes in class on their laptops. I have exclusively used Dragon to convert handwritten class notes into effective outlines and study guides and to take notes on my reading. I have used Dragon in all of my internships in law offices, courts, non-profits, and government agencies. While using voice recognition took some extra time in proofreading in the beginning, I now feel that it has given me the ability to excel in a career that I could not have otherwise, with a disability.”

Nathaniel M.
“As a pre-medical student I had a job at one of the local hospitals to watch over patients who required special attention. One night I was attacked by one of the patients who wanted to go home. He tore the tendon in my right wrist. My career as a student would have been in jeopardy if it wasn't for Dragon. Unable to write or type my weekly human physiology lab reports, I began dictating them with Dragon. Because of Dragon, I handed them all in on time and received passing marks. Thanks Dragon!”

William B.
“I am a survivor. At the age of 3 1/2, I was stricken with two simultaneous strains of the polio virus. Since then, I have never really asked for, nor been given any special accommodations or adaptations to make things easier for me. I tried to do everything that anyone else was. I never sat back and depended on the government or anyone else to provide for me. I learned to type with just my left hand, because my right hand never became strong enough to be useful in this way. After graduating college and working as a teacher, and later, an employee of the State of Illinois, I was required to do a great deal of writing and typing. It became involved with computers, while I was still in college. And that's the area that I work in for Illinois (programming and software support). I became aware of Dragon and a number of other speech recognition programs, evaluated everything I saw on the market, and chose to use Dragon to assist me with typing at home. Although I tried several times, I could never convince my manager to get the software for me to use at work. Now that I'm retired, Dragon is essential in assisting me with keeping in touch with friends and relatives by e-mail, and in the normal use of my PC as it takes care of the keystrokes and mouse movement that are becoming more and more difficult for my weakening left arm and hand. I might as well not pull up to the PC at all, if Dragon isn't there for me! It has made a significant change in the quality of my life and I do not know what I would ever do without Dragon!”

Benjamin S.
“I use Dragonspeak to improve my life. It has greatly improved not just how I can work, but how much I enjoy doing it. I am dyslexic, although not as severely as some, I am still handicapped in my ability to read and write. As I wrestled with my problem I was confronted with the task of handling my ever increasing high school work load. Although I could write, as some crude level, I could not do so with any great speed, and not by hand. I needed a system that would allow me to focus on what I was writing, and not just the simple task of writing. This meant that the only real solution would be a computer, typing removed the issue of poor handwriting, but my spelling, which was so bad the computer couldn't correct it, and slow typing still needed to be addressed. And dragonspeak did. Dragonspeak has helped me overcome this barrier. I am now able to not only achieve a far more productive pace of writing, I am also able to focus more on the substance of my writing, which has not only helped me survive the arduous process of overcoming my learning disability, but also achieve great things for my future. I attend Beloit college in Wisconsin, I am double majoring in economics and political science, and am a proud user of Dragon NaturallySpeaking.”

Susan C.
“I am quadriplegic (paralyzed from the chest down) as a result of a bicycle accident in 2006. At the time of my accident (and for the past 21 years), I was a legal assistant. One of my biggest challenges was the inability to use my hands (among many other things). The thought of using a computer was a daunting task. I learned about Dragon NaturallySpeaking while I was inpatient at the hospital. I resisted using it, because in my mind I was going to be able to type again -- and how could a software program help me type? It seemed kind of ridiculous. When I finally came to terms with the fact that I wasn't able to type (I will never give up hope that one day I will type and walk again!), I gave in and learned to use Dragon. Having Dragon makes it possible for me to use the computer and continue working at my job as a legal assistant. In addition, it has afforded me the ability to keep in contact with all my friends and family via e-mail and surf the Internet. I can't believe how fast it types! It's a close competitor to my post injury typing skills (120 words a minute). Thanks to everyone at Dragon for providing a way for people with disabilities to utilize the computer. I don't know what I would do without it! What more can I say besides thank you thank you thank you!!!”

Charles I.
“I started using Dragon Naturally Speaking about seven years ago. I am a retired family practice physician and I wanted to speed up the turnaround time between dictating office calls and their transcription to the chart. It seemed to work very well as I established macros which enabled me to dictate very quickly. Unfortunately, my computer was not quite up to the challenge so I still spent quite a bit of time correcting my dictation. I retired a little less than four years ago and started to upgrade both my computer and my computer skills. I also upgraded my Dragon Naturally Speaking software and now I am doing almost all of my computer work without using the keyboard. My e-mail and snail mail is a snap. I am able to manage my finances and almost all of my passwords orally. It is a pleasure to sit in front of my computer talking to it like an old friend. At first my wife thought I had gone off my rocker but she has adjusted and now even hesitates a little when she walks in the room so that I have time to put my microphone to sleep. I'm still experimenting with commands and other nuances in the program. As a matter of fact, I have dictated this entire story with only two corrections!”

Donald V.
“First, thank you, for this wonderful device. I have been using Dragon speech since 2001. I am currently using 9. I am probably one of the best hidden salespeople you have. I use it exclusively on my computer for everything from e-mail to teaching. For those of us that do not type and are in our 50s, the high school typing class was merely a place to meet and socialize. In other words I failed miserably as a typist. I am a retired Captain from a major Sheriffs office in Oregon. I attained my Masters degree in education from the University of Phoenix. I spent 1 1/2 years online nearly every day, four or five hours a day talking to my computer so that I could produce Word documents for this Masters program. Without this Dragon Speech program my ability to keep up with the rest of the class would have been sorely diminished. What I found to be a difficult degree program would have been nearly impossible for me without "Dragon Speech". In 2005 I was asked to go to Baghdad Iraq and train Iraqi police officers in democratic policing methods. I spent one year in Baghdad, training Iraqi men to take over the policing of their country so our military personnel could come home as soon as possible. I created literally hundreds of classes and documents using Dragon Speech. My inability to type stifles my creativity and frustrates me. However, this product allows me to create documents in an acceptable manner for others to view. In 2007 I had the opportunity to teach at the Jordanian International Police Academy. Again I created many documents using Dragon Speech. I have had the opportunity to tell many people both here at home and internationally about this great product. I currently teach all of the Criminal Justice classes at the University of Phoenix. (satellite campus in Tigard and Salem, Oregon) I use this program every single day in the classes that I teach. Dragon Speech has improved my creativity. This product allows me to document what I know in a manner that is consistent with the professional documents we expect to see on a collegiate level. I use it for all of my e-mails and all of my professional correspondence. You should know that I'm creating this document using Dragon Speech. I would not write many letters due to the time-consuming "hunt and peck" method of typing that I use. Thank in advance for this product, I will continue to use it in the future.”

Anonymous
“I speak Dragon because it has given me a way to express myself without having to use my hands and arms. I use it to be creative, writing poetry, stories, journaling and taking down quick notes so I won't forget a sudden thought...this creative outlet makes me feel like I am alive. I speak Dragon to transcribe notes to Microsoft Word from recordings I make for work. I use it as a database information workstation to recall figures for inclusion in Excel. I use it to dictate captions for the many photographs in my online albums. I use Dragon for transcribing notes from classes that I cannot keep up with if I have to try and use my hands to take notes. Dragon gives me a shot at life where I would otherwise stagnate and not feel so good about my inabilities to express myself in print. I use Dragon because it improves my life!”

Sara S.
“I use Dragon NaturallySpeaking mainly to write novels. I am fourteen years old and I have published three novels. I developed carpal tunnel syndrome by the time I had completed my first novel of over 86,000 words, so my dad bought me Dragon NaturallySpeaking 9.0. The program has helped me so much by stopping my carpal tunnel from limiting my need to write. I was able to write my second and third novels of over 102,000 and 75,000 words respectively. I appeared on NBC’s Weekend Today in New York in an interview promoting kids and reading. I use Dragon daily, since I use the computer a lot for my books. Dragon NaturallySpeaking has helped me so much, and I honestly don't know where I would be without it. Since I'm a teen author, my site is www.teenauthorsite.com. Please visit!”

Dawn S.
“It seems that we spend more and more time in front of the computer these days, forcing us to spend less and less time enjoying life and each other. After I accepted a job change and had to move, I found myself commuting to and from school in Amherst, MA for coursework for my doctorate. I spent an average of 4 hours on the road, and, between work and the commute, I was finding it difficult to find time to write without giving up quality time with my partner. I began using a Sony digital recorder to capture my drafts and would then have the digital audio transcribed into Dragon. I was able to speak as I drove, which allowed me to keep the writing process rolling while I was on the go. I also have found Dragon is excellent for assisting me to transcribe quotes, fieldwork and interview notes, and much more. It has been a time saving blessing.”

John D.
“I have Multiple Sclerosis. This is a disease of the central nervous system and affects the electric signals of the nervous system that communicate from the brain to the extremities. The importance of the signals is not only voluntary movement but the nervous system feedback also tells the brain exactly where the extremities (hands, feet, arms, and legs) are at any instant in time. Normally, this feedback is unconscious and instantaneous. Multiple Sclerosis adds latency to the signals from the extremities, introducing a mismatch in where the brain thinks the parts of the body are positioned and the actual position of that body part. Additionally, the hands and feet often become numb. I have this numbness in my hands and feet. My fingers are also numb. I receive no tactile feedback from my fingertips. My brain is never entirely certain exactly where my fingers are on the keyboard. So, typing is difficult and very slow for me. I used to type at a competent 30 or so words a minute and now I am under 15 words per minute with some very frustrating errors. In 2002, I was in a Masters program that required me to write a five to seven page paper each week. The entire grade for each week-long module was dependent upon the quality of this paper. The first paper took me three entire days to type out. I was frustrated because I knew what I wanted to say but was having trouble getting it "down on paper." The laptop I had been issued was running Microsoft XP® which had a rudimentary speech recognition function. I used this function to write my second paper and it only took me two entire days. At the same time I began to investigate voice recognition software. I found Dragon NaturallySpeaking and purchased version 5 as a way to help me write the remaining papers. The first paper I wrote with Dragon took me a little less than one day. By the end of the program (14 weeks) I had my copy of Dragon understanding my speech patterns (my diction is better too). I would not have been able to keep up with one paper per week had I not acquired Dragon NaturallySpeaking. In a very real sense, Dragon helped me get through my second Masters. Since then I have used Dragon NaturallySpeaking (I have version 9) in all three areas – creativity, work, and life – to write newsletter articles, book reviews, lesson plans and lessons, emails, and other documents. I have come to rely on the Dragon NaturallySpeaking for virtually all of my written communications.”

Jeanne D.
“I speak Dragon to improve my life. I have a repetitive stress injury to my hands that has been a painful fact of life for more than 10 years. However, I have not let it stop me from being productive at work, or from being creative at home. I have been using Dragon since 1999, and because I have used it this long; I have built up enough audio files so that it knows my voice very well. As a result, it can type almost as fast as I can speak. This has improved my life because it allows me to give my hands a break from typing, and it helps me stay productive even in the face of an injury which has so far resisted both traditional and nontraditional medical treatment. I am not giving up hope that my hands will once again be strong and supple. I believe that one day I will be able to play the piano again, and that I will be able to use my computer without any pain. But for now, at least I know that with the assistance of my Dragon NaturallySpeaking software, I can continue to use the computers that are invaluable to me both at home and in the office. Although Dragon works best with Microsoft Office programs, I even found ways to use it with proprietary music programming software in my last job. If I had my way however, Dragon would work with every software package on the planet so that I could use it for all my computing needs. There are definitely times when I wish that Dragon worked a bit better, particularly when it comes to working with Microsoft Office 2007. I have found that the software does not work as well with MS Office 2007 as it did with Microsoft Office 2003. But even though that is the case, I still think it is great software that has greatly improved the quality my life. Thank you Nuance for making Dragon NaturallySpeaking! Please hurry and release a new version with upgraded features, compatibility with more software packages, and improved accuracy with the latest Microsoft office programs. If you do, I will be one of the first in line to buy it. :-)”

Gil S.
“If I can't keyboard I can't work so I knew I was in trouble when my thumb went numb every time I reached for the mouse. "You have a pinched nerve in your neck," my neurologist told me. "You have to minimize your keyboarding." Before pulling out my disability policy I convinced my work to install Dragon Dictate and within an hour I was up and running. I even read the selection on "Dogbert's Management Tips" another time it was so amusing. Over the five years since I have made full use of all the functions. I filled up the command browser with dozens of saved paragraphs; added hundreds of words; switched back and forth wildly between programs and even played around with the mouse grid and cursor movements. Dragon saves me tons of time and I have no more numbness. If this was all that Dragon accomplished it would be enough but there’s more. For the last 7 years my passion has been triathlon. After racing International or Olympic distance for five years, I wanted to move up to the Ironman distance. For those of you who aren’t familiar with the distance, it is a 2.4 mile swim, a 112 mile bike ride and a full 26.2 mile marathon. As you can imagine, it requires hours of training a week, time that I didn’t have. My job requires 60 hour work weeks and Dragon can help cut that down only so much. As fate would have it, my daughter enrolled at University of Wisconsin, Madison where one of the premier Ironman races is staged and I decided I was going to do it. I signed up a year in advance but I have been challenged to carve out time to train. The bike is the major portion and I have to get in extra hours of bike riding. That’s where Dragon came to the rescue. Fortunately, I can work at home since much of my work is revising documents and answering up to 150 emails a day. I attach my triathlon bike to an indoor trainer and pedal away while I use Dragon to go through my email. I can open the email, read it and reply without taking my hands off my Aerobars. Sure the earphones get a little moist but I get in a few more hours of training and work at the same time. Dragon has saved my right arm and will enable me to finish my first Ironman race in September, 2008. I can’t wait to hear the announcer say, “You Are an Ironman” as I cross the finish line. What more could I ask?”

Jim H.
“Do I speak Dragon? Of course. I speak Dragon late at night when I can't sleep and still have something I need or want to express. I speak Dragon during the day time when I need to do a business letter for my small business. I speak Dragon sometimes because I just want what I dictate to come out the same way as the way I say it. Sometimes, I just want to speak my mind without anybody listening. I need to see what I'm thinking. I need to see the words jumping on a page. It's a stream of consciousness thing and it becomes precious because I don't know what I'm angry about until I say and see the words jump out on the page. Dragon is a simple skill set to learn. One of the best things about it is that you can be dictating within a half-hour of installing the software and the accuracy factor is 99%. I've tried dictating to secretaries and don't get nearly that close in a lot more time. I've been using Dragon for many years now and consider it to be an essential bit of software on my computer. I also sometimes use Dragon to help navigate through the Internet. It's quite easy to read lengthy pages of Internet text when all you have to do is simply tell the software to, "page down," and you have a fresh page of text ready to read. General training with Dragon is easily accomplished and from time to time I run the optimizer part of the software to further enhance my accuracy. Typically, the optimizer is done in a few minutes. I've also been able to extend the vocabulary of the software quite easily just by saying a few words that I often use and then optimizing the software's vocabulary. I've had secretaries that have no idea how some of the words that I often use are spelled. Dragon just doesn't have that problem! I am an aspiring screenwriter and often work in the middle of the night. When I wake up at 4 a.m. with an idea, I can rely on Dragon to be ready to go within a few minutes and best of all, don't have to pay any overtime for waking it up! Lastly, since I have Dragon installed on my laptop computer, I'm able to take it with me wherever I go and can dictate anything I want, whenever I want regardless of whether or not anyone else is available and not have to worry about paying overtime if I want to dictate late at night. The hardest thing about Dragon for me was deciding which category in the contest to enter because Dragon actually does improve my creativity, my work and my life. Dragon is good stuff!”

James S.
“I work full-time, attend graduate school via distance learning, and am raising a three year old. Every minute counts. I speak Dragon to write papers and answer essay questions for my classes. I can quote passages of text without having to type, saving this "hunt and pecker" many hours a week on school work.”

Jude B.
“I used Dragon NaturallySpeaking to send and receive e-mails. I reply to e-mails by just talking to the computer. It is a lot easier doing it this way. I do not know how to spell very well using Dragon NaturallySpeaking helps me a great deal. I do not have two worry about how to spell words. ”

Joe D.
“First and most important I want to thank you for coming up with such a wonderful program. I have a learning disability and all my life it’s been very difficult writing letters or e-mails. With your wonderful program I am able to write letters and e-mails. Before I purchased your program I used to have to call friends or family members to help me write the letters and e-mails. Now after having your program for some time, my friends and family are calling me to have me check their spelling for them on your program. Your program makes it possible for people like me with learning disabilities to be able to keep up with the fast track of business that we are all faced with. Once again I want to thank you for such a wonderful product and I will be a customer for life.”

Jack W.
“It has set me free. I have multiple sclerosis and there is very little function left. I create and send e-mail. I can direct my cursor by voice. Dragon NaturallySpeaking is my conduit to the world. ”

Ralph W.
“In going through my 92 year old mother’s personal possessions after she entered an assisted living center I came upon box after box of recipes, probably well over 2000. As she loved to cook and loved to eat, I do not think that from the mid 1940's for more than 60 years she never went to a family event, pot luck dinner, or other function that she did not bring home any new or interesting recipes she encountered (how about over 30 pickle recipes alone). Recipes written of everything from cocktail napkins to pay stubs, she collected and kept them all with never any organization except to her. She also clipped most all published recipes in the local weekly newspaper’s “Home Cooks” cooking column. Many of these recipes are unique to the Southern farm area where she lived and many reflect readily available ingredients and are not recipes you see in current cookbooks, even the Southern ones. In sorting and compiling them into a data base form that will be available to family and friends I have found Dragon NaturallySpeaking to be the perfect time saving solution given their varied formats, spellings and punctuations as well as the fragile condition of many. And I hope the end result will bring as much enjoyment to others to read and use as they have been to me.”

Richard K.
“I am a surgeon and was previously the Chief of Vascular Surgery at a prestigious, Midwestern University. In 1994, I was involved in an accident which left me quadriplegic and ended my career. During my rehabilitation, I discovered DragonDictate and my life improved dramatically. I was able to use my computer again to manage my finances and to communicate with friends and family via e-mail. I now spend a good part of my day on the computer and would be lost without Dragon NaturallySpeaking.”

Ken Z.
“During 40 years as an IBM manager I observed that retirees who remained active were inclined to remain healthy. The TV buffs quickly faded away. I retired in 1982 and became an active volunteer working on projects that involved a lot of typing (i.e. www.soldiersfieldmemorial.org). Without prior experience, typing proved to be a challenge for this old dog. Having only dictated during my IBM years, when the "Dragon" "bit me" it was a dream come true. Practically over night I did things like recording my WWII memories that otherwise never would have happened for I couldn't even bring myself to start it by typing. My wife and I just celebrated our 64th anniversary and with two sons, six grandchildren and seven great grandkids along with friends and family on both coasts, e-mail is flying daily. I'm extremely thankful for the time I am sure you added to my life by relieving me of the frustration brought on by typing. A word of advice, don't invest in any company if they only manufacture computer keyboards. For they will be tomorrow's buggy whips.”

Lisa S.
“Years ago, I was a professional writer in corporate America. After developing tendonitis, I was told I'd have to change careers. That didn't exactly set well with me. I looked for other alternatives. Dragon Speak saved my career. Now, I use the software to email, update my blog, write books, and work with clients. It has greatly increased my productivity (talking is way faster than typing), and I absolutely love it! I have recommended Dragon to so many people! It really is changing the way we interact with computers. Woohoo!”

Lou P.
“I have been using Dragon for about 8 years. I have a RSI in my neck and right hand. A neurosurgeon said she couldn't do a thing, except offer me stronger pain killers. So, at the age of 64 or so I set out to learn to speak Dragon. I used it for correspondence in a small home business, for email and personal journalling, and for dictating notes into a genealogy database. I found that it worked with all my favorite software. As Dragon has improved, so have I improved at using it. When I don't have to pick up the mouse and click with my index finger all the time, I am able to reduce the pain in my hand and neck so that I can avoid strong pain killers with potentially damaging side effects. Since I have learned to speak Dragon, I can continue the activities that would be denied to me otherwise. That seems to me to be quite an improvement in what my life would be without Dragon.”

Mary L.
“I am using Dragon to train myself for a new career in voice court reporting. I have been in the legal arena my whole working life, and now, I am planning to extend my professional life by working easier on my hands and creating a job for myself in the blind community, providing services to students below college level in either a classroom or home environment, wherever my new skill takes me. I was amazed at the accuracy of Dragon "out of the box" when I first started setting up my computer and trying to learn the program. I have since taken a series of classes to train myself properly to use Dragon to its fullest capabilities, and upon completion of my course, I am sure I will be ready to enter the working world as a new professional.”

Mel B.
“I am a physician. Simply put, you can speak faster than you can write. Enough said. ”

David M.
“NaturallySpeaking opened a world of opportunities for me! I suffered a spinal cord injury that left me paralyzed from the shoulders down. The extreme effort of typing for me without NaturallySpeaking limited my job opportunities, communication with friends & family, and enjoyment of life. It was tough to roll-up in front of a computer with so many thoughts, ideas, and goals in my head with the very difficult task of moving them through my injured arms and hands into the keyboard. NaturallySpeaking solved that problem and has made a profound impact on my life. I am very grateful that such a wonderful product is available!”

Michelle F.
“Actually, all three categories fit! In the fall of 1984, I had a major stroke at the age of 26. Before my stroke, you could more or less say that I typed for a living, at 90 words a minute with two errors! I won't go to all the medical nonsense except to tell you that after my stroke, I could type 10 words a minute. When somebody banks their living on typing, to type just 10 words a minute is unacceptable. I don't even remember how I got to know Dragon NaturallySpeaking - all I remember is that I have been with Dragon since version 4. I go to local colleges and demonstrate the adaptive equipment for their diversity classes. With the Garmin Personal Travel Assistant, I could go to more colleges! You really should think about hiring me!”

Mark G.
“Like so many other people I use Dragon because of a disability that does not allow me to type. It has truly opened up new worlds for people with disabilities like me. Along with a computer interface x10 home control and the use of macros in both Dragon and x10 I can literally turn lights on and off, control electric appliances, and even open and close the exterior door to my house all from my computer with my voice. I also have been able to now communicate with a deaf friend who lives in another state. Him and I grew up together as children, after he moved we could only communicate when he came back for a visit. With Dragon we'd visit almost daily using an instant message program. The only complaint is I respond too fast, he can't answer quick enough using his keyboard. I told him purchase Dragon. These uses don't mention the other very basic abilities like being able to enter text or simple keystroke commands as well as mouse movement in all programs. For those of you without a disability try this experiment, use your computer for one hour without using the keyboard. It can't be done!”

Norman T.
“I make my livelihood developing database application programs. I am also an officer of a local lake association, and a volunteer member of a group that helps my town with development planning. All of these activities require me to create written documents. But more importantly, they make my life fulfilling. Two years ago, I suffered from neuropathies in arms and legs, which effectively made me a quadriplegic. With the help of an adaptive device on my right hand, I was still able to use a mouse, but keyboarding was impossible. Dragon helped save my life. It enabled me to continue working, and functioning as an active member of my community. I have had to use many "tools" to help me function, including a $9,000 power wheelchair, a $48,000 wheelchair-adapted minivan, and a $199 Dragon CD. If I have to give up any of these, I think Dragon may well be the last to go.”

Dennis P.
“I speak Dragon for many purposes. Along with age come slower fingers and slower typing, so I use Dragon for answering e-mail, writing affidavits for lawyers, writing my biography to bequeath to my children, and for almost anything else which requires typing. Dictating frees my mind and allows me to keep my train of thoughts. When typing, I am so slow at pushing down the keys that by the time I finished a phrase I forget about how I wanted to end my sentence. Dragon has been a lifesaver for me allowing me to continue my work long after my retirement. The next step of course, is for Dragon to learn to read my mind so I can work even faster.”

H Z.
“As a volunteer on many community and national projects, I have found many uses for Nuance products. One of the most amazing uses was in helping disadvantaged children achieve where most other programs had failed. For example, in California, almost half of the students cannot read at even a basic proficiency level. The latest results from the National Assessment of Academic Progress (NAEP) shows that the problem has been getting worse. In some classrooms, students are so far behind, they have little chance of ever catching up. Schools and teachers do not have the resources to help an overwhelming number of students that all need extra help. Even worse, teachers do not have the tools or the time for assessing students in order to adapt the lessons to meet student needs. Nuance products have been very useful for helping all students achieve. For example, we created an assessment station where students could read a book into a tape recorder. We then wrote some programs to automatically recognize student info, sample the recordings and feed the samples into a Nuance VXML based IVR for preprocessing and then Nuance Dragon software for speech to text and analysis. We quickly calculated the reading levels of the students. The Dragon output was then used to find what words the students had problems reading, then we produced automated recommendations for individualized lessons, homework, and worksheets. Each student got the exact practice material they needed, and their progress was amazing. Although there are currently millions of students that are failing in California's public schools, Nuance technology has come through and helped the classrooms of disadvantaged students where I am a volunteer.”

Fredric G.
“28 years ago I suffered a debilitating back injury that has left me lying around on the floor most of the time. I spent my days watching television, taking a couple of short 10 minute walks, and talking on a speakerphone. I was not even able to hold a book or operate a computer until Dragon became available. I didn't even own a computer. It was a very limited boring existence. I had a friend purchase my first computer and install Dragon as soon as I heard it was available. Dragon opened my world in hundreds of ways. Now am able to: read books, stories, and newspapers, write letters and stories; join discussion groups online; correspond via e-mail with friends that I have a acquired all over the globe; play games; purchase items online that were unavailable to me; use an online dictionary and other Internet resources such as read newspapers, and explore our amazing world via the Internet. I thank God for Dragon everyday.”

Rodney R.
“I am a retired/disable over the road tractor-trailer operator, who has since discovered the wonderful world of computers and the Internet. I never learned how to type very well and have discovered that I have many personal stories and possibly a few short novels and articles in me. Dragon NaturallySpeaking has been the answer to my prayers. I use it everyday on the two computers that I have on my desk. I remember my XP once crashed and I had lost my serial number, but I had registered my program and the customer service was excellent and helped me get the program up and running very quickly. I really enjoy being able to voice command most of the programs on my computer, but most of all. I enjoy being able to write my thoughts down. Even though I'm not a very good typist, I do a lot of blogging and currently I'm working on an autobiography and a short novel. I am so glad I found this program has really improved my life.”

Rick S.
“I had an accident that left me paralyzed from the chest down and no way to communicate in written form. When I came across NaturallySpeaking it was probably the best thing that ever happened to me since my accident. I started out using it just to communicate with people on the Internet seeing that I was no longer able to do the type of work I used to do which was construction. Somehow while using NaturallySpeaking I was able to become proficient in spelling which I was never very good at. Now that I was more confident in my spelling and able to produce full documents in very little time, I decided to start creating newsletters for companies so I could have an income over and above my Social Security. Soon I found myself in a position that I needed some computer training and went to a nonprofit organization that helped people with disabilities find work. This place had numerous programs that were created to help people with disabilities and I wasn't surprised at all to see NaturallySpeaking be one of the programs. When the program director saw how proficient I was in using the NaturallySpeaking program and how easy it was for me to learn other programs they decided to hire me to become a teacher. Thanks to NaturallySpeaking I have been able to support myself and my five children in a way that makes me feel proud of myself again. Thanks for creating such a worthwhile program like NaturallySpeaking!”

Robert S.
“I have used Dragon Naturally speaking for years. It has become a part of my everyday work. It doesn't matter if I'm doing my own business work or being creative or even helping my children do their home work I use this program all the time. I am dyslexic and have always had trouble writing and reading. But now I love to write because it is as easy as just talking and the program does it all for you. I have also taught my children how to use the program and have shown them some tricks. For example, I get 95% accuracy if I talk in a kind of monotone. This way there are not so many inflections in my voice pattern and the computer can decipher much easier. I would highly recommend this program for everyone from students to pro writers. This program will make your work enjoyable. Thank you Dragon Naturally Speaking.”

Anonymous
“BECAUSE I SPEAK DRAGON Prior to having a stroke 2 ½ years ago, I spent 49+ years conducting Symphony orchestras. I was the Associate Music Director of the Honolulu Symphony, and Music Director /Conductor of the orchestras of The West Virginia, Florida, Reading (PA), The Orchestra Society of Philadelphia, and from 1996 to 2006, a symphony orchestra in Connecticut. I have also guest conducted in Europe and in this country as well. The stroke affected my right hand and arm -- not an appropriate injury for a symphony conductor. Through extensive therapy I have regained full motion in my arm, but I still cannot write, type nor use my right hand to do anything of significance. However, since it is not necessary for a conductor to use a baton in his/her right hand to conduct, I planned to resume my profession as soon as practical and possible. DRAGON has had a tremendous impact on my life during these past few years, and I presume that DNS will have a great deal to do in my being successful in returning to conducting. I offer compliments for your creating this opportunity for users of Dragon to focus on the benefits they receive. I use the Professional edition (9) with a wireless headset (Samson) with an OLYMPUS 2300 digital voice recorder. Because your remarkable product has become so much a part of my life, I purchased a duplicate system -- a second receiver, transmitter, and wireless headset as a backup. I use DRAGON hands-free and achieve almost 98% accuracy. Using DRAGON has made it possible for me to write thousands of pages to communicate with my attorneys in Connecticut and Pennsylvania regarding some litigation with which I am involved. However, while we feel very positive about the outcome of the litigation, the most significant impact DNS has had on my life is the ability to remain in contact with my professional colleagues and friends throughout the world. I believe anyone who has attempted to overcome physical challenges realizes that friends are as important as being treated with the best medical care and medicine. I have strongly recommended DRAGON to those who have some type of disability and have also enthusiastically suggested DNS to those without any affliction. BECAUSE I SPEAK DRAGON, THE QUALITY OF MY LIFE HAS IMPROVED IMMEASURABLY. THANK YOU! ”

Davida S.
“I have cerebral palsy which affects my right side. Because of this I do not have a dexterity each to use my hand or fingers to type. Therefore, when I type I only have one hand to use. This takes me three times longer to type my articles and e-mails, so using Dragon naturally speaking makes the process go much faster. I was having trouble with my headset for a while and could not use the software to do my work. Without the software it took me two months to complete the work that I could have completed within two to three weeks. The original headset that I had was purchased for me with the software from rehabilitation services. They purchased a headset that worked the best on a telephone. When I got the original headset and was trained on how to used Dragon NaturallySpeaking the headset worked with no problems, then quit working after six months. Because I had the headset less than a year it was replaced with a new headset and I still had the same problem. It was only after I got hired on with a company to do webinars and tried using the headset and had problems and then replaced it with a headset with a USB connection was my problem solved. Since then I have had no problem using the software and it makes it much easier for me to do my work since I use it on a daily basis.”

Roberta T.
“Without Dragon, I Wouldn't Work. When I was diagnosed with repetitive motion injury in 1992, my job as a reference librarian and faculty member at a public research university required several hours of computer use each day. In the post-Web era, my job requires computer use almost exclusively. I use Dragon for answering endless e-mails from students, colleagues, and everybody around the University; working on our Ask a Librarian e-mail reference service; drafting memos, making Web guides; constructing PowerPoint presentations; and even writing articles for publication. Taking notes from readings is a snap, and transcribing the notes from a meeting takes very little time with dictation. If I could figure out some way to use Dragon at our busy (and noisy) reference desk or while teaching classes, I would. By taking a large portion of the typing strain off my hands and arms, Dragon makes it possible for me to do a computer-intensive job that is interesting but often fast-paced and demanding both physically and intellectually. (And you thought libraries were calm, quiet places! Well, maybe they used to be.) My first Dragon product was DragonDictate, and I am endlessly grateful for NaturallySpeaking and its ease of use. I have seen training times for the voice profile decrease from an hour to five minutes and observed terrific increases in accuracy since I began using these products. Several faculty and staff have come to me over the years to ask about dictation products, because they or people near them have experienced repetitive motion injury or other disabilities that make typing difficult, and they want to keep working at what they love. For many of us Dragon users, that's the bottom line: dictate or forget working at what you were born to do.”

William B.
“I hung the sign "Verboten!" outside the door to my den and went inside. I began dictating my notes to NaturallySpeaking for a book I'm writing on aging. I've been working on it for several years and my wife and others in my family know how upset I get when they interrupt my dictating. I seldom can recover a lost idea or thought after being interrupted. So I'm firm about this matter. But then came my great grandchildren. The youngest is six and came scraping at the door. I jerk it open and Sally asks for a bedtime story. I tell her it's three in the afternoon. Her eyes start to tear. I allowed her in just this once, after making sure that nobody saw the happening, which they could use as a precedent. She fell asleep in my arms while, unbeknownst to me, the bedtime story was picked up by my microphone and had typed itself on my manuscript paper. She came the next day and wanted to hear a bedtime story. I had to. So I started a new one. No, she wanted to hear the one of the day before. I read what I had spoken to NaturallySpeaking. Later, she left with her mother. The next day my granddaughter called me. "Sally won't go to sleep unless I tell her the bedtime story you told her." I e-mailed the story to my granddaughter.”

John Z.
“I've been employed for 29 years with the same company. Due to limited vision, the use of the PC has always been a challenge, which I have been able to overcome to be a productive worker. I'm fortunate to have discovered Dragon’s NaturallySpeaking voice-recognition software, which has made a difference in my life. I started using this software in 2002. I really enjoyed using the software, even though the accuracy wasn’t at the level I needed. I didn’t give up and found with each new version, I have noticed a significant improvement. All of this technology has made a significant impact in my ability to dictate e-mails, letters and documents for work and pleasure. The accuracy has improved where individuals like myself can function more independently in our efforts to be productive in today's competitive job market. Hopefully others with vision challenges will not give up. I would encourage them to utilize this software as a tool to be successful in life. Also, I would like to see Nuance consider adding more features to future versions that will benefit those with physical challenges. There are many people who don't know this technology exists or how it could improve their PC skills. The product has great potential for all ages from Students to Senior Citizens surfing the Web. The potential market for this software seems unlimited. When I started in the job market, PCs were just starting to be utilized. In those days, I used to dictate written correspondence into a Dictaphone, which would then be typed by a Data Processor. Times have sure changed. Through the use of visual aids, PCs capable of enlarging and speaking text and Dragon’s NaturallySpeaking, I have become a productive worker. My PC skills have also continued to grow throughout the years. My philosophy is that there is nothing anyone can not achieve as long as they put their mind and efforts toward their goals in life. The way I look at it is that every day brings new challenges in life and opportunities for everyone, regardless of whether or not they have a physical challenge to be overcome. For others reading this story who might know someone in my situation, I would encourage you to support their efforts by recommending that they seek out products such as Dragon's NaturallySpeaking. So many of these individuals give up. With a little support they could be successful and make positive contributions to society. That's my story and as you can see I do speak the language of NaturallySpeaking! ”