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.

Chad H. -
“Eight years ago, as I began my third year in college in civil engineering, I was severely injured in a car accident, paralyzing me from the shoulders down. I spent 4 1/2 months in ICU & rehab, however I didn't regain use of my arms & hands. I was introduced to Dragon NaturallySpeaking (DNS) in rehab and it actually allowed me to take 2 college courses while in the hospital. I was discharged from the hospital in April & I spent the summer continuing rehab, refining my DNS skills, & developing personalized commands to run the programs necessary to be successful in civil engineering. I returned to college that fall & DNS allowed me to complete all of the assignments for my required and elected courses. I continued my education and I was able to accelerate my coursework so that I graduated with the same general class of students that I began with years earlier, graduating with a Bachelor of Civil Engineering degree with honors. After graduation I used DNS to create a resume, application letters, & correspondence that helped me land a job with the state Department of Transportation as a civil engineer. I use DNS in some form or another to complete nearly all of my work tasks, which includes running my computer essentially hands-free. I use it for e-mail, making comments on construction plans, running engineering design programs (MicroStation, Synchro, SimTraffic, etc), typing documents, and also to operate other environmental controls that are ran by my computer. I use it to operate my telephone through my computer, as I wrote macros in DNS so that I can use the software as a speed dial tool. Not only does DNS allow me to be functional at work, but I feel that I'm generally more efficient than my able-bodied coworkers, because of the increased speed from the personalized commands that I use. I recently purchased a digital voice recorder that allows me to go to meetings, make field reviews, and go other places away from my office while taking notes. I then use DNS to convert the voice files to text. I use DNS similarly in my home environment. I use it to operate my PC completely hands-free. In addition, several devices in my home are set up to be computer-controlled, such as lights, windows, shades, etc. & DNS allows me to control the devices using my voice only. I truly feel that Dragon NaturallySpeaking has allowed me to regain independence after my life-changing event & has allowed me to become a successful part of society as a civil engineer.

Mike B. -
“I am a writer, but like many writers who also work, I find it difficult to find time to sit at the computer and write. My full-time job involves traveling 3-4 days every week and most of my time at the computer is spent preparing for or following up after that work. But I do spend 20 hours or more in my car every week, and I've always tried to use that time productively for both my company and myself. With Dragon Naturally Speaking and my Sony Voice Recorder, I have been writing stories about my past while driving down the road. I then plug the recorder into my computer and transcribe my dictation. With a quick editing clean-up, I have written a bunch of stories and finally focused in on writing a book about the years between my first marriage and my current (and forever) one. I am 250 pages into this book, and without Dragon Naturally Speaking and my Sony Voice Recorder, I would not have written a word. The personal satisfaction this brings me is beyond words. I am a writer and when I'm writing, I'm fulfilled. Thanks to Dragon Naturally Speaking, I am fulfilled.”

No Name Given -
“Hello, I am a student, in a California college, which requires many, many papers and reports to be handed in a short and timely manner. This made my life quite hard and stressful. In addition on top of having a harder life with all of the papers, I have a learning disability, which makes it difficult for me to write and process what I place in my essays, overall, my learning disability makes it hard for me to place my thoughts and ideas onto paper. However, after finding out about the Dragon Naturally Speaking software from my teacher, my life became much easier. By just talking, my thoughts became papers for my classes, which began to get me better grades on papers. Moreover, I felt more confident when turning in those papers to my teachers that I had done my best. This software at the beginning was hard to get use to, but later on, after much practice, I was able to speak easily and freely. Furthermore, before finding out about this software, I was a really slow keyboard typist, it would take me hours just to type a two-page paper for my foreign language class. Overall, this software seems like it was created just for me! I really just wanted to say thank you very much, especially making it easier for people like me, who have a learning disability and are in college, to write essays and papers so much more interactive and fun!”

Diane -
“Dragon NaturallySpeaking is so essential to me because I have a [degenerative illness] (Parkinson)that causes me to loose the capacity to write by stiffening the muscles of the arms and hands. It sometimes takes so much time to type that even chatting by [writing] is a challenge because the windows close before I finish entering my data. But in Dragon NaturallySpeaking, I found an ally always there to assist me and give me the liberty I had lost. So Thank You to the designer(s) of Dragon NaturallySpeaking for the freedom that such a well thought program gives to people with handicaps.”

Jenna L. -
“Independence is not a characteristic that many quadriplegics possess, but with the help of Dragon Naturally Speaking many of these unique individuals can gain some form of independence that may be out of reach. My father, a survivor of a spinal cord injury and Multiple Sclerosis, has expanded his world in more ways than one with the help of this software. I have seen his life change in many positive ways from the start, but even today he continues to amaze me in the way he has grown and gained independence with this technology. I am honored to write about how this software has impacted his life, which has also showed me how strong and capable of a father I have. Dragon Naturally speaking opened the door back to “normal” life for my father. Simple things such as reading the paper seemed impossible until this software came into his life. My dad can now read the morning paper just like everyone else without the help of someone turning the pages for him. My father has taken this technology and gone a step further by integrating ECU (environmental control unit) software (multimedia max) which now enables him; by way of his voice, to control the thermostat, change the television channel, make phone calls, or even open the outside doors into our home. Dragon was the first step to gaining some form of independence back, which has evolved into accomplishing everyday tasks. My father is seen as “less”abled with the development of this software that is completely hands free and controlled by his voice. Technology is not something that goes without its hardships, but in his eyes that is just another obstacle that he can accomplish; alone. Abled bodies have to “punch” away on the keyboard and click continuously on the mouse, but all he has to do is say a simple command that opens the folder right up without the added obstacle of remembering where you saved that document. This software has changed his life in many positive ways and I feel that EVERYONE can learn something for his experience. This software has the potential to simplify lives, but most importantly this software can advance the positive progression towards “normal” life for those who are “less” abled.”

Ana -
“I was injured from performing work that created repetitive stress [syndrome], in addition I had an accident, which left me with multiple herniations. I was told that I would not be able to work. Of course, this comment questioned my lively hood, how would I support myself, what am I going to do? Well, to make my story short, I sold my possessions, moved in with my grandmother, and decided to fight back. There had to be a way for me to perform my "essential functions." Then I learned of [Dragon] Naturally Speaking. My attorneys were able to prove that with reasonable accommodations, such as voice recognition, I would be able to perform "essential functions," of my job. I've been returned to work, however, I purchased my personal software so that I would be able to return to school. I'm now working on my Master's - I'm living a productive life with the help of Naturally Speaking software.”

Fred Q. -
“I am dyslexic. Reading has always been difficult for me. When I write, Noah Webster and I have long-standing disagreements over the spelling of words. After I finished the work for my Harvard Ph.D. in physics, it took an additional three years before I finally managed to pass the required German language exam. I went to work for the Office of Naval Research where I became responsible for funding millions of dollars worth of scientific research. Scientists applying to me for research funds would often bring me up-to-date on all the new research going on in their field. It did not take me long to discover that this was as valuable a resource for me to share with other researchers, as the research funds I had available to dispense. I have had the privilege of dealing with some of our nation’s most eminent scientists, dating all the way back to those who worked at Los Alamos on the Manhattan A-bomb Project. Among other things, I was the first person in the Department of Defense to propose and push for GPS guided missiles, which were used in battle of Baghdad. I am now writing a book about my experiences. One issue I want to raise, is whether the World would be better off today, if our nuclear weapons had not been used as a quick solution for ending the war with Japan. I also want to address the question, do we really want to open the dark side of the genetics revolution? All of this would have been totally impossible for me to even consider, were it not for Dragon Naturally Speaking 9. Needless to say, I look forward to receiving versions 10 and 11. Thank you Nuance!”

Leon H. -
“I am a professional psychotherapist and an amateur geek. This true story satisfied my desire to help people while using my personal computer skills at the same time. Sally, (not her real name), was intrigued when personal computers became a reality. Unfortunately, Sally developed Multiple Sclerosis and could no longer operate a computer, so I was asked to help. After doing my research, I found out from the PC magazine that Dragon Naturally Speaking 9 was a product that could help Sally. This product was actually one of the best products for 2006! To steer Sally in the right direction, I first experimented with the program. “Naturally Speaking,” has to run the whole computer for Sally. She wants to send e-mail and do “Instant Messaging.” Hoping to make the process easy for Sally, I have been sampling the program since I purchased it. Yes, she does have family at home to help her, but I am trying to make Sally as independent as possible. Again, she has MS so she really can’t use her hands; however, her mind is very good! I first have to help her buy and set up everything from scratch. She will need her own “Naturally Speaking” program and a computer with a fast processor. Greatest Personal Impact—By using my personal PC skills to help Sally, has showed me a person can maximize personal power when they push their mind and determination to the utmost! By using the power of “Dragon Naturally Speaking” has enabled a person with MS to talk the PC into doing almost any task. That is truly an awesome power and has impacted me greatly as a person! I have pushed the program to its limits and allowed a special person who had almost given up hope, to have a chance to be a part of the technical experience that many years ago we never dreamed of ever happening. Now I have given this special person a unique joy and “POWER” she never dreamed she could ever have. I feel that in 10 years from now it will be a regular way of computer technology. To maximize “Naturally Speaking” to its fullest potential in the year 2007, I feel like I am entering the Twilight zone. This program does it all. Up to now Sally’s world was extremely limited, but with “Dragon Naturally Speaking” Sally will experience unlimited boundaries of knowledge and socialization. The doors of communication will open wide for Sally. And there is an added bonus for the geek in me. I get to play with some excellent problem software and I feel blessed!”

Lori K. -
“Dragon has enabled me to be far more productive by speeding up the time it use to take me to type up minutes for the variety of non-profit organisations I volunteer for and for helping me achieve my goal of writing my first book. Incredible program!”

Wes J. -
“[Dragon NaturallySpeaking] dramatically changed my life. Twenty-two years ago I became afflicted with an arthritic illness which left me unable to use my hands much of the time. Not only did this affect my ability to earn a living; as someone who is addicted to the written word, this drastically altered my ability to interact with my world. I frequently corresponded with letters, and was a contributing editor to a regional newspaper. Compounding the problem, arthritis often left me confined at home alone…When I discovered [Dragon NaturallySpeaking], I knew that I had to try it. Now, with the help of [Dragon NaturallySpeaking] and my computer, I am fully engaged with the universe around me again. It helps me control my computer, and I can once more freely communicate with my friends and family. Not only am I happier and more productive, [Dragon NaturallySpeaking] has allowed me to achieve a lifelong aspiration…Two years ago, I published my first book which I dictated using your software. I’m now working on a second book which will help raise money for arthritis charities. As my outlook on life has changed, I’ve joined a support group for other sufferers of my illness. I found that many have extreme difficulty writing or typing on a computer. When I’ve introduced them to [Dragon NaturallySpeaking], some have been overjoyed to the point of tears. I’m sure that it will help them to overcome their illness just as it has helped me. I’m no longer held hostage by my physical disability, I can earn an income and be productive again, and I’m happy to be alive once more. Thank you!”

Geoffrey G. -
“Early retirement allowed me to pursue my pent-up goal of writing a mystery novel. I took a couple of writing classes, completed my research, develop my characters, and began writing. The first few chapters were well received by several professional writers and captured the attention of family and friends. Then "Wham". I was slammed into a sand bar while surfing and became paralyzed from my neck down. Several months passed before my thoughts returned to writing. As much as I wanted to complete my novel, I was physically unable to get words on paper. When some friends learned of my frustration they told me about Dragon--in fact they bought me the version 8 software for Christmas. Prior to this I didn't even know dictation software was available. Dragon made a great personal impact. I no longer sit in front of the TV all day. I sit in front of my computer and write. I not only work on my novel, but I've written grant applications and many thank you's to those who are supporting my recovery efforts. When I get tired of writing I check my e-mail, surf the Web, and even use Excel. I recently purchased version 9 and find I can do almost anything with my voice that I used to do with the keyboard and mouse. Thank you for inventing this wonderful software. It has really changed my life.”

Joshua J. -
“Last year I developed a pressure sore and was forced onto bed rest for over six months. In this time all of my normal pursuits were done away with. All that I was left with was my voice. Dragon Naturally Speaking was my salvation. Serious mental damage could have come about if I had not been able to use this program to operate my computer. With dragon, the six months went a bit easier. At first, I struggled, but the struggle made it so that I was determined to live though this. I learned how to control Dragon much more effectively. The mental exercise prepared me to be able to [re-enter] life. Instead of being forced backwards in my mental progression as my physical progression had been I was able to make leaps and bounds. It gave my mind something to do while my body betrayed me.”

No name given -
“I am 20 years old and all my life I've suffered from severe dyslexia. Before I got Dragon Naturally Speaking, I required school aides and family members to help me complete schoolwork and assignments. I couldn't even read or write a simple e-mail in order to stay in touch with friends or family. Despite tutors and years of trying, I was never able to achieve any proficiency in writing or reading. However, when I was 17 things started to change. I received Kurzweil 3000, a program that reads text aloud. This program greatly helped me because it read text on my computer. I could even scan textbooks through the use of a flatbed scanner. However, there was still a large piece missing. Not to undermine Kurzweil's influence in my life, but it created an unusual situation that felt like looking into a one-way mirror where I could not interact with anything I saw…A year or so later, the missing part of the equation came in the form of Dragon Naturally Speaking. I had tried another voice recognition program, but it was so inaccurate that it was completely useless. However, Dragon Naturally Speaking was very different. It had the distinct advantage of actually working and for the first time in my life, I was able to interact with words without the assistance of other people. It is hard to overstate the importance of this kind of independence. Initially I required someone to read the training prompts in order for me to condition Dragon to my voice but later I acquired Zoom Text, the screen reader. This allowed me to do additional training completely independently. Now, I can read and write e-mails and I am even trying to write a book series in my spare time. In recent months, my reading has improved but ultimately my disability will never allow me to write without the assistance of Dragon Naturally Speaking. There is no single event in my life that made a bigger difference than the day when I sat down at my computer and I was able to truly interact with words for the first time.”

Dominic B. -
“When Dominic was a four year old boy, he was in an accident that would change his life forever...he was accidentally run over by a truck. This accident left him a quad and vent dependent. Today he is a nine year old boy who attends public school and is in the fourth grade. He is able to get about with a mouth powered wheelchair and can write by using a marker and his mouth...he is a very intellegent child. At this time, Dominic is just beginning to use the Dragon Naturally Speaking program. He is using it for such things as spelling tests, homework, and other school work. He is enjoying the fact that he can open up the internet and play games as well as do research for school projects. All in all, what Dominic enjoys about this program the most is that it makes him more independent...which is what we all want for him. He hopes to grow up some day and become a video game tester and he sees this program helping him to reach many of his goals.”

John S. -
“I am a paralyzed quadriplegic veteran. My accident occurred in 2002, and while I had some use of my hands, my fingers are very curled from the paralysis and typing is very difficult. At best I can use one finger, supported by one other. For years my wife has been on me to write the stories of the time I was in the Marine Corps. After my accident, I didn't think this was possible until I found Dragon and realize the potential that it has. So with uplifted spirits, I have begun to write those stories and I am looking forward to finishing them for her in the near future. I am also able to communicate by e-mail with all my old friends. And this gives me a lot of enjoyment. Thank you for a great program, I am pushing this program at the VA for other quadriplegic. As you can imagine, your program has a great impact on me, allowing me the freedom to communicate with others.”

Edward S. -
“Due to disorders developed in my right hand (aka, my “write hand”) after an auto accident, the resulting pain became incapacitating after writing or typing only two (2) sentences. As an attorney, writing and typing are essential daily tasks and without the ability to compose more than a few paragraphs per day, I felt I could no longer practice law. Furthermore, the daily pain medicines I take have side effects which reduce the number of hours per day during which I can work. I had only been out of law school for two (2) years by the time the disorders developed, and so I was frustrated over not being able to utilize the skills and knowledge I acquired…I remembered watching a demonstration of an early version of Dragon NaturallySpeaking at a local community college and wondered if the software was available for individuals. Consequently, I contacted a local Dragon authorized reseller and was told of the dramatic improvements which had taken place since my original introduction to NaturallySpeaking…The benefits of using NaturallySpeaking were realized immediately: pain decreased and productivity increased so terrifically that, after using NaturallySpeaking for only one (1) month, I felt comfortable starting a solo law firm in order to help folks with Social Security appeals. The gains realized from using NaturallySpeaking were instrumental in not only helping me assist others similarly situated to me, but also were instrumental in providing me the opportunity to eliminate the need for Social Security disability benefits as the source of my income. I currently use NaturallySpeaking Legal v.9 and am a vocal advocate to other solo and small firm attorneys in espousing the possibilities that can be enjoyed with Dragon NaturallySpeaking. I never thought a single piece of software would have such an impact on my life, but Dragon NaturallySpeaking drove back my frustrations and liberated my dreams.”

Mary G. -
“DragonDictate/NaturallySpeaking have taken me from being a helpless quadriplegic into an independent person. I have Multiple Sclerosis and because of it, have been quadriplegic since 1994. I believe I purchased my first DragonDictate in 1996 and have been updating ever since. I cannot begin to tell you how much DragonDictate/NaturallySpeaking have done to change my life. At this point, I am able to do almost anything a person with a keyboard can do. I communicate via e-mail, I keep my calendar online, I keep my address book online, I wrote a 10 page newsletter for two years for a small group to which I belong, I keep and balance my checkbook via Quicken online…”

Jenna L. -
“Independence is not a characteristic that many quadriplegics possess, but with the help of Dragon Naturally Speaking many of these unique individuals can gain some form of independence that may be out of reach. My father, a survivor of a spinal cord injury and Multiple Sclerosis, has expanded his world in more ways than one with the help of this software. I have seen his life change in many positive ways from the start, but even today he continues to amaze me in the way he has grown and gained independence with this technology. I am honored to write about how this software has impacted his life, which has also showed me how strong and capable of a father I have. Dragon Naturally speaking opened the door back to “normal” life for my father. Simple things such as reading the paper seemed impossible until this software came into his life. My dad can now read the morning paper just like everyone else without the help of someone turning the pages for him. My father has taken this technology and gone a step further by integrating ECU (environmental control unit) software (multimedia max) which now enables him; by way of his voice, to control the thermostat, change the television channel, make phone calls, or even open the outside doors into our home. Dragon was the first step to gaining some form of independence back, which has evolved into accomplishing everyday tasks. My father is seen as “less”abled with the development of this software that is completely hands free and controlled by his voice. Technology is not something that goes without its hardships, but in his eyes that is just another obstacle that he can accomplish; alone. Abled bodies have to “punch” away on the keyboard and click continuously on the mouse, but all he has to do is say a simple command that opens the folder right up without the added obstacle of remembering where you saved that document. This software has changed his life in many positive ways and I feel that EVERYONE can learn something for his experience. This software has the potential to simplify lives, but most importantly this software can advance the positive progression towards “normal” life for those who are “less” abled.”

Jamie H. -
“I am a quadriplegic with limited use of my hands therefore; Dragon NaturallySpeaking 9 is a essential part of my work life. As a business analyst at LendingTree.com Dragon allows me to write business requirements, e-mail colleagues, work on spreadsheets, manage schedules etc. without having to use a keyboard, and in most cases not even a mouse. The impact my life is immeasurable. Dragon has allowed me to easily keep up with my colleagues and be an equal and productive member of our Marketing team. In today's information age, computers have equalized the physical aspects of the working playing field and using Dragon, I am able to be a productive member of the workforce. Without Dragon, I most likely would be another unemployment statistic.”

Robert S. –
“I am a visually impaired user of Dragon Naturally Speaking Professional 9.1. In addition, I use Jaws 7.1 screen reading software and J-Say 4.03 integration software. I also have cerebral palsy, so I am in a wheelchair and cannot use the keyboard or the mouse. This computer environment with Windows/XP allows me to write my papers using Microsoft Word for the coursework I am taking for a Master's Degree in Pastoral Ministry. I also use e-mail to correspond with my professors and friends using Outlook Express. I look forward to learning and working with Internet Explorer to browse the Internet and open to me a whole new world of information and sounds. I first started using voice recognition software in 1996, more than 10 years ago. It was a software package from another vendor that ran on Windows 3.1 and could dictate only one word at a time and very slowly at that. Four years later I switched the software to Dragon Naturally Speaking and upgraded to Windows 98. Then 3 1/2 years ago I upgraded to Windows/XP and Dragon version 7 which subsequently was upgraded to version 8. I have a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and a Master's degree in Counseling. For these degrees I dictated my papers to an assistant who then arranged to have my papers typed. My current computer system is very liberating to me because I can now work independently, and don't need an attendant with me all the time. Thank you for developing such a superb piece of software in Naturally Speaking Professional 9.1, with its excellent speech recognition, which is a significant improvement over prior versions. I now am able to be much more independent and am able to communicate more quickly and easily with the outside world, both in written and electronic form. Thank you again for making this possible for me.”

Susan T. –
“My story would begin explaining my need for voice activated software became evident due to a prevalent medical condition….sustained while doing the very job that I'm currently employed, which is working in Accounts Receivable for a very large medical company. During the course of my day, I use Dragon voice-activated software to decrease the amount of mouse strokes and keyboarding. I use this Dragon software in various venues including but not limited to our SAP business system, Lotus Notes e-mail, [Word] and Excel programs. I even have some little programs that will move me through some of the SAP work screens by drilling in through series of steps that eliminates several mouse moves and clicks by giving the appropriate command. In addition I have some minor programs which were written to input customary information into customer related e-mails. This voice software is very helpful by reducing a good portion of the daily movements of my mouse and keyboarding, which lessons the stress on my elbows and wrists, easing the inflammation and my pain levels. Thanks for this Dragon Naturally Speaking voice activated software!!”

No name given –
“Dragon has made my life easier because I always had a little bit of trouble with typing, and Dragon has helped me overcome this. I think that Dragon is far better than typing normally, and has made at least 40 reports easier to pull off. I'm not sure I could make it through my schoolwork without Dragon.”

Rowena P. –
“I am a blind user who depends on a Braille display and JAWS screen-reading software to perform my duties at Microsoft. I was recently introduced to Dragon Naturally Speaking along with J-Say. Together, they enable me to talk to my computer and listen to feedback and text. At work, I use Dragon to create release notes and to write content for our users. I also use it to quickly draft e-mail messages and reports. Because it can type faster than I can, it has saved me quite a bit of time. I just had to get used to talking, instead of typing. In my spare time I write short stories and novels. I enjoy speaking my thoughts and having Dragon faithfully record them for me in Word. I have found that it frees my creativity more quickly, and my thoughts tend to flow more quickly because I can talk faster than I can type. I am a massage therapist in the evening and have used Dragon to complete my SOAP charts. I listen to my tape recording of my client’s session, and then simply transcribe the details to my computer. J-Say enables me to move quickly through a page, whether it is a Web page or a mail message. The enhancements that it offers is amazing and really caters to us blind folk who rely on information to tell us what is on the screen. I pray that one day, this technology will be available on my mobile phone. Now, if I can just get Dragon to make my coffee in the morning and let the dogs out—life would be great.”

Alan B. –
“The difference between a business and a profession is one of money. A business's only function is to make it. A professions' is to serve without losing it. As a physician in a solo primary care practice it seems far easier to do take care of my patients than my business. I can never do enough for patients - it is the nature of healing. You can always try something else, rerun tests, schedule follow up visits, change medications, get second opinions - the work load can extend beyond all hours of all the days in the week. Taking responsibility of 2000 patients can take as much as you can give, yet leave families asking for more. There is little time for business if one is dedicated to this profession. A solo Medical practice is an anachronism for this reason - for modern Medicine runs as a business requiring hords of managers and administrators. The price paid is loss of control and a "Time is money - Look at the clock" mentatility. That is why after 20 years of organized medicine I took a step back in time. The realist in me knew that to make an adequate living I could not ignore the laws of economic reality. Not to do so would only bring out the bitter egocentric beast that lurks within us all. I realized that I had no control over the money I earned. That depends upon the whims of insurance companies and Federal laws. I only had control over the money I spent. Dictation is a necessary and expensive part of medicine. To properly record notes and findings allows clarity in pursuing a diagnosis, as well as protection from allegations of malpractice. Good legible notes are also required upon demand from insurance carriers to document appropriate charges for services. Dictation in a busy practice can cost $15,000 yearly or more. The Dragon was a key part of my new practice. I not only saved the expense of dictation, but it also allowed me to create an electronic medical record based on off-the-shelf Window's products. This likewise allowed me to run a leaner, more efficient office without extra staff necessary to pull and file endless records and endless dictations. The Dragon is really a "Time Machine". It creates more time in the office for me and my staff. It's money saving efficiencies ripples through my work place. It quiets the bean counting beast within. It helps me survive modern times. With the Dragon at my side I can be the Professional I always wanted to be.”

Robert L. –
“When I first heard that there was software that could transform my speech into text, I was a little leery. But as I've just returned to school after graduating high school 22 years earlier and never thought that I would ever be back in school as my writing, typing and spelling skills were practically nonexistent. After my first couple of classes, I realized that needed help. The time and frustration that I experienced doing homework, reports and essays was overwhelming and I was on the verge of giving up. That's when I purchased my first version of Dragon Naturally Speaking 8. I could not believe how it helped me, my teachers commented on how much my homework and projects have improved and even accused me of having someone else do the work for me. I had to explain my situation, and show them the software. They said that I seem to be able to express myself much better with speech than I was able to when typing. It has cut my time and frustration doing projects and homework more than in half. I am producing much better work and have become more enthusiastic for my schooling. I look forward to graduating with my AABA. I have recently upgraded to Dragon Naturally Speaking 9 and I am considering continuing my education even further. I believe, if I had the Dragon Naturally Speaking program when I was in high school, I would have been a much better student. And most likely would have not had to work such labor-intensive jobs My whole life. I look forward to advancing my career and living a better life. Dragon NaturallySpeaking has changed my life. Thank you so much.”

Don T. –
“I moved to Ontario, Canada from British Columbia Canada, approximately 4000 miles apart about 6 years ago. I left behind unfortunately one of my prize possessions – my Daughter. As well as my family and friends. I work in an office all day and a lot of what I do consists of typing on the computer. By the time I get home the last thing I want to do is type more. Thus my emails are short and lack content about what is going on in my life to my Daughter, family and friends back home. I was recommended Dragon Natural Speaking by a local computer store when I inquired about speech to text programs. I went out that day, bought it, installed it and found that it is totally “goof proof”. It has changed my life in a big way. Now I can sit and relax and just talk. I can express myself in my emails and give details which before, would have just seemed like too much work, too much writing. I now chat on IM with ease. Thank you Dragon NaturallySpeaking… because of you – I am closer to my Daughter, family and friends. Closer then I have been since I left home 6 years ago.”

David L. –
“Without trying to sound too dramatic, this program has helped me invigorate my life when I thought all was lost. I was not a believer in the usefulness of computers to begin with. In this program, I saw just a lazy way to do something. Sadly, that is exactly the reason I bought the program. I didn’t feel like learning to type any better than I do now, which is using my two index fingers and one thumb. Crude but effective. Of course, to type one page it would take me 1 1/2 hours. Using Dragon NaturallySpeaking the same page would take me five to 10 minutes. And that includes proofreading it. About a year ago my heart decided to attack me and I had the first of my four strokes. They were not intense but they did their damage. My occupation as a musician was no longer. I had been told for years that I had a knack of telling humorous stories and should write them down. Now that I had the opportunity and the time I could not physically accomplish that. From what became initially a play toy to me, the Naturally Speaking program became a necessity and a very useful one. As you can see from this letter the only time I have needed to touch my laptop with my hands is to turn on the computer. From a person who was dragged kicking and screaming into the 21st century I am continually amazed by this program and it’s usefulness. As newer [editions] arrived they were even better. Every time this company makes an improvement upon their product it makes writing even easier for me. I almost feel that sometimes I should share credit with the program for it frees my mind from worrying about the physical procedures of writing a story. All I concentrate on now is the creative side. If I did not own this program I would have to hire someone to put down on paper all my thoughts. The way Dragon NaturallySpeaking and I work on my writing I really do feel like I have a collaborator. My physical condition is not getting any better, in fact it is getting worse. But, as I become more and more comfortable with this program, my writing is becoming more prolific. It does not make up for my physical infirmities but now writing is one of the few bright things that I look forward to in my life. I have never even thought of trying to say thank you to an inanimate object. But your company does have my thanks for creating Dragon NaturallySpeaking.”

Paul S. –
“It's 7 a.m. on a Tuesday morning I've just arrived at my classroom and waiting by the door is one of my students who has only been in this country a few years. He's not waiting for a detention; he's waiting for me to turn on my computer, put on my headset, and speak his essay into a Word document using Dragon NaturallySpeaking. When I finish, his essay is displayed on the screen with those familiar green and red squiggles that give him clues so that he can get his grammar and spelling perfect. This middle school student, and many like him, has found success through your speech recognition program. Later that morning I prepare a lesson and a test using the product. I open up PowerPoint and set my daily objectives for the students. As class progresses we have completed an outline of an essay. I put on the headset and begin dictating my essay directly into the computer. As though it's magic my essay is displayed on my big-screen TV. My room of 35, street smart eighth-graders, sits in rapt attention as I quickly write, and model, the essay I expect them to produce. As students began putting pencil to paper one of my special education students comes up to the desk. This kid struggles with dyslexia and motor disgraphia so writing for him is both frustrating and painful. In a quiet voice, working from notes only he can really understand, an essay is formed, saved, and printed using the program. Later that day I open up Dragon NaturallySpeaking and write a letter of recommendation for one of my colleagues who is applying to a leadership program at the local university. As my teaching day is now over, I use the program to prepare the next day's lessons. Before I leave school that night, I open an Excel file where I keep the local high school basketball team information and statistics that I use in my volunteer job as the local basketball announcer. Before I close out my basketball files, I use Dragon NaturallySpeaking to enter numerical data and create formulas within Excel. When I finally get home I open up the program again to enter grades in my grade book or perhaps work on the novel, or one of the travel articles that I currently have in process. Before I wrap it up for the night I use the program to answer my personal e-mail. Dragon NaturallySpeaking has not only helped me become a better teacher, it is helped hundreds of students who pass through my classroom every year. Thank you for this marvelous product.”

Don W. –
“Until I started using Dragon Naturally Speaking in my classroom, I thought that I had seen it all. As an Elementary teacher, I find that Dragon is very versatile. I use a digital projector and Dragon for many of my lessons. What’s so cool about Dragon is that it allows me to create exciting lessons on-the-fly with students. Students dictate sentences to me and then I repeat them so that they magically appear before my 3rd graders eyes. They are so impressed that they are all picking up on the commands used for dictation. The most up-to-date version of Dragon allows me to even do more exiting things. Now that I have the latest Dragon software, each of my students are able to dictate their own sentences directly, since the latest Dragon software requires no training. Students can immediately see errors in they way they construct sentences. This allows them to become much more effective writers by seeing exactly what they are writing. Dragon is an astonishing tool for creating on-the-fly power point presentations. After I teach a concept in writing or math, I allow students to make up their own examples to demonstrate their mastery. By using their own wording, students learn much faster. Students feel much more empowered and close to the finished work since they created it. Without Dragon, it would be impossible for 3rd grades, without typing skills, to quickly get their thoughts written down. I also use Dragon for teaching elementary statistics. I like to use the number input feature for dictating numbers and creating graphs using excel. In math, when students are learning elementary statistics, they can see immediately how their numbers can create a graph. The learning process becomes exciting and is accelerated when students can see what their graphs look like without delay. Dragon can be used for just about anything you can think of. I also use Dragon to dictate numbers for student grades using an electronic grading program. I use it for entering information into my electronic class behavior program. I also used it to dictate this letter. No only does dragon naturally speaking make me more efficient, it helps children learn faster. In this day and age, use must pull out all the stops for learning. Until I started using Dragon in the classroom, I thought that I had seen it all. Thanks to the Nuance Company and Dragon software, I have gained a new level of confidence and efficiency.”

David K. –
“To say the least I'm writing this post using Dragon NaturallySpeaking version 9.5. I started using dictation programs back in the day when DragonDictate version 1 was released. I have several learning disabilities including dyslexia and a non-specific spelling disorder. The highest grade I had ever received in English class prior to starting using DragonDictate was a D. I believe in most cases I received this grade because the teacher could see no point in me repeating the class as I could show no progress in my spelling skills outside of rote memorization. In college when I purchased my first versions of DragonDictate I had already failed one English class and barely passed a second with a D. Before DragonDictate I would usually go through five or more drafts on any paper. It would usually require multiple people to read each draft as my spelling was so poor as to eventually cause the draft reader to lose their own ability to spell. This was a point of great amusement amongst my friends and with my wife. After getting DragonDictate I was able to for the first time usually only need to produce two drafts or less before the final paper. It was also the first time ever that I received a grade of a B on a paper I had written. The same year I purchased this product I got the highest grade I ever received in English class a B. DragonDictate and later Dragon NaturallySpeaking have greatly enhanced my ability to learn and write the English language. For instance in my technical writing class, a level 300 English class. I, for the first time ever, received an A in an English class. For me this is my personal greatest achievements, an achievement that I'm very proud of. To other people who've never had a problem with writing this may seem insignificant. But for me it opened up a whole new world. I still do not write a lot, 22 years worth of phobia towards writing is hard to overcome, at least today using these products it lets me communicate in the written word without fear of embarrassment, being singled out because I can't spell, or have my intellect called into question. I can honestly say that without Dragon NaturallySpeaking I would have given up on college and made no attempt to complete it. I would probably be doing work that require little or no written communication skills. Today I am not limited by my learning disability, thanks to speech recognition and computer technology.”

David L. –
“I was a 35 year old English language teacher in 1999 when I had a bicycle accident, suffered a brain injury, and joined the ranks of the disabled. After awakening from a coma I discovered that use of my limbs (and hands) was limited and my voice was far from normal... However, my reasoning ability and my memory were still intact so I felt that I had a lot to be grateful for. But my voice was good enough to teach one-on-one so I was able to go back to work with private students. And I tried to keep in touch with friends via e-mail but tapping out e-mails was slow, time-consuming, and very frustrating given that my thoughts were still running at normal speed. As a result, my e-mails were curt, uninspired and flat. But worst of all, I did not enjoy spending time on my computer responding to my e-mails and this began to show because my e-mail contacts began to respond in kind writing me less and less. I began to get depressed because I was feeling more and more isolated and alone. And because finding private students to study with a disabled teacher was not easy, I also felt that my capacity to contribute to the world was diminishing. My parents and doctors decided to put me on medication to counteract my growing depression. In an effort to improve my condition, my parents took me to Craig Hospital which specializes in treating the disabled. That visit changed my life, but not because the doctors were able to help me in any way. The therapists at the media center there introduced me to Dragon NaturallySpeaking and, upon returning home, my father immediately installed Dragon into my computer. I was very excited to see what it could do for me. Here is an excerpt from one of the first e-mails that I wrote using Dragon to illustrate my excitement: Here I am using my new voice recognition program. It's great! I've already answered all my e-mail and it is really great for my voice too. I warm up for my English classes by getting on my computer and using this program. So feel free to e-mail me all you want. I promise you will get a quick response. That was almost 2 years ago. Now I have students all over the world and I feel like I am once again contributing. I have also stopped taking medication because I feel happy again. If my computer is my window to the world, then Dragon is the wings I use to soar through this world. Dragon has helped me bring meaning back into my life -- thank you profoundly for your wonderful product.”

Dawn C. –
“I had a stroke when I was only a year and a half of age, caused from a head injury, that left me one sided. For years I have used the right hand Dvorak, but a year ago I was in formed that I had carpal tunnel. I then received the dragon at my job, where I enter the injured workers bills into the mainframe at Labor and Industries. The consultant, Michael, came to my job and watched me at work and said I was the best that he had seen! I was pleased. I truly believe that all data entry positions should use the dragon. It is amazing! I am a also a college student, going full time online at the University of Phoenix, having tons of reading and homework to do, so I also use the dragon at home. I have even gotten a new computer to ensure that it works fine. I am so excited about this product and it has helped me so much!”

Rob W. –
“As the Chair of an online psychology program I try to find as many ways as possible to help my students. We have been encouraging graduates students as far back as Dragon Version 5.0 to purchase your product. It helps classes online move much smoother and at a better pace. Most importantly, however, it is a valuable tool for students with disabilities who have difficulty typing or using their hands. They are unable to attend school due to their disabilities, and until Dragon, were not even able to attend an online program. Now, with the use of our online program, combined with the use of Dragon, these students are able to return to College, attend their courses and participate at the same level as 'normal' students. As a matter of fact, in many cases, the students using Dragon have less misspelled words and are able to respond quicker than other students. Thank you Nuance for this product.”

Anthony W. –
“I have used Dragon NaturallySpeaking for some eight or nine years now, during which time I have written seven college textbooks, revised another three or four, written four or five plays—one of which has been translated into German and broadcast on WDR, which is the largest radio network in Germany. In addition I have written an autobiography—due for publication this fall by Macmillan Caribbean—and four novels all of which have been bought by Macmillan and have either been published…or is due for publication this year. I did not convert to Dragon NaturallySpeaking because I particularly wanted to, but because I had to. About 10 years ago I developed Parkinson's disease which limited my digital mobility and almost overnight made it difficult for me to type…Part of the problem is that I'm Jamaica born and raised, and in spite of a long residence in the United States I still have an accent. This has not been an easy transition, because as good as it is, Dragon, especially in its earlier versions, had great difficulty with understanding my speech. Every release had been a quantum leap in recognition capacity, and the irony of my situation is that although I have a progressive neurological disease, I actually produce more because I can dictate faster than I ever could type. What's more, with the ninth upgrade, I make fewer mistakes. Dragon, for me, has been a godsend, and I literally do not know what I would do without it. As a freelance writer, I dabble in all literary forms, and have published a wide array of different pieces from poetry to short stories, from stage plays to movie scripts (I'm a member of Writers Guild of America, and have had two movies produced, The Lunatic and The Annihilation of Fish, the latter starring James Earl Jones, Margot Kidder and Lyn Redgrave) all written with Dragon software. As odd as it may sound, I also find Dragon is a natural for writing poetry, which to my mind is the most monological form of writing there is since the writer is literally speaking his innermost heart to the page and almost in free association—perfect for voice-recognition software. If my health were miraculously restored because of some stupendous medical breakthrough, I would continue using speech recognition over manual typing. I just love Dragon.”

Sparse M. –
“I am 61 years old and have been having 'story ideas' since I was young. After 3 tries at writing different stories each one started well, yet it seemed to take forever to [get] those bubbling and sparkling ideas or images to lay quietly down on paper. My ideas and imagery moved at warp speed and the writing crawled. I seamed to always lose that great turn of phrase before I could [get] it down. Each story then seemed to fossilize in my head instead of living. Finally I came to the realization that I didn't even like my own writing. My writing had almost none of the verve and excitement of my storytelling. I had resigned myself to never-land with writing. Then I was given a [Valentine’s] gift of Dragon 8 Pro I am now over 200,000 words into a story now. By storytelling it, some of the [scenes] and [imagery] just leap of the page now.”

Rick S. –
“I use Dragon NaturallySpeaking on a daily basis. I started using the program when I became disabled and was no longer able to use my hands to type. I'm a quadriplegic due to a diving accident that left a paralyzed from the chest down. When I started using the Dragon program I didn't really realize just how much I would become dependent on it. I started out wanting to use it so I could e-mail friends without having to spend an hour typing just a paragraph. As NaturallySpeaking improved I found that it was a godsend when it came to typing in a chat room. As I became proficient in using NaturallySpeaking I decided to go back to school to learn a trade in computers. To go back to school I had to contact the Department of Rehabilitation Services so they would pay for my schooling. They sent me to a nonprofit organization which is a computer school that teaches disabled people how to use assistive technology in access the computer and all of its functions. One of the programs they taught was the NaturallySpeaking program but I told them I didn't need training with that program. While I was at the school I learned how to use all of Microsoft Office. The teachers at the school were impressed on how well I was able to utilize NaturallySpeaking with most of the Microsoft Office software. They were so impressed they decided to hire me to teach NaturallySpeaking as well as many other different types of assistant technology. To work for this company I was going to have to write many letters, evaluations and fax cover letters. If I didn't have the NaturallySpeaking program to help me with these duties I would not be qualified for the job. I have now been working there for approximately 7 years and I have progressed at the job as NaturallySpeaking upgrades have progressed. I don't know if my story is unique, but I do know it personally impacted my life when it comes to communicating with others and leveling the playing field when it comes to being employed. I'm now also able to pay my bills online using the program Quicken and NaturallySpeaking together. If it weren't for NaturallySpeaking I would still be typing using a stick one character at a time and I would surely not be employed.”

William S. –
“I am a Psychiatrist. I worked for the court. I interview 30 to 40 patients a week. Since my reports must be in to the court in a very short time, I have learned to write my own reports rather than to send them out for dictation. In addition, I am the president of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Las Vegas. Because of this I receive numerous e-mails each day. To be able to answer these I have to resort to [Dragon NaturallySpeaking]. I only type at eight words a minute. So [Dragon NaturallySpeaking] has been a lifesaver to me. Previously for 15 years I was the executive director of the Nevada Psychiatric Association. I am still receiving e-mails about this organization. Without a dictating machine I would be overwhelmed with the work. So I want to thank you for being in existence.”

Merle H. –
“…I would like to talk about the major impact Dragon NaturallySpeaking has made on my life. A little more than seven years ago I had neck surgery to repair a broken vertebrae that was causing problems with my spinal cord. Within the next two years I found out that the surgery did not fix my problem. Shortly thereafter I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and a cardiomyopathy. Shortly thereafter I filed for and received disability. Basically, in a matter of seven years I have gone from being a 54-year-old man who could bench press 300 pounds to been a 61-year-old man who's bedridden and no longer has the use of his legs or right arm and hand. Thus enters Dragon NaturallySpeaking. When I ordered Dragon NS, I had no idea the impact it would have on my life. I use Dragon NaturallySpeaking to operate my laptop. Dragon NaturallySpeaking affords me the ability to work online using my laptop computer to do an eBay business. Dragon NaturallySpeaking also gives me the ability to communicate with my children and others through e-mail. It has also given me the means to create an audio autobiography. Let's see, sitting/laying in bed basically nonfunctional as compared to working and communicating via Dragon NaturallySpeaking. This product has drastically improved the quality of my life. WOW!!!!! Thank you so much!”

P. –
“Well let me tell you how wonderful this tool is. When I was 15 years old my parents told me that I had to quit school and go to work with my brother drywalling houses as a profession. You see I could not read or write so they figured at least I would learn a trade. As the years went by I became a metal stud carpenter and I found myself wanting to do better however I could not spell I could not write a few times I get fired because they wanted to hire me as a foreman and I turned the job down never let them know I could not write. Then it occurred to me that if I had an apprentice with me that is one that could write he can do my daily reports and so on. That worked for a while but I wanted more out of life I wanted to be a superintendent of the general contractor to build buildings I knew I could but couldn't write…Then I found your product as you can see I wrote this letter by speaking I am now a superintendent and have been for six years and a very good superintendent in fact they have promoted me to general superintendent.”

Ira G. –
“I have been using Dragon naturally speaking as my speech therapist. I am one of those people who naturally speak very fast and sometimes am [misunderstood]. Dictating to my computer with Dragon Naturally Speaking has taught me to speak more clearly and landed me many good employment positions as a radio dispatcher. I have been invited to speak at several dispatcher conventions. Personally, my self-esteem has increased a hundredfold. I will always recommend Dragon Naturally Speaking as a extremely valuable communication tool.”

Barry G. –
“As a psychologist working with children, I'm always on the lookout for changes in technology that will be help the kids and families I work with. But I never expected the need to be so great and of such importance in my own family. As my son became of school age it became clear that he was probably a gifted child, but was unable to spell or write legibly. Things became so hard for him that by third grade he was a depressed child, crying every day about going to school. After my own discovery of voice recognition technology, and at a time when the voice algorithms were not yet developed for teenagers, I began to try Dragon Naturally speaking with my son when he was in 6th grade. Slowly at first, but progressing rapidly, by high school, my son was using Dragon virtually on his own. His progress was so remarkable, that he earned placements in mostly Honors and AP Classes - attending classes with the best minds in the school, and fitting in perfectly - for the first time ever in his school career. My son, whose hand written notes remain illegible to this day, was writing poetry and applied and was accepted to one of NY State's most prestigious schools, Binghamton - which he entered with 28 AP credits. His educational handicaps have not gone away, but the use of the Dragon Program is the single greatest element, along with his intellect and motivation, that has earned him 3 A's and 1 A- in his first semester at college.”

Rett E. –
“I am entering this essay in the category of "Greatest Personal Impact" but my employer may indeed vote for the category of "Greatest Productivity Gain." I am a high-level quadriplegic due to a spinal cord injury incurred quite a few years ago. Subsequent to my injury I obtained a college degree and began working in the banking industry. After 19 years of working, I am currently a vice president of a bank in Northern California. I always used a mouth stick for computer keyboard use, moving books and papers and turning light switches off and on. Approximately one year ago I entered a new era of computer accessibility and productivity by using Dragon NaturallySpeaking Version 8 both at work on my desktop computer and at home on my laptop. A couple of years ago I was forced to reduce the time I spent in my wheelchair each day and as a result I was spending more time in bed which was unproductive and boring time. Time in my wheelchair is productive time which I utilize with my mouth stick to use a computer and basically give my employer a day's work. With time in my wheelchair reduced each day and more time spent in bed, I was unable to access my computer for a greater portion of each day. I was becoming more and more frustrated. My employer was becoming frustrated. In the Spring of last year I discovered Dragon NaturallySpeaking. Now, the additional hours I am forced to spend in bed are no longer lost hours. I am again able to utilize a computer completely to perform productive work. I have no problem navigating Windows and dictating appraisal reviews and financial analysis on my computer while I am out of my wheelchair. I also utilize Dragon daily while at my office. While using my mouthstick, my typing speed was perhaps 12 to 15 words per minute. Now, my employees tell me "your memos have become much more frequent and longer in length." … Dragon NaturallySpeaking has reduced my employer frustration and my personal frustration and has dramatically increased my quality of life by allowing me to remain productive and to pursue computer activities for my personal life when I am not able to be in my wheelchair. In the year since I began using Dragon NaturallySpeaking I have upgraded to Version 9 and I have continued to increase my skills and Dragon's responsiveness. (By the way, this entire essay has been input and edited using Dragon NaturallySpeaking version 9.)”

Cliff K. –
“I purchased version 8 in March of 06. I am a licensed professional counselor. In March my boss announced that he was retiring effective July 06. My boss had state contracts doing group therapy with adult correctional clients. I decided to write a proposal and bid for the contracts. I have however never learned to type. I type about two words a minute and that's on a good day. I could not afford to hire a secretary to type up the dictation on my contract proposals. I decided to take a chance and purchase the Dragon software…I was totally shocked and I decided to start dictating all my assessments, treatment plans, case notes, and progress reports at work using my Dragon NaturallySpeaking 8 voice dictation software. Prior to Dragon it took 90 minutes to dictate a 10 page report, 150 minutes to type up the report, an additional half hour to proofread the dictation and make final corrections. The first week at work it was taking me 4 hours to dictate the report and make corrections. Within a month between the reports I would write at work and the contract proposal I was doing at night and on weekends I was able to type a report using my voice at the rate of 120 to 140 words a minute. I can dictate a 10 page assessment from start to final product in around two hours. I ended up writing up seven separate state contracts each over 70 pages in length. The Timeline from when the state posted the contract specifications until bids needed to be turned in was 30 days. I got all seven contracts done and was awarded all seven. If it was not for Dragon I would have never been able complete everything in time which allowed me to start my own business…I just love using Dragon and would be lost without it. Thanks to your wonderful programs I have the job of my dreams and a secretary that has to do very little typing.”

Tom R. –
“I did pretty well in school but I was always slowed down by Cerebral Palsy, which hinders manual dexterity. Writing was fun but tedious. It took hours to write or type a page. By the time I put a paper together I never wanted to see it again, and it was usually late! I used tape recorders to take notes, and write papers, but it took a long time to review tapes and did not fit writing every situation. I looked for a long time for something that would equalize the playing field, and most of the options I found were way too expensive for someone going to college. In 1997, I got my first look at Dragon, and like their mythic storybook counterparts, found them to be powerful creatures indeed! With a little practice I found myself writing things I never would have before because of the ease of use, and just the powerful feeling of watching my words fly across the screen! Now I write a lot more because I can focus on the content and I don't have to be bogged down by the details of transcription. It has been so helpful that I and a group of the people I live with it started an assistive technology Center for local neighborhood. I have taught at least 70 people with multiple permanent disabilities to use Dragon, (as well as other assistive technologies.) I use Dragon for everything from writing weekly progress notes for my students, to cruising the Internet, & drafting dictation exercises and handouts complete with charts and tables, to creating monthly reports, all completely hands-free. One of my former students came all the way from Oregon just for DNS training once a week for two months. Another woman who hadn't left her house for 15 years due to the ravages of MS, and the resultant quadriplegia, was able to enjoy writing again and may have started her memoirs by this point, using Dragon NaturallySpeaking professional 8.”

Katheryn F. –
“I would never been able to complete my Associates of Arts or my Bachelors of Science if it wasn't for Dragon Naturally Speaking. After having lost my job due to 2 back surgeries. I couldn't sit for more than 5 minutes. So I went to a rehabilitation school and they taught me to use Dragon. After graduating from there, I used my knowledge and did my homework without having to sit for long periods of time. I was able to graduate with good grades and it has enabled me to go back to work after 4 years and I do use it at work when needed, but I am using it for homework and I am on my way to go to an online school for my Juris Doctrate. I am 57 years old and I never could of gotten this far and done the things to improve my life without Dragon Naturally Speaking. Thank you from the bottom of my heart to become a working woman again.”

Gregg W. –
“I have been a writer and computer magazine editor all my life. But a few weeks after the 9/11 disaster in 2001, my own world came crumbling down, unexpectedly felled by a devastating attack from an invisible enemy--the onset (permanent, as it turned out) of a degeneration of the tendons in my hands and forearms. Despite all my research and all the doctors I visited, I could find nothing that would make my hands better. Using a keyboard was definitely out; in a few months, I was forced out of my job. I started using Dragon NaturallySpeaking Professional 4 just as I began casting about for a new career. Over the next summer, I landed a contracting job with Apple that paid me $30,000 for a summer's work--and I couldn't have done it without Dragon NaturallySpeaking. The money that I got from that job helped fund a career change: at age 49, I went back to college to get a masters degree in counseling psychology. I wanted to become a therapist, which is something I can do without using my hands a lot. It's four years later, and I will graduate next June. As part of my final year's work, I have been working part-time as a therapist at a local nonprofit clinic. Along the way, I have accumulated a three-inch stack of assignments, essays, and research papers that I have written for various classes, all written with the help of the ever-improving versions of Dragon NaturallySpeaking. But that's not all. I am still of a technical bent, and with the help of Dragon NaturallySpeaking, I have been able to pursue an open-source software project that may someday contribute to the common good. This includes doing some programming, designing and implementing a web site, and managing a larger programming job that I contracted out to a college student in Croatia. In addition, I have found a way to get back to using a Macintosh, my preferred platform before the injury. I have found a way to use my NaturallySpeaking-enhanced Dell laptop as the world's most expensive keyboard and mouse. I can run both Mac and PC applications, hands-free, and they all appear in overlapping windows on my laptop's screen. And I never thought I would be able to use a Macintosh again! Dragon NaturallySpeaking is the only voice-recognition software that works for me; it's reliable, it's versatile, and it's a real workhorse that almost makes me forget that I can't type. It has literally saved my life.”

Gina F. –
“I love Dragon Naturally Speaking! I am an online persuasive writing instructor for college freshmen. This involves a tremendous amount of writing. My fingers used to ache after hours of grading and counseling students. I would also be fatigued from sitting in one position for hours. Now I am freed from sitting rigidly at my desk, and I dictate my evaluations of student essays. The pain is gone in my hands, and my students benefit from increased attention and support.”

Lori K. –
“I have a relationship with a man who, at best, is challenged when it comes to the written word. He was transferred to another city and our relationship took a down turn due to the fact that he didn't like to correspond via email. I was emailing him all the time and trying to get him to communicate. He didn't respond often. Recently, he went overseas to work. Well, our communication got even worse. However, I came up with a brainstorm. I used my Dragon Naturally Speaking to send him voice emails and he is now using it to send me voice emails. It is making things in our relationship great.”

Edward F. –
“As a reluctant 13-year-old, with other things on my mind, I detested my twelve weeks of typing class in the eighth grade. Years later, I admitted often that it was time extremely well spent. My basic typing training served me well for about 40 years. Then, after too many years of over-reliance on spell-checking s and other computing conveniences, my keyboard skills eroded badly. This, combined with some arthritis and a touch of middle-aged dyslexia, made it increasingly difficult to perform many aspects of my job. Generating high level marketing materials, facing a daily tsunami of e-mail and responding to other and varied business correspondence became increasingly time-consuming and personally frustrating. Fifteen months ago, while at an event hosted by David Pogue of the New York Times, I was fortunate enough to experience a NaturallySpeaking demonstration. Gimmick? Snake oil? David Pogue said no! I purchased NaturallySpeaking 8 the next day. Candidly, were it not for my ”Dragon", I'm not sure that I could perform my job at the same level. Once in a while, when I’ve neglected to launch NaturallySpeaking, I resort to conventional keyboarding. I almost always regret it and I almost always stop what I'm doing to start NaturallySpeaking…”

Rafael R. –
“Dragon has made talking to computers a reality. But what if you have no vision and aren't able to type? I am a computer instructor for the Blind and I have taught 3 individuals, who are blind (and cannot see the screen) and cannot type because of other physical disabilities, to use Dragon (with a couple of other programs) to email, surf the web, type documents and many other things. Being able to access a computer via voice is the only option for some. Thank you for making it possible and improving the quality of life of those individuals.”

Henry L. –
“I am an intellectual property lawyer. Intellectual property is a paper intensive field. To assist me in doing work at home, I began using Dragon in the 1990s, beginning with Version 4. I have used every version since then, including Version 9. Each new version has been an improvement, but the first major improvement came with Version 8, and then Version 9 brought it to an even higher level of accuracy and ease of use The real value of Dragon did not become apparent until I retired in May, 2003, and moved to Cape Cod. I continued to be Of Counsel with my former firm. I was still faced with a paper crunch, and I had no secretary. Dragon 9 came to the rescue. With Version 9, I now dictate e-mails, opinions, briefs, and all other manner of legal things. It does require careful proofing to remove stray words which sneak into the documents, and to correct verb tenses. But even with this, the saving in time is remarkable. To illustrate, within the past four years I have had to prepare opinions as an expert witness in two cases. In the first, I was still at my office in Washington, DC,, with a secretary. I dictated the opinion, and then spent a significant amount of time revising the draft. In the second, I was on the Cape, without a secretary, and had to rely entirely upon Dragon. The words popped up on the screen almost immediately after they were dictated. There was no loss of thought or context. Editing on the fly became a breeze. It took me about half the time to prepare the second opinion as it did the first one, even though both were approximately the same length. Kudos to Dragon. One of the remarkable features of Dragon is the ability to train it to use strange words. As a trademark lawyer, I am constantly confronted with corrupted spellings of words. With Dragon, I can generally train it to spell these words in their corrupted form. This is a real blessing. In short, Dragon has made my retirement a joy. I am able to get my office work done quickly and efficiently, without a secretary, early each morning, and my office in Washington appreciates the fact that I have avoided the overhead of a secretary. The rest of each day can then be spent doing whatever I personally choose to do. Not a bad life! This story has been dictated using Dragon.”

Greg T. –
“I started using Dragon naturally speaking in 1999 when I became a quadriplegic due to a diving accident. I am a firm believer in the ability of assistive technology to empower and enable individuals with disabilities. After my injury I returned to school to receive my masters in rehabilitation counseling from the University of Pittsburgh. I used Dragon Naturally Speaking every day to complete assignments and to advocate for individuals with disabilities. Because of Dragon Naturally Speaking I was able to complete all of my assignments independently including my scholarly paper. I am now completing my internship at the office of vocational rehabilitation, where I use Dragon to complete all my paperwork independently. Without this software I would not be able to have a career in rehabilitation assisting other individuals with disabilities. Thank you for such a wonderful program the truly does change lives.”

Gunnard H. –
“About a decade ago I was diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy. In my job I was required to do a lot of typing and touch typing was getting to be quite a chore. I decided to retire and although I am an avid email person, my ability and desire to correspond with family and friends eroded quickly when I had to resort to two finger typing. About a year ago a friend of mine turned me onto Dragon NaturallySpeaking. I was skeptical at first because I had tried other dictating programs. My skepticism quickly went away, especially when I upgraded to version 9.0 preferred. I now use it daily and perhaps to the chagrin of my friends and family, my letters are no longer one or two lines. I too am an avid Dragon NaturallySpeaking advocate and gladly share my success with the program met anyone that will listen... Including my dentist, when he removed his hands from my mouth so I could speak! I am glad to say that he is now a happy user. Thanks for the great job you are doing with this fine program”

Tammy E. –
“I love this software as it has enable me to return to school and gain a better education. I never thought it would be possible. I do all assignments, research papers, and projects using my software. I also handle my bills using the software. I don't know where I would be without it.”

Jamil S. –
“Dragon NaturallySpeaking really made a big difference in my life. I am a web developer and a computer programmer; therefore I have to work on the computer all day, sometimes up to 10 hours in a day. The problem is that I have a lot of back pain, serious back pain, and seating all day was making it impossible for me to work. That was a very serious problem for me. Then I adapted a way to work while lying in a small mattress. This way of working involves a laptop, a small table, etc. That was very good, except that I could not type quickly enough while lying, therefore that was of very limited use on a day by day basis. But then I added Dragon NaturallySpeaking, and now I have the same productivity working seating or lying -- amazing, that changed my life. Now I can work some hours every day in a lying position, and not only its great to vary a little bit, but that's really a necessity for me due to my back pain. I don't know what I would do without NaturallySpeaking.”

Keith W. –
“As an independent, self-employed Insurance Claims Adjuster, I spend a lot of time out in the field investigating, gathering data and interviewing people. Then, it's time to come back to the office and dictate reports to my clients. They expect detailed reporting to enable them to properly evaluate their claims. I used to dictate into a [recorder] and send the tapes out to be transcribed. This would hold up my reports and add to my expense. Sometimes, I would type my reports that seemed to take forever. With Dragon, I simply dictate into my headset or use my digital recorder and the computer types my reports. The program really makes few mistakes and is easy to train. Once you train it on a word or name, it never forgets the word or name. I can dictate directly into word right on my letter head. Spell check & grammar check catches the mistakes I miss. I can dictate an 8 to 10 page report and have it out in a few hours complete with photos, diagrams and other attachments. I can dictate my emails. Recently, I've learned that I can dictate with my Bluetooth ear mike and it works very well. Frankly, I can't imagine anyone that does a lot of reporting not to use Dragon. It makes the job so much easier, enjoyable and productive.”

Terry H. –
“I attend college in…Wisconsin. I have a learning disability (processing deficit). During my High School education i would never type reports. I found that it was easier to write them by hand because of all the time it would save. Now that I am in college i can no longer get away with writing reports and essays by hand. After purchasing Dragon I found saving a lot of time when typing my essays. It used to take me around two hours to type up a two page essay by hand. I would find my self not going to bed u