4 ms·

As a software developer, this article scared the shit out of me. One of my biggest fears in life is losing my sight because of the challenges that would be pres

by ckdarby 11y ago

As a software developer, this article scared the shit out of me. One of my biggest fears in life is losing my sight because of the challenges that would be presented being blind.

chrisdone 11y ago
Honestly going blind is a fear for me for everything (never seeing my family or my SO smile again, or the rain, etc.) except programming. It would be hard but things like Emacspeak really make me feel like someone's taking care of the hypothetical vision-impaired me that could happen. It wouldn't be peachy but I wouldn't feel suddenly lost either. My biggest fear for my job is injuring my hands irreparably as they are really my bread and butter as a programmer. I invest heavily in quality keyboards and personal tracking software (mostly self-written) to keep tabs on not going overboard and triggering the onset of RSI or other health issues related to the hand and wrist.
- fsiefken 11y ago
  Emacspeak is a great project! For something more lightweight, take a look at speakup http://www.linux-speakup.org/ http://www.linux-speakup.org/ What quality keyboard are you using? Microsoft Sculpt ergo? You can also invest in learning the Braille alphabet by using braille stickers on your keyboard and switch to a braille font.
powertower 11y ago
I don't know if this helps, but there is something much worse - Locked-in syndrome - A medical condition in which the body (and most of the facial muscles) are completely paralyzed but consciousness remains. Only the ability to perform certain eye movements is preserved. It happens suddenly, so imagine laying there screaming inside and no one can hear you.
- gcr 11y ago
  Your comment reads of "Hey, you think you have it rough? Imagine THIS kind of life! This would be FAR worse! Look how insignificant your troubles are in comparison!" One-upmanship like this never helps others feel better.
  - powertower 11y ago
    I see what you are saying, and I agree, but that is not at all one-upmanship. As I'm personally not trying to outdo a competitor to gain a feeling of superiority over that competitor. There is only a contrast here, no personal superiority.

by ckdarby 11y ago

As a software developer, this article scared the shit out of me. One of my biggest fears in life is losing my sight because of the challenges that would be presented being blind.

chrisdone 11y ago

Honestly going blind is a fear for me for everything (never seeing my family or my SO smile again, or the rain, etc.) except programming. It would be hard but things like Emacspeak really make me feel like someone's taking care of the hypothetical vision-impaired me that could happen. It wouldn't be peachy but I wouldn't feel suddenly lost either. My biggest fear for my job is injuring my hands irreparably as they are really my bread and butter as a programmer. I invest heavily in quality keyboards and personal tracking software (mostly self-written) to keep tabs on not going overboard and triggering the onset of RSI or other health issues related to the hand and wrist.

fsiefken 11y ago
Emacspeak is a great project! For something more lightweight, take a look at speakup http://www.linux-speakup.org/ http://www.linux-speakup.org/ What quality keyboard are you using? Microsoft Sculpt ergo? You can also invest in learning the Braille alphabet by using braille stickers on your keyboard and switch to a braille font.

powertower 11y ago

I don't know if this helps, but there is something much worse - Locked-in syndrome - A medical condition in which the body (and most of the facial muscles) are completely paralyzed but consciousness remains. Only the ability to perform certain eye movements is preserved. It happens suddenly, so imagine laying there screaming inside and no one can hear you.

gcr 11y ago
Your comment reads of "Hey, you think you have it rough? Imagine THIS kind of life! This would be FAR worse! Look how insignificant your troubles are in comparison!" One-upmanship like this never helps others feel better.
- powertower 11y ago
  I see what you are saying, and I agree, but that is not at all one-upmanship. As I'm personally not trying to outdo a competitor to gain a feeling of superiority over that competitor. There is only a contrast here, no personal superiority.