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Repetitive stress injuries are scary for tech workers. If I can’t type, is my career over? When my finger was injured last year, I had a long recovery period, and during that time, I learned to code using voice recognition software. In this talk, I’ll tell the whole story and demo the tool I learned.
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In the talk titled *Hello, computer. Writing Ruby with voice recognition*, Nat Budin shares a personal account of transitioning to voice coding after suffering a finger injury that hindered her ability to type. The presentation explores the importance of accessibility in tech workplaces, especially for developers who, like Nat, depend on their hands for coding. Key points include: - **Personal Injury Experience**: Nat details her struggles with pain in her right index finger after camping, which eventually led to a diagnosis of trigger finger, underscoring the need for proper medical care and telemedicine consultation during the pandemic. - **Introduction of Voice Recognition**: As part of her recovery, Nat sought alternative methods to code and discovered *Talon*, a customizable voice recognition software designed for programmers. - **Talon Features**: Nat explains how Talon operates, allowing for not just dictation but also specialized commands for coding. It has a community-driven repository of scripts that tailor the software to individual needs, enhancing productivity and convenience. - **Voice Coding Challenges**: While demonstrating how Talon functions in real coding scenarios, Nat emphasizes the initial learning curve involved in using voice recognition effectively, likening it to solving a puzzle. - **Best Practices for Voice Coding**: She offers practical advice for new users, such as integrating traditional input methods, ensuring audio quality, and customizing vocabulary for technical terms. Nat highlights the significance of comfort and adaptability, suggesting that users should listen to their bodies to avoid strain. - **Broader Accessibility Perspective**: Nat connects her experience to a wider conversation on accessibility, stressing that it's not only important for end-users of technology but also for developers who may encounter physical challenges as their careers progress. The presentation concludes with resources for getting started with Talon and a reminder of the importance of awareness regarding body health and adaptive technologies in programming. The event took place at RubyConf 2021, emphasizing community support and shared learning in tackling accessibility challenges in tech.
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