My main communication with my clients is through email, and I find it really easy and quick just to dictate my replies and see the words appear on the screen in front of me.

Even after using Dragon NaturallySpeaking ProAccess for more than a year, I am still astounded at some of the things it can do, and the way it lets me control my PC. It has so many shortcuts.

For me the technology is completely invaluable – I would not be able to work without it.

I tried speech recognition about five years ago and was not impressed as I found it made so many mistakes.  But when my health worsened quite considerably and I had to look at it again, if I wanted to continue working.

The difference is quite remarkable – it is nothing like it was before. I can talk at quite a speed and it picks up every word and rarely makes an error. I use it for all my work on the PC.

I have been well supported by Access to Work, but I know the only other option for me would have been a secretary who I could dictate my emails and reports to, but that really wouldn’t have fitted in with my style of working, and of course would have been a very expensive solution. I love the fact that I can be independent and in control of my own administration.

The assessment and training I received from Hands-Free was invaluable. I think it is essential for everyone however IT literate they think they may be. I know you can use Dragon straight off the shelf, but sitting with someone that knows the product inside out was so useful, and has saved me a lot of time in the long run.

My trainer, Lisa Lam, was excellent. She really knew her stuff and was very patient. I actually really enjoyed my training sessions.