How will losing mobility of one hand affect my career as a programmer?












213















The effects of a genetic disorder started affecting one of my hands. Now it's barely visible and only causes mild discomfort and a slight loss of agility, but upon reaching its final stage my hand will look visibly deformed and I won't be able to move my fingers. This will happen at worst case in around 2-3 years, and if I'm very lucky, it might take 10 or even 20 years (there were confirmed cases with other patients where it lasted that long, but that's very rare). There is no known treatment besides a surgery which will at most have cosmetic effects, but won't restore much, if any, mobility.



How will this affect my career as a programmer? I started working approximately 8 years ago in the field, and I know that typing speed is, by far, not the most important thing which makes someone a good programmer. However we often do need to type a lot of code, and losing one hand will drastically limit my typing speed (and cause my remaining hand to tire faster).



I'm right-handed, and fortunately my left hand is the one which is affected. Still, as I use IDEs with mouse and keyboard, I rely a lot on my left hand.



One solution would be to move upwards to management, but as I like coding, I don't like the idea of a purely managerial role where I do no coding. Currently I'm in a senior role where I can delegate tasks to other people, but most of my work does consist of coding, and I like it. I like both my current job and my current company. However, I'll have to adjust for my reduction in typing speed as my condition worsens. My wrist will remain useable, so pressing large keys at the left side of the keyboard (ctrl, shift, etc.) with my left hand will probably remain possible.



Another problem is if something happens with my current company and I have to find another job. Now, for half a year or maybe a year, I will probably still be able to hide my condition, not that I would find such a thing ethical (but "advertising" it in the interview is also not a thing which I know whether it's a good idea). But after that, why would someone hire me if they can find someone of similar skill and experience who has two healthy hands?



I'm in my early thirties and could still learn a new profession, if that would be really necessary (but I would prefer not to).



Are there any among you who are professional programmers and have only one useful hand? Is it possible to adjust, and be an effective programmer with only one hand?



I'm a long-time member of this community, but for this question I'll keep up anonymity for the time being



Edit: thank you for all the answers, suggestions and encouragement. I even feel a little bit ashamed for asking, as I realize that there are many people with conditions much worse then mine (having a functioning wrist, a lot can be done with the thumb and index fingers even if they have very limited mobility) and they still manage it very well.










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  • 1





    Comments are not for extended discussion; this conversation has been moved to chat.

    – Jane S
    2 days ago






  • 2





    I'm a developer, and I've broken both hands at different times in my life. Through the immediate removal of a hand from typing, your body does adjust to using the other. Now I'm comfortable typing, and coding, with only using either hand. So while you have "time" in a sense, you will find your body does begin to make up the shortfall of losing an arm. Best of luck to you though!

    – mickburkejnr
    yesterday











  • I know 2 programmers who swear by voice recognition to do a lot of tasks usually done with a mouse - eg swap windows etc. In case it helps

    – Wudang
    yesterday











  • I know a guy who's paraplegic and has very limited mobility in both his hands. He's also one of the best SE's I've ever met. He gets by with a combination of voice recognition and punching at the keyboard with his knuckles.

    – Scuba Steve
    yesterday
















213















The effects of a genetic disorder started affecting one of my hands. Now it's barely visible and only causes mild discomfort and a slight loss of agility, but upon reaching its final stage my hand will look visibly deformed and I won't be able to move my fingers. This will happen at worst case in around 2-3 years, and if I'm very lucky, it might take 10 or even 20 years (there were confirmed cases with other patients where it lasted that long, but that's very rare). There is no known treatment besides a surgery which will at most have cosmetic effects, but won't restore much, if any, mobility.



How will this affect my career as a programmer? I started working approximately 8 years ago in the field, and I know that typing speed is, by far, not the most important thing which makes someone a good programmer. However we often do need to type a lot of code, and losing one hand will drastically limit my typing speed (and cause my remaining hand to tire faster).



I'm right-handed, and fortunately my left hand is the one which is affected. Still, as I use IDEs with mouse and keyboard, I rely a lot on my left hand.



One solution would be to move upwards to management, but as I like coding, I don't like the idea of a purely managerial role where I do no coding. Currently I'm in a senior role where I can delegate tasks to other people, but most of my work does consist of coding, and I like it. I like both my current job and my current company. However, I'll have to adjust for my reduction in typing speed as my condition worsens. My wrist will remain useable, so pressing large keys at the left side of the keyboard (ctrl, shift, etc.) with my left hand will probably remain possible.



Another problem is if something happens with my current company and I have to find another job. Now, for half a year or maybe a year, I will probably still be able to hide my condition, not that I would find such a thing ethical (but "advertising" it in the interview is also not a thing which I know whether it's a good idea). But after that, why would someone hire me if they can find someone of similar skill and experience who has two healthy hands?



I'm in my early thirties and could still learn a new profession, if that would be really necessary (but I would prefer not to).



Are there any among you who are professional programmers and have only one useful hand? Is it possible to adjust, and be an effective programmer with only one hand?



I'm a long-time member of this community, but for this question I'll keep up anonymity for the time being



Edit: thank you for all the answers, suggestions and encouragement. I even feel a little bit ashamed for asking, as I realize that there are many people with conditions much worse then mine (having a functioning wrist, a lot can be done with the thumb and index fingers even if they have very limited mobility) and they still manage it very well.










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  • 1





    Comments are not for extended discussion; this conversation has been moved to chat.

    – Jane S
    2 days ago






  • 2





    I'm a developer, and I've broken both hands at different times in my life. Through the immediate removal of a hand from typing, your body does adjust to using the other. Now I'm comfortable typing, and coding, with only using either hand. So while you have "time" in a sense, you will find your body does begin to make up the shortfall of losing an arm. Best of luck to you though!

    – mickburkejnr
    yesterday











  • I know 2 programmers who swear by voice recognition to do a lot of tasks usually done with a mouse - eg swap windows etc. In case it helps

    – Wudang
    yesterday











  • I know a guy who's paraplegic and has very limited mobility in both his hands. He's also one of the best SE's I've ever met. He gets by with a combination of voice recognition and punching at the keyboard with his knuckles.

    – Scuba Steve
    yesterday














213












213








213


16






The effects of a genetic disorder started affecting one of my hands. Now it's barely visible and only causes mild discomfort and a slight loss of agility, but upon reaching its final stage my hand will look visibly deformed and I won't be able to move my fingers. This will happen at worst case in around 2-3 years, and if I'm very lucky, it might take 10 or even 20 years (there were confirmed cases with other patients where it lasted that long, but that's very rare). There is no known treatment besides a surgery which will at most have cosmetic effects, but won't restore much, if any, mobility.



How will this affect my career as a programmer? I started working approximately 8 years ago in the field, and I know that typing speed is, by far, not the most important thing which makes someone a good programmer. However we often do need to type a lot of code, and losing one hand will drastically limit my typing speed (and cause my remaining hand to tire faster).



I'm right-handed, and fortunately my left hand is the one which is affected. Still, as I use IDEs with mouse and keyboard, I rely a lot on my left hand.



One solution would be to move upwards to management, but as I like coding, I don't like the idea of a purely managerial role where I do no coding. Currently I'm in a senior role where I can delegate tasks to other people, but most of my work does consist of coding, and I like it. I like both my current job and my current company. However, I'll have to adjust for my reduction in typing speed as my condition worsens. My wrist will remain useable, so pressing large keys at the left side of the keyboard (ctrl, shift, etc.) with my left hand will probably remain possible.



Another problem is if something happens with my current company and I have to find another job. Now, for half a year or maybe a year, I will probably still be able to hide my condition, not that I would find such a thing ethical (but "advertising" it in the interview is also not a thing which I know whether it's a good idea). But after that, why would someone hire me if they can find someone of similar skill and experience who has two healthy hands?



I'm in my early thirties and could still learn a new profession, if that would be really necessary (but I would prefer not to).



Are there any among you who are professional programmers and have only one useful hand? Is it possible to adjust, and be an effective programmer with only one hand?



I'm a long-time member of this community, but for this question I'll keep up anonymity for the time being



Edit: thank you for all the answers, suggestions and encouragement. I even feel a little bit ashamed for asking, as I realize that there are many people with conditions much worse then mine (having a functioning wrist, a lot can be done with the thumb and index fingers even if they have very limited mobility) and they still manage it very well.










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The effects of a genetic disorder started affecting one of my hands. Now it's barely visible and only causes mild discomfort and a slight loss of agility, but upon reaching its final stage my hand will look visibly deformed and I won't be able to move my fingers. This will happen at worst case in around 2-3 years, and if I'm very lucky, it might take 10 or even 20 years (there were confirmed cases with other patients where it lasted that long, but that's very rare). There is no known treatment besides a surgery which will at most have cosmetic effects, but won't restore much, if any, mobility.



How will this affect my career as a programmer? I started working approximately 8 years ago in the field, and I know that typing speed is, by far, not the most important thing which makes someone a good programmer. However we often do need to type a lot of code, and losing one hand will drastically limit my typing speed (and cause my remaining hand to tire faster).



I'm right-handed, and fortunately my left hand is the one which is affected. Still, as I use IDEs with mouse and keyboard, I rely a lot on my left hand.



One solution would be to move upwards to management, but as I like coding, I don't like the idea of a purely managerial role where I do no coding. Currently I'm in a senior role where I can delegate tasks to other people, but most of my work does consist of coding, and I like it. I like both my current job and my current company. However, I'll have to adjust for my reduction in typing speed as my condition worsens. My wrist will remain useable, so pressing large keys at the left side of the keyboard (ctrl, shift, etc.) with my left hand will probably remain possible.



Another problem is if something happens with my current company and I have to find another job. Now, for half a year or maybe a year, I will probably still be able to hide my condition, not that I would find such a thing ethical (but "advertising" it in the interview is also not a thing which I know whether it's a good idea). But after that, why would someone hire me if they can find someone of similar skill and experience who has two healthy hands?



I'm in my early thirties and could still learn a new profession, if that would be really necessary (but I would prefer not to).



Are there any among you who are professional programmers and have only one useful hand? Is it possible to adjust, and be an effective programmer with only one hand?



I'm a long-time member of this community, but for this question I'll keep up anonymity for the time being



Edit: thank you for all the answers, suggestions and encouragement. I even feel a little bit ashamed for asking, as I realize that there are many people with conditions much worse then mine (having a functioning wrist, a lot can be done with the thumb and index fingers even if they have very limited mobility) and they still manage it very well.







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edited yesterday









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asked Mar 24 at 17:45









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  • 1





    Comments are not for extended discussion; this conversation has been moved to chat.

    – Jane S
    2 days ago






  • 2





    I'm a developer, and I've broken both hands at different times in my life. Through the immediate removal of a hand from typing, your body does adjust to using the other. Now I'm comfortable typing, and coding, with only using either hand. So while you have "time" in a sense, you will find your body does begin to make up the shortfall of losing an arm. Best of luck to you though!

    – mickburkejnr
    yesterday











  • I know 2 programmers who swear by voice recognition to do a lot of tasks usually done with a mouse - eg swap windows etc. In case it helps

    – Wudang
    yesterday











  • I know a guy who's paraplegic and has very limited mobility in both his hands. He's also one of the best SE's I've ever met. He gets by with a combination of voice recognition and punching at the keyboard with his knuckles.

    – Scuba Steve
    yesterday














  • 1





    Comments are not for extended discussion; this conversation has been moved to chat.

    – Jane S
    2 days ago






  • 2





    I'm a developer, and I've broken both hands at different times in my life. Through the immediate removal of a hand from typing, your body does adjust to using the other. Now I'm comfortable typing, and coding, with only using either hand. So while you have "time" in a sense, you will find your body does begin to make up the shortfall of losing an arm. Best of luck to you though!

    – mickburkejnr
    yesterday











  • I know 2 programmers who swear by voice recognition to do a lot of tasks usually done with a mouse - eg swap windows etc. In case it helps

    – Wudang
    yesterday











  • I know a guy who's paraplegic and has very limited mobility in both his hands. He's also one of the best SE's I've ever met. He gets by with a combination of voice recognition and punching at the keyboard with his knuckles.

    – Scuba Steve
    yesterday








1




1





Comments are not for extended discussion; this conversation has been moved to chat.

– Jane S
2 days ago





Comments are not for extended discussion; this conversation has been moved to chat.

– Jane S
2 days ago




2




2





I'm a developer, and I've broken both hands at different times in my life. Through the immediate removal of a hand from typing, your body does adjust to using the other. Now I'm comfortable typing, and coding, with only using either hand. So while you have "time" in a sense, you will find your body does begin to make up the shortfall of losing an arm. Best of luck to you though!

– mickburkejnr
yesterday





I'm a developer, and I've broken both hands at different times in my life. Through the immediate removal of a hand from typing, your body does adjust to using the other. Now I'm comfortable typing, and coding, with only using either hand. So while you have "time" in a sense, you will find your body does begin to make up the shortfall of losing an arm. Best of luck to you though!

– mickburkejnr
yesterday













I know 2 programmers who swear by voice recognition to do a lot of tasks usually done with a mouse - eg swap windows etc. In case it helps

– Wudang
yesterday





I know 2 programmers who swear by voice recognition to do a lot of tasks usually done with a mouse - eg swap windows etc. In case it helps

– Wudang
yesterday













I know a guy who's paraplegic and has very limited mobility in both his hands. He's also one of the best SE's I've ever met. He gets by with a combination of voice recognition and punching at the keyboard with his knuckles.

– Scuba Steve
yesterday





I know a guy who's paraplegic and has very limited mobility in both his hands. He's also one of the best SE's I've ever met. He gets by with a combination of voice recognition and punching at the keyboard with his knuckles.

– Scuba Steve
yesterday










18 Answers
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It need not have a significant impact. Many programmers work with medical issues ranging from quadriplegia, to blindness, to carpal tunnel syndrome. Some programmers have long and productive careers without ever learning to touch type. I personally have found that being able to touch-type reasonably quickly does help my productivity, but after working for 35 years as a developer I've found that I spend way more time reading and thinking than I do typing.



I'd suggest getting in touch with an occupational therapist and start getting up to speed on assistive technologies that will help you maintain your productivity.






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  • 144





    This! Programming is much thinking and communicating, and not nearly so much typing. Typing is hyped because it produces the tangible results, which makes it visible, but the amount of experience for thinking over a design, analyzing the symptoms of a bug to unearth its root cause, and communicating with colleagues and clients to understand their need is what makes you a programmer. And where most time is spent.

    – Matthieu M.
    Mar 24 at 20:24






  • 5





    @MatthieuM. : I know this, and often my most successful days involve a lot of thinking and very little coding. But when I have an idea and want to test it, then it's always good to be able to write a lot of code in a short amount of time.

    – user101786
    Mar 24 at 21:22






  • 6





    ...touch typing is overrated when it comes to source code (in languages other than COBOL, that is). And most of the time you spend in front of a computer should be spent for thinking :)

    – jvb
    Mar 24 at 21:47






  • 6





    @user101786: Oh I definitely understand the feeling. For an anecdote, though, one of the most experienced Dev at my place is a "pecker"... typing with only one finger on each hand and looking at the keyboard to do so. And yet, watching him work is amazing: he never pauses. Instead of bursts of fast typing, he just thinks as he types, and therefore has an uninterrupted slow and steady typing rhythm.

    – Matthieu M.
    Mar 25 at 7:50






  • 11





    As a programmer who's spent many hours typing with a tea in one hand; I can assure you that with a little practice you can achieve a reasonable typing speed with just 1 hand. In fact typing slowly might actually HELP some programmers since they'll be forced to think more.

    – UKMonkey
    Mar 25 at 10:41



















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I am a web developer, and I lack the use of both hands and wrists due to quadriplegia. You need not fear that losing the use of a hand excludes you from the programming field. As you say, there is much more to programming than typing speed. I type at a sad maximum of 20 WPM, yet I still am considered a competent developer. However, there are difficulties that lead to topics you may need to think about sooner or later.



Disclaimer: My level of ability is very different from your prognosis, so I may see things very differently than you will actually experience them. I am drawing from my own challenges while writing this. I am also from the US.



Assistive Technology and Accommodations



I have actually found programming to be a particularly forgiving occupation for mobility issues. Computers and workstations can be modified in numerous ways, and details like autocomplete and keybindings can be a big help. You may find equipment that suits your needs, such as an adaptive keyboard or even something as simple as a hand brace. I'd advise you to consider these assistive tools, but don't feel required to use them. No solution works for everyone, and things that others (occupational therapists, concerned friends) believe will help might not always be useful. For instance, I forgo voice-to-text for programming because I find it clunky for that purpose and speaking disrupts my thought process.



Your employer or government agencies will usually be willing to help you acquire assistive technology that you need to work.



Applying for New Jobs



In the event that you do find yourself being passed over on account of your condition, what I have found to be the greatest help in overcoming employers' perceptions that a lack of mobility will significantly affect your work is having people who know that is not the case and who are willing to recommend you. My brother, who also works in programming, has been absolutely amazing in helping me out in that way.



Additionally, many programming jobs are remote these days, leading to interviews that are also remote. In such a situation, you could wait to disclose your condition. You are likely not even required to mention it at all, though you may want to in order to request accommodations or avoid questions later. I work remotely, and most of the people on my team do not even know about my condition. I allow it to stay that way because I find it refreshing to know nobody is judging my work by different standards.



Wishing you all the best.






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    55














    I used to work with a developer who was missing most of his right hand. He had some of his index finger, and a thumb, both very small and weak compared to his good hand, and no other fingers on that hand. This had no obvious effect on his programming ability, and he was regarded as quite talented. He did not try to type with that hand at all. He could move a mouse with it, simply by resting his hand on top and moving his arm muscles, and had a special mouse that he could click in some way that I never quite understood.



    He did play minor practical jokes, like shaking hands with the mutilated hand with people who hadn't spotted it, but everyone reckoned that getting some fun out of it was reasonable, giving the limitations it imposed on him.



    So I don't think this problem needs to limit your career at all. You'll have to work out some adaptations to it, but problem-solving is what programmers do.






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      27














      I'm a software engineer too. I broke my right humerus a couple of years ago and the inflammation ended up pinching off nerves and leaving my whole right arm a useless floppy noodle for months.



      I ended up using a software version of the Half Qwerty keyboard. I broke my right arm, so I would put my left hand in the usual spot on the left side of the keyboard. Then to type a letter on the right side of the keyboard, you hold the spacebar and press the corresponding key mirrored across to the left side. For example, to type P I would hold space and type Q.



      Within a month or so I was pretty comfortable typing with one hand. Coding was not an issue at all; the real difficulty was writing long-form stuff like documentation. But you've got an advantage in that the onset will be slower and you can gradually develop your one-handed typing skills with a real solution like the FrogPad or another chorded keyboard. People can get crazy fast with those. So I wouldn't worry if I were you.



      FrogPad






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        19














        Don’t panic - you know yourself how fast the computer world has progressed.



        If you do end up find typing too challenging, and others have pointed out keyboards etc, the advances in « speech to text » recognition will probably provide a possible solution.



        In fact that type of motivation has been the spark for someone to create the next generation of many things...



        Best wishes.






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          16














          As others have commented, typing speed isn't really that useful for a developer.



          That said, it can be useful to keep your eyes on the screen while typing, so you might be interested in using a keyboard that allows you to touch-type with one hand, such as a chorded keyboard or a single-hand keyboard.






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          • 5





            And if you train yourself to type blind with 5 fingers on a single-handed keyboard with speed, then you are most likely as fast if not faster than the average developer.

            – Erwin Bolwidt
            Mar 24 at 22:17



















          13














          I'm one of those.



          I was born with one hand. My right hand is kinda like a stub, and I use it for typing. It's like I'm typing with 6 fingers instead of 10, but still pretty fast. It has zero affect on my programming abilities whatsoever.



          I don't use any assistive devices at all. I use a qwerty keyboard and a ambidextrous mouse. I don't use assistive devices mostly because that restricts my ability to use new gadgets or go type on a colleagues computer when doing some pair programming.



          If you can use a finger on your other hand to type using some arm and wrist muscles, you probably don't need anything extra. Just some getting used to. If you're gonna write with one hand only, take a look at some Dvorak keyboard layouts, they have one-handed versions as well. I tried it, but I like qwerty better.



          I bet this will have zero affect on your ability as a programmer.






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            6














            I spent quite some time looking for an alternative tech to keyboards to improve speed. I found this which is a typing glove, which is used as a keyboard and mouse for a single hand. It is slower than a two handed keyboard but it seems way faster than a single hand keyboard since it can swap from keyboard and mouse instantly.
            https://www.tapwithus.com/
            It will require some training but it's worth a try.






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              4














              Although this answer has a lot of good answers focusing on Assistive Technology (and in my job, we support DragonSpeak for the Mobility-Impaired employees), Lower Technology can also be good.



              Coding isn't just typing, it's thinking & problem solving -- if your handwriting is still clear, then decision trees, post-its, whiteboards -- all of those can be ways to work through the code BEFORE getting it into the computer.



              For debugging, perhaps focus on print-outs and then highlight errors, and perhaps you'll have an assistant or intern who can make the specific changes?



              One that is more tech-focused: Get to know your keyboard shortcuts -- I sometimes now use JAWS (a screen-reader) without the headset, because I like the keyboard shortcuts I get with it. Every program has a lot more probably built in than the ones you already know.






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              • 5





                +1 for coding is more than typing. At a previous job, we had a team member coming back from carpal tunnel surgery and was told to avoid using a keyboard as much as possible. He became a dedicated co-pilot for pair programming and his insights were invaluable. He was a fantastic mentor to our younger developers and a few months after returning, he was promoted to team lead.

                – aleppke
                Mar 25 at 15:02



















              4














              There are also foot pedal devices available, which can be programmed for common keystrokes, like Ctrl/C, Ctrl/X, Ctrl/V. They would probably help compensate for the weak hand. If you are able to build electronic devices, or know someone who can, you may even consider building a custom foot-pedal board, with as many buttons/pedals as you think are appropriate. You can also build all sorts of other trick devices that would customize your chair or desk, which would let you do things like use a sideways press of your knee to replace the Shift key, or tongue-press devices, which you could hold in your teeth and press for certain keys. Look around at what other people with disabilities have built or arranged for themselves, and don't be afraid to try something just because it may look silly.



              Mostly, as many other people have said, programming is about your brain, not your hand. You will have to make some adjustments, and some of them will be frustrating, but if you like what you're doing and you're good at it, there is no reason to let your hand derail your career.






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                3














                First of all your knowledge and experience are far more valuable than your speed of typing. Of course you may meet people who do not understand that in your professional career but in general you should not be concerned about that.



                There are few things you may consider to address the situation (in addition to other's suggestion).



                1. Learn to use mouse weaker hand



                You said you are still able to press large buttons. I assume you'll also be able to make larger moves of the whole hand. So rather than using this hand as the main one for the keyboard switch the roles. This way your hand will still provide you some extra productivity. It takes some time to adapt but it can be really useful (I did that regardless of the needs. It was just boosting my productivity a bit).



                2. Seek for formal disability confirmation



                While in general in most European country it's illegal to bias your employers choice based on their health conditions (either way) having a formal confirmation will actually help your company compensate (at least to some level) the eventual loss of productivity. There are additional benefits to companies hiring people with disabilities (usually related to tax exemptions but it may also contain other support, eg. equipment reducing the negative effects of the sickness). You will probably have some personal benefits in addition (eg. cheaper medicines or support when buying some special equipment).



                3. Be prepared to work remotely/as a freelancer



                This advice is mostly in case you have to look for another job. As a freelancer working from home you usually get your goals set and it's up to you how you make sure you meet them. As long as you deliver, you have your job.



                4. Consider some change to your role



                Yes, I realise it's difficult to change your job and you even mention that it's something you don't want to do. But if you want to advance in your career you probably have to change your job anyway to managerial. You may not look for it now or you can perceive it in a negative way but look at it from a different perspective. You still have at least few years when your hand is in at least acceptable condition. Use that time not only to work but also to get some more insight into more managerial work. Learn management, find pleasure in it. It might be that you will want to actually do it in few years.



                It also doesn't have to be strictly managing. You can give lectures or lead courses. You can focus more on things like code revisions and so on. You can look for things where larger parts of development are done with a mouse (GUI? RPA?).



                5. Don't give up!



                This should probably be the first point. Things are changing. Who knows where are we going to be in 3 or 5 years. You may as well have some NLP based programmes and programming will look more like talking to a colleague than typing on a keyboard. Just be open and never let your sickness limit you!






                share|improve this answer































                  2














                  I've worked for twenty years as a developer from dba to now director of technology. Most of coding is thinking maybe 10% is typing. Learn a good scripting language to do the repetitive stuff for you. (All productive devs should do this anyway). The only thing I've found difficult are video games, but a 7 button mouse and a set of USB pedals fix that.






                  share|improve this answer








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                    1














                    From very limited experience (typing while holding a phone in the left hand), if you can't operate shift key etc. with the handicapped hand, that is a significant slow down, but as long as you can operate shift key etc. and can use one hand for typing, it slows you down a bit but not that much.



                    Since a lot of your time is spent thinking, designing, looking for bugs etc., I would say that with a left hand that is not totally useless you probably still can work at 98% of your normal capacity. You'd still be better than a bad typist.






                    share|improve this answer
























                    • I once had a short-term injury that put one hand/wrist in plaster for a few weeks. I was able to use the entire lower arm and plaster cast to operate the shift key, and resume almost normal speed with the other hand going back and forth between keyboard and mouse.

                      – Steve
                      yesterday



















                    1














                    This might be just piling on at this point, but just a brief suggestion- start leaning to type with your right hand now!



                    I don't have a disability of any form, but ever since I was young I typed exclusively using one hand. My WPM is comparable or significantly higher than most two-handed typers. With practice, it is absolutely do-able, and you can dedicate your other hand (roughly) to using the mouse for things like selecting for copy-paste or whatever you want.



                    Obviously I can't exactly relate, but I hope at least that what I said could give you hope and a way forward. :) Best of luck.






                    share|improve this answer































                      1














                      The Twiddler 3 - is a one handed keyboard and mouse replacement.



                      enter image description here






                      share|improve this answer































                        0














                        Do not bring up your disability* in interviews.



                        At least in the US, you would be putting your potential employer in a difficult situation by bringing up a disability, because you then put them in a position to illegally discriminate against you**. (They could even, potentially, think you are doing it on purpose to push them into hiring you.) You risk changing a simple interview into a legal minefield, not to mention potentially making it socially awkward (it's a simple fact that many people are so worried about offending a person with a disability that they trip over themselves in cringe-inducing ways trying to talk around it or "show supportiveness" or whatever).



                        At some point, as you say, it will be plainly visible. Even then, I would say not to bring it up, for the same reasons mentioned above.



                        Come into the situation with proof of your capabilities



                        One thing you can do to preempt the question that will arise in some minds (even though they are legally not allowed to ask it aloud)--"wait, can this dude even code with his hand like that?"--is to have a significant body of open source contributions available on github. List them on your resume, so if they wonder what you can do, the answer is right there, and incontrovertible.



                        *As other answers have noted, it's very questionable to even call this a disability for a programmer, but it's definitely a physical disability by definition.



                        **This applies not only to physical disabilities, but any protected class. Interviewers do not want to know, because, if they don't know, they can't be accused of making a decision not to hire based on that information.






                        share|improve this answer































                          0














                          I know a programmer who psuedo-codes in Dragonly Speaking, modifying the software to not check spelling and grammar. He then refines by modified hand control. It might be worth looking into a verbally queued software or even installing the Windows freebie and start working with it.



                          The hard part is "training" the software to understand your meaning.



                          You can do this!






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                            -6














                            Use Emacs instead of an IDE. Emacs can be controlled entirely from the keyboard and can be customized to trigger functionality with right hand keys. Many IDEs have ways to be controlled from a command line or have accessory command line tools.






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                            g nrs is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
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                            We're looking for long answers that provide some explanation and context. Don't just give a one-line answer; explain why your answer is right, ideally with citations. Answers that don't include explanations may be removed.










                            • 2





                              It's not clear how this helps with the more general problem of typing.

                              – Mateen Ulhaq
                              yesterday








                            • 1





                              good grief, I don't think this needs eight downvotes. OP said that he used IDEs and this was a source of his concerns, and moving to something like Emacs could be a huge benefit. Alternatively, OP could reconfigure his IDE in ways that make it less cumbersome to use with one hand. Did you guys see the notification that this is a new contributor? And downvotes without a comment are cowardly. Say what you think the problem is.

                              – msouth
                              yesterday










                            protected by David K Mar 25 at 19:23



                            Thank you for your interest in this question.
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                            307














                            It need not have a significant impact. Many programmers work with medical issues ranging from quadriplegia, to blindness, to carpal tunnel syndrome. Some programmers have long and productive careers without ever learning to touch type. I personally have found that being able to touch-type reasonably quickly does help my productivity, but after working for 35 years as a developer I've found that I spend way more time reading and thinking than I do typing.



                            I'd suggest getting in touch with an occupational therapist and start getting up to speed on assistive technologies that will help you maintain your productivity.






                            share|improve this answer



















                            • 144





                              This! Programming is much thinking and communicating, and not nearly so much typing. Typing is hyped because it produces the tangible results, which makes it visible, but the amount of experience for thinking over a design, analyzing the symptoms of a bug to unearth its root cause, and communicating with colleagues and clients to understand their need is what makes you a programmer. And where most time is spent.

                              – Matthieu M.
                              Mar 24 at 20:24






                            • 5





                              @MatthieuM. : I know this, and often my most successful days involve a lot of thinking and very little coding. But when I have an idea and want to test it, then it's always good to be able to write a lot of code in a short amount of time.

                              – user101786
                              Mar 24 at 21:22






                            • 6





                              ...touch typing is overrated when it comes to source code (in languages other than COBOL, that is). And most of the time you spend in front of a computer should be spent for thinking :)

                              – jvb
                              Mar 24 at 21:47






                            • 6





                              @user101786: Oh I definitely understand the feeling. For an anecdote, though, one of the most experienced Dev at my place is a "pecker"... typing with only one finger on each hand and looking at the keyboard to do so. And yet, watching him work is amazing: he never pauses. Instead of bursts of fast typing, he just thinks as he types, and therefore has an uninterrupted slow and steady typing rhythm.

                              – Matthieu M.
                              Mar 25 at 7:50






                            • 11





                              As a programmer who's spent many hours typing with a tea in one hand; I can assure you that with a little practice you can achieve a reasonable typing speed with just 1 hand. In fact typing slowly might actually HELP some programmers since they'll be forced to think more.

                              – UKMonkey
                              Mar 25 at 10:41
















                            307














                            It need not have a significant impact. Many programmers work with medical issues ranging from quadriplegia, to blindness, to carpal tunnel syndrome. Some programmers have long and productive careers without ever learning to touch type. I personally have found that being able to touch-type reasonably quickly does help my productivity, but after working for 35 years as a developer I've found that I spend way more time reading and thinking than I do typing.



                            I'd suggest getting in touch with an occupational therapist and start getting up to speed on assistive technologies that will help you maintain your productivity.






                            share|improve this answer



















                            • 144





                              This! Programming is much thinking and communicating, and not nearly so much typing. Typing is hyped because it produces the tangible results, which makes it visible, but the amount of experience for thinking over a design, analyzing the symptoms of a bug to unearth its root cause, and communicating with colleagues and clients to understand their need is what makes you a programmer. And where most time is spent.

                              – Matthieu M.
                              Mar 24 at 20:24






                            • 5





                              @MatthieuM. : I know this, and often my most successful days involve a lot of thinking and very little coding. But when I have an idea and want to test it, then it's always good to be able to write a lot of code in a short amount of time.

                              – user101786
                              Mar 24 at 21:22






                            • 6





                              ...touch typing is overrated when it comes to source code (in languages other than COBOL, that is). And most of the time you spend in front of a computer should be spent for thinking :)

                              – jvb
                              Mar 24 at 21:47






                            • 6





                              @user101786: Oh I definitely understand the feeling. For an anecdote, though, one of the most experienced Dev at my place is a "pecker"... typing with only one finger on each hand and looking at the keyboard to do so. And yet, watching him work is amazing: he never pauses. Instead of bursts of fast typing, he just thinks as he types, and therefore has an uninterrupted slow and steady typing rhythm.

                              – Matthieu M.
                              Mar 25 at 7:50






                            • 11





                              As a programmer who's spent many hours typing with a tea in one hand; I can assure you that with a little practice you can achieve a reasonable typing speed with just 1 hand. In fact typing slowly might actually HELP some programmers since they'll be forced to think more.

                              – UKMonkey
                              Mar 25 at 10:41














                            307












                            307








                            307







                            It need not have a significant impact. Many programmers work with medical issues ranging from quadriplegia, to blindness, to carpal tunnel syndrome. Some programmers have long and productive careers without ever learning to touch type. I personally have found that being able to touch-type reasonably quickly does help my productivity, but after working for 35 years as a developer I've found that I spend way more time reading and thinking than I do typing.



                            I'd suggest getting in touch with an occupational therapist and start getting up to speed on assistive technologies that will help you maintain your productivity.






                            share|improve this answer













                            It need not have a significant impact. Many programmers work with medical issues ranging from quadriplegia, to blindness, to carpal tunnel syndrome. Some programmers have long and productive careers without ever learning to touch type. I personally have found that being able to touch-type reasonably quickly does help my productivity, but after working for 35 years as a developer I've found that I spend way more time reading and thinking than I do typing.



                            I'd suggest getting in touch with an occupational therapist and start getting up to speed on assistive technologies that will help you maintain your productivity.







                            share|improve this answer












                            share|improve this answer



                            share|improve this answer










                            answered Mar 24 at 18:23









                            Charles E. GrantCharles E. Grant

                            5,46041424




                            5,46041424








                            • 144





                              This! Programming is much thinking and communicating, and not nearly so much typing. Typing is hyped because it produces the tangible results, which makes it visible, but the amount of experience for thinking over a design, analyzing the symptoms of a bug to unearth its root cause, and communicating with colleagues and clients to understand their need is what makes you a programmer. And where most time is spent.

                              – Matthieu M.
                              Mar 24 at 20:24






                            • 5





                              @MatthieuM. : I know this, and often my most successful days involve a lot of thinking and very little coding. But when I have an idea and want to test it, then it's always good to be able to write a lot of code in a short amount of time.

                              – user101786
                              Mar 24 at 21:22






                            • 6





                              ...touch typing is overrated when it comes to source code (in languages other than COBOL, that is). And most of the time you spend in front of a computer should be spent for thinking :)

                              – jvb
                              Mar 24 at 21:47






                            • 6





                              @user101786: Oh I definitely understand the feeling. For an anecdote, though, one of the most experienced Dev at my place is a "pecker"... typing with only one finger on each hand and looking at the keyboard to do so. And yet, watching him work is amazing: he never pauses. Instead of bursts of fast typing, he just thinks as he types, and therefore has an uninterrupted slow and steady typing rhythm.

                              – Matthieu M.
                              Mar 25 at 7:50






                            • 11





                              As a programmer who's spent many hours typing with a tea in one hand; I can assure you that with a little practice you can achieve a reasonable typing speed with just 1 hand. In fact typing slowly might actually HELP some programmers since they'll be forced to think more.

                              – UKMonkey
                              Mar 25 at 10:41














                            • 144





                              This! Programming is much thinking and communicating, and not nearly so much typing. Typing is hyped because it produces the tangible results, which makes it visible, but the amount of experience for thinking over a design, analyzing the symptoms of a bug to unearth its root cause, and communicating with colleagues and clients to understand their need is what makes you a programmer. And where most time is spent.

                              – Matthieu M.
                              Mar 24 at 20:24






                            • 5





                              @MatthieuM. : I know this, and often my most successful days involve a lot of thinking and very little coding. But when I have an idea and want to test it, then it's always good to be able to write a lot of code in a short amount of time.

                              – user101786
                              Mar 24 at 21:22






                            • 6





                              ...touch typing is overrated when it comes to source code (in languages other than COBOL, that is). And most of the time you spend in front of a computer should be spent for thinking :)

                              – jvb
                              Mar 24 at 21:47






                            • 6





                              @user101786: Oh I definitely understand the feeling. For an anecdote, though, one of the most experienced Dev at my place is a "pecker"... typing with only one finger on each hand and looking at the keyboard to do so. And yet, watching him work is amazing: he never pauses. Instead of bursts of fast typing, he just thinks as he types, and therefore has an uninterrupted slow and steady typing rhythm.

                              – Matthieu M.
                              Mar 25 at 7:50






                            • 11





                              As a programmer who's spent many hours typing with a tea in one hand; I can assure you that with a little practice you can achieve a reasonable typing speed with just 1 hand. In fact typing slowly might actually HELP some programmers since they'll be forced to think more.

                              – UKMonkey
                              Mar 25 at 10:41








                            144




                            144





                            This! Programming is much thinking and communicating, and not nearly so much typing. Typing is hyped because it produces the tangible results, which makes it visible, but the amount of experience for thinking over a design, analyzing the symptoms of a bug to unearth its root cause, and communicating with colleagues and clients to understand their need is what makes you a programmer. And where most time is spent.

                            – Matthieu M.
                            Mar 24 at 20:24





                            This! Programming is much thinking and communicating, and not nearly so much typing. Typing is hyped because it produces the tangible results, which makes it visible, but the amount of experience for thinking over a design, analyzing the symptoms of a bug to unearth its root cause, and communicating with colleagues and clients to understand their need is what makes you a programmer. And where most time is spent.

                            – Matthieu M.
                            Mar 24 at 20:24




                            5




                            5





                            @MatthieuM. : I know this, and often my most successful days involve a lot of thinking and very little coding. But when I have an idea and want to test it, then it's always good to be able to write a lot of code in a short amount of time.

                            – user101786
                            Mar 24 at 21:22





                            @MatthieuM. : I know this, and often my most successful days involve a lot of thinking and very little coding. But when I have an idea and want to test it, then it's always good to be able to write a lot of code in a short amount of time.

                            – user101786
                            Mar 24 at 21:22




                            6




                            6





                            ...touch typing is overrated when it comes to source code (in languages other than COBOL, that is). And most of the time you spend in front of a computer should be spent for thinking :)

                            – jvb
                            Mar 24 at 21:47





                            ...touch typing is overrated when it comes to source code (in languages other than COBOL, that is). And most of the time you spend in front of a computer should be spent for thinking :)

                            – jvb
                            Mar 24 at 21:47




                            6




                            6





                            @user101786: Oh I definitely understand the feeling. For an anecdote, though, one of the most experienced Dev at my place is a "pecker"... typing with only one finger on each hand and looking at the keyboard to do so. And yet, watching him work is amazing: he never pauses. Instead of bursts of fast typing, he just thinks as he types, and therefore has an uninterrupted slow and steady typing rhythm.

                            – Matthieu M.
                            Mar 25 at 7:50





                            @user101786: Oh I definitely understand the feeling. For an anecdote, though, one of the most experienced Dev at my place is a "pecker"... typing with only one finger on each hand and looking at the keyboard to do so. And yet, watching him work is amazing: he never pauses. Instead of bursts of fast typing, he just thinks as he types, and therefore has an uninterrupted slow and steady typing rhythm.

                            – Matthieu M.
                            Mar 25 at 7:50




                            11




                            11





                            As a programmer who's spent many hours typing with a tea in one hand; I can assure you that with a little practice you can achieve a reasonable typing speed with just 1 hand. In fact typing slowly might actually HELP some programmers since they'll be forced to think more.

                            – UKMonkey
                            Mar 25 at 10:41





                            As a programmer who's spent many hours typing with a tea in one hand; I can assure you that with a little practice you can achieve a reasonable typing speed with just 1 hand. In fact typing slowly might actually HELP some programmers since they'll be forced to think more.

                            – UKMonkey
                            Mar 25 at 10:41













                            119














                            I am a web developer, and I lack the use of both hands and wrists due to quadriplegia. You need not fear that losing the use of a hand excludes you from the programming field. As you say, there is much more to programming than typing speed. I type at a sad maximum of 20 WPM, yet I still am considered a competent developer. However, there are difficulties that lead to topics you may need to think about sooner or later.



                            Disclaimer: My level of ability is very different from your prognosis, so I may see things very differently than you will actually experience them. I am drawing from my own challenges while writing this. I am also from the US.



                            Assistive Technology and Accommodations



                            I have actually found programming to be a particularly forgiving occupation for mobility issues. Computers and workstations can be modified in numerous ways, and details like autocomplete and keybindings can be a big help. You may find equipment that suits your needs, such as an adaptive keyboard or even something as simple as a hand brace. I'd advise you to consider these assistive tools, but don't feel required to use them. No solution works for everyone, and things that others (occupational therapists, concerned friends) believe will help might not always be useful. For instance, I forgo voice-to-text for programming because I find it clunky for that purpose and speaking disrupts my thought process.



                            Your employer or government agencies will usually be willing to help you acquire assistive technology that you need to work.



                            Applying for New Jobs



                            In the event that you do find yourself being passed over on account of your condition, what I have found to be the greatest help in overcoming employers' perceptions that a lack of mobility will significantly affect your work is having people who know that is not the case and who are willing to recommend you. My brother, who also works in programming, has been absolutely amazing in helping me out in that way.



                            Additionally, many programming jobs are remote these days, leading to interviews that are also remote. In such a situation, you could wait to disclose your condition. You are likely not even required to mention it at all, though you may want to in order to request accommodations or avoid questions later. I work remotely, and most of the people on my team do not even know about my condition. I allow it to stay that way because I find it refreshing to know nobody is judging my work by different standards.



                            Wishing you all the best.






                            share|improve this answer










                            New contributor




                            user4545 is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
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                              119














                              I am a web developer, and I lack the use of both hands and wrists due to quadriplegia. You need not fear that losing the use of a hand excludes you from the programming field. As you say, there is much more to programming than typing speed. I type at a sad maximum of 20 WPM, yet I still am considered a competent developer. However, there are difficulties that lead to topics you may need to think about sooner or later.



                              Disclaimer: My level of ability is very different from your prognosis, so I may see things very differently than you will actually experience them. I am drawing from my own challenges while writing this. I am also from the US.



                              Assistive Technology and Accommodations



                              I have actually found programming to be a particularly forgiving occupation for mobility issues. Computers and workstations can be modified in numerous ways, and details like autocomplete and keybindings can be a big help. You may find equipment that suits your needs, such as an adaptive keyboard or even something as simple as a hand brace. I'd advise you to consider these assistive tools, but don't feel required to use them. No solution works for everyone, and things that others (occupational therapists, concerned friends) believe will help might not always be useful. For instance, I forgo voice-to-text for programming because I find it clunky for that purpose and speaking disrupts my thought process.



                              Your employer or government agencies will usually be willing to help you acquire assistive technology that you need to work.



                              Applying for New Jobs



                              In the event that you do find yourself being passed over on account of your condition, what I have found to be the greatest help in overcoming employers' perceptions that a lack of mobility will significantly affect your work is having people who know that is not the case and who are willing to recommend you. My brother, who also works in programming, has been absolutely amazing in helping me out in that way.



                              Additionally, many programming jobs are remote these days, leading to interviews that are also remote. In such a situation, you could wait to disclose your condition. You are likely not even required to mention it at all, though you may want to in order to request accommodations or avoid questions later. I work remotely, and most of the people on my team do not even know about my condition. I allow it to stay that way because I find it refreshing to know nobody is judging my work by different standards.



                              Wishing you all the best.






                              share|improve this answer










                              New contributor




                              user4545 is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                              Check out our Code of Conduct.























                                119












                                119








                                119







                                I am a web developer, and I lack the use of both hands and wrists due to quadriplegia. You need not fear that losing the use of a hand excludes you from the programming field. As you say, there is much more to programming than typing speed. I type at a sad maximum of 20 WPM, yet I still am considered a competent developer. However, there are difficulties that lead to topics you may need to think about sooner or later.



                                Disclaimer: My level of ability is very different from your prognosis, so I may see things very differently than you will actually experience them. I am drawing from my own challenges while writing this. I am also from the US.



                                Assistive Technology and Accommodations



                                I have actually found programming to be a particularly forgiving occupation for mobility issues. Computers and workstations can be modified in numerous ways, and details like autocomplete and keybindings can be a big help. You may find equipment that suits your needs, such as an adaptive keyboard or even something as simple as a hand brace. I'd advise you to consider these assistive tools, but don't feel required to use them. No solution works for everyone, and things that others (occupational therapists, concerned friends) believe will help might not always be useful. For instance, I forgo voice-to-text for programming because I find it clunky for that purpose and speaking disrupts my thought process.



                                Your employer or government agencies will usually be willing to help you acquire assistive technology that you need to work.



                                Applying for New Jobs



                                In the event that you do find yourself being passed over on account of your condition, what I have found to be the greatest help in overcoming employers' perceptions that a lack of mobility will significantly affect your work is having people who know that is not the case and who are willing to recommend you. My brother, who also works in programming, has been absolutely amazing in helping me out in that way.



                                Additionally, many programming jobs are remote these days, leading to interviews that are also remote. In such a situation, you could wait to disclose your condition. You are likely not even required to mention it at all, though you may want to in order to request accommodations or avoid questions later. I work remotely, and most of the people on my team do not even know about my condition. I allow it to stay that way because I find it refreshing to know nobody is judging my work by different standards.



                                Wishing you all the best.






                                share|improve this answer










                                New contributor




                                user4545 is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                                Check out our Code of Conduct.










                                I am a web developer, and I lack the use of both hands and wrists due to quadriplegia. You need not fear that losing the use of a hand excludes you from the programming field. As you say, there is much more to programming than typing speed. I type at a sad maximum of 20 WPM, yet I still am considered a competent developer. However, there are difficulties that lead to topics you may need to think about sooner or later.



                                Disclaimer: My level of ability is very different from your prognosis, so I may see things very differently than you will actually experience them. I am drawing from my own challenges while writing this. I am also from the US.



                                Assistive Technology and Accommodations



                                I have actually found programming to be a particularly forgiving occupation for mobility issues. Computers and workstations can be modified in numerous ways, and details like autocomplete and keybindings can be a big help. You may find equipment that suits your needs, such as an adaptive keyboard or even something as simple as a hand brace. I'd advise you to consider these assistive tools, but don't feel required to use them. No solution works for everyone, and things that others (occupational therapists, concerned friends) believe will help might not always be useful. For instance, I forgo voice-to-text for programming because I find it clunky for that purpose and speaking disrupts my thought process.



                                Your employer or government agencies will usually be willing to help you acquire assistive technology that you need to work.



                                Applying for New Jobs



                                In the event that you do find yourself being passed over on account of your condition, what I have found to be the greatest help in overcoming employers' perceptions that a lack of mobility will significantly affect your work is having people who know that is not the case and who are willing to recommend you. My brother, who also works in programming, has been absolutely amazing in helping me out in that way.



                                Additionally, many programming jobs are remote these days, leading to interviews that are also remote. In such a situation, you could wait to disclose your condition. You are likely not even required to mention it at all, though you may want to in order to request accommodations or avoid questions later. I work remotely, and most of the people on my team do not even know about my condition. I allow it to stay that way because I find it refreshing to know nobody is judging my work by different standards.



                                Wishing you all the best.







                                share|improve this answer










                                New contributor




                                user4545 is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
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                                share|improve this answer



                                share|improve this answer








                                edited yesterday





















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                                answered Mar 24 at 23:15









                                user4545user4545

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                                721136




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                                    55














                                    I used to work with a developer who was missing most of his right hand. He had some of his index finger, and a thumb, both very small and weak compared to his good hand, and no other fingers on that hand. This had no obvious effect on his programming ability, and he was regarded as quite talented. He did not try to type with that hand at all. He could move a mouse with it, simply by resting his hand on top and moving his arm muscles, and had a special mouse that he could click in some way that I never quite understood.



                                    He did play minor practical jokes, like shaking hands with the mutilated hand with people who hadn't spotted it, but everyone reckoned that getting some fun out of it was reasonable, giving the limitations it imposed on him.



                                    So I don't think this problem needs to limit your career at all. You'll have to work out some adaptations to it, but problem-solving is what programmers do.






                                    share|improve this answer




























                                      55














                                      I used to work with a developer who was missing most of his right hand. He had some of his index finger, and a thumb, both very small and weak compared to his good hand, and no other fingers on that hand. This had no obvious effect on his programming ability, and he was regarded as quite talented. He did not try to type with that hand at all. He could move a mouse with it, simply by resting his hand on top and moving his arm muscles, and had a special mouse that he could click in some way that I never quite understood.



                                      He did play minor practical jokes, like shaking hands with the mutilated hand with people who hadn't spotted it, but everyone reckoned that getting some fun out of it was reasonable, giving the limitations it imposed on him.



                                      So I don't think this problem needs to limit your career at all. You'll have to work out some adaptations to it, but problem-solving is what programmers do.






                                      share|improve this answer


























                                        55












                                        55








                                        55







                                        I used to work with a developer who was missing most of his right hand. He had some of his index finger, and a thumb, both very small and weak compared to his good hand, and no other fingers on that hand. This had no obvious effect on his programming ability, and he was regarded as quite talented. He did not try to type with that hand at all. He could move a mouse with it, simply by resting his hand on top and moving his arm muscles, and had a special mouse that he could click in some way that I never quite understood.



                                        He did play minor practical jokes, like shaking hands with the mutilated hand with people who hadn't spotted it, but everyone reckoned that getting some fun out of it was reasonable, giving the limitations it imposed on him.



                                        So I don't think this problem needs to limit your career at all. You'll have to work out some adaptations to it, but problem-solving is what programmers do.






                                        share|improve this answer













                                        I used to work with a developer who was missing most of his right hand. He had some of his index finger, and a thumb, both very small and weak compared to his good hand, and no other fingers on that hand. This had no obvious effect on his programming ability, and he was regarded as quite talented. He did not try to type with that hand at all. He could move a mouse with it, simply by resting his hand on top and moving his arm muscles, and had a special mouse that he could click in some way that I never quite understood.



                                        He did play minor practical jokes, like shaking hands with the mutilated hand with people who hadn't spotted it, but everyone reckoned that getting some fun out of it was reasonable, giving the limitations it imposed on him.



                                        So I don't think this problem needs to limit your career at all. You'll have to work out some adaptations to it, but problem-solving is what programmers do.







                                        share|improve this answer












                                        share|improve this answer



                                        share|improve this answer










                                        answered Mar 24 at 20:29









                                        John DallmanJohn Dallman

                                        59228




                                        59228























                                            27














                                            I'm a software engineer too. I broke my right humerus a couple of years ago and the inflammation ended up pinching off nerves and leaving my whole right arm a useless floppy noodle for months.



                                            I ended up using a software version of the Half Qwerty keyboard. I broke my right arm, so I would put my left hand in the usual spot on the left side of the keyboard. Then to type a letter on the right side of the keyboard, you hold the spacebar and press the corresponding key mirrored across to the left side. For example, to type P I would hold space and type Q.



                                            Within a month or so I was pretty comfortable typing with one hand. Coding was not an issue at all; the real difficulty was writing long-form stuff like documentation. But you've got an advantage in that the onset will be slower and you can gradually develop your one-handed typing skills with a real solution like the FrogPad or another chorded keyboard. People can get crazy fast with those. So I wouldn't worry if I were you.



                                            FrogPad






                                            share|improve this answer




























                                              27














                                              I'm a software engineer too. I broke my right humerus a couple of years ago and the inflammation ended up pinching off nerves and leaving my whole right arm a useless floppy noodle for months.



                                              I ended up using a software version of the Half Qwerty keyboard. I broke my right arm, so I would put my left hand in the usual spot on the left side of the keyboard. Then to type a letter on the right side of the keyboard, you hold the spacebar and press the corresponding key mirrored across to the left side. For example, to type P I would hold space and type Q.



                                              Within a month or so I was pretty comfortable typing with one hand. Coding was not an issue at all; the real difficulty was writing long-form stuff like documentation. But you've got an advantage in that the onset will be slower and you can gradually develop your one-handed typing skills with a real solution like the FrogPad or another chorded keyboard. People can get crazy fast with those. So I wouldn't worry if I were you.



                                              FrogPad






                                              share|improve this answer


























                                                27












                                                27








                                                27







                                                I'm a software engineer too. I broke my right humerus a couple of years ago and the inflammation ended up pinching off nerves and leaving my whole right arm a useless floppy noodle for months.



                                                I ended up using a software version of the Half Qwerty keyboard. I broke my right arm, so I would put my left hand in the usual spot on the left side of the keyboard. Then to type a letter on the right side of the keyboard, you hold the spacebar and press the corresponding key mirrored across to the left side. For example, to type P I would hold space and type Q.



                                                Within a month or so I was pretty comfortable typing with one hand. Coding was not an issue at all; the real difficulty was writing long-form stuff like documentation. But you've got an advantage in that the onset will be slower and you can gradually develop your one-handed typing skills with a real solution like the FrogPad or another chorded keyboard. People can get crazy fast with those. So I wouldn't worry if I were you.



                                                FrogPad






                                                share|improve this answer













                                                I'm a software engineer too. I broke my right humerus a couple of years ago and the inflammation ended up pinching off nerves and leaving my whole right arm a useless floppy noodle for months.



                                                I ended up using a software version of the Half Qwerty keyboard. I broke my right arm, so I would put my left hand in the usual spot on the left side of the keyboard. Then to type a letter on the right side of the keyboard, you hold the spacebar and press the corresponding key mirrored across to the left side. For example, to type P I would hold space and type Q.



                                                Within a month or so I was pretty comfortable typing with one hand. Coding was not an issue at all; the real difficulty was writing long-form stuff like documentation. But you've got an advantage in that the onset will be slower and you can gradually develop your one-handed typing skills with a real solution like the FrogPad or another chorded keyboard. People can get crazy fast with those. So I wouldn't worry if I were you.



                                                FrogPad







                                                share|improve this answer












                                                share|improve this answer



                                                share|improve this answer










                                                answered Mar 25 at 14:38









                                                Brian GordonBrian Gordon

                                                401148




                                                401148























                                                    19














                                                    Don’t panic - you know yourself how fast the computer world has progressed.



                                                    If you do end up find typing too challenging, and others have pointed out keyboards etc, the advances in « speech to text » recognition will probably provide a possible solution.



                                                    In fact that type of motivation has been the spark for someone to create the next generation of many things...



                                                    Best wishes.






                                                    share|improve this answer






























                                                      19














                                                      Don’t panic - you know yourself how fast the computer world has progressed.



                                                      If you do end up find typing too challenging, and others have pointed out keyboards etc, the advances in « speech to text » recognition will probably provide a possible solution.



                                                      In fact that type of motivation has been the spark for someone to create the next generation of many things...



                                                      Best wishes.






                                                      share|improve this answer




























                                                        19












                                                        19








                                                        19







                                                        Don’t panic - you know yourself how fast the computer world has progressed.



                                                        If you do end up find typing too challenging, and others have pointed out keyboards etc, the advances in « speech to text » recognition will probably provide a possible solution.



                                                        In fact that type of motivation has been the spark for someone to create the next generation of many things...



                                                        Best wishes.






                                                        share|improve this answer















                                                        Don’t panic - you know yourself how fast the computer world has progressed.



                                                        If you do end up find typing too challenging, and others have pointed out keyboards etc, the advances in « speech to text » recognition will probably provide a possible solution.



                                                        In fact that type of motivation has been the spark for someone to create the next generation of many things...



                                                        Best wishes.







                                                        share|improve this answer














                                                        share|improve this answer



                                                        share|improve this answer








                                                        edited Mar 24 at 20:56

























                                                        answered Mar 24 at 18:38









                                                        Solar MikeSolar Mike

                                                        2,423916




                                                        2,423916























                                                            16














                                                            As others have commented, typing speed isn't really that useful for a developer.



                                                            That said, it can be useful to keep your eyes on the screen while typing, so you might be interested in using a keyboard that allows you to touch-type with one hand, such as a chorded keyboard or a single-hand keyboard.






                                                            share|improve this answer








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                                                            • 5





                                                              And if you train yourself to type blind with 5 fingers on a single-handed keyboard with speed, then you are most likely as fast if not faster than the average developer.

                                                              – Erwin Bolwidt
                                                              Mar 24 at 22:17
















                                                            16














                                                            As others have commented, typing speed isn't really that useful for a developer.



                                                            That said, it can be useful to keep your eyes on the screen while typing, so you might be interested in using a keyboard that allows you to touch-type with one hand, such as a chorded keyboard or a single-hand keyboard.






                                                            share|improve this answer








                                                            New contributor




                                                            Brian McCutchon is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                                                            Check out our Code of Conduct.
















                                                            • 5





                                                              And if you train yourself to type blind with 5 fingers on a single-handed keyboard with speed, then you are most likely as fast if not faster than the average developer.

                                                              – Erwin Bolwidt
                                                              Mar 24 at 22:17














                                                            16












                                                            16








                                                            16







                                                            As others have commented, typing speed isn't really that useful for a developer.



                                                            That said, it can be useful to keep your eyes on the screen while typing, so you might be interested in using a keyboard that allows you to touch-type with one hand, such as a chorded keyboard or a single-hand keyboard.






                                                            share|improve this answer








                                                            New contributor




                                                            Brian McCutchon is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                                                            Check out our Code of Conduct.










                                                            As others have commented, typing speed isn't really that useful for a developer.



                                                            That said, it can be useful to keep your eyes on the screen while typing, so you might be interested in using a keyboard that allows you to touch-type with one hand, such as a chorded keyboard or a single-hand keyboard.







                                                            share|improve this answer








                                                            New contributor




                                                            Brian McCutchon is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                                                            Check out our Code of Conduct.









                                                            share|improve this answer



                                                            share|improve this answer






                                                            New contributor




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                                                            answered Mar 24 at 20:39









                                                            Brian McCutchonBrian McCutchon

                                                            27315




                                                            27315




                                                            New contributor




                                                            Brian McCutchon is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
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                                                            New contributor





                                                            Brian McCutchon is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                                                            Check out our Code of Conduct.






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                                                            • 5





                                                              And if you train yourself to type blind with 5 fingers on a single-handed keyboard with speed, then you are most likely as fast if not faster than the average developer.

                                                              – Erwin Bolwidt
                                                              Mar 24 at 22:17














                                                            • 5





                                                              And if you train yourself to type blind with 5 fingers on a single-handed keyboard with speed, then you are most likely as fast if not faster than the average developer.

                                                              – Erwin Bolwidt
                                                              Mar 24 at 22:17








                                                            5




                                                            5





                                                            And if you train yourself to type blind with 5 fingers on a single-handed keyboard with speed, then you are most likely as fast if not faster than the average developer.

                                                            – Erwin Bolwidt
                                                            Mar 24 at 22:17





                                                            And if you train yourself to type blind with 5 fingers on a single-handed keyboard with speed, then you are most likely as fast if not faster than the average developer.

                                                            – Erwin Bolwidt
                                                            Mar 24 at 22:17











                                                            13














                                                            I'm one of those.



                                                            I was born with one hand. My right hand is kinda like a stub, and I use it for typing. It's like I'm typing with 6 fingers instead of 10, but still pretty fast. It has zero affect on my programming abilities whatsoever.



                                                            I don't use any assistive devices at all. I use a qwerty keyboard and a ambidextrous mouse. I don't use assistive devices mostly because that restricts my ability to use new gadgets or go type on a colleagues computer when doing some pair programming.



                                                            If you can use a finger on your other hand to type using some arm and wrist muscles, you probably don't need anything extra. Just some getting used to. If you're gonna write with one hand only, take a look at some Dvorak keyboard layouts, they have one-handed versions as well. I tried it, but I like qwerty better.



                                                            I bet this will have zero affect on your ability as a programmer.






                                                            share|improve this answer




























                                                              13














                                                              I'm one of those.



                                                              I was born with one hand. My right hand is kinda like a stub, and I use it for typing. It's like I'm typing with 6 fingers instead of 10, but still pretty fast. It has zero affect on my programming abilities whatsoever.



                                                              I don't use any assistive devices at all. I use a qwerty keyboard and a ambidextrous mouse. I don't use assistive devices mostly because that restricts my ability to use new gadgets or go type on a colleagues computer when doing some pair programming.



                                                              If you can use a finger on your other hand to type using some arm and wrist muscles, you probably don't need anything extra. Just some getting used to. If you're gonna write with one hand only, take a look at some Dvorak keyboard layouts, they have one-handed versions as well. I tried it, but I like qwerty better.



                                                              I bet this will have zero affect on your ability as a programmer.






                                                              share|improve this answer


























                                                                13












                                                                13








                                                                13







                                                                I'm one of those.



                                                                I was born with one hand. My right hand is kinda like a stub, and I use it for typing. It's like I'm typing with 6 fingers instead of 10, but still pretty fast. It has zero affect on my programming abilities whatsoever.



                                                                I don't use any assistive devices at all. I use a qwerty keyboard and a ambidextrous mouse. I don't use assistive devices mostly because that restricts my ability to use new gadgets or go type on a colleagues computer when doing some pair programming.



                                                                If you can use a finger on your other hand to type using some arm and wrist muscles, you probably don't need anything extra. Just some getting used to. If you're gonna write with one hand only, take a look at some Dvorak keyboard layouts, they have one-handed versions as well. I tried it, but I like qwerty better.



                                                                I bet this will have zero affect on your ability as a programmer.






                                                                share|improve this answer













                                                                I'm one of those.



                                                                I was born with one hand. My right hand is kinda like a stub, and I use it for typing. It's like I'm typing with 6 fingers instead of 10, but still pretty fast. It has zero affect on my programming abilities whatsoever.



                                                                I don't use any assistive devices at all. I use a qwerty keyboard and a ambidextrous mouse. I don't use assistive devices mostly because that restricts my ability to use new gadgets or go type on a colleagues computer when doing some pair programming.



                                                                If you can use a finger on your other hand to type using some arm and wrist muscles, you probably don't need anything extra. Just some getting used to. If you're gonna write with one hand only, take a look at some Dvorak keyboard layouts, they have one-handed versions as well. I tried it, but I like qwerty better.



                                                                I bet this will have zero affect on your ability as a programmer.







                                                                share|improve this answer












                                                                share|improve this answer



                                                                share|improve this answer










                                                                answered Mar 25 at 17:54









                                                                Umur KontacıUmur Kontacı

                                                                30415




                                                                30415























                                                                    6














                                                                    I spent quite some time looking for an alternative tech to keyboards to improve speed. I found this which is a typing glove, which is used as a keyboard and mouse for a single hand. It is slower than a two handed keyboard but it seems way faster than a single hand keyboard since it can swap from keyboard and mouse instantly.
                                                                    https://www.tapwithus.com/
                                                                    It will require some training but it's worth a try.






                                                                    share|improve this answer








                                                                    New contributor




                                                                    Salim is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
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                                                                      6














                                                                      I spent quite some time looking for an alternative tech to keyboards to improve speed. I found this which is a typing glove, which is used as a keyboard and mouse for a single hand. It is slower than a two handed keyboard but it seems way faster than a single hand keyboard since it can swap from keyboard and mouse instantly.
                                                                      https://www.tapwithus.com/
                                                                      It will require some training but it's worth a try.






                                                                      share|improve this answer








                                                                      New contributor




                                                                      Salim is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                                                                      Check out our Code of Conduct.























                                                                        6












                                                                        6








                                                                        6







                                                                        I spent quite some time looking for an alternative tech to keyboards to improve speed. I found this which is a typing glove, which is used as a keyboard and mouse for a single hand. It is slower than a two handed keyboard but it seems way faster than a single hand keyboard since it can swap from keyboard and mouse instantly.
                                                                        https://www.tapwithus.com/
                                                                        It will require some training but it's worth a try.






                                                                        share|improve this answer








                                                                        New contributor




                                                                        Salim is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                                                                        Check out our Code of Conduct.










                                                                        I spent quite some time looking for an alternative tech to keyboards to improve speed. I found this which is a typing glove, which is used as a keyboard and mouse for a single hand. It is slower than a two handed keyboard but it seems way faster than a single hand keyboard since it can swap from keyboard and mouse instantly.
                                                                        https://www.tapwithus.com/
                                                                        It will require some training but it's worth a try.







                                                                        share|improve this answer








                                                                        New contributor




                                                                        Salim is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                                                                        Check out our Code of Conduct.









                                                                        share|improve this answer



                                                                        share|improve this answer






                                                                        New contributor




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                                                                        answered Mar 24 at 23:27









                                                                        SalimSalim

                                                                        611




                                                                        611




                                                                        New contributor




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                                                                        New contributor





                                                                        Salim is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
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                                                                        Salim is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
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                                                                            4














                                                                            Although this answer has a lot of good answers focusing on Assistive Technology (and in my job, we support DragonSpeak for the Mobility-Impaired employees), Lower Technology can also be good.



                                                                            Coding isn't just typing, it's thinking & problem solving -- if your handwriting is still clear, then decision trees, post-its, whiteboards -- all of those can be ways to work through the code BEFORE getting it into the computer.



                                                                            For debugging, perhaps focus on print-outs and then highlight errors, and perhaps you'll have an assistant or intern who can make the specific changes?



                                                                            One that is more tech-focused: Get to know your keyboard shortcuts -- I sometimes now use JAWS (a screen-reader) without the headset, because I like the keyboard shortcuts I get with it. Every program has a lot more probably built in than the ones you already know.






                                                                            share|improve this answer



















                                                                            • 5





                                                                              +1 for coding is more than typing. At a previous job, we had a team member coming back from carpal tunnel surgery and was told to avoid using a keyboard as much as possible. He became a dedicated co-pilot for pair programming and his insights were invaluable. He was a fantastic mentor to our younger developers and a few months after returning, he was promoted to team lead.

                                                                              – aleppke
                                                                              Mar 25 at 15:02
















                                                                            4














                                                                            Although this answer has a lot of good answers focusing on Assistive Technology (and in my job, we support DragonSpeak for the Mobility-Impaired employees), Lower Technology can also be good.



                                                                            Coding isn't just typing, it's thinking & problem solving -- if your handwriting is still clear, then decision trees, post-its, whiteboards -- all of those can be ways to work through the code BEFORE getting it into the computer.



                                                                            For debugging, perhaps focus on print-outs and then highlight errors, and perhaps you'll have an assistant or intern who can make the specific changes?



                                                                            One that is more tech-focused: Get to know your keyboard shortcuts -- I sometimes now use JAWS (a screen-reader) without the headset, because I like the keyboard shortcuts I get with it. Every program has a lot more probably built in than the ones you already know.






                                                                            share|improve this answer



















                                                                            • 5





                                                                              +1 for coding is more than typing. At a previous job, we had a team member coming back from carpal tunnel surgery and was told to avoid using a keyboard as much as possible. He became a dedicated co-pilot for pair programming and his insights were invaluable. He was a fantastic mentor to our younger developers and a few months after returning, he was promoted to team lead.

                                                                              – aleppke
                                                                              Mar 25 at 15:02














                                                                            4












                                                                            4








                                                                            4







                                                                            Although this answer has a lot of good answers focusing on Assistive Technology (and in my job, we support DragonSpeak for the Mobility-Impaired employees), Lower Technology can also be good.



                                                                            Coding isn't just typing, it's thinking & problem solving -- if your handwriting is still clear, then decision trees, post-its, whiteboards -- all of those can be ways to work through the code BEFORE getting it into the computer.



                                                                            For debugging, perhaps focus on print-outs and then highlight errors, and perhaps you'll have an assistant or intern who can make the specific changes?



                                                                            One that is more tech-focused: Get to know your keyboard shortcuts -- I sometimes now use JAWS (a screen-reader) without the headset, because I like the keyboard shortcuts I get with it. Every program has a lot more probably built in than the ones you already know.






                                                                            share|improve this answer













                                                                            Although this answer has a lot of good answers focusing on Assistive Technology (and in my job, we support DragonSpeak for the Mobility-Impaired employees), Lower Technology can also be good.



                                                                            Coding isn't just typing, it's thinking & problem solving -- if your handwriting is still clear, then decision trees, post-its, whiteboards -- all of those can be ways to work through the code BEFORE getting it into the computer.



                                                                            For debugging, perhaps focus on print-outs and then highlight errors, and perhaps you'll have an assistant or intern who can make the specific changes?



                                                                            One that is more tech-focused: Get to know your keyboard shortcuts -- I sometimes now use JAWS (a screen-reader) without the headset, because I like the keyboard shortcuts I get with it. Every program has a lot more probably built in than the ones you already know.







                                                                            share|improve this answer












                                                                            share|improve this answer



                                                                            share|improve this answer










                                                                            answered Mar 25 at 13:34









                                                                            AprilApril

                                                                            44516




                                                                            44516








                                                                            • 5





                                                                              +1 for coding is more than typing. At a previous job, we had a team member coming back from carpal tunnel surgery and was told to avoid using a keyboard as much as possible. He became a dedicated co-pilot for pair programming and his insights were invaluable. He was a fantastic mentor to our younger developers and a few months after returning, he was promoted to team lead.

                                                                              – aleppke
                                                                              Mar 25 at 15:02














                                                                            • 5





                                                                              +1 for coding is more than typing. At a previous job, we had a team member coming back from carpal tunnel surgery and was told to avoid using a keyboard as much as possible. He became a dedicated co-pilot for pair programming and his insights were invaluable. He was a fantastic mentor to our younger developers and a few months after returning, he was promoted to team lead.

                                                                              – aleppke
                                                                              Mar 25 at 15:02








                                                                            5




                                                                            5





                                                                            +1 for coding is more than typing. At a previous job, we had a team member coming back from carpal tunnel surgery and was told to avoid using a keyboard as much as possible. He became a dedicated co-pilot for pair programming and his insights were invaluable. He was a fantastic mentor to our younger developers and a few months after returning, he was promoted to team lead.

                                                                            – aleppke
                                                                            Mar 25 at 15:02





                                                                            +1 for coding is more than typing. At a previous job, we had a team member coming back from carpal tunnel surgery and was told to avoid using a keyboard as much as possible. He became a dedicated co-pilot for pair programming and his insights were invaluable. He was a fantastic mentor to our younger developers and a few months after returning, he was promoted to team lead.

                                                                            – aleppke
                                                                            Mar 25 at 15:02











                                                                            4














                                                                            There are also foot pedal devices available, which can be programmed for common keystrokes, like Ctrl/C, Ctrl/X, Ctrl/V. They would probably help compensate for the weak hand. If you are able to build electronic devices, or know someone who can, you may even consider building a custom foot-pedal board, with as many buttons/pedals as you think are appropriate. You can also build all sorts of other trick devices that would customize your chair or desk, which would let you do things like use a sideways press of your knee to replace the Shift key, or tongue-press devices, which you could hold in your teeth and press for certain keys. Look around at what other people with disabilities have built or arranged for themselves, and don't be afraid to try something just because it may look silly.



                                                                            Mostly, as many other people have said, programming is about your brain, not your hand. You will have to make some adjustments, and some of them will be frustrating, but if you like what you're doing and you're good at it, there is no reason to let your hand derail your career.






                                                                            share|improve this answer








                                                                            New contributor




                                                                            Pete Danes is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
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                                                                              4














                                                                              There are also foot pedal devices available, which can be programmed for common keystrokes, like Ctrl/C, Ctrl/X, Ctrl/V. They would probably help compensate for the weak hand. If you are able to build electronic devices, or know someone who can, you may even consider building a custom foot-pedal board, with as many buttons/pedals as you think are appropriate. You can also build all sorts of other trick devices that would customize your chair or desk, which would let you do things like use a sideways press of your knee to replace the Shift key, or tongue-press devices, which you could hold in your teeth and press for certain keys. Look around at what other people with disabilities have built or arranged for themselves, and don't be afraid to try something just because it may look silly.



                                                                              Mostly, as many other people have said, programming is about your brain, not your hand. You will have to make some adjustments, and some of them will be frustrating, but if you like what you're doing and you're good at it, there is no reason to let your hand derail your career.






                                                                              share|improve this answer








                                                                              New contributor




                                                                              Pete Danes is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                                                                              Check out our Code of Conduct.























                                                                                4












                                                                                4








                                                                                4







                                                                                There are also foot pedal devices available, which can be programmed for common keystrokes, like Ctrl/C, Ctrl/X, Ctrl/V. They would probably help compensate for the weak hand. If you are able to build electronic devices, or know someone who can, you may even consider building a custom foot-pedal board, with as many buttons/pedals as you think are appropriate. You can also build all sorts of other trick devices that would customize your chair or desk, which would let you do things like use a sideways press of your knee to replace the Shift key, or tongue-press devices, which you could hold in your teeth and press for certain keys. Look around at what other people with disabilities have built or arranged for themselves, and don't be afraid to try something just because it may look silly.



                                                                                Mostly, as many other people have said, programming is about your brain, not your hand. You will have to make some adjustments, and some of them will be frustrating, but if you like what you're doing and you're good at it, there is no reason to let your hand derail your career.






                                                                                share|improve this answer








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                                                                                There are also foot pedal devices available, which can be programmed for common keystrokes, like Ctrl/C, Ctrl/X, Ctrl/V. They would probably help compensate for the weak hand. If you are able to build electronic devices, or know someone who can, you may even consider building a custom foot-pedal board, with as many buttons/pedals as you think are appropriate. You can also build all sorts of other trick devices that would customize your chair or desk, which would let you do things like use a sideways press of your knee to replace the Shift key, or tongue-press devices, which you could hold in your teeth and press for certain keys. Look around at what other people with disabilities have built or arranged for themselves, and don't be afraid to try something just because it may look silly.



                                                                                Mostly, as many other people have said, programming is about your brain, not your hand. You will have to make some adjustments, and some of them will be frustrating, but if you like what you're doing and you're good at it, there is no reason to let your hand derail your career.







                                                                                share|improve this answer








                                                                                New contributor




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                                                                                share|improve this answer



                                                                                share|improve this answer






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                                                                                answered Mar 25 at 19:18









                                                                                Pete DanesPete Danes

                                                                                411




                                                                                411




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                                                                                New contributor





                                                                                Pete Danes is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
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                                                                                Pete Danes is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
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                                                                                    3














                                                                                    First of all your knowledge and experience are far more valuable than your speed of typing. Of course you may meet people who do not understand that in your professional career but in general you should not be concerned about that.



                                                                                    There are few things you may consider to address the situation (in addition to other's suggestion).



                                                                                    1. Learn to use mouse weaker hand



                                                                                    You said you are still able to press large buttons. I assume you'll also be able to make larger moves of the whole hand. So rather than using this hand as the main one for the keyboard switch the roles. This way your hand will still provide you some extra productivity. It takes some time to adapt but it can be really useful (I did that regardless of the needs. It was just boosting my productivity a bit).



                                                                                    2. Seek for formal disability confirmation



                                                                                    While in general in most European country it's illegal to bias your employers choice based on their health conditions (either way) having a formal confirmation will actually help your company compensate (at least to some level) the eventual loss of productivity. There are additional benefits to companies hiring people with disabilities (usually related to tax exemptions but it may also contain other support, eg. equipment reducing the negative effects of the sickness). You will probably have some personal benefits in addition (eg. cheaper medicines or support when buying some special equipment).



                                                                                    3. Be prepared to work remotely/as a freelancer



                                                                                    This advice is mostly in case you have to look for another job. As a freelancer working from home you usually get your goals set and it's up to you how you make sure you meet them. As long as you deliver, you have your job.



                                                                                    4. Consider some change to your role



                                                                                    Yes, I realise it's difficult to change your job and you even mention that it's something you don't want to do. But if you want to advance in your career you probably have to change your job anyway to managerial. You may not look for it now or you can perceive it in a negative way but look at it from a different perspective. You still have at least few years when your hand is in at least acceptable condition. Use that time not only to work but also to get some more insight into more managerial work. Learn management, find pleasure in it. It might be that you will want to actually do it in few years.



                                                                                    It also doesn't have to be strictly managing. You can give lectures or lead courses. You can focus more on things like code revisions and so on. You can look for things where larger parts of development are done with a mouse (GUI? RPA?).



                                                                                    5. Don't give up!



                                                                                    This should probably be the first point. Things are changing. Who knows where are we going to be in 3 or 5 years. You may as well have some NLP based programmes and programming will look more like talking to a colleague than typing on a keyboard. Just be open and never let your sickness limit you!






                                                                                    share|improve this answer




























                                                                                      3














                                                                                      First of all your knowledge and experience are far more valuable than your speed of typing. Of course you may meet people who do not understand that in your professional career but in general you should not be concerned about that.



                                                                                      There are few things you may consider to address the situation (in addition to other's suggestion).



                                                                                      1. Learn to use mouse weaker hand



                                                                                      You said you are still able to press large buttons. I assume you'll also be able to make larger moves of the whole hand. So rather than using this hand as the main one for the keyboard switch the roles. This way your hand will still provide you some extra productivity. It takes some time to adapt but it can be really useful (I did that regardless of the needs. It was just boosting my productivity a bit).



                                                                                      2. Seek for formal disability confirmation



                                                                                      While in general in most European country it's illegal to bias your employers choice based on their health conditions (either way) having a formal confirmation will actually help your company compensate (at least to some level) the eventual loss of productivity. There are additional benefits to companies hiring people with disabilities (usually related to tax exemptions but it may also contain other support, eg. equipment reducing the negative effects of the sickness). You will probably have some personal benefits in addition (eg. cheaper medicines or support when buying some special equipment).



                                                                                      3. Be prepared to work remotely/as a freelancer



                                                                                      This advice is mostly in case you have to look for another job. As a freelancer working from home you usually get your goals set and it's up to you how you make sure you meet them. As long as you deliver, you have your job.



                                                                                      4. Consider some change to your role



                                                                                      Yes, I realise it's difficult to change your job and you even mention that it's something you don't want to do. But if you want to advance in your career you probably have to change your job anyway to managerial. You may not look for it now or you can perceive it in a negative way but look at it from a different perspective. You still have at least few years when your hand is in at least acceptable condition. Use that time not only to work but also to get some more insight into more managerial work. Learn management, find pleasure in it. It might be that you will want to actually do it in few years.



                                                                                      It also doesn't have to be strictly managing. You can give lectures or lead courses. You can focus more on things like code revisions and so on. You can look for things where larger parts of development are done with a mouse (GUI? RPA?).



                                                                                      5. Don't give up!



                                                                                      This should probably be the first point. Things are changing. Who knows where are we going to be in 3 or 5 years. You may as well have some NLP based programmes and programming will look more like talking to a colleague than typing on a keyboard. Just be open and never let your sickness limit you!






                                                                                      share|improve this answer


























                                                                                        3












                                                                                        3








                                                                                        3







                                                                                        First of all your knowledge and experience are far more valuable than your speed of typing. Of course you may meet people who do not understand that in your professional career but in general you should not be concerned about that.



                                                                                        There are few things you may consider to address the situation (in addition to other's suggestion).



                                                                                        1. Learn to use mouse weaker hand



                                                                                        You said you are still able to press large buttons. I assume you'll also be able to make larger moves of the whole hand. So rather than using this hand as the main one for the keyboard switch the roles. This way your hand will still provide you some extra productivity. It takes some time to adapt but it can be really useful (I did that regardless of the needs. It was just boosting my productivity a bit).



                                                                                        2. Seek for formal disability confirmation



                                                                                        While in general in most European country it's illegal to bias your employers choice based on their health conditions (either way) having a formal confirmation will actually help your company compensate (at least to some level) the eventual loss of productivity. There are additional benefits to companies hiring people with disabilities (usually related to tax exemptions but it may also contain other support, eg. equipment reducing the negative effects of the sickness). You will probably have some personal benefits in addition (eg. cheaper medicines or support when buying some special equipment).



                                                                                        3. Be prepared to work remotely/as a freelancer



                                                                                        This advice is mostly in case you have to look for another job. As a freelancer working from home you usually get your goals set and it's up to you how you make sure you meet them. As long as you deliver, you have your job.



                                                                                        4. Consider some change to your role



                                                                                        Yes, I realise it's difficult to change your job and you even mention that it's something you don't want to do. But if you want to advance in your career you probably have to change your job anyway to managerial. You may not look for it now or you can perceive it in a negative way but look at it from a different perspective. You still have at least few years when your hand is in at least acceptable condition. Use that time not only to work but also to get some more insight into more managerial work. Learn management, find pleasure in it. It might be that you will want to actually do it in few years.



                                                                                        It also doesn't have to be strictly managing. You can give lectures or lead courses. You can focus more on things like code revisions and so on. You can look for things where larger parts of development are done with a mouse (GUI? RPA?).



                                                                                        5. Don't give up!



                                                                                        This should probably be the first point. Things are changing. Who knows where are we going to be in 3 or 5 years. You may as well have some NLP based programmes and programming will look more like talking to a colleague than typing on a keyboard. Just be open and never let your sickness limit you!






                                                                                        share|improve this answer













                                                                                        First of all your knowledge and experience are far more valuable than your speed of typing. Of course you may meet people who do not understand that in your professional career but in general you should not be concerned about that.



                                                                                        There are few things you may consider to address the situation (in addition to other's suggestion).



                                                                                        1. Learn to use mouse weaker hand



                                                                                        You said you are still able to press large buttons. I assume you'll also be able to make larger moves of the whole hand. So rather than using this hand as the main one for the keyboard switch the roles. This way your hand will still provide you some extra productivity. It takes some time to adapt but it can be really useful (I did that regardless of the needs. It was just boosting my productivity a bit).



                                                                                        2. Seek for formal disability confirmation



                                                                                        While in general in most European country it's illegal to bias your employers choice based on their health conditions (either way) having a formal confirmation will actually help your company compensate (at least to some level) the eventual loss of productivity. There are additional benefits to companies hiring people with disabilities (usually related to tax exemptions but it may also contain other support, eg. equipment reducing the negative effects of the sickness). You will probably have some personal benefits in addition (eg. cheaper medicines or support when buying some special equipment).



                                                                                        3. Be prepared to work remotely/as a freelancer



                                                                                        This advice is mostly in case you have to look for another job. As a freelancer working from home you usually get your goals set and it's up to you how you make sure you meet them. As long as you deliver, you have your job.



                                                                                        4. Consider some change to your role



                                                                                        Yes, I realise it's difficult to change your job and you even mention that it's something you don't want to do. But if you want to advance in your career you probably have to change your job anyway to managerial. You may not look for it now or you can perceive it in a negative way but look at it from a different perspective. You still have at least few years when your hand is in at least acceptable condition. Use that time not only to work but also to get some more insight into more managerial work. Learn management, find pleasure in it. It might be that you will want to actually do it in few years.



                                                                                        It also doesn't have to be strictly managing. You can give lectures or lead courses. You can focus more on things like code revisions and so on. You can look for things where larger parts of development are done with a mouse (GUI? RPA?).



                                                                                        5. Don't give up!



                                                                                        This should probably be the first point. Things are changing. Who knows where are we going to be in 3 or 5 years. You may as well have some NLP based programmes and programming will look more like talking to a colleague than typing on a keyboard. Just be open and never let your sickness limit you!







                                                                                        share|improve this answer












                                                                                        share|improve this answer



                                                                                        share|improve this answer










                                                                                        answered Mar 25 at 9:53









                                                                                        IsterIster

                                                                                        1,145310




                                                                                        1,145310























                                                                                            2














                                                                                            I've worked for twenty years as a developer from dba to now director of technology. Most of coding is thinking maybe 10% is typing. Learn a good scripting language to do the repetitive stuff for you. (All productive devs should do this anyway). The only thing I've found difficult are video games, but a 7 button mouse and a set of USB pedals fix that.






                                                                                            share|improve this answer








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                                                                                              2














                                                                                              I've worked for twenty years as a developer from dba to now director of technology. Most of coding is thinking maybe 10% is typing. Learn a good scripting language to do the repetitive stuff for you. (All productive devs should do this anyway). The only thing I've found difficult are video games, but a 7 button mouse and a set of USB pedals fix that.






                                                                                              share|improve this answer








                                                                                              New contributor




                                                                                              Travis Walsh is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                                                                                              Check out our Code of Conduct.























                                                                                                2












                                                                                                2








                                                                                                2







                                                                                                I've worked for twenty years as a developer from dba to now director of technology. Most of coding is thinking maybe 10% is typing. Learn a good scripting language to do the repetitive stuff for you. (All productive devs should do this anyway). The only thing I've found difficult are video games, but a 7 button mouse and a set of USB pedals fix that.






                                                                                                share|improve this answer








                                                                                                New contributor




                                                                                                Travis Walsh is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                                                                                                Check out our Code of Conduct.










                                                                                                I've worked for twenty years as a developer from dba to now director of technology. Most of coding is thinking maybe 10% is typing. Learn a good scripting language to do the repetitive stuff for you. (All productive devs should do this anyway). The only thing I've found difficult are video games, but a 7 button mouse and a set of USB pedals fix that.







                                                                                                share|improve this answer








                                                                                                New contributor




                                                                                                Travis Walsh is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                                                                                                Check out our Code of Conduct.









                                                                                                share|improve this answer



                                                                                                share|improve this answer






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                                                                                                answered Mar 25 at 3:31









                                                                                                Travis WalshTravis Walsh

                                                                                                212




                                                                                                212




                                                                                                New contributor




                                                                                                Travis Walsh is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
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                                                                                                New contributor





                                                                                                Travis Walsh is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                                                                                                Check out our Code of Conduct.






                                                                                                Travis Walsh is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
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                                                                                                    1














                                                                                                    From very limited experience (typing while holding a phone in the left hand), if you can't operate shift key etc. with the handicapped hand, that is a significant slow down, but as long as you can operate shift key etc. and can use one hand for typing, it slows you down a bit but not that much.



                                                                                                    Since a lot of your time is spent thinking, designing, looking for bugs etc., I would say that with a left hand that is not totally useless you probably still can work at 98% of your normal capacity. You'd still be better than a bad typist.






                                                                                                    share|improve this answer
























                                                                                                    • I once had a short-term injury that put one hand/wrist in plaster for a few weeks. I was able to use the entire lower arm and plaster cast to operate the shift key, and resume almost normal speed with the other hand going back and forth between keyboard and mouse.

                                                                                                      – Steve
                                                                                                      yesterday
















                                                                                                    1














                                                                                                    From very limited experience (typing while holding a phone in the left hand), if you can't operate shift key etc. with the handicapped hand, that is a significant slow down, but as long as you can operate shift key etc. and can use one hand for typing, it slows you down a bit but not that much.



                                                                                                    Since a lot of your time is spent thinking, designing, looking for bugs etc., I would say that with a left hand that is not totally useless you probably still can work at 98% of your normal capacity. You'd still be better than a bad typist.






                                                                                                    share|improve this answer
























                                                                                                    • I once had a short-term injury that put one hand/wrist in plaster for a few weeks. I was able to use the entire lower arm and plaster cast to operate the shift key, and resume almost normal speed with the other hand going back and forth between keyboard and mouse.

                                                                                                      – Steve
                                                                                                      yesterday














                                                                                                    1












                                                                                                    1








                                                                                                    1







                                                                                                    From very limited experience (typing while holding a phone in the left hand), if you can't operate shift key etc. with the handicapped hand, that is a significant slow down, but as long as you can operate shift key etc. and can use one hand for typing, it slows you down a bit but not that much.



                                                                                                    Since a lot of your time is spent thinking, designing, looking for bugs etc., I would say that with a left hand that is not totally useless you probably still can work at 98% of your normal capacity. You'd still be better than a bad typist.






                                                                                                    share|improve this answer













                                                                                                    From very limited experience (typing while holding a phone in the left hand), if you can't operate shift key etc. with the handicapped hand, that is a significant slow down, but as long as you can operate shift key etc. and can use one hand for typing, it slows you down a bit but not that much.



                                                                                                    Since a lot of your time is spent thinking, designing, looking for bugs etc., I would say that with a left hand that is not totally useless you probably still can work at 98% of your normal capacity. You'd still be better than a bad typist.







                                                                                                    share|improve this answer












                                                                                                    share|improve this answer



                                                                                                    share|improve this answer










                                                                                                    answered Mar 24 at 22:54









                                                                                                    gnasher729gnasher729

                                                                                                    90.1k41160283




                                                                                                    90.1k41160283













                                                                                                    • I once had a short-term injury that put one hand/wrist in plaster for a few weeks. I was able to use the entire lower arm and plaster cast to operate the shift key, and resume almost normal speed with the other hand going back and forth between keyboard and mouse.

                                                                                                      – Steve
                                                                                                      yesterday



















                                                                                                    • I once had a short-term injury that put one hand/wrist in plaster for a few weeks. I was able to use the entire lower arm and plaster cast to operate the shift key, and resume almost normal speed with the other hand going back and forth between keyboard and mouse.

                                                                                                      – Steve
                                                                                                      yesterday

















                                                                                                    I once had a short-term injury that put one hand/wrist in plaster for a few weeks. I was able to use the entire lower arm and plaster cast to operate the shift key, and resume almost normal speed with the other hand going back and forth between keyboard and mouse.

                                                                                                    – Steve
                                                                                                    yesterday





                                                                                                    I once had a short-term injury that put one hand/wrist in plaster for a few weeks. I was able to use the entire lower arm and plaster cast to operate the shift key, and resume almost normal speed with the other hand going back and forth between keyboard and mouse.

                                                                                                    – Steve
                                                                                                    yesterday











                                                                                                    1














                                                                                                    This might be just piling on at this point, but just a brief suggestion- start leaning to type with your right hand now!



                                                                                                    I don't have a disability of any form, but ever since I was young I typed exclusively using one hand. My WPM is comparable or significantly higher than most two-handed typers. With practice, it is absolutely do-able, and you can dedicate your other hand (roughly) to using the mouse for things like selecting for copy-paste or whatever you want.



                                                                                                    Obviously I can't exactly relate, but I hope at least that what I said could give you hope and a way forward. :) Best of luck.






                                                                                                    share|improve this answer




























                                                                                                      1














                                                                                                      This might be just piling on at this point, but just a brief suggestion- start leaning to type with your right hand now!



                                                                                                      I don't have a disability of any form, but ever since I was young I typed exclusively using one hand. My WPM is comparable or significantly higher than most two-handed typers. With practice, it is absolutely do-able, and you can dedicate your other hand (roughly) to using the mouse for things like selecting for copy-paste or whatever you want.



                                                                                                      Obviously I can't exactly relate, but I hope at least that what I said could give you hope and a way forward. :) Best of luck.






                                                                                                      share|improve this answer


























                                                                                                        1












                                                                                                        1








                                                                                                        1







                                                                                                        This might be just piling on at this point, but just a brief suggestion- start leaning to type with your right hand now!



                                                                                                        I don't have a disability of any form, but ever since I was young I typed exclusively using one hand. My WPM is comparable or significantly higher than most two-handed typers. With practice, it is absolutely do-able, and you can dedicate your other hand (roughly) to using the mouse for things like selecting for copy-paste or whatever you want.



                                                                                                        Obviously I can't exactly relate, but I hope at least that what I said could give you hope and a way forward. :) Best of luck.






                                                                                                        share|improve this answer













                                                                                                        This might be just piling on at this point, but just a brief suggestion- start leaning to type with your right hand now!



                                                                                                        I don't have a disability of any form, but ever since I was young I typed exclusively using one hand. My WPM is comparable or significantly higher than most two-handed typers. With practice, it is absolutely do-able, and you can dedicate your other hand (roughly) to using the mouse for things like selecting for copy-paste or whatever you want.



                                                                                                        Obviously I can't exactly relate, but I hope at least that what I said could give you hope and a way forward. :) Best of luck.







                                                                                                        share|improve this answer












                                                                                                        share|improve this answer



                                                                                                        share|improve this answer










                                                                                                        answered Mar 25 at 13:11









                                                                                                        OnyzOnyz

                                                                                                        24214




                                                                                                        24214























                                                                                                            1














                                                                                                            The Twiddler 3 - is a one handed keyboard and mouse replacement.



                                                                                                            enter image description here






                                                                                                            share|improve this answer




























                                                                                                              1














                                                                                                              The Twiddler 3 - is a one handed keyboard and mouse replacement.



                                                                                                              enter image description here






                                                                                                              share|improve this answer


























                                                                                                                1












                                                                                                                1








                                                                                                                1







                                                                                                                The Twiddler 3 - is a one handed keyboard and mouse replacement.



                                                                                                                enter image description here






                                                                                                                share|improve this answer













                                                                                                                The Twiddler 3 - is a one handed keyboard and mouse replacement.



                                                                                                                enter image description here







                                                                                                                share|improve this answer












                                                                                                                share|improve this answer



                                                                                                                share|improve this answer










                                                                                                                answered 2 days ago









                                                                                                                sevensevenssevensevens

                                                                                                                13.3k42945




                                                                                                                13.3k42945























                                                                                                                    0














                                                                                                                    Do not bring up your disability* in interviews.



                                                                                                                    At least in the US, you would be putting your potential employer in a difficult situation by bringing up a disability, because you then put them in a position to illegally discriminate against you**. (They could even, potentially, think you are doing it on purpose to push them into hiring you.) You risk changing a simple interview into a legal minefield, not to mention potentially making it socially awkward (it's a simple fact that many people are so worried about offending a person with a disability that they trip over themselves in cringe-inducing ways trying to talk around it or "show supportiveness" or whatever).



                                                                                                                    At some point, as you say, it will be plainly visible. Even then, I would say not to bring it up, for the same reasons mentioned above.



                                                                                                                    Come into the situation with proof of your capabilities



                                                                                                                    One thing you can do to preempt the question that will arise in some minds (even though they are legally not allowed to ask it aloud)--"wait, can this dude even code with his hand like that?"--is to have a significant body of open source contributions available on github. List them on your resume, so if they wonder what you can do, the answer is right there, and incontrovertible.



                                                                                                                    *As other answers have noted, it's very questionable to even call this a disability for a programmer, but it's definitely a physical disability by definition.



                                                                                                                    **This applies not only to physical disabilities, but any protected class. Interviewers do not want to know, because, if they don't know, they can't be accused of making a decision not to hire based on that information.






                                                                                                                    share|improve this answer




























                                                                                                                      0














                                                                                                                      Do not bring up your disability* in interviews.



                                                                                                                      At least in the US, you would be putting your potential employer in a difficult situation by bringing up a disability, because you then put them in a position to illegally discriminate against you**. (They could even, potentially, think you are doing it on purpose to push them into hiring you.) You risk changing a simple interview into a legal minefield, not to mention potentially making it socially awkward (it's a simple fact that many people are so worried about offending a person with a disability that they trip over themselves in cringe-inducing ways trying to talk around it or "show supportiveness" or whatever).



                                                                                                                      At some point, as you say, it will be plainly visible. Even then, I would say not to bring it up, for the same reasons mentioned above.



                                                                                                                      Come into the situation with proof of your capabilities



                                                                                                                      One thing you can do to preempt the question that will arise in some minds (even though they are legally not allowed to ask it aloud)--"wait, can this dude even code with his hand like that?"--is to have a significant body of open source contributions available on github. List them on your resume, so if they wonder what you can do, the answer is right there, and incontrovertible.



                                                                                                                      *As other answers have noted, it's very questionable to even call this a disability for a programmer, but it's definitely a physical disability by definition.



                                                                                                                      **This applies not only to physical disabilities, but any protected class. Interviewers do not want to know, because, if they don't know, they can't be accused of making a decision not to hire based on that information.






                                                                                                                      share|improve this answer


























                                                                                                                        0












                                                                                                                        0








                                                                                                                        0







                                                                                                                        Do not bring up your disability* in interviews.



                                                                                                                        At least in the US, you would be putting your potential employer in a difficult situation by bringing up a disability, because you then put them in a position to illegally discriminate against you**. (They could even, potentially, think you are doing it on purpose to push them into hiring you.) You risk changing a simple interview into a legal minefield, not to mention potentially making it socially awkward (it's a simple fact that many people are so worried about offending a person with a disability that they trip over themselves in cringe-inducing ways trying to talk around it or "show supportiveness" or whatever).



                                                                                                                        At some point, as you say, it will be plainly visible. Even then, I would say not to bring it up, for the same reasons mentioned above.



                                                                                                                        Come into the situation with proof of your capabilities



                                                                                                                        One thing you can do to preempt the question that will arise in some minds (even though they are legally not allowed to ask it aloud)--"wait, can this dude even code with his hand like that?"--is to have a significant body of open source contributions available on github. List them on your resume, so if they wonder what you can do, the answer is right there, and incontrovertible.



                                                                                                                        *As other answers have noted, it's very questionable to even call this a disability for a programmer, but it's definitely a physical disability by definition.



                                                                                                                        **This applies not only to physical disabilities, but any protected class. Interviewers do not want to know, because, if they don't know, they can't be accused of making a decision not to hire based on that information.






                                                                                                                        share|improve this answer













                                                                                                                        Do not bring up your disability* in interviews.



                                                                                                                        At least in the US, you would be putting your potential employer in a difficult situation by bringing up a disability, because you then put them in a position to illegally discriminate against you**. (They could even, potentially, think you are doing it on purpose to push them into hiring you.) You risk changing a simple interview into a legal minefield, not to mention potentially making it socially awkward (it's a simple fact that many people are so worried about offending a person with a disability that they trip over themselves in cringe-inducing ways trying to talk around it or "show supportiveness" or whatever).



                                                                                                                        At some point, as you say, it will be plainly visible. Even then, I would say not to bring it up, for the same reasons mentioned above.



                                                                                                                        Come into the situation with proof of your capabilities



                                                                                                                        One thing you can do to preempt the question that will arise in some minds (even though they are legally not allowed to ask it aloud)--"wait, can this dude even code with his hand like that?"--is to have a significant body of open source contributions available on github. List them on your resume, so if they wonder what you can do, the answer is right there, and incontrovertible.



                                                                                                                        *As other answers have noted, it's very questionable to even call this a disability for a programmer, but it's definitely a physical disability by definition.



                                                                                                                        **This applies not only to physical disabilities, but any protected class. Interviewers do not want to know, because, if they don't know, they can't be accused of making a decision not to hire based on that information.







                                                                                                                        share|improve this answer












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                                                                                                                        answered yesterday









                                                                                                                        msouthmsouth

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                                                                                                                            I know a programmer who psuedo-codes in Dragonly Speaking, modifying the software to not check spelling and grammar. He then refines by modified hand control. It might be worth looking into a verbally queued software or even installing the Windows freebie and start working with it.



                                                                                                                            The hard part is "training" the software to understand your meaning.



                                                                                                                            You can do this!






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                                                                                                                              I know a programmer who psuedo-codes in Dragonly Speaking, modifying the software to not check spelling and grammar. He then refines by modified hand control. It might be worth looking into a verbally queued software or even installing the Windows freebie and start working with it.



                                                                                                                              The hard part is "training" the software to understand your meaning.



                                                                                                                              You can do this!






                                                                                                                              share|improve this answer








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                                                                                                                                0












                                                                                                                                0








                                                                                                                                0







                                                                                                                                I know a programmer who psuedo-codes in Dragonly Speaking, modifying the software to not check spelling and grammar. He then refines by modified hand control. It might be worth looking into a verbally queued software or even installing the Windows freebie and start working with it.



                                                                                                                                The hard part is "training" the software to understand your meaning.



                                                                                                                                You can do this!






                                                                                                                                share|improve this answer








                                                                                                                                New contributor




                                                                                                                                txgeekgirl is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
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                                                                                                                                I know a programmer who psuedo-codes in Dragonly Speaking, modifying the software to not check spelling and grammar. He then refines by modified hand control. It might be worth looking into a verbally queued software or even installing the Windows freebie and start working with it.



                                                                                                                                The hard part is "training" the software to understand your meaning.



                                                                                                                                You can do this!







                                                                                                                                share|improve this answer








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                                                                                                                                answered yesterday









                                                                                                                                txgeekgirltxgeekgirl

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                                                                                                                                    -6














                                                                                                                                    Use Emacs instead of an IDE. Emacs can be controlled entirely from the keyboard and can be customized to trigger functionality with right hand keys. Many IDEs have ways to be controlled from a command line or have accessory command line tools.






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                                                                                                                                    We're looking for long answers that provide some explanation and context. Don't just give a one-line answer; explain why your answer is right, ideally with citations. Answers that don't include explanations may be removed.










                                                                                                                                    • 2





                                                                                                                                      It's not clear how this helps with the more general problem of typing.

                                                                                                                                      – Mateen Ulhaq
                                                                                                                                      yesterday








                                                                                                                                    • 1





                                                                                                                                      good grief, I don't think this needs eight downvotes. OP said that he used IDEs and this was a source of his concerns, and moving to something like Emacs could be a huge benefit. Alternatively, OP could reconfigure his IDE in ways that make it less cumbersome to use with one hand. Did you guys see the notification that this is a new contributor? And downvotes without a comment are cowardly. Say what you think the problem is.

                                                                                                                                      – msouth
                                                                                                                                      yesterday
















                                                                                                                                    -6














                                                                                                                                    Use Emacs instead of an IDE. Emacs can be controlled entirely from the keyboard and can be customized to trigger functionality with right hand keys. Many IDEs have ways to be controlled from a command line or have accessory command line tools.






                                                                                                                                    share|improve this answer








                                                                                                                                    New contributor




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                                                                                                                                    We're looking for long answers that provide some explanation and context. Don't just give a one-line answer; explain why your answer is right, ideally with citations. Answers that don't include explanations may be removed.










                                                                                                                                    • 2





                                                                                                                                      It's not clear how this helps with the more general problem of typing.

                                                                                                                                      – Mateen Ulhaq
                                                                                                                                      yesterday








                                                                                                                                    • 1





                                                                                                                                      good grief, I don't think this needs eight downvotes. OP said that he used IDEs and this was a source of his concerns, and moving to something like Emacs could be a huge benefit. Alternatively, OP could reconfigure his IDE in ways that make it less cumbersome to use with one hand. Did you guys see the notification that this is a new contributor? And downvotes without a comment are cowardly. Say what you think the problem is.

                                                                                                                                      – msouth
                                                                                                                                      yesterday














                                                                                                                                    -6












                                                                                                                                    -6








                                                                                                                                    -6







                                                                                                                                    Use Emacs instead of an IDE. Emacs can be controlled entirely from the keyboard and can be customized to trigger functionality with right hand keys. Many IDEs have ways to be controlled from a command line or have accessory command line tools.






                                                                                                                                    share|improve this answer








                                                                                                                                    New contributor




                                                                                                                                    g nrs is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
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                                                                                                                                    Use Emacs instead of an IDE. Emacs can be controlled entirely from the keyboard and can be customized to trigger functionality with right hand keys. Many IDEs have ways to be controlled from a command line or have accessory command line tools.







                                                                                                                                    share|improve this answer








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                                                                                                                                    answered Mar 25 at 12:39









                                                                                                                                    g nrsg nrs

                                                                                                                                    21




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                                                                                                                                    We're looking for long answers that provide some explanation and context. Don't just give a one-line answer; explain why your answer is right, ideally with citations. Answers that don't include explanations may be removed.




                                                                                                                                    We're looking for long answers that provide some explanation and context. Don't just give a one-line answer; explain why your answer is right, ideally with citations. Answers that don't include explanations may be removed.









                                                                                                                                    • 2





                                                                                                                                      It's not clear how this helps with the more general problem of typing.

                                                                                                                                      – Mateen Ulhaq
                                                                                                                                      yesterday








                                                                                                                                    • 1





                                                                                                                                      good grief, I don't think this needs eight downvotes. OP said that he used IDEs and this was a source of his concerns, and moving to something like Emacs could be a huge benefit. Alternatively, OP could reconfigure his IDE in ways that make it less cumbersome to use with one hand. Did you guys see the notification that this is a new contributor? And downvotes without a comment are cowardly. Say what you think the problem is.

                                                                                                                                      – msouth
                                                                                                                                      yesterday














                                                                                                                                    • 2





                                                                                                                                      It's not clear how this helps with the more general problem of typing.

                                                                                                                                      – Mateen Ulhaq
                                                                                                                                      yesterday








                                                                                                                                    • 1





                                                                                                                                      good grief, I don't think this needs eight downvotes. OP said that he used IDEs and this was a source of his concerns, and moving to something like Emacs could be a huge benefit. Alternatively, OP could reconfigure his IDE in ways that make it less cumbersome to use with one hand. Did you guys see the notification that this is a new contributor? And downvotes without a comment are cowardly. Say what you think the problem is.

                                                                                                                                      – msouth
                                                                                                                                      yesterday








                                                                                                                                    2




                                                                                                                                    2





                                                                                                                                    It's not clear how this helps with the more general problem of typing.

                                                                                                                                    – Mateen Ulhaq
                                                                                                                                    yesterday







                                                                                                                                    It's not clear how this helps with the more general problem of typing.

                                                                                                                                    – Mateen Ulhaq
                                                                                                                                    yesterday






                                                                                                                                    1




                                                                                                                                    1





                                                                                                                                    good grief, I don't think this needs eight downvotes. OP said that he used IDEs and this was a source of his concerns, and moving to something like Emacs could be a huge benefit. Alternatively, OP could reconfigure his IDE in ways that make it less cumbersome to use with one hand. Did you guys see the notification that this is a new contributor? And downvotes without a comment are cowardly. Say what you think the problem is.

                                                                                                                                    – msouth
                                                                                                                                    yesterday





                                                                                                                                    good grief, I don't think this needs eight downvotes. OP said that he used IDEs and this was a source of his concerns, and moving to something like Emacs could be a huge benefit. Alternatively, OP could reconfigure his IDE in ways that make it less cumbersome to use with one hand. Did you guys see the notification that this is a new contributor? And downvotes without a comment are cowardly. Say what you think the problem is.

                                                                                                                                    – msouth
                                                                                                                                    yesterday





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