Advice sought re: TW & Disability

[Cyn Trupin <Cyn_Trupin -at- SFBAYGUARDIAN -dot- COM>]

Hello,

I am trying to determine if technical writing is a realistic career
option for me to pursue.  I would appreciate any advice or opinions
on this matter.  My situation is as follows:

Due to a repetitive strain injury to my hands, I am no longer able to type.
I use a voice recognition program (Dragon Dictate) which enables me to
effectively use my computer, albeit at a slightly slower pace.  I also
need to limit other tasks that require hand use, such as writing and
handling papers.  However, I find that if I take frequent short breaks
I am able to function effectively. I hope to do contract work at home,
so that I can use my computer system and control the pace at which I work (I
would be able to participate in on-site meetings if necessary).  I have
a fair amount of relevant experience (see abbreviated resume below).

Does this seem likely to work?  Are there any TWs out there who use
voice recognition programs?  Any suggestions about what I could do
to make myself more employable?

Thank you for taking the time to consider these questions.  I look
forward to your responses.  You can reach me by email at:

 cyn_trupin -at- sfbayguardian -dot- com -dot- 

***   Abbreviated Resume   ***

Consultant (1996 - 1997)
   - Developed and implemented Internet training program.  Topics covered:
     Internet history, basic Internet structure, effective use of
     the Web, search strategies, using Lynx

   - Provided technical support to clients for hardware (PCs,
     laptops and peripherals), software (DOS, Windows 3.1,
     WordPerfect, Word, InTouch, Netscape, Lynx, DragonDictate)
     and networks (Novell NetWare 3.1)

Network Administrator (1993 - 1995)
   - Managed all aspects of Novell network during period of rapid
     organizational growth and development (25 - 65 users)
** - Wrote, edited and produced:
        - introductory packets for new employees on the use of
          phones, voicemail, email and network basics
        - in-house instruction manuals for database system and
          WordPerfect
        - documentation of department functions and procedures
   - Developed and implemented trainings on: WordPerfect 6
     (basic, advanced and mail merge), WordPerfect Office
     (including email), InTouch (database), voicemail, DOS and
     file management
   - Worked on development of comprehensive database system.
     Specific responsibilities included:
        - working with non-technical staff to develop database
          specifications
        - coordinating programmers, debugging, testing and
          managing project timeline
        - designing and developing data entry screens
        - creating standardized report forms
**      - writing on-line help

Paralegal/Computer Manager (1991 - 1992)
** - Drafted, analyzed and summarized case documents
   - Created database systems for tracking case documents and
     analyzing case-related data
   - Generated reports, tables and graphics from databases
   - Trained staff on new computer applications and provided user
     support (WordPerfect, PCAnywhere, Timeslips, Fastback,
     Desqview)
   - Installed software and performed ongoing computer maintenance

(I have a bit more experience than this, but I just wanted to give a
sense of the work I have done without droning on too long!)


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