Ask HN: I'm a software engineer going blind, how should I prepare?
recommended by 4 users | 2020 | 3270 points by zachrip | accessibility | original thread |

I'm a 24 y/o full stack engineer (I know some of you are rolling your eyes right now, just highlighting that I have experience on frontend apps as well as backend architecture). I've been working professionally for ~7 years building mostly javascript projects but also some PHP. Two years ago I was diagnosed with a condition called "Usher's Syndrome" - characterized by hearing loss, balance issues, and progressive vision loss.

I know there are blind software engineers out there. My main questions are:

- Are there blind frontend engineers?

- What kinds of software engineering lend themselves to someone with limited vision? Backend only?

- Besides a screen reader, what are some of the best tools for building software with limited vision?

- Does your company employ blind engineers? How well does it work? What kind of engineer are they?

I'm really trying to get ahead of this thing and prepare myself as my vision is degrading rather quickly. I'm not sure what I can do if I can't do SE as I don't have any formal education in anything. I've worked really hard to get to where I am and don't want it to go to waste.

Thank you for any input, and stay safe out there!

Edit:

Thank you all for your links, suggestions, and moral support, I really appreciate it. Since my diagnosis I've slowly developed a crippling anxiety centered around a feeling that I need to figure out the rest of my life before it's too late. I know I shouldn't think this way but it is hard not to. I'm very independent and I feel a pressure to "show up." I will look into these opportunities mentioned and try to get in touch with some more members of the blind engineering community.

4 users recommended this thread. What they said:
bruce343434 Feb 14, 2022 | on: Ask HN: How to prepare as soon-to-be blind developer? | context

Interesting and all-time top ranking thread:

"Ask HN: I'm a software engineer going blind, how should I prepare?" https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=22918980

samwillis Jan 3, 2023 | on: Ask HN: Alternatives to Scratch for a blind child? | context

There a number of really good threads on HN where blind users contribute from their own experience. I strongly suggest you go and read them before deciding it's not a viable career:

"Ask HN: I'm a software engineer going blind, how should I prepare?" https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=22918980

"Ask HN: How to prepare as soon-to-be blind developer?" https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=30339187

"Ask HN: Blind programmers, what can I do to make my code easier for you?" https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=18478776

"Ask HN: How should a programming language accommodate disabled programmers?" https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=18414562

CodeIsTheEnd Jul 20, 2021 | on: Ask HN: Webdev with poor/deteriorating vision. What can I… | context

This Ask HN thread from someone in a similar position (“I’m a software engineer going blind, how should I prepare?”) from last April may have some helpful advice:

https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=22918980

vismit2000 Sep 19, 2024 | on: Ask HN: My son might be blind – how to best support | context

Somewhat related or some ideas could be useful - https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=22918980