Hi guys, I've been a reader of the Geekzone news for quite a while now, but after finding some useful information in the forums when I was Googling, thought I'd join and participate. I've already come across some familiar names here.

I work as the Vice President of Blindness Hardware product management for Freedom Scientific, a Florida based company that manufactures hardware and software for blind people. This includes the popular JAWS for Windows. Fortunately, I'm able to work from NZ most of the time, although I'm required to travel regularly for meetings, conferences etc.

I've been in the IT industry for a few years now, having previously worked at HumanWare here in new Zealand, and before that I ran a network of Internet radio stations.

I'm totally blind myself, and have been using computers since the 1980s (even ran a BBS or two which I'm sure dates me).

I use Windows Vista and XP on the job and for work. I also use a PAC mate, which is a Windows Mobile-based PDA that will speak what is on the screen as well as display it with a refreshable Braille display. And finally, I have a Nokia E61I running screen reading software.

For me, there's no question that the Internet is the most exciting thing to happen for blind people since the invention of Braille. When pages are designed well, blind people are given access to a huge range of information we couldn't access independently before, such as newspapers, bank statements, information about bargains, and of course e-mail just to name a few.

I rely on telecommunications to stay connected to my colleagues, so use Skype, other VOIP clients etc extensively.

I think that's about it. Looking forward very much to reading and participating.

Cheers,