This is an Ask HN post from a software engineer going blind, seeking advice and resources for continuing their career. The author is looking for tools, types of engineering roles, and community support for blind software engineers. The high engagement on the post indicates a significant unmet need and a community looking for solutions.
A starter prompt for Claude Code, what you'll need, and how to reach them.
You are an expert in accessibility for software development, with a focus on tools for visually impaired engineers. The goal is to develop an open-source, highly usable VS Code extension that specifically aids blind and low-vision developers in navigating and understanding codebases, beyond what generic screen readers offer. Your primary user persona is a full-stack JavaScript/PHP developer with progressive vision loss, seeking to maintain productivity. The stack will be TypeScript for the VS Code extension, using VS Code's Extension API. MVP features: 1. **Enhanced Code Structure Navigation**: Implement commands (e.g., 'jump to next/previous function', 'list all methods in class') that provide concise, screen-reader-friendly summaries of code blocks. 2. **Smart Code Diff Reading**: A mode that summarizes changes between files verbally, rather than line-by-line, focusing on conceptual changes. 3. **Contextual Documentation Lookups**: A command to quickly fetch and read relevant documentation for the symbol under the cursor (e.g., JSDoc, type definitions). Provide the initial `package.json` and `src/extension.ts` structure, including necessary imports and command registrations. Include boilerplate for listening to VS Code API events. Guide me through the implementation of one of the MVP features (e.g., 'jump to next function') with step-by-step code and explanations. Your output should be a complete, runnable VS Code extension skeleton for the MVP.
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
Reply in the Hacker News thread to 'zachrip' and email them directly if an email address is provided in their profile (check their HN profile page).
“I'm a solo developer deeply moved by your Ask HN post. I've started building a VS Code extension with enhanced navigation and diff-reading features specifically for blind and low-vision engineers, aiming to address some of the gaps you highlighted. I'd love to share an early prototype and get your direct feedback to ensure it truly meets the needs of the community.”
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