Ask HN: Have founders spoken about disabilities affecting business interactions?

1 pointsby boxcardavinقبل 12 سنة2 comments

I'm an imposing 6'4" and 230lbs but an arthritis-like condition has left me with a damaged right hand and wrist. Shaking hands causes mild to severe pain, and my size tends to invite joint damaging handshakes from a lot of alpha males. As a result, I resort to fist bumps and left handshakes that often take some explaining. Have any other founders faced similar problems?

Any creative handshake ideas are appreciated. High fives are hit and miss with the over 50 crowd!

2 comments

lnanek2قبل 12 سنة

You could just wear a wrist brace from the local drug store to make it clear that hand isn't used for hand shakes. I wear one 24/7 anyway to avoid tightness in my wrists from too much coding.

boxcardavinقبل 12 سنة

Yes, that works well with short sleeve shirts, I have a BOA brace that I use for watersports. You'd be surprised how many folks will give a hearty handshake to someone wearing a cast, though. http://goo.gl/zeT40x