By David Schneer
4-Minute Read
How AI Helps Me Walk, Talk, and Research Smarter
On Christmas Eve 2015, my life changed dramatically when I was brutally assaulted in my own home. After five major spinal surgeries, including lumbar and cervical fusions, I found myself permanently disabled with drop foot of my left ankle. My journey—fighting to stay out of a wheelchair—is chronicled in my new book, BACKBONE: Surviving the Road Less Quantified; Toward a Deeper Understanding of Qualitative Research.
The Stride Less Taken
Today, armed with determination and two European crutches, I continue conducting qualitative interviews—but with a unique twist. Leveraging my expertise in body language and nonverbal intelligence, I blend traditional qualitative research with cutting-edge AI technology. Proprietary algorithms based on the Facial Action Coding System (FACS) support my analyses, spotting the same human emotions I identify myself. It’s a bit like wearing both a belt and suspenders to keep your pants up—extra secure, extra accurate. This combination ensures my qualitative insights remain robust and precise, a topic I delve into in Chapter 7 of my book.
Yet AI isn’t just a research tool for me; it’s also become an essential part of my daily life.
From Courage to Convenience
Despite the skill of my surgeons, the daily battle is won or lost through physical therapy. Muscle atrophy is a constant threat, but pain and fatigue are easier adversaries than immobility. My European crutches keep me stable, but using them typically means sacrificing my hands—turning me into something resembling a twisted praying mantis whenever I attempt to multitask. It’s awkward, painful, and frankly, exhausting.
Initially, I tried Apple’s Siri, launched in 2011, for hands-free communication, but early limitations made it frustrating. Today, Siri has significantly improved thanks to AI. Now, I can perform tasks without halting my stride, including:
- Making notes
- Sending texts
- Handling calls
- Controlling music (which helps mitigate pain)
- Scheduling events and alarms
Integrating AI into my daily routine hasn’t just streamlined tasks—it’s added a layer of empowerment and genuine enjoyment.
From Limitation to Innovation
Being relatively new to disability, I’ve developed a deep appreciation for accessibility. AI isn’t just fancy tech—it’s a genuine accessibility ally. Inspired by my own experience, I’ve discovered many AI-driven applications specifically designed to assist individuals with disabilities. A few noteworthy examples include:
- Visual impairments: Seeing AI, Be My Eyes, Lookout by Google
- Hearing impairments: AVA, Otter.ai, Live Transcribe
- Speech impairments: Voiceitt
- Cognitive/Learning disabilities: Speechify, ClaroSpeak, MindMate
- Motor disabilities: Sesame Enable, Voice Access
I encourage anyone facing similar challenges to explore how AI can enhance both personal independence and professional effectiveness.
AI-Reinforced Backbone
My story illustrates the convergence of qualitative research, physical perseverance, and tech innovation. AI hasn’t replaced my backbone—it has reinforced it. At Merrill Research, we embrace this philosophy, leveraging AI to enhance qualitative insights, helping clients uncover richer, more actionable results.
Interested in seeing how innovation meets insight? Swing by Merrill Research today.