News & Stories
ALS United Mid-Atlantic Applauds Program to Provide AI Voice Technology
ALS United Mid-Atlantic is excited to share news from ElevenLabs’ Impact Program to provide AI Voice Technology to people living with ALS.
Voice preservation helps a person with ALS to communicate with an authentic and natural voice. The technology has been around for years but has not been free of charge. This initiative will enable people with ALS to access the technology they need and receive support.
“For over 25 years, ALS United Mid-Atlantic has connected ALS families with the latest advances in Assistive Technology and this news from ElevenLabs is an exciting breakthrough for the future of ALS care,” said Alisa Brownlee, ATP, CLIPP, CAPS, WSP, CEAC/Mastery, Home Accessibility and Assistive Technology Specialist. “This progress is only possible because of your donations and advocacy and through partnerships with organizations like Team Gleason.”
ElevenLabs’ Impact Program Aims to Empower 1 Million Voices through AI Voice Technology
Bridging Voice and Scott-Morgan Join As First Non-Profit Partnership to Provide Free Licenses to All ALS/MND Patients Worldwide
ElevenLabs, a pioneer in AI audio and voice technology, has joined forces with Bridging Voice and The Scott-Morgan Foundation, leading accessibility focused non-profits, to launch an initiative to help remove communication barriers for those affected by Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and Motor Neuron Disease (MND). ElevenLabs will be providing free access to their voice cloning and text-to-speech platform to ALS/MND patients who have lost or are at risk of losing their ability to speak. Bridging Voice and The Scott-Morgan Foundation will provide dedicated support to ensure everyone can get onboarded and take advantage of the technology.
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a progressive neurological condition with no current cure. The average life expectancy after diagnosis is 2 to 5 years. This disease leads to loss of muscle control, often resulting in the loss of speech, which significantly impacts patients’ ability to communicate.
According to recent statistics:
- 1 in 300 people will receive an ALS diagnosis in their lifetime.
- In the United States, approximately 30,000 people are living with ALS at any given time.
- Worldwide, it is estimated that over 300,000 people are living with MND.
- Up to 95% of people with ALS/MND may lose their ability to speak as the disease progresses.
ElevenLabs allows for the creation of highly accurate digital voice replicas. By partnering with Bridging Voice and The Scott-Morgan Foundation, the company aims to not only distribute ElevenLabs voices to ALS and MND patients at scale but also integrate them into speech-generating devices.
The initiative will work as follows:
- ALS and MND patients will be able to apply for a free voice cloning license by visiting ElevenLabs’ non-profit partner sites. ElevenLabs will route participants to relevant partners through this form: elevenlabs.io/impact-program
- Eligible patients will provide voice recordings, which will be used to create a digital replica of their voice.
- The voice clone can then be used from the ElevenLabs platform and with various assistive communication devices and software, allowing patients to “speak” in their own voice.
Tim Green, a former NFL lineman for the Atlanta Falcons and sports broadcaster, was diagnosed with ALS in 2016 and later lost his ability to speak. Through the support of Bridging Voice, he created a voice replica on ElevenLabs with old recordings that he now uses for his podcast, “Nothing Left Unsaid”. Tim said:
“When my family first heard MY voice again, they cried. I couldn’t stop smiling. When we were negotiating our podcast sponsorship agreement with ElevenLabs, it was important to try to give as many people their voices back as possible. ElevenLabs was extremely generous and wanted to help.
By partnering with Bridging Voice, ElevenLabs is going to be able to help exactly the people who will benefit the most from their compassion. These are the two groups I personally work closely with and would recommend them to anyone who has lost their voice.”
Erin Taylor, a 24-year-old botany graduate diagnosed with ALS in August 2023, has become a powerful voice in the ALS community. With the support of The Scott-Morgan Foundation, ElevenLabs, and digital avatar company D-ID, Erin can communicate with her authentic voice and likeness, preserving her identity and amplifying her message. This technology empowers Erin to connect with her followers, continue her vital ALS awareness advocacy, and contribute to assistive technology advancement, potentially making meaningful contributions to society.
“Over last year, we couldn’t be more inspired by the individuals that are reclaiming their voices despite all the challenges and our opportunity to help play a small part in that process. Now, through the incredible partnerships and support of Bridging Voice and The Scott-Morgan Foundation, these efforts are being taken to a new level. We’re honored to be part of this collective mission of empowering people and helping remove communication barriers.”
— Mati Staniszewski, Co-founder and CEO of ElevenLabs
“By democratizing access to ElevenLabs’ hyper-realistic voice technology, we’re not just improving communication for those with ALS/MND – we’re restoring dignity and empowering individuals to fully express themselves. This is more than technology; it’s about preserving identity and human connection.”
— LaVonne Roberts, Executive Director at The Scott-Morgan Foundation
“Communication with loved ones and the world is at the heart of what it means to be human. No diagnosis should ever strip that away. This partnership isn’t just about giving a voice to those living with ALS/MND—it’s about helping them rediscover their voice. It’s a reminder that their unique voice, full of love and strength, will always be heard.”
— Karina Nagin, Executive Director at Bridging Voice
This collaboration represents a significant step forward in improving the quality of life for ALS and MND patients. By preserving their unique voices, the initiative aims to maintain a crucial aspect of patients’ identities and facilitate more natural communication with loved ones and caregivers. Of course, there is much more opportunity to make an impact. You can donate to Bridging Voice here and The Scott-Morgan foundation here.
For more information about this initiative or to apply for a voice cloning license, please visit elevenlabs.io/impact-program.