Authentic Communication
“Being heard and understood is one of the greatest desires of the human heart.” ~Richard Carlson
For all the uncertainty, skepticism and concern brought on by Artificial Intelligence, a recent article in Macleans, written by Allen Broade, describes how AI is being used to help people like him who suffer from ALS.
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, leading to muscle weakness and atrophy over time. It primarily impacts voluntary muscle control, making it difficult to move, speak, eat, and breathe.
Individuals with severe speech impairments often rely on voice output devices to communicate effectively. The AI software, mostly used for voiceovers, dubbings, audiobooks and podcasts (until recently), now allows for a more realistic sounding voice on speech devices.
Broade explains, “Using recordings of my voice from before my speech changed, it could create an AI clone of how I used to sound. I could, potentially, talk like my old self again.”
And, “…over the past two years, the technology has been integrated into speech-assistive devices, giving people with speech loss higher-quality voice clones that sound far more natural and require far less source material.”
While AI has helped Broade to maintain his sense of self by giving him an authentic voice, as his ALS worsens, the sad reality of using a speech-assistive device means:
“I still have to type everything I want to say. Conversations progress quickly; by the time I’ve typed out my thoughts, the discussion has often moved on. As someone who used to talk constantly, I find this especially annoying. Every day, there are things I would’ve said if I could still speak, but now I have to let them go.”
Book Nook
I’ve read my fair share of fiction and non-fiction disability books to educate myself, and to try to find answers to the many questions I’ve had over the years about my son’s complex communication needs.
These three books (that I really enjoyed) have protagonists who use AAC (augmentative and alternative communication):
For more book recommendations check out the Disability Book Week website.
Disability Book Week is dedicated to celebrating and promoting disability-inclusive literature that authentically represents the diverse experiences of individuals with disabilities. Disability Book Week amplifies voices, challenges stereotypes, educates, and fosters a culture of understanding and inclusion through the power of storytelling.
Disability Book Week is April 19th - 25th!
Pup-pourri / Hodgepooch / Dog’s Breakfast
This is really powerful. ❤️ Incredible how AI can help preserve voice and identity, but also heartbreaking how AAC changes the pace of communication so much.
Last year, my 68-year-old partner was diagnosed with Lou Gehrig's disease also known as ALS. Speaking and swallowing were two of his challenges. His collapse was swift and catastrophic, He would not have survived if our primary care physician hadn't given him attentive care and attention, as the hospital center didn't provide any psychological support. His fall was abrupt and catastrophic. His hands and legs gave way to weakness in his arms. he used different supplements that didn't work, so last July, he tried the ALS/MND protocol—the best decision ever! His symptoms eased, his strength returned, and he sleeps soundly. He feels like a new man, and he can walk and exercise again. We got the formula from this website Limitlessnaturalwellness .com