We're launching our Impact Program Aims to Empower 1 Million Voices through AI Voice Technology

We're joining forces with Bridging Voice and The Scott-Morgan Foundation, leading accessibility focused nonprofits, to launch an initiative to help remove communication barriers for those affected by Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and Motor Neuron Disease (MND). We're giving free access to our voice cloning and text-to-speech technology 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. 

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 ALS/MND.
• Up to 95% of people with ALS/MND may lose their ability to speak as the disease progresses.

By partnering with Bridging Voice and The Scott-Morgan Foundation, we can distribute ElevenLabs voices to ALS and MND patients at scale and integrate them into speech-generating devices.

The initiative will work as follows:

1. ALS and MND patients will be able to apply for a free voice cloning license by visiting our partner sites. Fill out this form to be connected to the best organization for your needs: elevenlabs.io/impact-program
2. Eligible patients will provide voice recordings, which will be used to create a digital replica of their voice.
3. 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. 

We hope by preserving their unique voices, we can help maintain a crucial aspect of patients' identities and facilitate more natural communication with loved ones and caregivers.

For more information about this initiative or to apply for a voice cloning license, please visit elevenlabs.io/impact-program.

Our vision is to empower 1 million new voices to communicate, learn, and experience life without limits. We invite organizations dedicated to making a difference to join us in this mission. If your nonprofit is working on projects that could benefit from AI Audio, we’d love to learn more to see if it is a match. Together, let’s create a world where every voice contributes to a better future.