AI and speech technologies

Summary

Brian Jeansonne, diagnosed with ALS, reflects on the devastating loss of his voice, which he considers his 'superpower.' With the support of his wife Kristy and technology like voice banking, he regains a version of his voice that allows him to connect with his loved ones again. As his family embraces this technological breakthrough, Brian expresses his overwhelming joy at being able to communicate once more. The video highlights the emotional journey of living with ALS and the transformative potential of emerging technologies in enhancing communication and independence for those affected.

Takeaways

• 😀 Brian Jeansonne is known for his wit and humor, often telling dad jokes, and is described as a conversationalist with a powerful voice.
• 😀 In 2019, Brian began experiencing ankle issues, leading to an ALS diagnosis, which was a major emotional shock for him and his family.
• 😀 ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) is a neurodegenerative disease that progressively impairs the brain's ability to send signals to the body, affecting movement, speech, and breathing.
• 😀 Brian’s voice was crucial to his identity, and losing it over time due to ALS caused him deep sorrow, especially the thought of not being able to say 'I love you' to his kids.
• 😀 Voice banking technology offers a way to preserve a person's voice, but it often lacks emotional tone and personal quirks, which can make it feel less authentic.
• 😀 Microsoft’s voice banking technology is highlighted for its ability to better capture a person’s tone, intonation, and personality, helping them maintain a more personal connection through their voice.
• 😀 Kristy Jeansonne expresses how deeply she values hearing Brian's voice again, emphasizing the intimacy and emotional connection it provides.
• 😀 Brian expresses his gratitude for any technology that can help restore his voice, as it’s a gift not only for him but for his family, allowing them to stay connected in a meaningful way.
• 😀 Newer voice banking technologies, such as the one Microsoft is working on, help people with ALS and others who are losing their ability to speak to preserve their voice and enhance communication.
• 😀 The phrase 'No White Flags' from Team Gleason embodies the spirit of individuals living with ALS, symbolizing resilience and the refusal to give up who they are.
• 😀 Brian feels overwhelmed with joy after hearing a version of his voice restored through technology, expressing that it feels like he's 'back' in many ways, allowing his family to experience more of his true self.

Q & A

What was the initial symptom that led to Brian's ALS diagnosis?

Brian first noticed issues with his ankle around 2019, which eventually led to his ALS diagnosis after seeing a doctor.

How did Brian feel about his ALS diagnosis?

Brian and his family were caught off guard and not ready for the diagnosis. His wife, Kristy, expressed deep emotional pain upon hearing the news.

Why was the loss of Brian's voice particularly challenging for him?

Brian considered his voice his 'superpower.' As a conversationalist, losing his voice was more frightening than losing his ability to eat or breathe because it meant losing his ability to communicate and express love to his family.

What is voice banking, and why is it important for people with ALS?

Voice banking is the process of creating a digital version of a person's voice to preserve their ability to communicate as their natural voice fades. It is crucial for people with ALS, as it allows them to maintain a connection with their identity and loved ones even after their voice weakens.

What challenge does traditional voice banking technology face?

Traditional voice banking often struggles with adding emotion and tone to the digitalized voice, making it sound robotic and less personal.

How does Microsoft’s voice banking technology improve upon traditional methods?

Microsoft's voice banking technology enhances traditional voice banking by restoring more intonation, personality, and emotional depth to the digital voice, making it sound closer to the person's natural voice.

How did Brian react when he first heard his voice through the technology?

Brian was deeply moved and overwhelmed with joy. He expressed that hearing his voice again felt like a gift not only to him but to his whole family, helping him feel more like himself.

What is the significance of Brian's reaction to hearing his voice again?

Brian's emotional reaction underscores the deep personal significance of his voice as a part of his identity. Hearing it again brought him a sense of relief and connection with his family.

What phrase does Team Gleason use to inspire those living with ALS?

Team Gleason uses the phrase 'No white flags,' which symbolizes a commitment to never giving up and to preserving one’s identity, even in the face of ALS.

What broader impact does voice banking technology have for those with ALS?

Voice banking technology not only allows those with ALS to maintain their voice and identity, but it also helps increase independence, enhance communication, and improve quality of life for people living with ALS and other conditions affecting speech.