Innovator Uses AI to Empower ALS Patients to Keep Their Voices

David Betts, a former healthcare consultant and endurance athlete, has taken a proactive approach to combat the effects of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) by developing an innovative AI-powered communication app. Named Talk To Me, Goose, the application aims to help individuals with ALS maintain their unique voice and tone even as their ability to speak fades.

Living in Pittsburgh, Betts was diagnosed with sporadic ALS in December 2024, a progressive neurodegenerative disease that eventually leads to severe muscle weakness and paralysis. Following his diagnosis, he chose not to succumb to despair but to harness technology to aid others facing similar challenges. “I can wait, or I can figure it out. What do I have to lose?” he said, reflecting on his decision to develop the app.

Transforming Challenges into Solutions

Before his diagnosis, Betts enjoyed a successful career at Deloitte, where he excelled in healthcare consulting. His passion for problem-solving has now turned toward addressing the communication barriers experienced by ALS patients. The app leverages voice-cloning technology from ElevenLabs to recreate users’ voices, allowing them to communicate more naturally and effectively.

Betts began his journey into app development with no formal background in coding. He enrolled in online courses and utilized AI tools as a collaborative partner rather than a replacement for his own thought process. Within a few months, he created a working prototype, ultimately leading to a fully functional application. “If we can make a deep fake of Tom Cruise, then the potential to use that same power for good is already there,” he noted.

One of the main features of Talk To Me, Goose is its ability to reduce the “awkward pause” that often occurs when individuals with ALS type their responses. Traditional assistive devices average typing speeds of six words per minute, which can lead to frustrating silences in conversations. Betts’ app predicts users’ intent and emotional tone, allowing for a smoother and more engaging communication experience.

A Community-Driven Initiative

Betts’ journey gained momentum when he connected with the Live Like Lou Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting individuals with ALS. This collaboration enabled him to offer the app free of charge to ALS patients in the United States and Canada. The application is now available in 31 languages and across multiple platforms, including Apple, Android, and Windows.

The emotional impact of the app was highlighted when Betts learned of a family who used the technology to reconnect. A father with advanced ALS, who had lost his ability to speak, was able to tell his children a bedtime story using his cloned voice. This moment underscored the app’s potential to foster meaningful connections during challenging times.

Recognized for his innovative work, Betts is scheduled to speak at the United Nations Office in Vienna as a Zero Project Awardee. This initiative aims to remove barriers for people with disabilities, and Betts’ app is set to receive a Zero Project Award for its innovative use of assistive technology.

Betts has also established a for-profit storytelling platform called Fables Adventures to support the sustainability of his free app. This venture is designed to fund access to Talk To Me, Goose while fostering creativity and community engagement. Through subscriptions and community-generated content, Betts hopes to raise significant funds to support individuals with ALS.

Despite his challenges, Betts remains determined to advocate for ALS research and policy changes, including pushing for the reauthorization of the ACT for ALS legislation before its expiration in 2026. “Without that, I think we’re just going to slow down finding a cure,” he stated.

As Betts continues to ride and engage in daily activities, he embodies resilience, choosing to focus on possibilities rather than limitations. His journey exemplifies how technology and human spirit can combine to create impactful solutions for those facing life-altering conditions.