Learn more about voice banking
ALS is unfortunately sometimes characterised by speech difficulties. This symptom occurs early in some, while in others it does not become a hindrance until later. Some pALS are fortunately spared from this altogether. The reality is that we don’t always know in advance. Therefore, from the ALS League, we want to inform everyone in time about how ‘Voice Banking’ works. Should you find it harder to speak, would you like to continue using your own voice, even on an alternative communication device?
Then Voice Banking might be for you.
How does it work?
Acapela’s My Own Voice allows anyone to register his/her voice for free.
This starts simply by creating a profile at https://mov.acapela-group.com/start-now/.
Important to know: at some point you are going to fill in “purpose of use“. Here you choose “medical use“, then an extra number of lines to fill in opens. At the bottom you have to select “third party backing” and choose “not applicable“.
Afterwards, you will receive an e-mail from Acapela to confirm your registration and you can get started.
This recording can be done simply from the comfort of your own home. Just make sure you sit in a quiet room where you won’t be disturbed for a while and preferably use a headset with microphone for the best quality (but it can be done without).
The recording involves voicing 49 sentences. This can be done in several sessions, so always choose a time of day when your voice is best/strongest and be sure not to tire yourself out unnecessarily.
When your synthetic voice is created, you will be notified by e-mail and you will be able to hear it on your profile by entering a few sentences, which will then be spoken. Your synthetic voice will be stored in the Acapela database indefinitely and free of charge. If there comes a day when you would like to integrate the synthetic voice on a communication device, give us a call and we will arrange for a licence to be activated in your name (free of charge).
Keep in mind that the allocation of a free licence is for those registered with the ALS League. This is free and can be done easily via its website: https://als.be/inschrijven/
Note: The My Own Voice website is available in French, German, English and Spanish. If you have difficulty with these languages, be sure to enlist some assistance to help you with the instructions (the sentences you have to say are always in your own chosen mother tongue!).
Need our help?
Would you like to talk through all this? We’re happy to do so! Be sure to let us know at mend@ALS.be!
Would you like to do the recording with us at the Leuven office, that’s possible too!
We are ready for any support!