Nonprofit Uses AI To Restore Speech For ALS Patients

A nonprofit is now using artificial intelligence to restore the ability to speak for patients living with ALS, an illness that currently affects about 27 people in Vermont. The initiative aims to help those losing independence reconnect with family members and doctors. The disease, often called Lou Gehrig's disease, has no cure and is always fatal, with Vermont reporting the highest rate per capita in the country.

In a separate case, a disability payment error nearly cost Henry Adams his home. The mistake caused a mortgage trial payment to bounce, which removed him from a U.S. Bank loan modification program he had joined while caring for his wife during her cancer battle. Falling behind on mortgage payments led to his enrollment in the FHA program. The process paused the mortgage for several months before requiring three consecutive on-time trial payments to qualify for final approval.

Research from the National Library of Medicine shows that more than 30% of the global population deals with chronic pain. This figure represents 2.4 billion people who may find hope in the account of Allyn Minton. The Nashville-based licensed physical therapist reports she has been pain-free for a full year.

Minton attributes her relief to a change in her mindset. Other individuals featured include 11-year-old fifth grader Riley Haughey. She draws animal characters she calls Riley's Critters at her kitchen table and turns them into greeting cards.

The printing is handled by 85-year-old Tony Klain. Haughey described the output as top notch printing. The distribution of the technology to ALS patients is part of a partnership using artificial intelligence to improve patients' lives.