🌟 No White Flags: Securing Your Voice with Help from Team Gleason
For individuals and families navigating the journey of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), the prospect of losing the ability to speak can be one of the most daunting challenges. Your voice is a core part of your identity—the sound of your personality, humor, and love.
Fortunately, proactive steps can be taken, and thanks to organizations like the Team Gleason Foundation, the resources for these steps are often within reach. Inspired by the "No White Flags" spirit of former NFL player Steve Gleason, who was diagnosed with ALS in 2011, Team Gleason is dedicated to providing cutting-edge technology and services to empower people living with ALS.
One of the most critical services they offer is support for Voice and Message Banking. This process allows you to preserve the unique sound of your voice while it is still clear, ensuring your communication future is spoken in your authentic tone.
Here is a detailed breakdown of the grants and assistance available through Team Gleason, the costs involved in Voice Banking, and the simple steps to apply for this vital support.
Understanding Voice Banking and Its Associated Costs
Voice Banking is the process of recording a comprehensive set of phrases designed to capture all the unique sounds of your voice. This data is then used by specialized software to create a synthetic digital voice clone that can be integrated into an Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) device.
While the emotional value of preserving your voice is priceless, the creation of a high-quality synthetic voice model can involve several distinct costs, which are often not covered by standard health insurance:
1. Voice Banking Software and Voice File Purchase
This is typically the most significant cost. It covers the fee charged by the voice banking platform for processing your audio recordings, building your unique voice model, and providing the final voice file for use in your AAC device.
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Cost Examples (Varying by Provider): The cost to purchase a completed voice file can range from approximately $100 to over $1,400 depending on the complexity and scope of the voice banking software. Popular options include:
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Acapela/My Own Voice: Around $999 to download your voice.
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Model Talker: Around $100 for a voice download.
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SpeakUnique: Between $235 and $400.
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ElevenLabs: Offers a program in partnership with Team Gleason for eligible applicants to receive a free voice cloning license.
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2. Clinical Support (Optional but Recommended)
A Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) specializing in ALS can be invaluable for guiding the recording process, helping with pacing, and ensuring the technical requirements of the software are met. This support may involve out-of-pocket costs depending on your insurance coverage.
How Team Gleason Can Help: Financial & Equipment Support
The good news is that Team Gleason recognizes these costs as critical barriers to communication preservation and actively provides funding and support to help people living with ALS overcome them.
If there is a cost associated with the voice banking software, purchasing the voice file, or obtaining necessary equipment, Team Gleason may be able to provide financial assistance to cover the cost.
Team Gleason works with all major voice banking companies and will cover the cost of the chosen software. Anyone living in the USA with an official diagnosis of ALS is generally eligible for this funding.
Crucial Note: No Reimbursements
If you wish to apply for funding, you must do so before making any payments. Team Gleason is unable to reimburse expenses made prior to grant approval.
Step-by-Step Guide: Applying for Team Gleason Voice Preservation Services
The process for requesting assistance with Voice Banking is straightforward and starts with the organization's comprehensive "Need Assistance" application. Following these steps will ensure you are properly connected to the Team Gleason team for guidance and funding.
Step 1: Navigate to the Application
Start by visiting the official Team Gleason application page.
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Go to the Team Gleason "Need Assistance" page and look for the link to fill out the application.
Step 2: Complete Personal and Contact Information
Fill in all the required personal details so the Team Gleason staff can reach you. Ensure your email and phone number are current and monitored.
Step 3: Specify Your Request in the "Requested Services" Section
This is the most critical part of the application for Voice Banking assistance:
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When you reach the "Requested Services" section, select "Yes" to show available services.
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Choose "Voice and Message Banking" from the list of services.
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Specify that you are requesting “Funding & Support” (or similar wording, as the form may be updated).
If you are requesting a specific item, such as a loaner microphone, you should also include that information in the appropriate section.
Step 4: Submit the Application
Review your form for completeness and submit it.
Step 5: Follow-Up and Next Steps
Once your application is submitted:
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A Team Gleason staff member will reach out to you by email and/or phone to confirm eligibility and guide you through the next steps.
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Be responsive: It is important to respond to their request for contact. In some cases, if there is no response within a set timeframe (e.g., 14 days), the request for funding may be denied, and you would need to reapply.
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The staff member will help you understand your Voice Banking options (Acapela, Model Talker, SpeakUnique, etc.) and assist you with the funding for the voice file purchase. They will also guide you if you choose to participate in the Team Gleason + ElevenLabs Impact Program, which offers eligible applicants a free voice cloning license.
The Empowering Message
The funding and support provided by Team Gleason are more than just a grant; they represent an affirmation of the "No White Flags" mission—a commitment to help you maintain your communication, independence, and purpose.
Voice Banking is an act of empowerment. It is a decision that secures your unique identity for the future and provides an irreplaceable legacy for your loved ones. By leveraging the generous support of the Team Gleason Foundation, you can move forward with this vital process without the added stress of financial burden.
The time to bank your voice is now, while your speech is at its best. Contact Voice Legacy Solutions at info@voicelegacysolutions.com for help through this important process.
Take control of your future communication by preserving your voice with Voice Legacy Solutions today!
