David Betts, a former senior leader at Deloitte, has embarked on a mission to combat the effects of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) by developing an AI-powered communication application called Talk To Me, Goose. This innovative tool enables individuals with ALS to maintain their unique voice and communication style even as the disease progresses. Betts, who was diagnosed with sporadic ALS in December 2024, has redirected his professional skills and personal experiences to create a resource that addresses the communication challenges faced by those living with the disease.
At 56, Betts is not allowing his diagnosis to define him. Instead, he has channeled his energy into building a solution that incorporates voice-cloning technology from ElevenLabs. The application allows users to engage in conversations without the long pauses that often accompany traditional assistive devices, which typically average a typing speed of only six words per minute. Betts noted, “We ask people to settle for far less than what’s possible, and we’ve been doing it for far too long.”
From Diagnosis to Innovation
Long before his diagnosis, Betts experienced subtle symptoms that he struggled to explain to healthcare professionals. Despite being an accomplished endurance athlete and consultant, he faced skepticism regarding his concerns. After extensive consultations, he received his diagnosis, which carries a grim prognosis—most patients with ALS survive less than five years. Betts, however, chose to focus on solutions rather than despair. “Yes, I’m terrified. I know what’s going to happen. I can’t let that consume me,” he stated.
Recognizing the potential limitations of existing assistive technology, Betts took matters into his own hands. Although lacking a formal background in app development, he enrolled in online courses and utilized AI to facilitate the creation of the app. Within months, he developed a prototype that showcased his voice, allowing him to communicate with authenticity even as his natural speech began to fade.
Impact and Recognition
The emotional impact of Talk To Me, Goose became evident when a father with ALS, unable to speak for some time, used the app to tell bedtime stories to his children. This heartfelt connection reinforced Betts’ belief in the app’s purpose. “I don’t care if anyone ever uses the app again. Mission accomplished,” he remarked.
In April 2024, Betts introduced the app to the ALS community through social media. This led to a partnership with the Live Like Lou Foundation, a nonprofit focused on supporting ALS patients. Currently, the app is available for free to users in the U.S. and Canada, and it operates in 31 languages across multiple platforms, including Windows, Android, and Apple.
Betts’ work has garnered international attention. He has been recognized as a Zero Project Awardee for his contributions to assistive technology, receiving accolades for the app’s innovative approach to enhancing communication for individuals with disabilities. The Zero Project, established to promote solutions for a world with zero barriers for disabled individuals, highlighted the app’s ability to introduce emotional depth into generated speech.
With plans to speak at the United Nations Office in Vienna, Betts aims to raise awareness about the challenges faced by those with ALS while advocating for the need for improved support systems.
To sustain the free availability of Talk To Me, Goose, Betts has also created a companion platform called Fables Adventures, a for-profit storytelling app. This initiative aids in funding the original app, allowing for continued access and support for users. The couple has already raised over $81,000 for the Live Like Lou Foundation, with an ambitious target of $250,000 for the year.
As Betts continues to navigate the challenges posed by ALS, he maintains a positive outlook. “I choose joy,” he says, emphasizing the importance of focusing on what is still possible. By harnessing technology to combat the effects of ALS, Betts is not only preserving his voice but is also providing countless others with the means to retain their identities and communicate with their loved ones.
