Aubrie Lee can often discern whether someone is feigning comprehension by observing their facial expressions. A furrowed brow may indicate a deep focus, while polite laughter may not match the true humor of her punchline.
Lee, aged 31, faces unique challenges due to a rare muscle disease that affects her ability to smile, necessitating the use of a wheelchair and causing speech impairments. Despite these obstacles, she holds the position of company manager at Google and played a pivotal role in developing Project Relate, an artificial intelligence-powered software designed to facilitate communication.
Project Relate, a component of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) tools, utilizes “deep learning” algorithms trained on speech patterns of individuals with speech impairments. This technology, although distinct from mainstream AI models like ChatGPT, has significantly improved in decoding specialized languages over the years.
Jordan Green, a speech pathologist at Massachusetts General Hospital, collaborates with Google and describes these AI models as adept listeners, capable of understanding speech with remarkable accuracy, even in cases where human comprehension may be limited.
The release of Project Relate’s alpha Android phone application in 2021 has garnered significant interest, particularly among individuals with severe speech difficulties such as those with Lou Gehrig’s disease or cerebral palsy. Similarly, smaller businesses are developing products tailored to meet the unique communication needs of such individuals.
Advancements in AI technology, including tools like ChatGPT and Dall-E, have provided new avenues for individuals with severe mobility impairments to express themselves creatively. Amie Thornburg, diagnosed with ALS 25 years ago, showcases her artistic talents using AI crafting tools like Fotor, which track her eye movements to create digital artworks.
Thornburg’s creations, such as the striking image titled “Always Watching,” reflect her artistic expression and serve as a means of communication despite her physical limitations. Through platforms like Etsy, Thornburg sells printed versions of her artworks, emphasizing the therapeutic role of AI in her life.
Amidst these technological innovations, Pat, Thornburg’s father, highlights the profound impact of AI on enhancing his daughter’s communication abilities. Despite the potential loss of her speech in the future, Pat has developed a deep understanding of Amie’s non-verbal cues over their 38 years of marriage, underscoring the enduring power of human connection beyond artificial translation.
