Rep. Jennifer Wexton has lost the ability to speak due to a rare neurological disorder. She turned to artificial intelligence for help, and was moved when she heard an AI version of her own voice for the first time, CNN reported. “It was the most beautiful voice I've ever heard, and it brought tears of joy to my eyes,” Wexton said. On Thursday, the Virginia Democrat became the first member of Congress to speak on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives using an AI-generated model of her own voice. “I can no longer deliver impassioned, extemporaneous speeches during floor debates or committee hearings in the same way that I used to,” Wexton told NPR, highlighting Disability Pride Month.
“My battle with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) has robbed me of my full voice, my ability to move around, and my ability to step confidently onto the House floor and vote,” Wexton said on the floor via speech-to-text model. The congresswoman announced in September that she would not run for another term, citing the possibility of worsening health issues. But her diagnosis “has given me a renewed determination to use this unique platform to help others,” she said. Rep. Don Beyer said, “It's really amazing to have her voice back, and not just any voice, but her voice, through AI.” You can watch the video of the speech here. The Mayo Clinic has a profile of PSP here. (More Artificial Intelligence Articles)
