My First Voice • Giving Nonverbal Kids a Voice With AI and Voice Training Technology

The Centre for Community Initiative is a leading nonprofit in Northeast India, renowned for its commitment to empowering marginalized communities, particularly children with disabilities. Recognizing the profound social isolation faced by nonverbal children, where existing communication tools fail to capture individuality or cultural nuance, we worked together to give every child a voice that is distinctly their own. With My First Voice, an AI-powered platform, we transformed each child’s unique sounds into personalized, authentic speech—preserving their natural accents and identities.

To bring the project to life, we collaborated closely with local families. We began by recording nonverbal children’s natural vocalizations such as grunts, hums and fragmented vowels. Then, we used open-source AI tools like Coqui TTS and RVC 2 for vocal pattern training, as well as ElevenLabs for accent modeling. This layered approach allowed us to generate, within just five minutes, a personalized speech voice that mirrors each child’s unique vocal texture and regional accent.

Central to our goal was creating an accessible platform: users need only short sound samples (just 30 seconds long), and the interface’s adaptive preset buttons make it easy for children with motor or cognitive challenges to use. Families can build personalized “voice libraries” by recording key phrases and using them with a single tap. Throughout the development process—from prototype to rollout for 10 children—we prioritized user feedback, ensuring both technical soundness and meaningful, culturally sensitive interactions.

Since implementation, My First Voice has enabled 10 nonverbal children to express themselves for the first time, from sharing their needs to reciting poetry. Parents report reduced isolation and greater inclusion, with children now participating more actively in family activities and their communities. Endorsed by speech therapists and highlighted in over 30 media publications, the project has reduced technical barriers, slashing voice synthesis time from days to minutes. As My First Voice scales across India, it continues to empower children to express themselves, connect and belong.