As a father, nothing prepares you for the lessons your children will teach you. My son Jenson, who has special needs, has been the most outstanding teacher in my life—not because of his daily challenges but because of his strength, kindness, and resilience. Jenson's journey has shaped not only the father I've become but also how I see my role as a technologist and entrepreneur. I've steered away from technology innovation for luxury or convenience, instead finding purpose in projects that make a difference. I was fortunate enough to find myself working on financial inclusion in 2008 and seeing firsthand the impact it had on the lives of Cambodians. I have a story of self-reflection, paradigm challenges, and the things we take for granted, which I share in the opening of all my keynote talks, still to this day.
For so long, my personal and professional mission has been to drive a positive impact on humanity by applying technologies. But I still need to direct this mission to help my eldest son.
Jenson's Journey: Overcoming Challenges with Kindness
From the moment Jenson was born, we knew he was special. His mild intellectual disability and speech challenges have been a part of our lives from the start. Understanding his unique communication has become second nature for my wife, Tash, and me. But we've also seen how the outside world can be challenging for Jenson. Whether at school, on the playground, or in simple day-to-day interactions, he often struggles to be understood by others. One of his passions and goals is to catch the public bus to school alone. But fearing what might happen if left without a supporting adult, we have yet to be able to give him this experience.
Despite these challenges, what has always struck me is his unwavering kindness. Even when frustrated, he remains compassionate and patient with those around him. Jenson has taught me more about patience and perseverance than I ever imagined. He has shown me that communication isn't just about words—it's about intent, connection, and the desire to be understood. He has given me a deep appreciation for the complexities of communication and the strength required to overcome barriers. We've watched him find innovative ways to be understood, like using Google's predictive text to show us the word he is trying to say.
The Inspiration Behind the Vision
A recent experience profoundly shaped my vision of what's possible. At a conference in Kuching, Malaysia, I had the privilege of hearing Dr. Jordan Nguyen speak. His groundbreaking work in using technology to foster inclusion was simply outstanding. Dr. Nguyen's ability to harness technology to empower individuals with disabilities inspired me on a deep level. His vision of technology that doesn't just assist but transforms lives sparked my belief that I could do something similar for Jenson and others like him. It became clear to me that technology could be the bridge to greater independence and dignity for individuals with speech challenges.
The Desire to Build a Solution
Watching Jenson grow and navigate the world with his unique challenges lit a spark in me. I couldn't shake the feeling that, as a technologist, I had the tools and knowledge to help him and the millions of others who face similar daily struggles. The more I thought about it, the clearer it became I had to do something.
I've spent years working in digital transformation and technology, helping companies use AI and data to drive innovation. I want to apply those skills to a profoundly personal mission—creating a solution that empowers people like Jenson to be understood.
Introducing SayItAll: A 'Google Translate' for Speech Challenges
Imagine a world where every individual with speech challenges has a tool in their pocket that helps them be understood anywhere, anytime. That's the vision behind SayItAll—an app that functions like a "Google Translate" for speech challenges, translating non-standard speech into clear, understandable text or speech. I've seen Google build Relate on a similar vision, but it's limited to the Android platform, and Jenson loves his iPad and iPhone.
The app would use advanced AI and voice recognition to listen, learn, and adapt to the user's unique way of speaking. It would give individuals the confidence to communicate independently, whether ordering a coffee, asking a question in class, or just conversing with friends. For people like Jenson, this isn't just about technology—it's about giving them the independence they deserve. It's about transforming their daily lives and empowering them to be understood in a world that often struggles to listen. In time, I would love to see it supplement his Speech Therapy with gamified exercises to continue to develop his language skills.
Calling for Help: Let's Build This Together
While the vision is precise, I know I need help to do this. To make SayItAll a reality, I'm looking for passionate technologists, app developers, AI specialists, and voice recognition experts to join me on this journey. Your expertise and dedication are crucial to this project. Together, we can create something truly transformative—a tool that will help people communicate and give them the dignity, independence, and confidence they've been seeking.
If you're skilled in these areas and desire to make a real impact, I invite you to join me on this mission. Let's build a world where everyone's voice can be heard and understood.
I am also actively seeking financial and corporate support to make the vision happen.
Contact me at scott@scottebales.com to help shape this project and bring it to life.
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Jenson has been my greatest teacher, and this project is my way of honoring everything he has taught me. This isn't just about technology—it's about creating a future where everyone can speak and be heard, no matter their challenges.
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