Spoken Users: You Might Be Eligible for Free ElevenLabs Access

For users who want to expand their voice options, Spoken now integrates features from ElevenLabs, like voice cloning. While these tools would usually require a paid subscription to ElevenLabs, many Spoken users are exempt from this cost! Thanks to ElevenLabs’ Impact Program, users with specific speech disabilities are able to receive a license completely free-of-charge.

The application process for the Impact Program was recently streamlined so you can apply directly on the ElevenLabs website, which you’ll already need to visit to manage your account and find new voices. This updated process makes it easier than ever to unlock ElevenLabs features for use in Spoken.

What Is ElevenLabs and Why Use These Features in Spoken?

ElevenLabs is a company on the cutting edge of voice technology. They’re known for using AI to create some of the most lifelike synthesized voices available today. Spoken added support for ElevenLabs features in version 1.9.3 to give users access to these powerful new tools. By connecting Spoken with an ElevenLabs account, you can further personalize your AAC experience.

If you’re eligible for a free Pro License, we strongly recommend applying. Enabling ElevenLabs features in Spoken can seriously improve your AAC experience. Here’s how:

Expanded Voice Selection

While Spoken already includes a solid range of voices without ElevenLabs integration, there’s no denying that ElevenLabs’ voice library has a much more impressive selection. It includes over 10,000 user-generated voices, alongside many created by ElevenLabs themselves.

Create Your Own Voices

If you still can’t find the perfect voice, you don’t have to settle for the closest available option. ElevenLabs allows you to create entirely new voices, either by describing what you want in a short text prompt or by cloning a real voice from a recording. This gives you an incredible amount of freedom to sound how you want.

Adjust Tone with Audio Tags

If you connect Spoken to ElevenLabs and switch to the experimental v3 model, you’ll be able to try ElevenLabs’ audio tags feature when you speak. This allows you to control the tone and delivery of your speech by adding descriptive text enclosed in brackets. If it isn’t obvious already, you can read why this feature is a complete gamechanger for AAC here.

About the Free License

Users who have their application approved will receive a 5-year Pro license that can be extended after it expires. This gives you access to the full set of premium voice features, including professional voice cloning and generous monthly talk time.

The Pro license also grants you 160 voice slots, making it easy to try out all kinds of voices from the expansive ElevenLabs library. When you save a voice to one of your slots, it will appear in Spoken, assuming you’ve connected your accounts. The extra slots also mean there’s more room to design custom voices and create instant voice clones, if you want to experiment with those features.

Aren’t These Features Already Free?

Technically you can create an ElevenLabs account and even use most of the voices for free without receiving a license from the Impact Program. The catch is that you get very little talk time each month, meaning you’ll have to revert to one of Spoken’s non-ElevenLabs voices after about ten minutes of use. You’ll also only get 3 voice slots, which doesn’t give you much room for experimentation. Finally, free accounts don’t have access to voice cloning at all.

Am I Eligible?

Users with any of the following conditions are currently eligible to apply for a free ElevenLabs Pro license:

• MND/ALS
• PSP, MSA, and CBD
• Stroke
• Tay-Sachs & Sandhoff Disease
• Head and neck cancer
• Laryngectomy or glossectomy

Blind and low-vision users are also welcome to apply for free access to ElevenReader.

This is a growing list that expands as ElevenLabs partners with more nonprofit organizations. If you don’t see your condition listed, ask a nonprofit associated with it to apply to become an Impact Partner.

SLPs Can Apply Too

The Impact Program also allows professionals like speech-language pathologists (SLPs), AAC specialists, and occupational therapists to apply for a 1-year license. This is perfect for clinicians who want to try these features themselves before recommending them to patients, or for helping with setup and onboarding. Although the license does not last as long as the one for patients, it can be extended after the first year.

How to Apply

If You’re a User

You can follow ElevenLabs’ video tutorial or refer to our written instructions below.

It’s worth noting that the layout of the website has changed slightly since this video was recorded.

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Log into or create an account on elevenlabs.io.
2. Click on your profile picture (top right) and select “Apply for Impact Program” from the menu that appears.
3. A new form will appear in the center of the page. Fill out the required fields like name and birth year.
4. Select a partner. These are the organizations that partner with ElevenLabs to distribute the licenses. Clicking on one will tell you which conditions they cover and the regions they operate in. Each partner has different application requirements.
5. Once you’ve filled all the required fields, click continue. You will see the information your selected partner requires.
6. Select your preferred email service from the provided options. This will generate a partially filled draft email to be sent to your selected partner.
7. Add the information the partner requested to the bottom of the email. You can also attach a document if needed. Click send when finished.
8. You will automatically return to the previous page. Make sure you click “Done - I’ve sent the email” at the bottom of the form, or your application will not be fully submitted.
9. You will receive email confirmation once your application has been approved or rejected.

If You’re an SLP or AAC Specialist

The process is slightly different for clinicians.

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Log into or create an account on elevenlabs.io.
2. Click on your profile picture (top right) and select “Apply for Impact Program” from the menu that appears.
3. A new form will appear in the center of the page. Fill out the required fields like name and birth year.
4. In the field where it asks to select a partner, choose “Clinicians (SLPs, OTs, AAC Specialists, Nonprofit employees).”
5. Once you’ve filled all the required fields, click continue.
6. Select your preferred email service from the provided options. This will generate a partially filled draft email to be sent to ElevenLabs.
7. Add your name, role, organization, and contact information to the email as proof of employment. You can also attach a document if desired. Click send when finished.
8. You will automatically return to the previous page. Make sure you click “Done - I’ve sent the email” at the bottom of the form, or your application will not be fully submitted.
9. You will receive email confirmation once your application has been approved or rejected.

I Was Approved. How Do I Connect?

To get started with ElevenLabs features in Spoken, you’ll need to create an API key on the ElevenLabs website and then enter it into Spoken. You can learn how to do that here.

If you need additional assistance, we have several articles to help you use ElevenLabs features. You can find an entire section devoted to ElevenLabs on our Help page. This includes topics like designing voices with text prompts, creating a clone of your own voice with a recording, or using audio tags. You’re also welcome to reach out to us at help@spokenaac.com if you need anything else.