UTC innovator creates a wearable voice modulation support device for the autism community
Brooks Band is a wearable device that gently alerts individuals when their voice rises above a certain decibel level. The feedback could come in the form of a vibration or a visual signal, like a red-light-green-light system.
For people on the autism spectrum, certain situations can be overstimulating, especially social settings with lots of people and movement. It can simply feel like too much.
Responses to these situations vary from person to person, but a common reaction among individuals on the spectrum is an increase in vocal volume.
Megan Cales witnessed this firsthand with a friend’s son, Brooks. Each time he became excited, overstimulated, or frustrated, he would raise his voice.
“It wasn’t on purpose. He simply didn’t realize his volume level, and we had to keep reminding him,” she said.
This went on for a while. People around him frequently reminded him to lower his volume, and once someone identified the pattern, Brooks was able to self-correct.
Autism presents differently in every individual, but many share the experience of being unaware of their volume until someone points it out. Up until now, no technology existed to support individuals in these situations.
“I looked everywhere to help my friend find a solution, but nothing existed,” Cales said. “I couldn’t believe it.”
So, she began brainstorming. Could there be a wearable device? What would it look like? What kind of alert system would work? How could it help people who struggle with voice modulation, and those on the autism spectrum feel more aware in social situations?
Her curiosity came at the perfect time.
The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) sent an email to all faculty and staff seeking applicants for a mini-grant program called “MOCS Innovate!” The goal was to help big ideas on campus move from concept to creation.
Cales, a Career Engagement Coordinator on campus, isn’t a traditional university researcher, but she applied anyway and, to her surprise, received one of the grants!
Brooks Band in the Works
That was just a few months ago, and already things are moving quickly for Cales and her invention.
It’s called the Brooks Band—a wearable device that gently alerts individuals when their voice rises above a certain decibel level. The feedback could come in the form of a vibration or a visual signal, like a red-light-green-light system.
“We wasted no time getting started. I’ve been thrown into the deep end of entrepreneurship and am learning more and more every day,” Cales said.
Currently, Brooks Band is in the prototype phase. The team has already unveiled the first working version and is now designing a smaller, more compact model.
Cales is collaborating with Chantz Yanagida, a local engineer who graduated from UTC’s College of Engineering and Computer Science.
“He is brilliant and has been a core part of bringing this concept to life,” she said.
She’s also received guidance from UTC Commercialization Counselor Jennifer Skjellum, who recently joined Launch Tennessee full-time as Associate Director of University Engagement (see teknovation.biz article here).
“Jennifer has been championing me since the start. She helped me meet the right people, apply for the right grants, and get into the programs that would help bring Brooks Band to life,” Cales said.
One of those programs was the Regional National Science Foundation (NSF) Innovation Corps, or I-Corps, program. Marc Nabhan and his team host the UT System’s version (read the teknovation.biz recap of the 2025 cohort here).
Cales entered the program with an idea and a rough prototype. Just a few weeks later, she emerged with a clearer understanding of market fit, customer base, and communication strategy.
As part of I-Corps, she completed more than 20 customer discovery interviews.
“It was a great experience to dive deep into the market,” she said. “I learned so much about the unique challenges people on the autism spectrum face. And I realized this is a solution families, schools, physicians, and care centers have been searching for.”
More than anything, the experience gave her confidence in her mission.
“I believe this is going to help so many neurodivergent people live higher-quality lives and feel more comfortable in social situations,” she said. “If I can help even just one person live with that sort of confidence, it will all have been worth it.”
Cales said the next iteration of the Brooks Band prototype should be complete in the coming weeks.
Like what you've read?
Forward to a friend!