Using Conversation Analysis to Improve an Augmented Communication Tool

Abstract

An ALS (amyotrofic lateral sclerosis) patient could only move her eyes and interacted through a MyTobii AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) tool with eye-tracking and speech synthesizing technology. Conversation analysis of 75 minutes of video-recorded talk-in-interaction with her family members revealed a timing problem with turn taking. In response, we provided the tool with keys for direct yes and no answers. We tested the results with further recordings and in experimental settings and found that the new keys facilitated her responsiveness. Moreover, her interlocutors changed how they interacted with her. Data are in Dutch with English translation.