Using microanalysis to capture interactions involving aided AAC technologies

Individuals with communication disabilities often use augmentative and alternative communication technologies (AAC-T) to facilitate in-person conversations. However, social interactions using AAC-T are complex and frequently characterized by delays and miscommunications. Microanalysis involving detailed video-based transcription is a valuable method for studying these interactions, providing insights into how participants use AAC-T to achieve mutual understanding and manage conversational flow. Microanalytic transcription’s iterative and interpretive nature requires thoughtful decision-making about what is transcribed and how this information is represented. This article describes an approach to conducting microanalytic transcription of interactions mediated by AAC-T. This includes decision making about the level of transcription detail to include, approaches to training transcribers, and maintaining accuracy of transcription conventions. Relevant considerations will be presented in both developing this approach and training student transcribers to translate theoretical knowledge of transcription to operational skills. Implications and considerations for future research adopting similar approaches to microanalysis are discussed.