PODD Advanced

5-Day Workshop

About PODD

The Pragmatic Organisation Dynamic Display (PODD) approach assists people with complex communication needs to learn to understand and use language to enable autonomous communication. It provides strategies to support the design, production and implementation of communication systems to enable genuine communication for a variety of functions in all daily environments.

Background Information

This intensive advanced PODD workshop is for people who have completed a two-day PODD Introductory workshop and are now seeking to further develop their knowledge and skill. (Note: Completion of an advanced PODD course is a pre‐requisite for people who are interested in applying for certification as a PODD presenter in the future.)

This course aims to build on current knowledge and fluency using PODD communication books for individuals who have begun to implement these strategies. Focus will be on building fluency, refining observational assessment and implementation planning skills, and strategies for training communication partners. The course will also provide opportunities for problem‐solving more complex challenges. Content will include case studies from participants.

Learning Outcomes

After this 5-Day course, participants will have developed the ability to:

• Explain the features of a range of PODD communication systems in terms of vocabulary organization, layout, design, range of access strategies, and customising for individual requirements
• Describe the reasons for the similarities and differences between PODD page sets deigned for communication books and speech generating devices.
• Develop fluency using PODD to model language during natural interactions.
• Communicate using PODD communication books with a range of different access methodologies
• Use a dynamic assessment process to identify individual communication requirements and teaching-learning strategies
• Describe different learning challenges for children who have severe physical, communication, and multiple needs (including CVI) and identify specific strategies to address these needs
• Discuss the application of PODD for individuals with ASD.
• Discuss the teaching and learning strategies for implementing PODD communication systems with students and team members
• Teach communication partners to provide receptive input using PODD communication books
• Teach children and partners to use PODD communication books in daily environments
• Identify strategies to combat the challenges faced by professionals creating an aided language learning environment for children with a wide range of complex communication needs.
• Answer frequently asked questions
• Develop IEP goals and tools to measure the development of autonomous communication

About the Presenters

Gayle Porter 

Gayle Porter is a Speech Pathologist with over 30 years hands on experience in the field working with people with complex communication needs.  Gayle currently works at the Cerebral Palsy Education Centre in Melbourne, Australia.  She also has a private practice working with both children and teenagers with complex communication needs in their schools. Gayle developed and has published resources on the Pragmatic Organization Dynamic Display (PODD) communication books and pages sets for speech generating devices.  In addition, she has authored articles, publications and chapters on Augmentative and Alternative Communication and cerebral palsy.  Gayle is a highly sought after international presenter.      

This workshop is co-presented by:

Mel Reipsamen 

Mel Riepsamen is a senior speech pathologist working with pre-school children with complex communication needs. Melissa currently works at the Cerebral Palsy Education Centre in Melbourne and also has a private practice. Melissa has twelve years’ experience using Augmentative and Alternative Communication with children and teenagers with complex communication needs. Melissa’s experience in implementing the Pragmatic Organisation Dynamic Display (PODD) system with children and teenagers is across a range of different service delivery models and includes customising PODD communication books and page sets for speech generating devices to accommodate for individual requirements. Melissa is a certified PODD presenter and presents at workshops and conferences domestically and internationally.

Registration and Cancellation Policy

Registration is only confirmed upon full payment of fee. To access the discounted rate for members you must be logged into your AGOSCI member account prior to registration. 

Please Note* All registrations incur a 3.5% paypal fee that can't be refunded

• 96.5% refund until 60 days before event.
• 46.5% refund between 8-59 days before event. 
• No refunds within 0-7 days of event start date.

Applications for registrations are subject to final approval by AGOSCI to ensure fair and equal access to events across organisations. Waitlist registrations will be taken upon all positions being filled.

COVID Safety

The COVID Situation in Queensland is changing rapidly. We have taken extra care to prepare a COVID-safe event. For this workshop to go ahead, we ask that you help us to abide by all relevant public health requirements and the venue's COVID safe requirements.

This will include the following:

• All attendees must be fully vaccinated* and be able to show evidence of this upon arrival. 
• *Alternatively, a medical exemption must be provided.
• Masks must be worn at all times inside the venue.
• All attendees must sign-in to the venue using the Check In Qld app. Please load this onto your mobile device in advance, and attach your COVID certificate.
• Social distancing must be adhered to at all times.
• Please follow good hand hygiene.
• Please monitor your own health and well being. If you're feeling unwell, or showing any signs/symptoms of cold/flu, please stay home.

If you have any questions or concerns about the above, please contact us before the July workshop start date so we can problem solve together.

This workshop is proudly brought to you by AGOSCI