PODD Introductory

2-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.

Learning Outcomes

This workshop will assist participants to understand the theory and practice related to PODD communication systems. It will provide information about the evidence base for aided language stimulation, a strategy to assist language learning for augmentative and alternative communication. This workshop provides theory, video case examples and supported practice so participants can develop their confidence in understanding and using PODD communication systems.

Participants will be able to:

• Describe the challenges faced by professionals creating communication systems in terms of vocabulary organisation, layout, design, range of access strategies and customising for individual requirements.
• Reflect on and evaluate strategies for teaching communication skills
• Discuss the features of a PODD communication system in terms of vocabulary organisation, layout, design, range of access strategies and customising for individual requirements.
• Use PODD generic template resources to begin the process of dynamic assessment and to produce customised communication books.
• Discuss the teaching and learning strategies for implementing PODD communication systems with students and team members.
• Teach people with CCN and their communication partners to use PODD communication books in everyday environments, so communication happens across the day, anywhere and at any time.

Registration includes morning tea, lunch, and afternoon tea. Please specify dietary requirements when registering for the workshop.

Target Audience

This workshop will be of interest to teachers, speech pathologists, occupational therapists, and educators of individuals who have complex communication needs. Family members and support people who would like a more in depth understanding of the PODD system are also welcome to attend. If you are considering PODD on an electronic communication device, this training would also be beneficial to develop your understanding about PODD features, organisation and teaching and learning strategies.

About the Presenters

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.      

Gayle is supported by:

Wendy Webster has been a Speech Pathologist for approximately 35 years with a strong passion for enabling interactive and language skills for all who have complex communication needs. This has been developed while working in Special Schools, Cerebral Palsy League and Disability Services. Other roles have included Co-ordinator of Let’s Talk Days and Camp Have a Chat, National Chairperson of AGOSCI. She has also been under Gayle’s “discipleship” since 2008 and feels very honoured to be assisting Gayle Porter to teach about PODD. She has introduced PODD to children, adolescents and adults their communication partners since 2008. This has necessitated learning how to personalise vocabulary for the AAC user and is in the process of learning how to create confident communication communities and enable these people to enjoy being Smart Partners for those they live and work with. Wendy and others are trying to consider how to maintain the rage about enabling AAC in the new NDIS world.

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

If you are experiencing any cold/flu symptoms or don't feel well on the day, please support the safety of others by staying at home and not attending the workshop in person. 

This workshop is proudly brought to you by AGOSCI