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

Helen Tainsh is a Speech Pathologist with 30 years of experience of working with individuals who have complex communication needs. She presents regularly on Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) and Comprehensive Literacy Instruction in workshops and at conferences internationally. She currently works at the Cerebral Palsy Education Centre in Melbourne, where she mentors therapists. Helen also has a private practice. In her private practice Helen supports children and adults with severe and multiple disabilities, who use augmentative and alternative communication. She supports access to the curriculum within their mainstream school. Helen consults regularly in a number of Special Schools, supporting implementation of AAC and comprehensive literacy instruction. She has a strong interest in AAC and literacy and has been instrumental in using the Four Blocks Framework with many students and special schools to improve their literacy skills. Helen has completed both the Introductory and Advanced Intensive Seminars on Literacy in AAC. Helen has completed PROMPT introductory and advanced training and. She is a certified presenter in Pragmatic Organisation Dynamic Display (P.O.D.D.) Communication Books. She also has extensive experience in the programming and use of speech generating devices.

This workshop is co-presented by:

Lee Withall

Lee is a Brisbane-based specialist teacher with over 35 years’ experience in a variety of roles in both special and mainstream schools, including class teacher, education consultant, and advisory teacher. Her focus has been working with education teams supporting students with a physical disability, including those who use AAC. Lee’s introduction to the PODD communication system and key teaching-learning strategies to support aided language learning and communication autonomy, started with her professional collaboration with Gayle (and CPEC team) in the late 1990s  She was certified as a PODD presenter by Gayle in 2013. As part of her role with Qld Education Department, Lee has led the development of a range of professional learning resources for schools about students with physical disability including those who use AAC.

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