PODD Introductory 2-Day Workshop

Workshop overview

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 (AAC). 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 complex communication needs 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 communication support 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.

Presenters

Janelle Sampson is a certified practising speech pathologist and has worked for over 35 years in both Australia and Canada, predominantly with a focus on Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). In 2011, she founded Two Way Street, an innovative practice in Adelaide focusing solely on AAC. Janelle has years of practical experience providing workshops, consultation, individual home and school-based intervention, and various other programs and projects. She has worked extensively alongside schools and other organisations to support children and adults with complex communication needs of all diagnoses. Janelle is the creator of ROCC (Roadmap of Communicative Competence) and a certified PODD presenter. She provides regular consultations and varied workshops around Australia. 

This workshop is co-presented by: 

Haylee Parfett is a Melbourne based Speech Pathologist with a passion for working with children who have complex communication needs arising from Autism, intellectual, physical, sensory and/or behaviour challenges. Haylee believes that everyone has a right to communicate, and is interested in implementing whole school AAC approaches to enable functional and autonomous communication for all. Haylee has worked within and consulted to Autism Special Schools and Special Schools in Australia and the UK to develop strategies and frameworks for developing whole school communication accessible environments. She has presented nationally and internationally on AAC, Communication Accessible Schools and Autism. Haylee owns a Speech Pathology practice in Melbourne which supports children and adults who use AAC in their kinder, school and residential settings. She also provides workshops, training and consultative services to schools and organisations throughout Australia.

Workshop details 

Session dates

• Tuesday 29th April 2025, 9am - 5pm 
• Wednesday 30th April 2025, 9am - 5pm 

Please arrive by 8.30am on Day 1 to register and be ready to start the workshop at 9am.

Your registration includes morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea on both workshop days. 

Please note participants are not permitted to bring food or beverages onto the venue premises. 

Registrations must close on 15th April 2025, please register prior to secure your place. 

Where

Springwood Hotel, Corner Springwood & Rochedale Roads, Springwood Queensland 4032

Ticket prices 

AGOSCI member ticket = $530

Standard ticket = $650

Photography

Throughout the workshop your local host may take photos to share with the AGOSCI community. Please let your local host(s) know or email education@agosci.org.au if you do not wish to have your photo taken. 

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. 

• 100% refund minus the service fee ($0.69 + 0.7% per transaction) until 60 days before event
• 50% refund minus the service fee ($0.69 + 0.7% per transaction) 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.

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