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.

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.

Presenter

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. She 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 the ROCC (Roadmap of Communicative Competence) Assessment and a certified PODD presenter. She provides regular consultations and varied workshops around Australia. 

Workshop details 

• This workshop will be presented over two full days at the Moorooka Community Centre
• Day 1: Thursday 30 April 2026, 9am – 5pm
• Day 2: Friday 1 May 2026, 9am – 5pm 
• Full attendance on both days is compulsory to receive a certificate of attendance
• Please arrive by 8.45am on day 1 to register and be ready to start the workshop at 9am
• Your registration includes tea and coffee, morning tea and afternoon tea. 
• Please indicate if you will bring your own lunch or upgrade your ticket to include lunch on your registration form. The lunch break is brief and does not allow sufficient time to go out and purchase lunch. 
• Please indicate any dietary and/or access requirements on your registration form. 

PODD ticket prices 

AGOSCI member ticket: $530 including GST. 

Standard ticket: $650 including GST.

Please note total price will include an additional $0.69 + 0.7% per transaction service fee.

Updated in December 2025: Ticket prices winclude tea and coffee making facilities, morning tea and afternoon tea. Participants are encouraged to bring lunch or upgrade their ticket to include lunch. 

Photography

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

Disclosure

AGOSCI is grateful to Janelle for presenting this workshop to the AGOSCI community. 

AGOSCI acknowledges that differing views and opinions may be discussed throughout this workshop and may not always align with AGOSCI philosophies.

AGOSCI is an independent body and does not endorse individual expertise, products or brands over others.

AGOSCI acknowledges the presence and contributions of all suppliers and expertise in the Australian and International communities of AAC and diverse communication.

Registration and cancellation policy

Updated May 2025

Registration is only confirmed upon full payment of fee. Please note total ticket price will include an additional $0.69 + 0.7% per transaction service 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 before event start date
• If the event is cancelled by AGOSCI you will receive 100% refund including the service fee ($0.69 + 0.7% per transaction)

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. Please email education@agosci.org.au to be added to the waitlist.