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

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 

• This workshop will be presented over two full days at the Father Bernard O'Shea In-service Centre (19 Lovedale Street, Wilston, QLD)
• Day 1: Wednesday 14 October 2026, 9am – 5pm
• Day 2: Thursday 15 October 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, lunch and afternoon tea
• Please note there has been a small $30 increase in ticket pricing to accommodate catering costs
• Please indicate any dietary and/or access requirements on your registration form. 

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 Haylee 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.