PODD Alternative Access 1-day workshop

Presented by Janelle Sampson

Workshop overview

The focus of this workshop is on Pragmatic Organisation Dynamic Display (PODD) communication books designed for individuals who cannot point directly to a display with their hands. The content will build on the information relating to the purpose, design principles, intervention strategies and use of PODD communication books covered in the two-day introductory workshop.

A range of alternative access PODD communication book will be discussed including: eye-gaze (eye-pointing), partner-assisted scanning (visual, auditory, visual plus auditory scanning), combination access, and coded access. The design features to suit, procedures to operate and teach each access method will be presented. Participants will have the opportunity to practice using each access method.

Learning outcomes

Participants will be able to:

• Describe the different PODD design considerations/options to accommodate for alternative access methods
• outline the considerations for selecting different access methods to suit individual requirements
• perform the partner operational procedures to use a range of alternate access methods
• discuss problem-solving methodologies for developing operational skills for individuals who have severe movement difficulties (e.g. developing accept/reject movements for scanning).

Target audience 

This workshop will be of interest to teachers, speech pathologists, occupational therapists, and educators of individuals who have communication supports needs.

Please note it is a requirement to have completed a 2-Day PODD Introductory Workshop in order to attend this workshop.

Workshop date

Friday 6 November 2026 

Workshop details

• This workshop will be presented at NAPA Centre (Ground floor, 2 Lincoln Street, Lane Cove West, Sydney, NSW) on Friday 6th November 2026

• Full attendance is compulsory to receive a certificate of attendance

• It is a requirement to have completed a 2-Day PODD Introductory Workshop in order to attend this workshop

• There is parking available at the venue

• Please arrive by 8:15am to sign in and be ready to start the workshop at 8:30am

• Your registration includes tea and coffee, morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea

• Please indicate any dietary and/or access requirements on your registration form. 

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. 

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. 

Disclosure

AGOSCI is grateful to Janelle for presenting this workshop to the AGOSCI community. AGOSCI is grateful to NAPA for hosting this workshop at NAPA Centre Sydney. 

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.