PODD
What is PODD?
Pragmatic Organisation Dynamic Display (PODD) communication books: Direct Access Templates (2007) were developed by Gayle Porter, an Australian speech pathologist. PODD communication books are a robust AAC language system, designed from extensive clinical experience, application of the research literature and real-world feedback from individuals and parents using the resources. They now include Alternative Access Templates (2017) for people with physical challenges and electronic PODD Pagesets, available through several software/ apps platforms, and implemented using iPads, windows tablets and dedicated speech-generating communication devices.
Where can I learn more?
Two Day Introductory PODD Workshops are highly recommended for professionals and family members who wish to implement PODD communication systems. There are a variety of one day or half-day PODD workshops that can be tailored for whole schools and individual teams. PODD workshops are presented by Certified PODD Presenters, who have been trained by Gayle Porter, the developer of PODD communication systems, to present these workshops.
In Australia, PODD communication book templates are available from the Cerebral Palsy Education Centre (CPEC) and from Spectronics. PODD pagesets are available on a number of software platforms. Further information about the development of PODD and PODD resources is available on the CPEC website.
The PODD Interest Group Australia is an informal group of people who are interested in PODD communication systems. It has a Facebook page that allows members to share information and ask questions. This Facebook community grew from the PODD Interest Group which had face to face meetings from 2015 – 2019. Anyone with an interest in PODD is welcome to join the PODD Interest Group on Facebook.
Why join?
The PODD Interest Group Australia is for anyone with an interest in PODD communication systems. There are no prerequisites for joining. It was started because several parents who attended the PODD Interest Group felt a Facebook page would be a great way to share information and provide support for the many people trying to implement PODD systems. For both parents and professionals it was difficult for many people to attend face to face meetings. They were right!
Who contributes?
Once this page was started many people have joined from all over Australia and we even have a few overseas members. This community Facebook page is maintained by several parents and speech pathologists. PODD presenters, with expertise in PODD communication systems, assist as moderators, helping to answer questions and share information. People from all around Australia share their personal experiences and their knowledge through posting written information, photos and videos related to implementing PODD communication systems. People making PODD resources let others know what they can do, if this will assist a group member. Anyone who is organising a PODD workshop in Australia is welcome to post about their event on this page. This Facebook community has grown to 931 members.
The PODD Interest Group started in Sydney as a face to face support group for anyone interested in PODD communication systems. Two hour meetings provided an forum for discussion related to selection of PODD systems and everyday implementation issues. As the meetings developed, PODD Practice became an important activity, to help develop PODD fluency.
What’s next for the PODD Interest Group?
Members of the PODD Interest Group can use the Facebook page to make announcements related to PODD and can post topics for discussion. In the future, PODD interest group members may like to organise local meetings to meet face to face again or you could organise to discuss topics via the Facebook Rooms function for live video chats or via Zoom meetings. We could develop a Frequently Asked Questions page. Suggestions for the future can be posted on the PODD Interest Group Facebook page.
