WHAT IS PODD?

What is PODD?
PODD is a type of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) system. It is a way of organising word and symbol vocabulary for communication and is available either in book form or on a speech generating device.  

PODD stands for:

• Pragmatic – it considers the reason for which we are communicating, and the use of language for a social function
• Organisation – words and symbols are systematically laid out in PODD
• Dynamic Display – we move through pages for access to additional vocabulary to form a full message using PODD

PODD supports the understanding and use of language in people with complex communication needs, and assists them in having meaningful interactions with their communication partners, such as family, friends, carers or people in the community.
The aim of PODD is to provide robust vocabulary for continuous communication all the time. It can be used to express a range of messages, on a wide variety of topics, in multiple different environments.

Why use PODD?

• Continuous communication: PODD is designed to support continuous communication all the time. It can be used to communicate with anyone, anywhere, anytime. Other forms of AAC may only be possible to use with specific communication partners, or when in certain environments, or at particular times. For example, sign language  is most successful when the communication partner is also familiar with sign, and an activity board on feeding may only be useful at mealtimes.
• Communicating for a variety of reasons: PODD provides the opportunity to model a range of communication functions (e.g. greet, request, protest, comment) and supports and individual to learn to express these independently with their communication partners.
• Providing access to a wide variety of vocabulary: PODD supports an individual with complex communication needs in accessing a wide variety of vocabulary that meets their current communication needs and their future communication needs, so they can continue to develop their language skills.

Who uses PODD?
PODD may be used by any individual whose communication would be supported by an augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) system. They may require support with understanding the language used by others and/or expressing their own message. It can be introduced to anyone, regardless of age, and at any point in their communication journey. There are no prerequisites for introducing PODD. The Speech Pathologist will work with the individual and their support network to personalise the PODD so that it contains vocabulary that is specific to them (e.g., places they go, activates they do).

• Can a child be too young for PODD? PODD may be introduced to very young children who are at a critical period in their language development and have limited or no verbal language. PODD can provide these children with access to a language system that supports the expression of a variety of communication functions (e.g., requesting, protesting, commenting) and provides them with sufficient vocabulary to further develop their communication skills. These children may be ongoing PODD users, or may develop their verbal language and no longer need PODD to support their communication.

For more information about whether PODD would help you or your child communicate talk to a PODD trained Speech Pathologist or follow We Speak PODD on Youtube to see it in action. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfvD20l2wn-fS2Ar4bdTXZg
For Speechies looking to upskill  you can attend PODD training through AGOSCI https://www.agosci.org.au/PODD

Written by Rhiannon Underhill – Speech Pathologist