Pragmatic Organization Dynamic Display (PODD) 2-Day Introductory Workshop

This PODD introductory workshop teaches the theory and practice of implementing PODD communication books.

PODD communication books can assist people with communication disabilities to support their use and understanding of language. PODD is a tool providing organized vocabulary that enables users to communicate spontaneous and unpredicted messages. PODD communication books are designed for varying language, communication, sensory and physical access needs.

This workshop is for speech-language pathologists, teachers, caregivers, assistants, and any other professional or community member who implements and supports Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) language systems. PODD books can be meaningful AAC systems for children and adults with a variety of diagnoses, including cerebral palsy, global developmental delay, Down syndrome, and autism.

Participants will learn:

• Strategies for teaching and using PODD with children and their communication partners
• Strategies for creating multi-modal language learning environments that provide receptive models and expressive opportunities for language development

About the Instructor:

Laura Taylor is an educational consultant for Taylor Educational Consultants in Charlevoix, Michigan. Laura taught special education for children aged 18 months to 6 years for 28 years before accepting a position for the State of Michigan as Assistive Technology and Communication Specialist. She held this position for nearly 6 years before returning to the classroom to teach young adult autistic students. In this position she integrated PODD (Pragmatic Organization Dynamic Display) Communication books to teach a range of communication skills across the day. In addition, her focus on teaching literacy and math supported these students to a new level of independence. Laura became a certified PODD

Presenter in 2014 and has conducted workshops throughout the US and Canada. Her mission is to provide every individual with a voice as voice is power.