![]() It’s also sometimes called a ‘smart partner operating system’ because humans can observe and problem solve to assist communication in ways computers can’t (Porter, 2007). Other messages need to be more specific, such as selecting the words you want to tell a story or express your personality.Ī PODD allows this flexibility by providing ‘quick chat’ words as well as extended vocabulary. For example, some messages have an emphasis on efficiency, such as quickly telling someone that you “need the toilet”, or to “hurry up”. It’s a method that promotes independence for the user.ĭifferent messages, partners and situations place different requirements on communication. This means a focus on communication that is specific and efficient, in as socially-valued a manner as possible in order to understand others and to be understood. ![]() To choose messages that suit each situationĪ PODD is designed to support each individual with their own varied communication needs as effectively as possible. There is even potential for PODDs and other augmentative and alternative communication strategies to assist speech development by supporting user’s attempts to produce spoken words. A communication partner will point to the symbols as they talk to the person with complex communication needs, which facilitates understanding of speech. To develop use and understanding of languageĪ PODD can be used not only in supporting effective communication, but also as a learning tool to assist the user’s understanding of other people’s spoken language too. This means “we can never really know what a person is capable of until we provide them with the opportunity to learn and show us” (Porter, 2009). Similarly “a child who uses AAC will independently select the words she wishes to use from the vocabulary other people have chosen to model and, for aided symbols, made available for her to use” (Porter & Kirkland, 1995, p. If we restrict a person’s vocabulary to a smaller number of words, how will we know for sure that the person is not capable of more? Research has found that “a child who uses speech will independently select the words she wishes to use from the vast array of words she hears/sees used every day”. PODD can provide a way to better express someone’s personality through a wide range of communication types, including requests, greetings, comments, questions, opinions and more. Just as a person who uses speech can choose from thousands of words in their head when they talk, PODDs aim to give people access to a greater vocabulary of words. One of the important features of PODD is that it is an all the time strategy, to use across the huge range of different environments, messages, and topics we come across in life. Some focus on providing vocabulary for a specific activity or schedule. There are many different types of communication aids. These products allow hands free use of a PODD and helps you hold it at any angle, so it is easy to see and use by both the PODD user and partner. This is why PODDs can have different formats, depending on the individual physical, sensory and communication needs of the user.ĭuring PODD’s development over15 years, each PODD format was shaped by the experiences of both kids with complex communication needs and their communication partners, to express themselves with greater ease, and to provide immersion and modelling for vocabulary and language learning.Īt NovitaTech, our assistive technology retail outlet, we have designed and manufactured our very own PODD Strap and PODD A4 Cover with Stand. Everyone has different communication preferences and abilities. There’s many different types of PODDs, so the one to use will depend on the communication needs of the individual. In the same way, a person with complex communication needs may use a number of different methods to communicate including a PODD, depending on what is most efficient method for them at the time. Selection of words and symbols in the PODD can be made by pointing, looking or other combinations of methods.Ĭommunication methods we use day-to-day include speech, gestures, pointing, facial expressions and writing, and we tend to choose whichever method is most effective for each situation. It is designed to be a tool in someone’s ‘toolbox of communication methods’ that is useful all the time. The aim of a PODD is to provide vocabulary for use in multiple environments, with a range of messages, across a range of topics. PODD is a way of organising whole-word and symbol vocabulary in a communication book or speech generating device to support expression and understanding of language for people with complex communication needs, O rganisation – words and symbols arranged in a systematic wayĭ ynamic D isplay – changing pages for a wide vocabulary and range of statements P ragmatic – the ways that we use language socially and with purpose
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