PODD Communication books
Alternative access
The PODD – Alternative Access communication books are a collection of customisable and printable templates for creating individual PODD communication books.
These alternative access templates are designed for people who:
- Experience physical challenges pointing directly to sufficient symbols on the page to meet their communication and language requirements.
- Can visually discriminate between regular PCS symbols and manage the visual complexity of a whole page to locate the required symbol.
With varying and evolving levels of linguistic complexity, these communication books support language development while meeting the varied needs of each user (motor, visual and language needs). The range of PODD communication books supports individuals from first words through to complex syntax.
Note: auditory and auditory plus visual scanning PODD communication books designed for people who have visual challenges are not included in this alternative access resource. Individuals who experience challenges using regular symbol visual presentations require the Alternative Presentation PODD communication book template resource (currently in development).
Templates are provided to make 22 different alternative access PODD books (20 personal books and 2 group books). Support materials for each PODD book include:
- an information file in PDF providing a detailed description of the language level, layout and vocabulary organisation
- one or more construction files in PDF that describe in detail how to print and make each PODD book.
Videos demonstrating the operational procedures to express and methods to model are also provided for each access method.
The templates are the AUS/UK English version (A4 paper size) of the PODD resources created by Gayle Porter, a speech pathologist from Australia with over 40 years of hands-on experience working with people with complex communication needs.
