2025 2-day Introductory PODD workshop - Christchurch 1 & 2 October
ATANZ is excited to host
2- day Introductory PODD workshop
Presented by Speech Language therapist
Helen Bayldon,
Location and date:
Christchurch 1 & 2 October 2025
Venue: Pītau-Allenvale School,
1a Treedale Street, Belfast, Christchurch 8051
Time:
- Day 1, 9.00 am registrations for a 9:30 start - 5.30 pm closing
- Day 2, 9.00 am start - 5.00 pm closing
- 40 minutes Lunch break
Coffee/tea at arrival, morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea will be provided.
About this event:
This workshop will assist participants to understand the theory and practice related to PODD communication systems. It will provide information about the evidence base for aided language stimulation, and strategies to assist language learning for augmentative and alternative communication (AAC).
The 2-day introductory workshop provides theory, video case examples and supported practice, so participants can develop their confidence in understanding and using PODD communication systems.
Why attend?
Participants will be able to:
- Describe the challenges faced by professionals creating communication systems in terms of vocabulary organisation, layout, design, range of access strategies and customising for individual requirements.
- Reflect on and evaluate strategies for teaching communication skills.
- Discuss the features of a PODD communication system in terms of vocabulary organisation, layout, design, range of access strategies and customising for individual requirements.
- Use PODD generic direct access template resources to begin the process of dynamic assessment and to produce customised communication books.
- Discuss the teaching and learning strategies for implementing PODD communication systems with students and team members.
- Teach people with complex communication needs and their communication partners to use PODD communication books in everyday environments, so communication happens across the day, anywhere and at any time.
About the presenter:
Helen Bayldon is a Speech Therapist who is passionate about Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) and literacy for individuals who do not use speech to meet all their communication requirements. She is New Zealand’s first Accredited PODD Presenter. Helen has worked across medical rehabilitation, specialist schools and private practice for more than 25 years as well as lecturing in AAC and emergent literacy. Helen gained her Masters in Speech Language Therapy after completing research on literacy intervention with children with complex physical, cognitive and sensory needs who use alternative access to AAC. She is a former Board Member of ATANZ and currently works as an SLT at Central Auckland Specialist School, provides professional supervision, runs a specialist mentoring group, and consults in the areas of AAC and emergent literacy.
Minimum numbers:
Events require a minimum of participants to proceed. We'll confirm if we can go ahead, at the latest two weeks before the start date of the event and we offer the option to attend at a different location or a full refund in case we need to cancel. Please keep this in mind when booking any travel and accommodations.
Cancellations by participants less than 14 days before the event will not be refunded. Substitution by another person is possible when you notify us by email at
Who can attend?
This workshop will be of interest to speech therapists, occupational therapists, teachers or family members of children who have complex communication needs.
Cost:
- $475.00 for ATANZ members
- $580.00 for Non-members (remember membership is $110)
- $250.00 for Whānau/family members (limited numbers)
Please check out our Whanau Professional Development and Learning Grant and ATANZ Professional Development Grant
Registrations close 24 September or when sold out – places are limited to 25 participants!
Ensure you choose the correct ticket type to access the discount rate for ATANZ members!
Questions:
Please contact us with any questions at
Event Properties
| Event Date | 01-10-2025 9:00 am |
| Event End Date | 02-10-2025 5:00 pm |
| Cut off date | 24-09-2025 11:00 pm |
| Capacity | 25 |
| Registered | 1 |
| Available place | 24 |
| Individual Price | Varies by ticket type |
| Location | Pītau-Allenvale School |