Pragmatic Organization Dynamic Display (PODD)
2-Day Introductory Workshop
November 9 and 10, 2026
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
John W. Lindsay YMCA
5640 Sackville St, Halifax
(Accessible entrance off South Park Street, Halifax)
Presented by River Wilson, MSc-SLP CCC-SLP
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
J. River Wilson, MSc-SLP CCC-SLP| Certified PODD Trainer. Born and raised in Edmonton (where it’s a “dry cold"), River Wilson graduated with her MSc-SLP in 2006. She developed her passion for AAC at the I CAN Centre working with adults, later joining the Edmonton Public Schools AAC team in 2017 after starting her family. Mentored by Gayle Porter to become a Certified PODD Trainer in 2024, River is dedicated to teaching proper AAC implementation that works in real life. When she isn't working, she’s following the Edmonton Oilers and Toronto Blue Jays.
Cost: $700 CDN
Registration Deadline: October 2, 2026