Communication for All
Using the PODD system to bring a voice to individuals with complex communication needs.
Experience
Let TEC bring over 30 years of experience to your PODD system workshop. Laura, a certified PODD Presenter, has worked as a special education teacher/consultant in multiple settings: in-home services for toddlers with disabilities, early childhood special education classrooms, a specialized classroom for young adults with autism, and classrooms for children and adults with moderate to severe cognitive impairments.
In 2017 she left her position as Technology Integration Specialist for the Michigan State Department of Education-Office of Special Education to return to the classroom. There she created a classroom centered on autonomous communication using multiple forms of AAC including PODD (electronic and non-electronic), Core Vocabulary and other systems in order to teach her students math and literacy skills.
As a guest speaker, Laura's presentation knowledge comes from a place of classroom experience and practice.
Laura’s interview on an episode of “Talking with Tech.”
“Everyone has the right to have their voice heard.”
— laura taylor, FOUNDER
Lifelong Learner
Laura with Melissa Riepsamen, CPEC speech therapist.
Laura's opportunity to attend "Teaching Movements For Communication," developed by Cerebral Palsy Education Centre (CPEC) in 2015 and again in 2022, served to open her eyes to the interconnected pathways of communication and movement.
The ability to communicate comes in part through the ability to control the movements of the body to produce either speech or the necessary movement to activate an alternative/augmentative communication system. Developing those movements for communication must begin early in a child's life in order for them to achieve the best possible outcomes in their lives as adults.
Laura also attended the PODD 5 Day Workshop in Westminster, Maryland in 2022 to make certain we provide the most up-to-date information at our workshops.
PODD Creator Gayle Porter, Laura, and Molly Riggs, SLP
Our Mission
Taylor Educational Consultants is committed to providing a voice to individuals with complex communication needs though high quality, professional PODD workshops and support.
A Customized Solution
A PODD 2-page opening book. PODD can be electronic or non-electronic!
PODD (Pragmatic Organization Dynamic Display) is a robust communication system used by persons with complex communication needs to communicate their genuine thoughts, ideas, opinions and so much more. Developed by Gayle Porter, PODD is introduced by communication partners using aided language input. Partners use PODD to model how the language is used through direct or alternative access throughout the day in everyday activities. PODD can be customized for the individual. It can be printed on paper (no batteries necessary), or run on a tablet like an iPad. PODD lets the individual say whatever they want!
Learn more
If you know someone with complex communication needs take action! Please contact us to see if PODD can help.