Templates, books and devices

There is a wide range of PODD templates, covering different selection methods, presentations and language requirements. They are available commercially as template resources.

Page sets for speech generating devices are deliberately not identical to the matching paper communication book. An electronic device and a paper book work differently, and the templates account for that. The concepts and strategies behind PODD apply equally to both. Every vendor sells the same six levels of language for the electronic form — the differences are in the symbol set and a few software-specific features. Mind Express and Grid also have official eye-gaze versions.

Communication book templates are available as simPODD Direct Access Templates, which use the SymbolStix symbol set, and as Mind Express Direct Access Templates, which use PCS symbols. Alternative Access and Alternative Presentation book templates for Mind Express are currently under development. Every vendor sells the same set of direct access books — the differences are in the symbol set and in the methods for editing and printing.

A PODD 60 page set running on an iPad, using SymbolStix symbols
A 60-cell page set in simPODD, using the SymbolStix symbol set.
A PODD 60 complex syntax page set on a tablet, using PCS symbols
The same level of language with PCS symbols. Layout and navigation carry across; the symbol set differs.

All communication book templates come with Information Files and Construction Files, as well as a printable book on the design and implementation of PODD. See the individual vendor for where to find these.

Where to get PODD templates

simPODD

AssistiveWare · SymbolStix symbols

Direct access communication book templates, plus electronic page sets for iPad.

United States and Canada

AssistiveWare — simPODD

Grid

Smartbox · PCS symbols

Direct access page sets for Windows speech generating devices and iPads, including official eye-gaze versions. Grid does not offer communication book templates.

United States

Smartbox — PODD for Grid

For Canadian availability, contact Smartbox directly.

Mind Express

Jabbla · PCS symbols

Direct access book templates and page sets for Windows speech generating devices, including official eye-gaze versions. Alternative access and alternative presentation book templates are under development.

United States

NuMotion Speech Solutions STAR-AT

Canada

Bridges Canada

Also: Boardmaker 6

Direct access communication book templates using PCS symbols are also available for Boardmaker 6 — note that this is Boardmaker 6, not Boardmaker 7. Tobii Dynavox publishes a FAQ covering how PODD works with Boardmaker.

Using PODD in Boardmaker — FAQ (PDF)
Cover of the PODD Alternative Access Templates manual

Free: Alternative Access Templates manual

The printable manual from the Alternative Access Templates resource, covering how the alternative access layouts work and how to use them. Published free by CPEC, and shared here with permission. The manual only — templates are not included.
Download the manual (PDF, 22 MB)

Don't want to print and assemble yourself?

Alt+Shift in Michigan produces printed Direct Access template books to order. Useful for school teams and families who would rather not handle the printing, cutting and binding.

Order through Alt+Shift

Next: learning to use PODD

Templates are only half of it. PODD works best when the people around a communicator know how to use it too — workshops are delivered by certified PODD presenters, each approved for specific courses.

See PODD workshops Find a trainer