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simPODD is an iPad app that integrates PODD communication books and electronic page sets for AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) users. The app simplifies personalizing, editing, and managing PODD books and pages, and includes a printing interface to create physical books. It features a range of page sets, the SymbolStix library, and various Text to Speech voices. Subscription options include monthly, yearly, and licenses for schools. The app aims to make communication easier for children, teens, and adults.
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Who is this resource designed for?

This resource is suitable for children with: ASC, Speech, language + communication difficulties, Intellectual disability

Age Group: 1 - None

Intended outcome(s): Enable communication for individuals with complex communication needs by providing customizable and comprehensive AAC tools. Support both expressive and receptive language development. Facilitate integration into daily life through both digital and printable communication books, promoting consistent use across various settings. Build independence, autonomy and effective communication.

Does this resource also support student health/wellbeing? Yes

Developed by: AssistiveWare

This resource is: PAID FOR

Resource Delivery

Resource type: Communication Aid

Resource delivered by: Anyone

Training required: None

Notes on training: Training is recommended to use simPODD effectively, although the app is designed to be user-friendly and intuitive. Training can help users, including educators, therapists, and parents, maximize the benefits of the app for AAC users.

Evaluations

Has this resource been co-developed with the community? Unclear

Educator
score

5.0

Evidence
rating

5.0

Educator Appraisal

SimPODD is an interactive Augmentive & Alternative Communication tool for students with limited verbal communication to help them in their daily life. It's customisable and has an awareness and education feature for educators/parents to learn more. It may be quite difficult to get children to engage with the app, and because it involves carrying a device round with them at all times, it may make children in mainstream education settings feel different from their peers.

Evidence Rating

There is some evidence to suggest that both Augmentive and Alternative Communication tools and the Pragmatic Organisation Dynamic Display (PODD) Communication aids support individuals with limited communication to access and use vocabulary to express themselves. However, to the best of our knowledge, this evidence is theoretical at best, with no studies of whether simPODD is implementable in schools or which measure its effectiveness.