Child with Down Syndrome using high-tech communication device during AAC therapy in California

AAC Therapy for Children with Complex Bodies & Communication Needs

Cerebral Palsy (CP) · Cerebral Palsy + Cortical Visual Impairment (CVI) · Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE) · Seizure Disorders · Genetic Conditions & Syndromes

We provide online AAC services to families in California, Texas, Florida, and Montana. We also serve children at our clinic in Agoura Hills, CA.

Everything You Need, In One Place

We’re the one-stop shop for non-speaking AAC users. Our team will support your family at every stage — from the initial evaluation to obtaining and learning to use your child’s personalized AAC system.

Unparalleled AAC Expertise

Mentored by world-renowned AAC expert Linda Burkhart, our team is led by the only Certified PODD Trainer west of Colorado. We understand the complexities of positioning, vision, access, symbolic language, and working with children who live in complex bodies.

Professional Services

Steers AAC provides 2-day PODD Trainings (8 hours/day) to individuals, organizations, and school districts. We also offer school consultations, staff in-services, and PODD book creation services.

Child with complex physical and medical needs using PODD AAC system during AAC therapy in California

WELCOME TO STEERS AAC LANGUAGE & SPEECH, INC

We’re here to prove that communication is for everyone.

At Steers AAC, we specialize exclusively in Alternative and Augmentative Communication systems— meaning that AAC is not just something we do, it's all we do. Our mission is to give your child what they need to communicate anything to anyone at any time.

No child is “too anything” to communicate. Our AAC experts are dedicated to working with children who live in complex bodies to help them discover their voice, feel a sense of agency in their own lives, and build relationships with the people around them.

We treat every child as an intelligent and understanding human who is always listening, even if their body makes it hard for them to respond. No matter what obstacles your child faces, we know they are capable of learning if we teach them— so let’s teach them together!

We Specialize in AAC Therapy for Children with Complex Bodies

Child participating in an AAC evaluation in California

AVAILABLE IN CA, TX, FL, & MT

AAC Evaluations & Device Programming

Giving your child full access to communication through a customized AAC system.

Child participating in virtual speech therapy for AAC in California

AVAILABLE IN CA, TX, FL, & MT

AAC-Oriented Speech & Language Therapy

Helping you and your child learn how to use AAC to say anything to anyone at any time.

Child using a PODD system to communicate during an outing in California

ONLINE NATIONWIDE

AAC-Oriented Educational Therapy Sessions

One-on-one virtual tutoring in reading, spelling, and math for AAC users across the United States.

THERAPISTS & AAC SPECIALISTS IN AGOURA HILLS, CA

MEET OUR TEAM

Therapy team at Steers AAC Language & Speech, Inc. in Agoura Hills, CA

At Steers AAC, you will be surrounded by a team of professionals who know that your child is thinking, understanding, and capable of learning. We are committed to seeing all that your child can do— and helping them use those strengths to reach their full potential.

Our team’s philosophy is heavily influenced by our world-renowned mentors, Linda Burkhart and Gayle Porter. We believe that only through language can someone truly "know" someone else— so we are passionate about helping parents know their child in a way that's not possible without language!

We empower children to use the full spectrum of language to interact with the world around them, showing them that communication is limitless with AAC. We strive to give our clients the language they need to gain agency over their lives, form connections and relationships with others, and show the world who they are.

We are a group of PODD trained providers, led by a PODD trainer, and mentored by the developer of PODD. Our team specializes in working with children with extremely complex bodies.

Client Testimonials

  • "From the start, she believed in my daughter..."

    “We were lucky enough to find Ali early on in our journey, so we have had the privilege to work with her for more than a decade. From the start, she believed in my daughter and never questioned her ability to communicate. Her expertise, diligence, and dedication have given [our daughter] a voice, and nothing is more powerful than that.”

    ~ DH

  • " [Ali] has changed the trajectory of my child’s life."

    “We were blessed to have been referred to Ali by a friend whose son has disabilities similar to my son. Both of our children had proven themselves to be cognitively bright, but motorically impacted. [Ali] has changed the trajectory of my child’s life. I cannot even remember what life was like for my son before Ali came in and brought out his highest possible communication potential! She cares deeply— and as a parent who was unexpectedly thrust into this life of advocacy, it is invaluable to know that you have someone on your team who will do whatever is within the realm of possibilities in order to make sure that your child is provided with the most and best. We adore her.”

    ~ KH

  • "I would highly recommend Ali and her team..."

    “Ali and her team are phenomenal. Ali’s consult has been a game changer for our full-time AAC user that experiences many complexities. I specifically admire the attentiveness, care, and commitment for their clients. I would highly recommend Ali and her team for all things AAC.”

    ~ KT

  • "Ali helped us prove that every child can be heard.”

    “From the moment [our son] was diagnosed in utero, the medical narrative was filled with limitations — especially around his ability to communicate. As a parent, the fear of not knowing what your child needs is overwhelming… until you discover there is a way. For us, that way was Ali Steers. When we met Ali, she shared what I now know to be the foundation of everything: patience, consistency, and a deep commitment to building [our son’s] bridge to communication. The investment — not just financially, but in time and trust — has empowered us to become advocates for augmentative communication. In a world where children like [our son] are too often denied a voice, Ali helped us prove that every child can be heard.”

    ~ EN

  • "She’s definitely the MVP on our team!”

    “Ali’s unwavering belief in [our son], along with her expertise, patience, and creativity, has helped him find his voice through AAC and PODD. Not only has she been integral to his communication journey, but she’s also been his fiercest advocate during IEPs. She’s definitely the MVP on our team!”

    ~ DF

  • "I love how she always challenges my daughter..."

    “During COVID, we started working with Gabby. I love how she always challenges my daughter academically. Because I get to see what my daughter is working with, I get to bring in ideas to her school teacher and collaborate better with them.”

Child using a high-tech communication device during AAC therapy for kids in California

Let’s Get Started!

  • Ready to learn more about our services and approach? Please email our owner, Ali Steers at AliSteers@SteersAAC.com to schedule a 30-minute intake call. We would love to discuss your child's unique learning needs and how we can support their communication!

  • We will schedule an initial 55-minute intake session where we will meet your child, trial various communication systems, and determine a preliminarily robust aided language system.

    In-person sessions are offered at our clinic in Agoura Hills, CA as well as in homes and schools throughout the Los Angeles area.

    Online sessions are conveniently offered to families located anywhere in CA, FL, TX, and MT.

  • Begin attending AAC therapy! We will support you and your child’s communication journey and make adjustments in our plan as we get to know them better.

  • Your child will be provided with a draft version of a robust aided language system as soon as possible after starting therapy.

    You will receive ongoing guidance and support as you learn how to use this system with your child. Customizations, additions, and changes will be made along the way and will result in your child receiving a fully customized communication system.

What Else We Offer

PODD training for parents, caregivers, professionals, etc.

Introduction to PODD (2-Day Training)

An in-person training about the PODD language organization and PODD approach to AAC intervention for parents, caregivers, and professionals.

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School Consultations and AAC Trainings offered by Steers AAC

School Consultations and AAC Trainings

Our therapists will visit your child’s school to collaborate with teachers and paras— helping them confidently support communication in the classroom.

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School Consultations and AAC Trainings offered by Steers AAC

Communication Book & Device Programming (PODD Book Creation)

We partner with parents to create PODD books that allow each child to talk about what matters most to them.

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