A Language-First Approach to AAC
How We Teach
We approach AAC as "language" of its own— and we know that for a child to master a language, they must be immersed in it.
Our belief is that symbol-based language should be used to speak to, with, and around a child throughout the day. Once the child learns that the symbols on their display are powerful and hold meaning, they will begin to self-select words that hold power and meaning for them in their own life.
Nonspeaking children understand what people say to them and think, "It’s great that you can speak with your mouth, but I can't... How can I join the conversation?"
That’s where we come in. Our therapists teach the language of AAC to children and their families so that everyone can be a part of the conversation.
Personalized AAC Systems for Complex Communicators
Who We Help
At Steers AAC, we specialize in supporting non-speaking children with complex bodies— from infancy through young adulthood. We work primarily with children who have limited motor control and often use wheelchairs, including those classified as GMFCS levels 4 or 5. Many of our clients have diagnoses such as:
Cerebral Palsy (CP)
Cortical Visual Impairment (CVI)
Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE)
Genetic conditions (Angelman Syndrome, Down Syndrome)
Our approach is rooted in the belief that every child deserves access to a robust language system, regardless of their motor, visual, or auditory challenges. We do not let a child’s physical limitations dictate the scope of their communication. Instead, we work to build both electronic and non-electronic systems that provide access to rich, meaningful vocabulary. Our goal is to empower every child to communicate autonomously and ensure that their voice reflects who they are.
Let’s Talk AAC
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We offer two main services: AAC-Oriented Speech & Language Therapy and AAC-Oriented Educational Therapy. Both are designed to meet your child where they are and support consistent, long-term growth in communication and learning.
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Steers AAC provides in-person services in the general Los Angeles area— at home, school, or our clinic in Agoura Hills, CA.
We also provide online AAC services! Teletherapy sessions are an option for families residing anywhere in the states of California, Florida, Texas, and Montana. Our virtual educational therapy services are available nationwide.
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Whether your child uses eye gaze, scanning, switches, or direct selection, we focus on making communication possible anytime, anywhere. The devices and programs we select are specific to each client’s unique needs. We are experienced and qualified to work with many different types of AAC systems including, but not limited to:
PODD
Jabbla software- Switch On Literacy and Steps Before Step Scanning
Jabbla devices
LAMP
Grid3
Smartbox
Tobii Dynavox
Snap
TouchChat
Proloquo
AssistiveWare
SimPODD
As a mentee of Linda Burkhart, we also have experience and advanced training in:
Movements for Communication
Certified PODD Trainer
Readtopia
Ready to work together? Here’s what our AAC services look like:
AAC-Oriented Speech & Language Therapy
At Steers AAC, therapy feels like connection, not “work.” We will use your child's AAC to talk to, with, and around them as we engage in natural activities, such as:
Pretend play
Storybook reading
Arts and crafts
Listening to music
Talking about interests and current events
We’re all about making communication possible anytime, anywhere, through a system that meets your child’s unique communication needs. Your child will learn to use both electronic and non-electronic AAC systems to connect with those around them and access language in the way that works best for them— through touch, eye gaze, scanning, switches, or partner-assisted systems.
Parents, teachers, and caregivers are a key part of the AAC therapy process. You will get to know your child in way that isn't possible without words— and see all they CAN communicate with the right support!
Virtual AAC-Oriented Educational Therapy
Our Educational Therapist offers virtual tutoring in the areas of literacy and math for AAC users. Sessions will be focused on your child’s individual learning needs, and their AAC system will be the language of instruction. Your child will receive tailored support to strengthen essential skills for school and life, including:
Alphabetic knowledge
Phonemic awareness skills
Spelling, reading, and writing
Math computation
Problem solving skills
Communication skills
Our educational therapy services are reserved for children who receive ongoing speech-language therapy at Steers AAC. We accept private pay and Self-Determination Plan funding through the California Regional Center.
What Else We Offer
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.
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.
Communication Book & Device Programming (PODD Book Creation)
We partner with parents to create PODD books and program communication devices that allow each child to talk about what matters most to them.
