Steers AAC Language & Speech, Inc

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Steers AAC Language & Speech, Inc

Pediatric AAC Specialists

06/01/2026

✨Non-verbal = One who is without words

✨Non-speaking = One who cannot produce verbal speech

Why does it matter? Non-verbal signifies “without language,” which can inadvertently imply cognitive deficits. Non-speaking is a term often preferred by self-advocates as it implies someone has language and communicates through other modalities such as AAC.

05/28/2026

“Habits for communication at any time include routinely ensuring the AAC system is carried and available for use in all situations and allowing time for the person to communicate their own message to support autonomous communication. Habits such as putting the AAC system away “until needed”, asking lots of YES/NO questions, offering choices from a limited set of options or speaking for the person do not.”
-Gayle Porter, as cited in the Introduction to PODD Workshop Manual, pg. 10

05/15/2026

✨Such wise words from the late Karen Owens. She was a mother, teacher and tireless advocate for all children to have a voice. We are so grateful to the Owens family for their videos on modeling, PODD and autonomy.

05/13/2026

A question we hear a lot: “But can’t I just turn on eye gaze access on the PODD Pageset on TD Snap?” Can you? Yes. Should you? No. PODD Page sets have been specifically and painstakingly designed for the user’s access method. Linda Burkhart shared with us that she and Gayle Porter often talk for hours about a single page’s layout. For example, turning on eye gaze in the direct select PODD pageset on TD Snap leaves the user without a “speak message” button. This means that if the user looks at the message window to edit their message/check what they have selected, the message will be spoken aloud regardless of the user’s desire. Where’s the “rest” button (that button that eye gaze users absolutely need to have) on a direct select pageset? Doesn’t exist. AAC is inefficient enough- make it as easy as possible for the user by matching the pageset design to the access method being used!

05/11/2026

✨We screen for CVI at every intake assessment- Screening Tools | teachcvi.net. Experience has taught us that this important diagnosis with huge implications for AAC is often missed by medical professionals.

05/06/2026

💫1. To have a symbol talker, you have to be a symbol talker.
💫2. Language is learned through immersion.
With consistent aided language input over time (with a variety of partners, settings, topics and words), anyone can learn to be a symbol talker!

05/04/2026

🤔 Why I (very often) use PODD:
1. APODD book exists for any individual who walks or rolls through my door. That means communication can start NOW.
2. PODD was developed over decades of use and feedback from families and children at the Cerebral Palsy Education Center in Melbourne, Australia
3.PODD offers longitudinal language growth- the language organization grows with the child as their language develops.
4.PODD exists in both electronic and non-electronic modalities.
5. PODD supports discourse and interactions. It makes talking with AAC easy. The creator of PODD, Gayle Porter, is truly brilliant and has built in so many design features that result in words just appearing where you need them.

04/28/2026

The PODD AAC language organization meets the needs of any individual at any stage of language development. PODD layouts are customized to suit the needs of individuals with different movement, vision and language abilities.
✨There are THREE different sets of PODD books: ✨

Direct Access- for individuals who have the visual ability to look across the page and the motor ability to make selections directly on the page

Alternative Access: For individuals who have the visual ability to look across the page but require alternative access methods such as scanning or eye gaze to accommodate motor challenges

Alternative Presentation: For individuals who have visual challenges and cannot easily look across a page of symbols and target them directly. This collection includes books with high contrast symbols, some with auditory cues, auditory plus visual scanning, and auditory only scanning.

04/22/2026

“PODD is way of organizing vocabulary for communication at any time.” Gayle Porter, Introduction to PODD Manual, pg. 3

PODD (Pragmatic Organisation Dynamic Display) is a comprehensive communication system designed for individuals who cannot meet all of their communication requirements through speech alone.

It’s a way of organizing language so individuals can express their own thoughts, ideas, and messages across all environments and with a wide range of communication partners.

PODD exists in paper-based communication books as well as on speech-generating devices (like iPad apps or dedicated AAC devices), making it flexible and accessible.

What makes PODD unique is how language is organized. It’s based on pragmatics—how we actually use language in real life. This means vocabulary is arranged to support real conversations, social interactions, and different communication functions, not just labeling or requesting.

The system is also designed to support motor automaticity, so users can learn where words are located and find them more independently over time. This consistency helps build confidence, language development, and initiation.

PODD combines core vocabulary with fringe vocabulary, organized by communication function—so users can comment, ask questions, share opinions, and connect with others in meaningful ways.

✨At its core, PODD is about one thing:✨
giving individuals the ability to say what they want, when they want, in the way that works for them.

03/03/2026

Registration is now open!

Suitable for professionals and/or caregivers who support children/adults with complex communication needs.

Address

28035 Dorothy Drive #110
Agoura Hills, CA
91301

Website

http://www.AliSteersSLP.com/

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