True North Connect

This is a great opportunity and it’s free! 😊

Many of you have followed Sean’s journey for years, and so many of you have supported our family in ways we will never forget.

You stood with us as we advocated for therapy coverage, encouraged us through the ups and downs, and even helped make it possible for Sean to have a pool that helps regulate his body. We’ve always felt a lot of love and support for Sean in this space.

Sean will be 18 in September, and as we approach this next stage of life we’re becoming more aware of something many families face. When students leave school or age out of therapy programs (usually between 18–21), families often encounter what’s called a “services cliff.” The structured supports that once filled their days begin to disappear. Thankfully Sean’s current clinic is gradually reducing his time over the next 17 months rather than stopping all at once, but it will still be a big transition.

Communication, learning, and meaningful connection shouldn’t stop when someone becomes an adult.

Because of that, Kelly and I have been thinking and praying about what the next step could look like. We’re beginning to develop True North Horizons — a learning community for nonspeaking teens and adults with motor and sensory disabilities who communicate through spelling.

We’ll start small by offering group learning opportunities through our clinic, True North Connect, while exploring partnerships and funding that could help it grow over time.

If Sean’s journey has taught us anything, it’s that meaningful things grow through community. Thank you to everyone who has walked alongside our family over the years. ❤️

📣If you know of organizations, partners, or resources that might connect with this vision, we would love to hear from you.

We are exploring bringing Spelling to Communicate (S2C) to West & Northern Michigan.

For years, families across the state have had to travel long distances to access communication support for their nonspeaking loved ones. As parents of a nonspeaking son ourselves, we understand that journey deeply.

True North Connect is considering offering quarterly in-person S2C Saturdays on the west or northern side of Michigan, with ongoing virtual support between visits.

We work with nonspeaking and minimally speaking children, teens, and adults with autism and other motor-sensory disabilities.

Before moving forward, we are hosting a free virtual information session to:
• Share what S2C is
• Explain who it may support
• Answer questions
• Gauge interest in regional services

If you or someone you know lives in West or Northern Michigan and would benefit from S2C access, please comment “INFO” or send us a message.

We would love to bring communication access closer to home for more Michigan families.

— Patti & Kelly
True North Connect