Not long ago, Logan’s daily life was shaped by rigid systems that didn’t reflect who he was or what he loved. Today, he spends his days horseback riding, swimming, volunteering, and connecting with his community. This transformation was made possible through the Self-Determination Program (SDP) and the dedicated guidance of NeuroNav.
Meet Logan
Logan is 28 years old and lives with Down syndrome and epilepsy. His complex needs require one-to-one supervision, but his personality shines through—he is easygoing, enthusiastic, and communicative through gestures and some sign language. Logan thrives on being outdoors, building social connections, and contributing to his community.
The Challenge
Before SDP, Logan’s experience with traditional services was frustrating for Ruth, his mom.
“Traditional services often felt medicalized and isolating,” shares Ruth. “They didn’t build on Logan’s strengths in the way I knew was possible.”
Daily life lacked flexibility, community engagement, and strategic planning for Logan’s future.
Discovering NeuroNav
Ruth found NeuroNav while looking for guidance through the SDP process. She appreciated the agency’s expertise and collaborative approach, which combined technical knowledge, hands-on support, and long-term planning. Although Logan is nonverbal, his perspective was and continues to be central to his plan. NeuroNav and Logan’s support team interpret his reactions, gestures, and engagement to ensure that his choices guide his daily activities, supports, and long-term goals.
NeuroNav helped the family:
Ruth explains:
“NeuroNav really validated our hopes and dreams as a parent for Logan, while also focusing on the assets that can be developed into leading a fulfilling life. Their support helped translate that vision into a concrete plan with resources.”
NeuroNav Advocacy: Standing Up for Logan
Navigating the regional center and securing appropriate funding and services can be overwhelming. Ruth recalls a particularly challenging moment when Logan’s budget was cut, and she felt emotionally drained. NeuroNav’s independent facilitators immediately stepped in, advocating directly with the regional center to ensure Logan received the resources he needed.
Their guidance went beyond technical support—they provided emotional reassurance, validation, and a strategic approach that Ruth could rely on.
Ruth emphasizes the importance of having impartial, experienced advocates on her side:
“Having someone knowing that they’re on your side…these are validating your beliefs and what you really see your child being capable of…you can’t put a price on that.”
Ongoing Support & Team Approach
NeuroNav’s team-based model provides Logan’s family continuity and breadth of expertise.
“Their team approach means I don’t just rely on one person; I have the reassurance of a whole organization that knows our history and can support us long-term,” Ruth says.
Ruth also highlights the benefits of working with multiple independent facilitators:
“We have worked with a few facilitators at NeuroNav, and each of them brought their own assets to Logan’s journey that yielded great results…all of them together created a nice opportunity for me to learn and understand the process better.”
Having access to several facilitators also ensures continuity and adaptability:
“One-to-one individual facilitators are great, but what if that person gets sick?…there was an urgency for Logan to have continuity and begin to live his full life,” shares Ruth.
The subscription-based pricing model simplified financial management and provided predictable, ready access to expertise whenever challenges arose.
“It’s like inexpensive insurance — you may not need it every month, but when you do, it’s invaluable,” Ruth notes.
The Transformation
With NeuroNav’s support, Logan’s life has changed dramatically:
Logan now participates in outdoor adventures, swimming, horseback riding, and volunteering with support staff who understand his communication style. Ruth explains, “Self-determination has created this life for Logan where he gives to the world…he lives the world that he should be living just like all of us. He’s living his best life.”
Why NeuroNav Makes the Difference
NeuroNav brings deep expertise across many different clients and circumstances, which allows them to anticipate challenges, strategize effectively, and advocate at every level.
By focusing on Logan’s strengths and long-term goals, we designed a plan that truly fits his life and fosters independence. Ruth sums it up:
“NeuroNav understands the big picture of serving our community. Our family has felt a sense of empowerment through the fact that this path through self-determination is welcoming, rather than limiting. It’s preparing Logan for life beyond us together as a very nuclear family.”
Three Words to Describe NeuroNav:
Innovative, collaborative, community-focused
Want to Learn More?
Families exploring the Self-Determination Program can see how NeuroNav’s personalized support helps unlock independence, community engagement, and long-term growth.