Giving the gift of an ordinary day through accessible living spaces
Accessible Living
Accessible living means creating and modifying homes, environments, and products so people with disabilities, the elderly, and those with mobility challenges can live independently, safely, and comfortably.
While there are requirements set forth by the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act), ADA accessible does not mean accessible for all.
Ordinary Opportunities strives to go beyond the baseline requirements and devise living environments for all abilities.
Goal
Supportive Homes
At Ordinary Opportunities, we strive to create customized living spaces that empower individuals with disabilities. Our mission is to foster independence and self-sufficiency through tailored environments and resources.
Vision
Inclusive Community
We envision a world where every individual, regardless of ability, can access homes designed for independence and social engagement. We believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to live a fulfilling life.
Values
Empowerment
Our core values are centered around respect, inclusivity, and empowerment. We are dedicated to ensuring that our residents not only have comfortable homes but also the support they need to thrive.
Impact
Lasting Change
By creating barrier-free homes equipped with adaptive aids, assistive technology, and creatively used everyday items, we aim to facilitate a positive impact in our residents' lives, enhancing their ability to engage actively in their living environment.
OUR COMMITMENT
Our
Story
Currently, 7 in 10 adults living with a disability are living with their parents, with 50% of those parents being over 50 years of age and 10% being 75 or older (CQL). What happens when parents unexpectedly lose the physical ability to provide cares or pass away?
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According to the CDC, 12.2 percent of U.S. adults have a mobility disability with serious difficulty walking or climbing stairs; however, less than 5% of the national housing supply is considered accessible, and less than 1% of housing is available to wheelchair users. Where are our young adult children with disabilities going to go when they are ready to experience life like their peers?
​​The realization of the enormity of this need came when our founders had young adult children with disabilities that had graduated from high school and were excited to move on from living with their parents just as all their peers were doing. During the exploration of options, it was quickly realized how limiting these options were. All of the potential options would need modifications of some kind so that these young adults could fit the setting rather than the setting being constructed in a way that maximized their abilities and independence. What we hope to provide to individuals living with a disability, is the opportunity to live like their peers and provide them with the gift of an ordinary day.
Team
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Meet our incredible board members, a dynamic group of passionate advocates dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities. United by a vision, they bring diverse expertise to the table ensuring that every voice is heard and valued. Together, they're creating a vibrant community where possibilities are limitless!
President
Co-Founder
Lori Dodson, MS OTR/L
​Lori has been an occupational therapist for over 25 years, working with school-age students to maximize their independence and access to the school environment. She is also mom to a young adult and resident guinea pig with cerebral palsy. Now living through these transitional years from school to adult life, she and her son have encountered frustrations and disappointments with the state of living and working opportunities for people living with a disability which spurred the creation of this organization.
Vice President
Co-Founder
Julie Dunham
Julie is the Executive Assistant and Provider Enrollment Manager at Mission Cancer + Blood, part of University of Iowa Health Care. She serves on the boards of Team RunFree and the Iowa Association Medical Staff Services.
Julie is also the proud parent of a young adult daughter with special needs—an experience that drives her commitment to expanding housing alternatives that foster independence, dignity, and community for individuals with disabilities.
Board Member
Heather Goeders
Heather is a wedding & event planner who surrounds herself with others to learn, share, and grow through collaboration and meaningful connections. Inspired by her sister’s advocacy for her daughter with cerebral palsy, Heather has developed a strong passion for accessibility and inclusion. With a desire to be part of the solution, she is committed to advancing the movement for inclusive housing and independent opportunities for individuals with disabilities and mobility challenges.
Board Member
Lea Morris
Lea has been working in education for over 30 years as a special education teacher, assistant principal, principal, and a director. She believes that all people should have the opportunity to be independent in working, living, and learning. Lea respects the right of everyone to have a voice and is passionate about building inclusive environments where students, families, and staff feel valued and supported.
Board Member
Kristen Severs
Kristen has been a Realtor for the past 10 years with The Ernst Group at Keller Williams in Des Moines. She is passionate about helping people achieve their goals, and considers herself a professional problem fixer. She is married to her high school sweetheart and they have three lovely daughters. Kristen enjoys family time, walking her dogs, baking, and traveling to sunny places.