Our organization began as a vision. An idea that the lives of people with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities and Brain Injuries deserved to be so much more than what most of society in the 1970s and before thought them to be capable of. Our founders believed in the right to live with opportunities for dignity for all people with disabilities.
As the groundwork for the first cottages were being planned, no one knew for sure if this new concept would take hold. We knew that all people should be able to establish individual identity and live a self-directed life and we continue to provide services and support so they may achieve greater independence through personal choice and community involvement.
Connecting people with purpose is the essence of what we do.
This includes helping individuals find jobs in their communities, supporting them in homes that meet their needs and wants, and encouraging them to pursue personal interests.
Since 1971, we have been expanding BRIDGES of Inclusion for 50 years. What this means for us: Building Resources for Individuals with Disabilities to Grow with life Experiences
What started as "the impossible dream" on our main campus, has grown as Murley Severtson was later to write, into a "reality far greater than our dreams.”
We look forward to sharing more of these OV memories as we approach our 50th anniversary this fall. If you have a special memory you'd like to share with us, email Erin. We wouldn't be here without you. Thank you for your support!
