Independent & Unbiased.
We assess your whole home with a Home Safety Assessment, hand you a clear plan, and we don't sell you the renovation.
Aurora Independence is a licensed occupational therapy and home modification and accessibility consultancy creating a safe, accessible home, serving
Main Line, Philadelphia County, Bucks County, Montgomery County, and Delaware County.
So you can enjoy independence
and age in place.
How Does It Work?
1) Discovery Call
We start with a conversation to understand your goals, concerns, and timeline. Are you gathering information? Planning ahead? Facing an urgent change? We’ll meet you where you are, then help you get oriented. We’ll also learn about your home, health needs, and who else is involved in decision-making.
2) Schedule Your Home Assessment
This is more than a safety check; it’s a collaborative walk-through led by an Occupational Therapist. We look at how your space supports (or limits) your daily routines, mobility, and long-term goals. We ask thoughtful questions, and we find the service tier that makes the most sense for you
3) Receive Your Comprehensive Report
We turn your evaluation into a real-world action plan. You’ll receive personalized recommendations, product suggestions, and to-scale drawings when needed. The goal: practical solutions that work for your body, your space, and your lifestyle, whether that means reorganizing or fully renovating.
4) From Plan to Project
We help you bridge the gap between clinical insight and real-world execution. Whether you need a trusted contractor or already have one, we provide clear, contractor-ready documentation and coordinate directly to make sure your goals are prioritized. We help vet proposals, align timelines, and prepare you for what’s ahead.
Aurora Independence is independent by design.
We offer peace of mind and a clear roadmap to ensure the work reflects your goals and functions as intended.
We provide two things:
Skilled and independent home modification assessments
with a plan, and the confidence to answer the question,
"How do I stay in my home safely?!"
Our work is grounded in the Person–Environment–Occupation (PEO) model,
which recognizes that function and well-being are shaped by
the dynamic interaction between people, their surroundings, and the activities they do every day.
Without clarity, the question of "Do I modify or move?!" becomes more difficult to answer.
We give you the clarity you may need.
Our Team
Dawn Heiderscheidt OTR/L, ECHM, CAPS, CHAMP
Founder
With over a decade of experience in occupational therapy, Dawn Heiderscheidt has transformed her expertise into Aurora Independence, a dedicated mobile therapy and home modifications business. Guided by a commitment to empowering independence and creating safer, more accessible homes, the Aurora Independence team brings a unique blend of knowledge, skill, and compassion to each project.
Our lead specialist holds advanced certifications, including an Executive Certification in Home Modifications from the University of Southern California, and all therapists are Certified Aging in Place Specialists from the National Association of Home Builders.
This depth of expertise allows us to offer clients more than just recommendations—we provide practical, customized solutions that truly meet each client’s needs.
At Aurora Independence,we help individuals and caregivers feel confident, secure, and fully supported as they age in place.
When you choose Aurora Independence, you’re investing in a trusted team committed to making your home a place where independence and peace of mind thrive.
Shira Sternberg
OTR/L
Shira has been an Occupational Therapist for 8 years. She has been fortunate to work in a variety of settings and with populations throughout the lifespan, from early intervention to skilled nursing facilities, including individuals with low vision and members of the Deaf community. Shira is passionate about helping people remain safe and independent in their own homes. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family, running, hiking, and exploring new coffee shops.
Erin Shappelle
OTR/L
Erin is an occupational therapist who collaborates with homeowners to modify their home to safely and efficiently complete their daily routine. Her background is in inpatient rehabilitation, long term care and community based programs for aging in place. Erin enjoys spending her free time reading, biking and doing yoga.
Mary Fran Madden
OTR/L
Mary Fran has been a practicing Occupational Therapist for 30+ years. Her background has been in adult rehabilitation with a specialty in neurologic conditions. Mary Fran is passionate about identifying and problem solving ways to maintain independence and safety in the homes of individuals with special needs and the aging population. In her free time, she loves spending time in nature with her dog, reading, music and photography.
Our Vision
To create a world where every home supports the safety, dignity, and independence of its occupants. We envision inclusive spaces that evolve with your needs—spaces that empower people of all abilities to live fully and comfortably in the places they love.
Our Mission
To promote independent living by delivering personalized, clinically-informed, and socially conscious home modification solutions. Through occupational therapy expertise and a client-centered approach, we provide clear, actionable pathways that respect your values, priorities, and pace of change. We meet you where you are, with compassion, creativity, and a commitment to outcomes that last.
Your Results
You get more than a home assessment. You get a partner who listens, evaluates, and helps you act. We tailor every consultation to your goals, routines, and functional needs, whether you're planning ahead or adapting after a major life change. Our recommendations are grounded in evidence-based practice, guided by occupational therapy principles, and built for real life. The result? Practical changes that make daily living easier, safer, and more sustainable.
Our Professional Credentials & Local Collaborations
%20(1).png){kind=small}
