Meeting the Immense Need for Accessible, Affordable Housing.
Over 3 million U.S. adults rely on wheelchairs due to birth conditions, illness, injury, or military service. Despite different journeys, they face the same barrier: a severe shortage of housing that’s both accessible and affordable. Without it, too many are denied the dignity, independence, and opportunity they deserve: left isolated, unable to choose their caregiver, or pursue daily routines like preparing meals, getting dressed, taking a shower, or simply leaving home safely and independently.
Impact at a Glance:
14 Accessible Apartment Communities
400+ Residents Served
100% Designed for Maximum Wheelchair Accessibility
80%+ Choose Their Own Personal Care Assistants
Millions Saved in Public Costs versus nursing home options
0 Barriers to Independence
What Makes OTR Different:
OTR housing is designed from the ground up for wheelchair users. We offer:
Barrier-free design with roll-in showers, drop-in cooktops, wall-mounted ovens, precisely positioned kitchen sinks, easy to open custom windows, automatic doors and other innovative assistive tech
Affordable rent for low-income residents
Locations near transit, shops, and jobs
Freedom to choose your own caregiver
A community of support, not institutional care
A Smarter Solution for Individuals and Taxpayers:
Thousands of physically disabled adults still live in nursing homes not because they need medical care, but because they lack accessible housing. OTR changes that.
Residents live independently
They manage their own care
They re-enter the workforce or pursue education
Tax payers save millions with independent living options versus institutional care
14 Communities.
One Mission: Independent Living.
The map below shows our locations in Northern Illinois. Apartments are a mix of studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom units with an open floor plan that greatly exceed ADA guidelines. All buildings offer close proximity to full range of amenities including shops, restaurants, banks, municipal services, community colleges, places of worship, and medical services.