Over the Rainbow (OTR) was founded by a group of parents of mobility-impaired children who came to realize that there was no place where their children could live alone with dignity and independence.  Their solution was OTR, a nonprofit dedicated to increasing the quality of life for individuals with physical disabilities through the creation of affordable, accessible, barrier-free housing solutions and person-centered services that encourage independent living.  Serving over 300 people, OTR currently owns, manages, and/or provides resident services to 12 apartment communities, and 3 more in process. 

 

OTR residents live with a wide variety of physical disabilities arising from either birth or circumstance. Some have cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, spina bifida, or multiple sclerosis, while others have had strokes or accidents, leaving them paralyzed or without limbs. In all cases, they are extremely low income, and previously couldn’t find affordable accessible housing. Previously some of OTR’s residents were homeless or from state-funded nursing homes or institutions. OTR’s housing solution is a very real and cost-effective option for everyone, and they focus heavily on improving resident’s sense of independence and quality of life.