Tickets on sale now. Celebration: An Evening with Heather Headley.
Celebration is one of Over The Rainbow's most anticipated traditions, bringing our community together each year through inspiring performances and a shared commitment to our mission of empowering adults with physical disabilities to live independently with dignity.
Evanston Patch: Heather Headley Headlines Evanston Charity Concert
We’re excited to see Celebration 2026 featured in Evanston Patch! The article highlights Tony Award and Grammy Award winner Heather Headley’s upcoming performance and how the concert supports Over The Rainbow’s affordable, accessible housing and resident services for people with disabilities.
WheelChair Wash
WheelChair Wash 2026: Hosted by Patrick Hughes & Resident Julia Pantoga.
For over 25 years, we have gathered to wash wheelchairs and get to know some of our neighbors a little better - join us!
It’s a great time for kids and adults together….
We usually need about 40-60 volunteers. People to wash, people to do nails, people to socialize...
Pizza is donated by the Candelite Restaurant (owners Peter Vernon and Pat Fowler) Join us.
Accessible Affordable Residential Development Moving Forward In Lincoln Park
YIMBY presents plans for the upcoming residential development at 754 West Belden in Lincoln Park have been further refined as it continues its path towards approval. Sitting at the intersection with North Halsted Street and across the way from the DePaul School of Music, the proposal would replace a two-story structure and its parking lot.
No Limits Music Festival: 2027
No Limits Music Festival:
No Limits is OTR’s fun, live-music fundraiser, a night of live music, drinks, food, and good vibes, all for an amazing cause.
Hosted at Chicago’s iconic Chop Shop, this event brings together three live bands and a fun, social atmosphere that feels more like a night out than a fundraiser.
Val Nora 5K 2026
What a day! More than 300 participants came together on Sunday, July 12, for Over The Rainbow’s Val Nora 5K + Food Truck Fest, celebrating Disability Pride Month and supporting adults with disabilities through Over The Rainbow.
Community comes together as Over The Rainbow hosts fundraiser for Disability Awareness
Over The Rainbow, an Evanston-based disability awareness organization that creates accessible and affordable housing around the Chicago area, hosted a “Walk. Run. Roll. For Disability Awareness” 5K and 2K walk and run on Sunday, drawing a large crowd. Almost 300 participants turned out to show their support for people with disabilities during Disability Awareness Month.
Over the Rainbow plans race to honor resident.
Over the Rainbow plans race to honor resident.
OTR Open Doors Campaign:
Through the OTR Open Doors Campaign, we are working to install door openers in apartments where they are needed most. These upgrades provide more than convenience. They help residents live with greater independence and dignity.
Opening the Door to Independence. Kindness Tag Initiative.
After a life-changing accident at 19, Keith Larson found independence through accessible housing. Help remove barriers and restore dignity.
Northwestern Athletics Recognizes OTR for Disability Inclusion Efforts
Northwestern Athletics Recognizes OTR for Disability Inclusion Efforts
WALK. RUN. ROLL. EVENT
Thank You for Making the OTR Challenge a Success!
What an incredible day! The OTR Challenge: Walk, Roll, or Ride for Independence brought together our community for fun, fitness, and purpose. With the support of participants, sponsors, volunteers, and friends, we celebrated independence and raised vital funds to support OTR’s mission of providing safe, affordable, and accessible housing for adults with physical disabilities.
Special thanks to the Northwestern basketball players and our partners at GLASA for bringing extra energy and spirit to the day. Together, we built awareness around disability inclusion while enjoying a truly inspiring celebration of community.
Thank you to everyone who joined us, you made this event unforgettable!
A Place to Live Independently, Fully Seen as a Human Being, Forrest’s Story at OTR
“Spaces like this allow people like me to live independently. Even going back 60 years, people with disabilities were often put somewhere else. We’re among the first generations who can truly live our lives fully.”
From Firefighter to Finding Independence: Will’s Story at Over the Rainbow
Will Sullivan once lived a life full of adventure, he was a firefighter, loved extreme sports, and thrived on challenges. But nearly ten years ago, a car accident changed everything.
Life After the Game: Mike Williams’ Story
On November 29, 2009, everything changed. In a matter of minutes, Mike went from being a strong, independent man to fighting for his life after a devastating injury left him paralyzed. “One moment I was fine,” Mike says quietly, “ten minutes later, I wasn’t.”
Finding Home Again: Kathy’s Journey to OTR
At OTR, Kathy finally has what she was missing for so long: a safe, affordable home that supports her independence. Wide doorways, roll-in showers, and accessible layouts make daily life manageable, while neighbors offer community and connection.
Finding Independence at Over The Rainbow: Michael’s Story
“This place is by far the best place I’ve ever lived with a disability. It’s not a hospital or a nursing home. It’s a place where you can live independently, with dignity, and do what you want,” Michael said. “It’s more than accommodating; it really changes people’s lives.”
Finding Home: Valerie’s Journey to Independence
With nowhere to go and no family to turn to, she spent the next nine months living in her car.
From Challenge to Confidence: Victor’s Story at OTR
Victor’s journey to independence at Over The Rainbow (OTR) is a powerful story of resilience. After losing his vision to glaucoma, Victor found new purpose through adaptive living and community support. Read about how OTR empowers him to live life on his terms and embrace freedom, despite the challenges."