>> The lack of affordable housing in Chicago affects thousands of residents across the city.

But for those living with physical disabilities who need living spaces that are accessible, the problem has different challenges in partnership with Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism.

We explore how one organization is helping solve a decades long issue.

>> Mike Williams is living proof that life can change at any moment.

>> 5 minutes there we would be sent standing here talking right now after a shooting incident nearly 20 years ago, the former NBA player was left paralyzed from the waist down.

>> Needing a wheelchair to get around in search for a new place to call home.

He was told about over the Rainbow Association or OTR.

Can you be there tomorrow?

I still cannot be there yesterday.

>> And was it was a Let's go.

>> Otr says its goal is simple to build accessible and independent housing for people with disabilities.

They have 14 buildings all over northern Illinois, including a brand new building in Lakeview.

The just opened in October.

Erik Huffman is the president of OTR, even as they cross the finish line with their lake.

You project Huffman is looking towards the future.

You're already thinking about what's the next project.

What's in the pipeline?

So you know what we were doing Lakeview Landing.

We also have 2 other projects and the pipeline, right?

Another we're thinking about doing.

>> Huffman says affordability is a key part of OTR is mission.

In other kinds of accessible housing.

Some tenants pay up to 90% of their income for rent.

Dr residents pay no more than 30%.

According to Hoffman.

>> For folks in a wheelchair, for instance.

>> Thanks, In love 2 yards.

Futures are designed specifically for wheelchair users.

>> Which easily accessible.

>> We build, you know, apartments that are free and really have the mobility impaired.

Folks in mind, you know, the showers, the kitchens, the way all that's designed waitlists for accessible housing are huge problem in the city for OTR as Lincoln Park Building.

>> Waitlist numbers are through the roof.

Their 60 people in that waiting was for a departments.

I mean, that's not a 10 year waiting list.

That's a 50 year waiting list.

Waitlist times can vary depending on building size and location.

is a staff attorney at Axis Living Chicago based nonprofit.

They say their mission is to help people with all types of disabilities live independently.

She says there is more the city can do to provide accessible Chicago have >> Asleep at the wheel when it comes to.

>> Ensuring that.

The affordable housing's is accessible in 2018 access living filed a lawsuit against the city of Chicago alleging that the city was not complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1991.

Chicago was just handing money to developers to build affordable housing and not ensuring.

>> That was accessible, though.

It is required to after 7 years.

The lawsuit is yet to is off and the need for accessible housing continues in Chicago in a statement from Chicago's Department of Housing, the city says it is not able to comment on the pending lawsuit at this time.

>> But it remains firmly committed to ensuring accessibility and all housing programs.

In the meantime, OTR is working to increase accessible housing, one building at a time and to be able to have options that could help you continue on.