Kevin Robinson moved with his parents from Chicago to Matteson in 1991. With cerebral palsy limiting his motor skills and muscular dystrophy forcing him to work twice as hard to stay strong, Kevin was dependent on his parents.

Neither Kevin nor his family believed he would ever live on his own. He had inquired about apartments in the past, but most had few accessibility features; others put his name on a waiting list and never called.

Then a bus driver told Kevin about Rainbow Village Apartments. He applied, interviewed, and moved in late last year.

"Everything here is where it needs to be to help me move around, reach, cook, and handle dayto-day necessities," said Kevin. Another advantage, he noted, is not being on the time schedules of other people. Although the dramatic change in lifestyle was at first daunting, Kevin now enjoys doing things for himself.

"There are many more people out there with disabilities," Kevin said. "It would be wonderful to expand the number of accessible apartments everywhere."

Best wishes to Kevin as he continues to enjoy his new independence.