ABOUT US
Empowering Independence, Building Inclusive Communities
Creative Living empowers adults with physical disabilities to live independently by providing accessible, single-occupancy apartments near The Ohio State University campus. Each apartment is thoughtfully designed to meet the unique needs of residents who use mobility devices, featuring adaptations such as roll-in shower stalls, lowered countertops, accessible door pulls, and strategically placed switches and thermostats. These features create a barrier-free environment that promotes autonomy and ease in daily living.
Founded in 1974 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Creative Living addresses the housing and support challenges faced by individuals with disabilities. Many of our residents are quadriplegics and paraplegics who use wheelchairs due to spinal cord or brain injuries, or other conditions requiring mobility assistance.
At the heart of our mission is the Resident Assistance Program, which provides 24/7, on-call, non-medical support. From helping with transfers and retrieving items to carrying groceries or responding to emergencies, this vital service ensures residents have access to the assistance they need, day or night. This program fills the gap between personal care services and independent living, offering peace of mind and enabling residents to thrive.
Beyond physical accessibility and assistance, Creative Living fosters a vibrant and supportive community. Our residents benefit from the shared experience of living among peers who understand the challenges and triumphs of navigating life with disabilities. This sense of connection and camaraderie provides invaluable emotional support and enriches the quality of life for everyone who calls Creative Living home.
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Our Vision
Inspired. Empowered. Independent.
Creative Living builds communities where adults with physical disabilities live with independence, dignity, and purpose. With 24/7 on-site support in campus-based settings, we offer a life-affirming alternative to nursing homes and family caregiving—empowering residents to pursue education, build meaningful careers, and stay connected to community life.
Our Story
A Catapult...
Creative Living was established within The Ohio State University community, providing individuals with physical disabilities the opportunity to pursue educational and career goals in a vibrant, accessible campus environment. Here, residents enjoy close proximity to essential community resources and healthcare, fostering independence and connection.
And a Safety Net...
Creative Living was founded to address a critical, unmet need for community-based housing for adults with physical disabilities whose only alternatives were living with family or being confined to institutional facilities. This need persisst today, as staffing shortages, inaccessible housing, and limited home health coverage continue to challenge those who desire independence along with the security and safety of a stable home.
Our History
The Power of Many Inspired by One
The inspiration of a single individual, coupled with the determination of a select few, created a community of advocacy and care more than 50 years ago that sets standards today. Long before the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, 23 years before the Fair Housing Act, and 25 years before the Americans with Disabilties Act, a single individual with the help of family and friends created a legacy of advocacy and change.
