Keep Chicago's Only OTA Program Open—Protect Students, Healthcare Access, and Our Community We, the undersigned, urge the administration and decision-makers to reconsider the closure of Chicago's only Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) program at City Colleges of Chicago - Wilbur Wright . Occupational Therapy Assistants are essential members of the healthcare workforce. They help children, adults, and older adults regain independence after illness or injury, develop life skills, and improve their quality of life. From hospitals and rehabilitation centers to schools, skilled nursing facilities, and outpatient clinics, OTAs play a vital role in helping people participate in everyday activities. Closing the only OTA program in Chicago would have far-reaching consequences: -It would eliminate an accessible pathway into a high-demand healthcare profession for current and future students. -It would disproportionately affect students who rely on a local, affordable education while balancing work, family, and financial responsibilities. -It would worsen workforce shortages by reducing the number of qualified OTA graduates entering the profession. -It would limit healthcare providers' ability to recruit skilled professionals, ultimately impacting patient care throughout the Chicago area. - It would eliminate one of 3 programs in all of Illinois and causing a huge shortage of COTAs Many students have invested significant time, money, and effort into pursuing this career. Prospective students deserve the same opportunity to receive a quality education close to home. Our community deserves continued access to a strong pipeline of compassionate, well-trained occupational therapy professionals. Rather than closing this program, we ask that the institution work collaboratively with students, faculty, healthcare partners, alumni, and community stakeholders to identify sustainable solutions that preserve this valuable educational resource. We respectfully call on the administration to: *Suspend any plans to close the OTA program. *Engage transparently with students, faculty, and community partners regarding the program's future. *Explore alternatives to closure, including increased recruitment efforts, partnerships with healthcare organizations, grants, and other funding opportunities. *Honor the institution's commitment to educating the next generation of healthcare professionals. This program is more than a degree—it is a pathway to meaningful careers, stronger communities, and better healthcare outcomes for thousands of people who depend on occupational therapy services. By signing this petition, you are standing with students, educators, healthcare providers, patients, and families who believe that Chicago deserves continued access to an Occupational Therapy Assistant program.