Shirley Ryan AbilityLab

Shirley Ryan AbilityLab Shirley Ryan AbilityLab is Advancing Ability for thousands of adults and children around the globe.
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Welcome to the New RIC On March 25, 2017 the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago became the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab. More than just a change of address, this shift enables our continued mission .

❄️ The cold never bothered us anyway! ❄️ When Chicago schools recently closed due to extreme weather conditions, our ama...
02/02/2026

❄️ The cold never bothered us anyway! ❄️ When Chicago schools recently closed due to extreme weather conditions, our amazing quality-of-life program teams — and two service dogs — stepped up and hosted a free childcare pop-up for our employees’ kids. The day was full of fun and big smiles. Learn more about how we support our team members at sralab.org/careers.

01/29/2026

Join us on Feb. 27 for Art in Motion — Shirley Ryan AbilityLab’s annual fundraiser benefiting our art therapy and therapeutic recreation programs, as well as our patient artists like Jacqui M.

Jacqui came to Shirley Ryan AbilityLab for physical therapy after knee and leg injuries caused by falling. She learned to rebalance while walking so she could continue daily activities she loves — including her No. 1 activity, painting! Jacqui’s eclectic artwork will be available via silent auction at Art in Motion.

Check out Jacqui’s creative space where she works on her masterpieces and hear why she’s excited about Art in Motion. Get your tickets now at sralab.org/artinmotion!

Calling all high school and college students! Are you interested in a future career as a doctor; nurse; physical, occupa...
01/27/2026

Calling all high school and college students!

Are you interested in a future career as a doctor; nurse; physical, occupational or speech therapist; psychologist; or other clinician? Join us for a career fair and meet a broad range of Shirley Ryan AbilityLab team members. Explore how you can harness your passions and experiences to make a meaningful impact in rehabilitation medicine.

Join us Monday, Feb.16, from 4:30-6:30 pm.

Learn more and sign up: bit.ly/4qRrVTe

UPDATE (Jan. 29): Because of high interest, registration for this event is now closed. We look forward to seeing attendees at our hospital on Feb. 16!

Research shows that exercise during in vitro fertilization (IVF) supports positive outcomes — providing both physical an...
01/22/2026

Research shows that exercise during in vitro fertilization (IVF) supports positive outcomes — providing both physical and mental health benefits. Yet, many individuals stop exercising due to unclear guidance about the appropriate level of physical activity during fertility treatments.

Shirley Ryan AbilityLab pelvic health specialists have developed evidence-based guidelines to help patients build strength and participate safely in physical activity -- from before IVF begins, throughout treatment and transfer, and during pregnancy.

Read our article for exercise recommendations during IVF: bit.ly/3LIXwHi

With a   hitting Chicago, you may be reaching for your shovel! ❄️ Before you head outside to clear the sidewalk, read ex...
01/14/2026

With a hitting Chicago, you may be reaching for your shovel! ❄️ Before you head outside to clear the sidewalk, read expert advice from one of our physical therapists at our Northbrook Outpatient Center on how to stay safe while shoveling and reduce your risk of injury and strain: bit.ly/4bzCUvx

After experiencing a stroke, patients turn to our experts to regain function and independence so they can return to the ...
01/09/2026

After experiencing a stroke, patients turn to our experts to regain function and independence so they can return to the active lives they love. For Lisa T. (pictured left), that return included enjoying a very meaningful moment a few years into her stroke recovery: taking to the dance floor for a special mother-daughter dance at her daughter’s wedding!

Previously, Lisa had experienced a stroke and aphasia, which greatly impacted her ability to communicate. She came to Shirley Ryan AbilityLab for outpatient therapy, with a focus on speech-language therapy, and joined our aphasia community groups to find her voice again. These days, Lisa lives independently and enjoys yoga, crafting, going to the movies, spending time with family and, of course … dancing!

“I say to myself, you should be grateful that you woke up this morning because your next breath is not promised to you. Having the opportunity to go to Shirley Ryan AbilityLab was the biggest blessing. I cannot thank them enough,” said Lisa.

Read Lisa’s story to learn more about her recovery and life after stroke. bit.ly/450ja07

12/31/2025

As we turn the page on 2025, we reflect with gratitude on countless special moments at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab — moments of healing, hope and ability that remind us what's possible when the best care and science come together to support our patients' journeys.

Here’s to millions of more moments in the year ahead. Happy New Year and best wishes for 2026! Learn more about Shirley Ryan AbilityLab: sralab.org

Donate to Shirley Ryan AbilityLab before the end of the year to help patients like Tracy D. return to the activities tha...
12/29/2025

Donate to Shirley Ryan AbilityLab before the end of the year to help patients like Tracy D. return to the activities that bring them joy — like running!

Nearly a decade ago, Tracy was training for the marathon when she had a stroke. Two years later, after making a full recovery, she was hit by a car during a run — sustaining a traumatic brain injury. After undergoing intensive physical, occupational and speech therapy at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, we helped her get back to what she loves most: RUNNING! She’s since run on our marathon team three times, raising funds to advance our mission.

Along the way, Tracy has benefited from our markerless motion capture technology, helping her run better and faster. This past June, she set a new personal record in a half marathon. She has been able to lift 20 pounds during bicep curls — something she never would have considered when she was doing therapy for her arm.

Support patients like Tracy this holiday season by making a donation: https://bit.ly/4pZTSI3

Santa paid a special visit to Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, delivering presents and good cheer to young patients on our pedia...
12/23/2025

Santa paid a special visit to Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, delivering presents and good cheer to young patients on our pediatric floor. Thank you to everyone who helps make the season brighter for kids who are away from home for the holidays.❤️

No one expects to experience a life-changing injury but, when they do, many turn to Shirley Ryan AbilityLab for their re...
12/22/2025

No one expects to experience a life-changing injury but, when they do, many turn to Shirley Ryan AbilityLab for their recovery. Now, as 2025 comes to a close, make a donation to ensure patients like Chuy G. can achieve their best outcomes.

Chuy lives in Minnesota with his wife, Irene, and six children. He is a diesel mechanic, and he underwent a double amputation following a severe workplace accident. He then came to Shirley Ryan AbilityLab for extensive rehabilitation as an inpatient and in DayRehab, and he was fitted with a custom prosthetic arm and leg, which we taught him how to use.

Since going home, Chuy has met several milestones, both big and small — standing with his daughter for prom photos and helping his kids tie their shoes while using his prosthetic arm.

Today, Chuy typically uses a wheelchair to get around. He cooks dinner for his family on occasion and is focused on eventually walking around the block with his kids or going to the grocery store without a scooter. He is grateful for how his Shirley Ryan AbilityLab physical therapist, occupational therapist and psychologist helped him through his hardest days.

Make a donation to support patients like Chuy as they continue their recovery journeys: https://bit.ly/4s5NTCZ

12/19/2025

Mark your calendars for Art in Motion 2026!

Join the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab Associate Board on Friday, Feb. 27, for a lively cocktail party and auction featuring artwork created by current and former patients. Proceeds will benefit our Art Therapy and Therapeutic Recreation programs. We're excited to once again host this event at our hospital.

Buy your tickets now at sralab.org/artinmotion

“Honestly, I wasn't sure I wanted to pursue cancer treatment before I got to Shirley Ryan AbilityLab. I felt hopeless an...
12/17/2025

“Honestly, I wasn't sure I wanted to pursue cancer treatment before I got to Shirley Ryan AbilityLab. I felt hopeless and didn't imagine how I could move forward from that point. Shirley Ryan AbilityLab changed everything, and I'm feeling so much better about my future now.”

In a matter of weeks, Sherri W.’s world changed drastically. She first learned she had terminal brain cancer, and then she came to Shirley Ryan AbilityLab for intensive therapy to regain mobility, speech and independence after surgery to remove a brain tumor.

During her time with us, Sherri discovered a new passion: adaptive cycling. She also discovered a new worldview about embracing — and enjoying — a strong quality of life amid a cancer diagnosis.

Read Sherri’s story to learn more about her journey and cancer rehabilitation: bit.ly/4qcMDfl

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355 East Erie Street
Chicago, IL
60611

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