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 .

Super Woman recently made a special stop to visit our pediatric patients — and the joy she brought was just as mighty as...
04/23/2026

Super Woman recently made a special stop to visit our pediatric patients — and the joy she brought was just as mighty as her superpowers.

From dance parties and mask decorating to creating secret identities and discovering superhero strengths, the morning was filled with laughter, confidence-building moments and nonstop smiles.

Thanks to Super Woman for making this super visit possible and for bringing inspiration, imagination and joy to our pediatric community!

Learn more about child life at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab: bit.ly/42v4rs9

In recognition of National Volunteer Week, join us in giving a shout out to our volunteers at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab! I...
04/21/2026

In recognition of National Volunteer Week, join us in giving a shout out to our volunteers at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab!

In this last year, more than 175 volunteers made a significant and far-reaching impact on our patients, families and staff. Our volunteers support our team in day-to-day operations, special events and programming. And, our volunteers connect with our patients in deeply meaningful ways — visiting with the book cart, playing cards, or simply by serving as a reassuring presence during recovery.

We are so grateful for our vibrant, dedicated volunteer community. Thank you! Interested in volunteering? Visit: bit.ly/4cG9ISC

In recognition of Parkinson’s Awareness Month this April, meet Benjamin Friedman, MD, attending physicia‍n and medical d...
04/17/2026

In recognition of Parkinson’s Awareness Month this April, meet Benjamin Friedman, MD, attending physicia‍n and medical director of our Parkinson’s Disease & Movement Disorders Program (PDMD), and Aleks Gebska, manager of our adaptive fitness programs!

Dr. Friedman and Aleks are both featured in the Parkinson's Foundation “My PD Story” series — and share insights about their professional journeys and how they connect with the PD community today.

Read more on our blog, including details about our PDMD Open House on Sunday, May 3: bit.ly/3QufyyS

Chicagoan Jerry V.’s leg was amputated when he was 20, and, for 40 years, he’s worn a traditional prosthesis. However, d...
04/17/2026

Chicagoan Jerry V.’s leg was amputated when he was 20, and, for 40 years, he’s worn a traditional prosthesis. However, discomfort caused by the prosthesis limited how often he would wear it — he often opted to use his wheelchair or crutches instead.

In a recent WGN TV story, Jerry shared how osseointegration — a novel surgical technique in which a metal post is surgically implanted into the bone of the residual limb — is helping to improve his comfort, stability and daily function.

In recognition of Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month, read our blog for more about the WGN segment, new research at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab and how osseointegration can help patients after amputation: bit.ly/4tdIbPr

Spring into peak performance! Now is the perfect time to shake off winter routines and take your training up a notch. At...
04/15/2026

Spring into peak performance! Now is the perfect time to shake off winter routines and take your training up a notch. At Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, our expert clinicians are ready to help you move better, feel stronger and get more out of every mile, swing or workout.

We offer sports performance assessments, including:
🏃Running: Get expert insight into your running technique and discover how small adjustments can lead to big improvements.

🏌️Golf: Sharpen your swing, improve mobility and add power to your game.

Ready to kick off the season with more strength and confidence? Book an assessment by May 15 at a special discount: bit.ly/4cgGkCb

04/10/2026

“We know you’re going to do big things and that you’re going be a great OT one day!”

It’s Occupational Therapy (OT) Awareness Month, and we’re celebrating our occupational therapists at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab … as well as those who are inspiring future OTs like Natalie K.!

Natalie, age 19, came to our Streeterville DayRehab Center for post-surgery rehabilitation after a series of surgeries due to complications from cystic fibrosis (CF).

In OT, Natalie not only discovered new abilities and gained life skills that will help her with function and independence while living with a chronic illness. She also formed a deep bond with her therapist — and is planning to pursue a career in OT herself!

Watch as Natalie’s OT shares a few final words of encouragement on her grad day from Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, and read Natalie’s full story: bit.ly/4tIypor

April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month, and we’re sharing simple ways to help reduce fall risk for people living with PD.C...
04/08/2026

April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month, and we’re sharing simple ways to help reduce fall risk for people living with PD.

Check out our latest blog for practical fall‑prevention tips from physical therapist Caitlyn Seuschek, PT, DPT, NCS — from choosing the right mobility aid to making small home safety changes.

Want to go deeper? Join us May 21 at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab for "How to Prevent & Recover From Falls in Parkinson’s," a free community event led by our PD experts.

Read the blog and save your spot for May: bit.ly/3ObC6Ug

🏃‍♂️❤️ Now available at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab ... VO₂ max testing! VO₂ max is the gold standard for measuring cardiore...
04/07/2026

🏃‍♂️❤️ Now available at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab ... VO₂ max testing! VO₂ max is the gold standard for measuring cardiorespiratory fitness and endurance — an advanced assessment that offers powerful insights about your overall health and body performance.

Curious about your aerobic fitness? Sign up for a VO₂ max test today: bit.ly/4877f2f

🧡 Nurses make recovery possible. 🧡At Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, nurses play a critical role in helping our patients recove...
04/06/2026

🧡 Nurses make recovery possible. 🧡

At Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, nurses play a critical role in helping our patients recover, rebuild and move forward.

To support and grow our team, we're currently offering a $5,000 sign-on bonus for experienced RNs. With openings across our hospital, this is your chance to join a mission-driven team where innovation and compassion go hand in hand.

Explore open roles at bit.ly/4e7yFZj.

04/03/2026

It’s Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month — a great time of year to celebrate the many ways our patients, like Nathaniel G., take big steps forward after limb loss.

After a boating accident led to the amputation of Nathaniel’s left leg, he came to Shirley Ryan AbilityLab from Nashville for intensive rehabilitation, learned wheelchair skills and adapted to new abilities after limb loss.

The specialists on our prosthetics and orthotics team designed a custom-fitted prosthetic leg to fit Nathaniel’s 6’9” frame — one of the tallest prosthetic legs we’ve ever designed. They trained Nathaniel on its use so he could return home to his active life following his time at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab.

Learn more about our expertise in creating complex prostheses, including our approach to custom-designing and fitting prosthetic devices so patients like Nathaniel can achieve their individual ability goals: bit.ly/4bQRxum

03/31/2026

After Charlie S. experienced a traumatic brain injury (TBI) at age 10 due to a sledding accident, he spent weeks in a coma and underwent lifesaving surgery before coming to Shirley Ryan AbilityLab for six months of intensive inpatient rehabilitation followed by another five months in DayRehab.

Early on, Charlie’s care team focused on foundational work to ease his body’s painful contractures, restore alignment and slowly rebuild movement.

As he progressed, his therapists used sports, playful interventions and real world outings to help him regain strength, stamina, independence and joy.

And, at long last, 347 days after the accident, Charlie was able to ring the bell on his graduation day from Shirley Ryan AbilityLab and return home to start his next chapter.

In recognition of TBI Awareness Month, watch this powerful video and read Charlie’s story to learn how expert care, courage and resilience fueled his recovery after brain injury. bit.ly/4tjkjt9

03/25/2026

It's National Cerebral Palsy (CP) Awareness Day! For our monthly “Ask the Expert” series, we’re featuring Sarah Lock, MS, PT, DPT, PCS, a pediatric physical therapist who specializes in the early detection of CP and helps to lead our Early Motor Development Clinic within Shirley Ryan AbilityLab’s CP Center of Excellence.

Sarah joined us to answer questions about therapeutic interventions for kids with CP, as well as the importance of early diagnosis.

Read the full Q&A on our blog: bit.ly/4sRGEP3

03/24/2026

“Multiple sclerosis is one of those conditions where no two patients look alike. We really need interventions that could be tailored to each individual.”

In recognition of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Awareness Month this March, our latest video features Shirley Ryan AbilityLab research scientist Milap Sandhu, PT, PhD. He explains how his research seeks to advance rehabilitation interventions in patients with MS, with an aim toward improving long-term patient outcomes.

Watch our video and learn more about Dr. Sandhu’s translational MS research: bit.ly/4svC4We

This Women’s History Month, we are celebrating art created by Elizabeth Garcia, a longtime Shirley Ryan AbilityLab staff...
03/23/2026

This Women’s History Month, we are celebrating art created by Elizabeth Garcia, a longtime Shirley Ryan AbilityLab staff member who passed away in 2024 following more than two decades of service at the hospital.

Elizabeth left behind a legacy of kindness and mentorship at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, and we’re now honoring our beloved colleague by displaying her portraits of influential women from history in our hospital lobby. Her artistry was inspired by generations of creative women in her family and reflects her lifelong creativity.

Join us in enjoying Elizabeth’s artwork to honor her memory.

Behind every successful rehabilitation journey is a care manager ensuring patients feel supported, informed and equipped...
03/20/2026

Behind every successful rehabilitation journey is a care manager ensuring patients feel supported, informed and equipped for each step ahead.

At Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, our care managers handle everything from insurance approvals to post‑discharge planning — so patients can stay focused on their goals and their future.

Please join us in celebrating their impact this National Social Work Month. Thank you for all you do! 🙌💙

Happy Certified Nurses Day! Join us in celebrating our nurses' exceptional expertise at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab! Many of...
03/19/2026

Happy Certified Nurses Day! Join us in celebrating our nurses' exceptional expertise at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab!

Many of our nurses have earned additional certifications in areas such as rehabilitation nursing, critical care, progressive care, neurological nursing, wound care and pediatrics. In fact, this year we are recognizing 167 nurses who have gone above and beyond by earning two or more professional certifications, a great reflection of their commitment to excellence and continued learning!

Learn more about nursing careers at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab: bit.ly/4sSCXIa

Did you know that Shirley Ryan AbilityLab’s Amicous® Program, which treats disorders of consciousness, is one of the few...
03/18/2026

Did you know that Shirley Ryan AbilityLab’s Amicous® Program, which treats disorders of consciousness, is one of the few in the country designed to support patients with brain injury who are in a minimally conscious state?

Through interdisciplinary clinical care, comprehensive neurologic evaluations and functional assessments to determine a patient’s level of consciousness, our experts work toward “emergence” — when a patient is able to either consistently communicate functionally or demonstrate functional object use.

After emerging, many of our patients transition to our traditional inpatient rehabilitation program to continue their recovery … patients like Duane D., who successfully emerged after sustaining a severe traumatic brain injury that left him comatose.

In recognition of Brain Injury Awareness Month, visit our blog to learn more about our expertise in disorders of consciousness: bit.ly/3PvyZXD

Exercise shouldn’t be out of reach for older adults with limited mobility! In fact, physical activity is important as we...
03/17/2026

Exercise shouldn’t be out of reach for older adults with limited mobility! In fact, physical activity is important as we age … and it doesn’t have to be challenging.

In a recent article, “AARP Smart Guide to Fitness for Those With Limited Mobility,” Shirley Ryan AbilityLab’s Jessica Curran, PT, DPT, OCS, physical therapist and clinical manager of our Northbrook Outpatient Center, offers helpful fitness tips and motivational advice to encourage older adults to exercise.

Check out Jessica’s tips and visit our blog to read more: bit.ly/3PbzDtj

03/13/2026

Tuning in to cheer on Team USA sled hockey during the Paralympics semifinals? Here's a primer on sled hockey from the adaptive sports and fitness team at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab!

Did you know ...

🏒 Sled hockey is a fast-paced, full-contact sport that uses specialized equipment so athletes with a primary physical impairment can participate.

🛷 The sport promotes connection, interaction and camaraderie — and allows athletes to realize their physical potential.

🥅 Our team, the Chicago Freeze, is supported by the Chicago Park District and the Chicago Blackhawks Foundation.

❄ Up-and-coming athletes can build new skills, and our competitive team gives advanced athletes a way to face off in league and tournament play.

🏅Over the years, several of our elite sled hockey athletes have gone on to compete in the Paralympics! This time, we’re cheering on Kevin McKee, Brody Roybal, Travis Dodson and all of USA Hockey in Milan!

Learn more about adaptive sports at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, home to Chicago’s largest and most comprehensive program of its kind: bit.ly/4uIHZJl

Erica M. was born with sacral agenesis — a congenital disorder in which the lower spine and parts of the legs do not ful...
03/11/2026

Erica M. was born with sacral agenesis — a congenital disorder in which the lower spine and parts of the legs do not fully develop. However, her condition never kept her from being active. Today, Erica is a true pioneer in adaptive sports!

🏒 She discovered sled hockey at age 9.

🥅 She made Shirley Ryan AbilityLab’s sled hockey team at age 18 as the only female player and eventual team captain.

🙌 She founded the U.S. Women’s Development Sled Hockey Team and has become an advocate for equity in the sport.

🏅 And, in 2025, after two decades of hard work, she won gold at the first-ever World Para Ice Hockey Women’s Championship!

Erica credits Shirley Ryan AbilityLab’s adaptive sports programs for making it possible. “These programs change lives,” she said.

Read Erica’s story on our blog as we continue to celebrate athletes of all abilities! bit.ly/3P1FS2J

Calling all experienced and newly graduated allied health professionals! We're hiring physical therapists, occupational ...
03/10/2026

Calling all experienced and newly graduated allied health professionals! We're hiring physical therapists, occupational therapists and speech-language pathologists.

Join us for a special hiring event on Thursday, April 2, from 4:30-6:30 pm. You'll take a tour of our state-of-the-art hospital, meet with staff and hiring managers, and learn more about exciting careers at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab.

Register today: bit.ly/40j3emZ

Three-time Paralympian Rico Roman stopped by our Pediatric Innovation Center to get our young patients hyped for NBC Oly...
03/07/2026

Three-time Paralympian Rico Roman stopped by our Pediatric Innovation Center to get our young patients hyped for NBC Olympics & Paralympics sled hockey! During his visit, the kids learned about adaptive sports, checked out Rico’s gold medal and got to hold the torch! One of our patients even took a few shots in a sled hockey bucket.

Rico’s leg was amputated following a combat-related injury in 2007. During his rehabilitation after experiencing limb loss, he discovered sled hockey and went on to play for Team USA in the Paralympics, winning gold in 2014, 2018 and 2022.

Thanks for visiting, Rico, and sharing how adaptive sports can inspire hope and healing! Learn more about adaptive sports at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab: bit.ly/4rVeQbV

On behalf of Shirley Ryan AbilityLab and our Associate Board, thanks to all who supported Art in Motion 2026! Whether yo...
03/06/2026

On behalf of Shirley Ryan AbilityLab and our Associate Board, thanks to all who supported Art in Motion 2026!

Whether you joined us in the gallery, participated virtually, purchased patient artwork or simply came to experience the evening — your engagement mattered. Art in Motion celebrates creativity as a powerful part of rehabilitation, and, thanks to your generosity and enthusiasm, we can continue to provide art therapy and other quality-of-life programs to our patients throughout their journeys.

Missed the event but still want to support Shirley Ryan AbilityLab? It’s not too late to donate: sralab.org/artinmotion

In recognition of Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month we're reintroducing you to one of our young patients, Hayden! Hayden ha...
03/05/2026

In recognition of Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month we're reintroducing you to one of our young patients, Hayden!

Hayden has cerebral palsy (CP) — and, at age 4, she’s already reaching for the stars! She has been coming to Shirley Ryan AbilityLab for outpatient rehabilitation since 2022 to address impairments stemming from CP.

Over the years, Hayden has developed strength and gained self-confidence as she grows. She continues to make great progress — now, she can crawl up and down the stairs independently; walk assisted using one crutch; use her left hand to draw letters and pictures; and use scissors for art projects. She is taking swimming lessons, enjoys preschool and has made lots of friends. Plus, she’s a great big sister and cheers on the Loyola Ramblers Men's Basketball where her dad, Drew, is the head coach!

Learn about our CP Center of Excellence and how Shirley Ryan AbilityLab treats patients like Hayden: bit.ly/4aQnZLm

The last day of February marks and, in recognition, we’re celebrating the wonderful progress Beckett W., age 5, has ma...
02/28/2026

The last day of February marks and, in recognition, we’re celebrating the wonderful progress Beckett W., age 5, has made in both inpatient rehabilitation and DayRehab while living with acute necrotizing encephalopathy (ANE) — a rare and very serious disease that results in a disturbance of brain function, often following a viral infection.

Beckett has come to Shirley Ryan AbilityLab twice following acute-care hospitalization and impairments stemming from ANE, including loss of physical function, speech, and gross and fine motor skills. Fortunately, he’s made great gains thanks to intensive therapy and his supportive family.

“We want Beckett to know how loved he is. We are so proud of Beckett’s progress and can’t wait to see how far he will go,” said his mom, Christine.

Beckett’s journey highlights how pediatric rehabilitation can help children with rare diseases build skills, strength and endurance after experiencing significant setbacks due to illness. Read his full story: bit.ly/46QDGBp

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355 East Erie Street
Chicago, IL
60611

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+13122381000

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