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AbilityLab Blog

See the latest news, updates and patient stories from Shirley Ryan AbilityLab.

Ranked No. 1 by U.S. News & World Report for 35th Consecutive Year

Shirley Ryan AbilityLab again has been recognized as the national leader in rehabilitation, topping the U.S. News & World Report list for the 35th consecutive year. It remains the only hospital of any kind to hold this distinction, and has been ranked the No. 1 rehabilitation hospital every year since 1991.

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Shirley Ryan AbilityLab’s Chief Clinical Officer Joins Expert Panel, Podcast at World Medical Innovation Forum

Cheri Blauwet, MD, chief clinical officer and senior vice president, was a featured expert at the recent World Medical Innovation Forum hosted by Mass General Brigham.

News

Declan’s Journey With CP Leads to a ‘World of Possibilities’

Declan started coming to Shirley Ryan AbilityLab as an outpatient after receiving an early diagnosis of cerebral palsy (CP) at 18 months old. Now, at age 7, he recently completed intensive inpatient rehabilitation after a life-changing surgery to address muscle spasticity caused by CP — and he continues in DayRehab to improve his mobility, function and independence.

Patient Story

Molly Discovers Hope & Community at Military Sports Camp

Military sports camp is one of Shirley Ryan AbilityLab’s quality-of-life programs, which are offered at no cost or low cost thanks to the generosity of donors. In 2024, 34 individuals participated in military sports camp, with all costs — including flights, lodging, meals, transportation and instruction fees — completely covered.

Patient Story

SkyRise Chicago 2025 Recap

Shirley Ryan AbilityLab is grateful for all of the SkyRise Chicago participants, volunteers and donors — as well as the teams at Willis Tower and SkyDeck Chicago — for contributing to another successful event.

Blog

Diabetes & Exercise: Why Fitness Matters

Two Shirley Ryan AbilityLab exercise physiologists share insights about how movement, strength and mindfulness all play a key role in supporting people living with diabetes or prediabetes.

Blog

Five Easy Tips for an Accessible & Inclusive Halloween

Haleigh Nierman, OT, a senior occupational therapist at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab who specializes in pediatric rehabilitation, offers five easy tips for how to make Halloween accessible, inclusive and welcoming for kids.

Blog

Ask the Expert: Kyle Bisping, DPT, on SkyRise Chicago 2025

Kyle Bisping, DPT, clinical manager of Shirley Ryan AbilityLab’s Burr Ridge Outpatient & DayRehab Center answers questions about SkyRise Chicago — the hospital’s annual stair climb at Chicago’s Willis Tower.

Blog

The Sky’s the Limit: Shirley Ryan AbilityLab Prepares Patients for Return to Air Travel

To help prepare patients for a return to air travel, Shirley Ryan AbilityLab’s recreational therapy team plans and facilitates regular outings to the airport to practice all aspects of air travel.

Blog

New York Times Features Exercise Routine Designed by Shirley Ryan AbilityLab Certified Hand Therapist

Shirley Ryan AbilityLab certified hand therapist and occupational therapist Michelle Annes, OTR/L, CHT, recently was featured in The New York Times — sharing exercises to improve upper-body mobility and functional movement so individuals can confidently handle everyday tasks, such as opening a jar or lifting a bag and engaging in hobbies they love like cooking or gardening.

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