Shirley Ryan AbilityLab

Welcome to Shirley Ryan AbilityLab

The Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago is now Shirley Ryan AbilityLab. More than just a change of address, this shift enables our continued mission to be the global source of science-driven breakthroughs in Human Ability.

Where Care...

Recognized as #1 in rehabilitation for 30 years in a row. AbilityLab introduces its revolutionary care through 5 Innovation Centers - state-of-the-art hospital facilities and equipment for exceptional patient care provided by the best medical and nursing support.

girl walking down stairs

Innovation Centers

Each Innovation Center focuses on an area of biomedical science with extraordinary promise: Brain; Spinal Cord; Nerve, Muscle & Bone; Pediatric and Cancer. We integrate the best medical and research experts together in real time. We innovate ways to speed your recovery from medical conditions that affect ability.
learn more

Our People

We've made our life's work helping people advance ability…ability of the mind, body and spirit. Because of our reputation for excellence and breakthroughs, we attract the best doctors, therapists, nurses and researchers: the best expertise means the best outcomes for our patients.
learn more

Careers

Shirley Ryan AbilityLab offers an outstanding work environment and the professional satisfactions of being the best. Visit our Careers page to find out more about our current opportunities as well as details about our unparalleled lifestyle options, continuing education and research opportunities.
learn more

...Meets Science

In our 5 Ability Labs, MDs & PhDs share space so medicine and science “cross-pollinate” constantly. Breakthroughs occur faster: fiber optics + biomedicine = muscle discoveries. Stem cells, interactive software, robots, autonomous wheelchairs, virtual reality treadmills, bionic limbs…

Ability Lab

Our 5 Ability Labs, each focusing on specific functional outcomes, are dynamics spaces where interdisciplinary teams provide a full range of therapeutic services and develop new research-based insights to help patients gain function, achieve better outcomes and enjoy greater independence.
learn more

Research Labs

AbilityLab’s research enterprise is the largest of its kind and renowned for breakthroughs in biomedical, neural, mechanical and electrical engineering; molecular/cellular biology; robotics and pharmacotherapeutics. Explore our labs and meet our PIs to see our latest advancements.
learn more

Studies + Trials

We have more than 350 studies + trials under way — human-subject, applied research and proof-of-concept testing - Shirley Ryan AbilityLab runs the largest active research enterprise in the rehabilitation field of medicine. Search our database of trials & studies to see if you can help contribute to next breakthrough.
learn more

Innovation is in our DNA

The spirit of innovation and trailblazing is in our DNA. Since 1953, we’ve been a pioneer and leader in treating the most difficult and complex conditions. Because we’re the world’s destination for the most challenging cases, we’re able to advance and share knowledge and expertise continuously.
Keep Exploring

Experience AbilityLab

Explore the site and discover how our care and unique services add up to a truly transformation experience in rehabilitative care.

Shirley Ryan AbilityLab looking up

Conditions + Services

From the most complex conditions to the more common we are here to help you Advance your Ability.

read more

Research

We’re committed to sharing what we’re doing and what we learn — with all who seek greater ability and practitioners the world over.

read more

Education

Whether your a medical professional looking for CEUs or a family member wanting more information about a service or condition, we're here to help.

read more

Make Yourself at Home

Save, share and follow the AbilityLab community, a thriving group of care-takers, innovators and people just like you.
Sign Up

Sign Up

Build your very own AbilityLab Dashboard, made to help you track your interests and needs. Save articles and publications that interest you and we'll do the rest.

learn more
Leadership

Making Introductions

Get to know the members of your care-team by searching the name of your Clinicians or Researchers and follow their profiles.

learn more

Experience AbilityLab

We invite you to learn more about what this new kind of care looks like, both in physical building and clinical practice.
Shirley Ryan AbilityLab

Learn how we're shaping tomorrow

learn more

Latest News

Fall prevention sign

Wearable Airbag-sensor Technology Could Help Predict Falls & Cushion Impact

Scientists at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab are leading the charge to develop better fall-detection models and advance fall-mitigation technologies, such as wearable airbags for individuals at high-risk of falling.

Patient Story

view all news

Wheelchair Softball Players Celebrate Ribbon-cutting with Cubs Charities

On Sept. 16, Laura Ferrio, senior vice president and chief operating officer, Derek Daniels, director, Adaptive Sports & Fitness Program, Therapeutic Recreation and Volunteer Services, and Shirley Ryan AbilityLab wheelchair softball players participated in a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the renovated adult wheelchair softball diamond in California Park on the city’s North Side.

News

Tracy’s Path Back from Stroke and Traumatic Brain Injury

It’s been said that finishing a marathon is a state of mind that says anything is possible. Learn more about Tracy's journey to running the Chicago Marathon.

Patient Story

view all news