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WTTW Profiles Shirley Ryan AbilityLab’s “Pioneering” Center for Bionic Medicine
A recent story on WTTW’s Chicago Tonight program highlighted the next generation of bionic limbs being developed at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab. The story featured Terry Karpowicz, a Chicago sculptor who has used prosthetics since losing his right leg in a motorcycle accident in 1975.
News
William Zev Rymer, MD, PhD
Director, Research Planning Engineering in Neuroscience
Director, Sensory Motor Performance Program (SMPP)
Allison Todd
Senior Research Administrator
People with Disabilities Continued to Make Employment Gains in 2023
Despite the U.S. Federal Reserve raising interest rates in 2023 to their highest levels in decades, the U.S. labor market has remained remarkably resilient.
In the News
Wearable Robotics for Fall Prevention
We will develop a portable device that is easy to wear and does not interfere with a patient’s gait, unless when necessary to prevent a fall.
Research Project
Working with Parkinson’s: Complex Questions Surrounding the Decision to Disclose Diagnosis
After receiving a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease (PD), many people assume that their working lives are over -- or soon will be. But many want to continue to work, either because they are in their prime earning years, they need the insurance coverage, or they love what they do and thrive on the stimulation of being around other people.
In the News
Experience Living with a Disability Helps Shirley Ryan AbilityLab Peer Mentors Connect with Patients
Chicagoan Jorge Alfaro has been a peer mentor for 15 years. He was injured by an accidental gunshot at the age of nine, before the peer mentoring program existed. Now he is a peer mentor for other patients.
In the News
New Grant Focuses on Supporting Quality of Life For People Receiving Home- and Community-based Services
The Center for Rehabilitation Outcomes Research (CROR) has received a new $4.4 million, five-year grant from the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR).
In the News
Experience Living with a Disability Helps Shirley Ryan AbilityLab Peer Mentors Connect with Patients
LIFE Center Manager Lisa Rosen co-founded the peer mentoring program in 2003. There had always been some informal mentoring going on as patients talked with other patients or hospital volunteers with disabilities, but Rosen realized there was a need for a more structured program.
In the News
Collaboration is Key to Making Successful Workplace Accommodations that Help People with Disabilities Continue to Work
Assistive technologies such as headsets, voice recognition software, and screen readers have become almost commonplace, helping those with physical disabilities, as well as, visual and auditory disabilities find and keep jobs.
In the News
Full Circle After a Non-Traumatic Brain Injury
Jim experienced a brain embolism brought on by infection and was quickly admitted to an acute-care hospital. After discharge, he came to RIC.
Patient Story
A House Fire Burned 60% of His Body. Two Years Later, He’s Making His Marathon Debut at Chicago
Severe burns left him in a medically-induced coma. Now, with the help of AbilityLab, Beau Zanca tackled the Willis Tower & will run 26.2 miles through Chicago.
Patient Story