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Thank you for your interest in volunteering at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab! We are currently accepting volunteer applications. If you are interested in applying, please read the information below and begin the application process.
How Do Volunteers Make A Difference?
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Volunteers are central to how patients and families feel about their care at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab. We cherish our volunteers because they add diversity, dimension and vibrancy to how we — and you — express compassion.
There is no other research hospital in the world that will be practicing “translational” medicine, i.e., research will be directly applied (or “translated”) during therapy, with doctors and researchers working in the same space, real time, 24/7, with patients. Our stunning building is architecturally designed to create this seamless integration.
As integral members of our healthcare team, the contributions of volunteers are far-reaching:
- Administrative support — Providing office support services to departments.
- Patient services — Visiting adult and pediatric patients, mail/flyer delivery, patient transport.
- Therapy sessions — Maintaining the Abilitylab space through cleaning, stocking, organizing, and occasionally assisting in therapy sessions.
- Therapeutic recreation — Reinforcing social and therapeutic processes by helping patients participate in therapeutic activities.
- Adaptive Sports and Fitness Program — Providing support to athletes and coordinators during practices and competitions.
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Requirements for Volunteering
- Online/onsite orientation session
- Possible phone interview
- Professional reference
- 100 Hour commitment with consistent weekly shifts
- Medical requirements, including MMR, Varicella, TB Testing and Flu Vaccination (Seasonal)
- Criminal background check (18 years and older)
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the volunteer time commitment?
We ask for a minimum 100-hour commitment. Most volunteer opportunities are during the week, more limited for evenings and weekends.
Most volunteer areas require a 3-hour shift each week, with a consistent weekly shift - AM Shift: 9:00 am-12 pm or PM Shift: 1:00-4pm
Our current policy is to allow new volunteers to sign up for one shift per week, on a consistent day each week, i.e., every Monday. Once three shifts have been completed (the equivalent of three weeks), volunteers may pick up additional shifts if desired, assuming they are in good standing and there is availability.
What is the minimum age to volunteer?
We welcome all ages over the minimum age of 15.
What is the application process?
To begin, all prospective volunteers must submit an online volunteer application. Once the initial application is approved, instructions will be emailed explaining how to submit a professional reference and proof of medical documentation. Once a professional reference and medical requirements are provided, a background check is competed for those 18+. Attendance at an onsite orientation session to learn about the volunteer program is required. Onsite orientation is contingent on completing the medical requirements, professional reference, background check and additional online onboarding steps. You will receive information on how to access Vsys, our volunteer management portal which is used to track schedules and hours. Many steps of this process are self-directed. Most volunteers are able to begin service within a month.
What is the volunteer dress code?
A yellow volunteer shirt is provided at no cost. Please wear business casual pants and closed toe shoes. No Jeans/Shorts/Legging. Masking is not required at this time but is encouraged in patient areas. We do ask that you mask if a patient requests you to do so.
May I shadow a doctor, therapist, or researcher?
The Shirley Ryan AbilityLab does not offer shadowing opportunities at this time.
What can I expect at the onsite orientation session?
Orientations are approximately 2 hours in length which include the following topics; tour of Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, patient interactions in a hospital setting, HIPAA regulations and confidentiality, infection control and volunteer services policies.
Do you have any annual requirements?
The flu vaccine is required of all volunteers each year between the months of Oct-March. There is also annual mandatory TB education that is required. There may be other requirements depending on place of service.
How do I complete the TB test requirement?
TB tests can be completed with your medical provider. If completing a PPD skin test- a TWO STEP skin reading is required (this includes TWO placements and TWO readings). QuantiFERON (blood draw) TB test is also accepted. We do offer QuantiFERON TB test onsite at no cost to volunteers 18+ years of age.
Do you offer volunteer opportunities for college students looking to satisfy program hour requirements?
Yes, many college students volunteer at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab to gain hours and experience to satisfy program requirements. All students must complete the onboarding process listed above. Please note, while we make every effort to accommodate requests, assignments to specific focus areas such as PT/OT/inpatient therapies are not guaranteed due to high demand. Volunteers often receive informal observation during their service with Shirley Ryan AbilityLab; however we do not specifically offer direct observation or shadow hours.
Another opportunity for college students is our Summer Experience Program. This is for undergraduate students who attend college outside of the Chicago-land area, who would not otherwise have the opportunity to volunteer during the non-summer months. Volunteers complete their 100-hour commitment within a 10-12 week comprehensive volunteer experience, rotating throughout various departments of the hospital. The 2026 application is open through April 10.
Is it mandatory to provide the requested medical documentation?
Yes, due to the nature of patients that Shirley Ryan AbilityLab serves, this is a mandatory requirement. To become an active volunteer, all individuals must provide proof of vaccination or titer (immunity) for MMR and Varicella. Additionally, you must show proof of negative TB test. During the months of October-March, an up to date influenza vaccine is required. Volunteers may be removed from the schedule at any point and without notice if found to be non-compliant with these requirements.
I have a question not addressed here. Who can I contact?
If you have additional questions, please contact Volunteer Services at 312-238-6027 or volunteer@sralab.org.