Body
Shirley Ryan AbilityLab is the global leader in physical medicine and rehabilitation. In addition to drawing patients from all over the U.S. and the world, we are deeply committed to caring for those in our own backyard.
The Robert R. McCormick Foundation Center for Hope and Equity at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab was established in 2023 to respond to the needs of Chicago’s underserved communities on the South and West sides — particularly patients who are Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC).
Although we have the ability to offer best-in-class care to all patients, social determinants of health too often adversely impact patients once they return home. With the Center for Hope and Equity, we are able to respond to the unique needs of these patients with comprehensive services so they can achieve the best recoveries and outcomes — from navigating ongoing medical needs and securing accessible transportation to and from medical appointments to providing education about medical symptoms that could lead to rehospitalization.
Additionally, we are investing resources to recruit and build a workforce reflective of the diverse patient populations we serve.
The center was created with two initial pillars — “Resources for Patients and Caregivers” and “Pathways to Healthcare Careers.” We have plans to:
- Provide underserved patients with resources for a better and safer integration as they discharge home.
- Provide employment and return-to-work services for underserved people with functional impairments.
- Expose disadvantaged students to careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
- Continue to recruit a diverse workforce at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, drawing more candidates from Chicago’s South and West sides.
- Empower our IDEA Council to promote a strong culture of inclusion, diversity, equity and action throughout our entire continuum of care.