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2020 Impact Report
Each year, Shirley Ryan AbilityLab prepares an annual Impact Report to celebrate the accomplishments of our community-based Quality of Life Programs, research initiatives and medical education programs — all of which is made possible through the support of our generous donors.
Blog
WGN Investigates: A dangerous and deadly year, Children caught in Chicago’s crossfire
It’s been a violent year in Chicago. And increasingly it is children who are getting shot. WGN Investigates took an in-depth look at the lasting legacy of our violent streets.
Blog
Payton's Story: Paralysis to SkyRise
Payton experienced a spinal hematoma in 2018 and became paralyzed from the waist down. Following intensive rehabilitation at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, she was able to walk again.
Patient Story
Efficacy of a Telehealth Pain Self-Management Intervention
The E-TIPS trial will evaluate an evidence-based, telehealth pain self-management intervention compared to standard care (a waitlist) for chronic pain in adults with physical disabilities who are employed
Age Range
18+
Clinical Trial
Dr. Colin Franz Moderates Plenary Speakers at ALS Symposium
Dr. Colin Franz moderated the plenary speakers at the recent virtual ALS symposium.
In the News
COVID-19 Lingers On - Dr. Franz in U.S. News Article
Dr. Franz was consulted in an article on COVID-19 hospitalized patients, who have lasting health damage and symptoms months post discharge.
In the News
Paralyzed ex-Illinois football star is down but never out
A year and a half after a life-changing accident, paralyzed former Illinois football star Bobby Roundtree opens up about loneliness, frustrations, the desire to inspire and his ultimate goal: independence.
News
Making a home accessible after a severe injury can be overwhelming — but it doesn’t have to be. Here’s one mom’s advice.
At Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, people arrive after lives change in minutes — a gunshot wound, a car crash, a stroke. When patients are discharged, they often need to approach their home differently. Occupational therapist Kelsey Watters said they first consider locations like the bathroom and the entry.
News
'I'm just thankful to be here': Lightning strike survivor recounts his 4-month journey to recovery
After surviving a lightning strike, after enduring multiple surgeries to open his shins and forearms to save him from compartment syndrome, Jacob Brewer was being treated at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in downtown Chicago where he was receiving physical and occupational therapy.
News
New Grant: Helping Patients Understand Rehabilitation Measures
Clinical research scientist Linda Ehrlich-Jones has spent her career exploring the best ways to help people with chronic illnesses such as Lupus and Parkinson’s disease live better lives.
In the News
Rehabilitation Measures Database Reaches a Milestone
The RMD recently reached an important milestone: It includes more than 500 measures for everything from walking to executive function to aphasia. Last year, it received almost 5,500 site visits per day and more than 3.7 million page views.
In the News
Heidi Fischer: Combining Occupational Therapy with Research and Teaching
Fischer, OTD, is now doing exactly that as a Clinical Associate Professor of Occupational Therapy at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) where she specializes in self-management for people with chronic conditions such as stroke and diabetes.
In the News