Shirley Ryan AbilityLab

Are you attending the American Case Management Association (ACMA) National Conference this week in Denver? Be sure to visit us at booth #114, and don't miss Kate DeMarco, MS, CCC-SLP, who will present "Tag, You're It: Empowering Case Managers to Champion Life-changing Pediatric Rehabilitation Outcomes" on Thursday, April 3, at 3:30 p.m.

A recent story by WBEZ Chicago highlighted Shirley Ryan AbilityLab’s COVID Rehabilitation Unit, an outpatient service that provides care for patients experiencing long COVID symptoms such as brain fog and headaches. The story features insights from senior speech-language pathologist Marie Saxon, MS, CCC-SLP, about improving cognitive function in patients with long COVID, as well as reflections from local artist, associate professor and Shirley Ryan AbilityLab patient Rosalynn G. Through therapy, Rosalynn has not only gained tools to manage her COVID symptoms, but she also has found hope and optimism for her recovery. Read more on our blog: bit.ly/3RvFCHb #LongCOVID #COVID19 #COVID #COVIDRehabilitation #ChronicIllness #HealthAndWellness #WBEZChicago

Harvey S. was only four months old when he traveled with his parents, Michele and Jake, from Virginia to Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. He was diagnosed with cerebral palsy (CP) and soon began inpatient “habilitative therapy” — a type of therapy geared toward developing new skills, often used in children with chronic conditions. By introducing early, specialized therapy while the brain is developing rapidly, we help kids like Harvey achieve better outcomes — and during seven weeks with us, Harvey’s care team helped him with mobility, posture, socialization and feeding skills. Now that Harvey is back home, he is continuing to grow and develop. To mark CP Awareness Month this March, Harvey’s parents shared recent milestones. Today, Harvey is … ⭐️ Tolerating tummy time for several minutes each day ⭐️ Holding toys on his own ⭐️ Learning to roll over (and he’s SO CLOSE to sitting independently!) ⭐️ Using adaptive equipment like an activity chair, stander, bath chair and adaptive stroller — plus ankle-foot orthoses are coming soon! ⭐️ Smiling and cooing ⭐️ Improving his sleep and sleep patterns Way to go, Harvey! Read his full story to learn more about his first year of life with CP: bit.ly/4iJ8Iil #CerebralPalsyAwareness #CPAwarenessMonth #PediatricTherapy #EarlyIntervention #ChildDevelopment #HabilitativeTherapy #CerebralPalsy #Milestones

Calling all nursing students! Are you graduating from nursing school and looking for your first job? Or maybe you're an experienced RN looking for your next career step? Consider a career in rehabilitation nursing at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab! Join us for a virtual hiring event on Wednesday, April 9 from 5:30–6:30 pm to meet with hiring managers and to learn more. Register now: bit.ly/4c7b73M #NursingStudents #RehabilitationNursing #NurseLife #NursingCareers #NurseRecruitment #RNJobs #HealthcareCareers #CareerInNursing

To recognize Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Awareness Month, we invited patient parent and caregiver Amy Basken to answer audience questions for our monthly “Ask the Expert” series. After her son, Matthew, experienced a TBI, he came to Shirley Ryan AbilityLab for rehabilitation. Now, three years later, Amy shares her experiences and reflections as the mother of a person living with a TBI. Read more: bit.ly/3FLO4Qc #TBIawareness #BrainInjury #TraumaticBrainInjury #CaregiverSupport #PatientAdvocacy #Rehabilitation #InjuryRecovery #BrainHealth #AskTheExpert

We can't wait for #RehabWeek2025 in Chicago May 12-16! Have you already registered to attend? Sign up early and reserve your spot for a number of workshops led by members of the Shirley Ryan Ability team. Hope to see you there! Learn more: bit.ly/3DQYQUC

Our patient, Hayden V., turns 4 this spring — and she’s already reaching for the stars! Since 2022, she has come to us for outpatient rehabilitation to address impairments stemming from cerebral palsy (CP). In the process, she’s developed strength and gained self-confidence as she grows. “Hayden has grown immensely under your care. She talks positively about going to therapy and is always excited to see who she’s working with that day,” said Hayden’s mom, Taylor. “We want to thank the team for supporting and pushing Hayden in the right direction to reach for the stars. Your team has played a huge role in her development and will forever impact her success in life.” We recently joined Hayden and her family for CP Awareness Night at a Loyola University Chicago men's basketball game, where her dad, Drew, is the head coach. Let’s go, Hayden, and let’s go, Ramblers! For CP Awareness Month, learn how we treat patients like Hayden at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab: bit.ly/4hLjDH6 #CerebralPalsy #CPAwareness

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) can have a long-lasting impact on speech, mobility and activities of daily living — but it also can affect emotions, mood and memory. In recognition of Brain Injury Awareness Month, read our blog for more about TBI, personality and how you can support people experiencing emotional and behavioral changes after injury: bit.ly/4iHsyu8 #TBIAwarenessMonth #tbi #traumaticbraininjury #rehabilitation #personality

Congratulations to Shirley Welsh Ryan for being celebrated last night by the National Women's History Museum at the 2025 Women Making History Awards Gala. Learn more about this well-deserved recognition: bit.ly/41avrh1

What a difference a few months can make! Last summer, Justine C. was in a bike accident near her home in Portland, Ore. She was in a coma for a week and then traveled to Shirley Ryan AbilityLab for intensive rehabilitation for a traumatic brain injury (TBI). During five weeks in inpatient care, Justine improved her physical and cognitive function: relearning to walk; practicing vision exercises to help her eyes focus; and relearning how to communicate and organize her ideas and thoughts. She also worked on stability and balance, addressing impairments she experiences from living with multiple sclerosis (MS). Through it all, Justine’s goals were to live independently, resume her work as a researcher and get back to her active outdoor lifestyle in the Pacific Northwest. Fast forward six months, and Justine just completed a trail half marathon! Learn more about what she has been up to: “I’m still processing what I’ve been through and how far I’ve come. Most people don’t get a second chance, but here I am — back at work, running, riding my bike, rock climbing and living on my own. I want to inspire people who face similar challenges to know they can make a comeback!” For TBI Awareness Month, visit our website to learn how we help patients like Justine recover after injury — and return to the lives and activities they love: bit.ly/4h6mzxy