Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, hospital in Illinois, United States
Shirley Ryan AbilityLab is a rehabilitation hospital in Chicago specializing in treatment for stroke, spinal cord injury, and brain injury. The 27-story building contains 242 private rooms and includes innovative spaces where therapists and researchers work directly together.
The original Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago operated on Superior Street and treated more patients with severe injuries than any other facility in the country. The new building opened in 2024, marking a significant transition to an integrated research and treatment model at a new location in Streeterville.
The facility is named after Shirley Ryan, a philanthropist who supported those in need. The name reflects the institution's focus on regaining abilities, with architecture featuring wide hallways and shared areas that create an open and supportive environment for healing.
Visitors should know that the building is 27 stories tall with clear, wide hallways that make navigation straightforward. The hospital is located in an accessible neighborhood with views of the lake and skyline, and patients typically stay about 24 days to complete intensive therapy programs.
The facility uses an innovative approach by placing therapy areas directly next to research labs, allowing scientists and therapists to work closely together and develop new treatment methods faster. This is a different model than what is typically seen in most hospitals.
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