Shirley Ryan Abilitylab

Shirley Ryan AbilityLab Chicago: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Visitor Information

Date: 15/06/2025

Introduction

The Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, located in Chicago’s Streeterville neighborhood, stands as one of the world’s foremost rehabilitation hospitals, integrating clinical care, pioneering research, and inclusive community engagement. Since its founding as the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago in 1953, the AbilityLab has continually redefined rehabilitation medicine through a unique translational model—where clinicians, scientists, engineers, and patients collaborate in real time. Visitors to the AbilityLab experience not only a state-of-the-art medical institution but also a vibrant culture of innovation, accessibility, and inclusivity.

This comprehensive guide details the AbilityLab’s history, programs, architectural highlights, visitor logistics, and nearby attractions, making it an essential resource for patients, families, researchers, and travelers. For current visitor policies and updates, always check the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab official website.

Founding and Evolution (1953–1990)
Recognition and Expansion (1991–2016)
The Shirley Ryan Era and Philanthropy
Translational Model & 2017 Facility
Research, Education, and Global Impact
Visitor Information: Hours, Tickets, and Directions
Community Engagement and Philanthropy
Innovations & COVID-19 Response
Architecture & Facility Highlights
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Conclusion & Call to Action
References

Founding and Evolution (1953–1990)

Established in 1953 as the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago (RIC), the AbilityLab responded to the post-WWII and polio epidemic’s surge in need for specialized rehabilitation. The RIC was founded as a nonprofit, providing comprehensive care for adults and children with spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, stroke, amputations, cancer-related impairments, and more (sralab.org).

From the outset, RIC was recognized for integrating clinical care, research, and education—becoming a leader in patient-centered, innovative practice. Its emphasis on multidisciplinary collaboration attracted top clinicians and researchers, setting a standard for decades to come.

Recognition and Expansion (1991–2016)

The 1990s and 2000s saw the RIC earn repeated recognition as the “No. 1 Rehabilitation Hospital in America” by U.S. News & World Report—a distinction it has held annually through 2025 (skyrisechicago.org; middleeasthealth.com). During this period, the institute expanded its programs, established international collaborations, and became a hub for training rehabilitation professionals in partnership with Northwestern University.

The Shirley Ryan Era and Philanthropy

Shirley Welsh Ryan, a noted Chicago philanthropist and advocate for disability rights, has been instrumental in shaping the AbilityLab’s modern vision. In 1985, she and her husband, Pat Ryan, co-founded Pathways.org to promote early intervention for infants with developmental delays (classicchicagomagazine.com). Pathways.org’s resources, such as the first Infant Milestone Chart endorsed by the American Academy of Pediatrics, have reached millions globally.

In 2017, in honor of her leadership and support, the RIC was renamed the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab. This transformational philanthropy enabled the opening of a new, innovative hospital facility (prnewswire.com).

Translational Model & 2017 Facility

The 2017 opening of the $550 million, 1.2-million-square-foot Shirley Ryan AbilityLab marked a global first: a “translational” rehabilitation hospital where researchers and clinicians collaborate side-by-side with patients (skyrisechicago.org; pjhchicago.com). The hospital is organized into five “Ability Labs” focused on key functional areas—Think + Speak, Legs + Walking, Arms + Hands, Strength + Endurance, and Pediatric rehabilitation (sralab.org).

This design accelerates the translation of research discoveries directly into patient care, fostering advances in neuroplasticity, robotics, wearable sensors, and data-driven rehabilitation. Notable projects, like Project Corbett Ryan, utilize wearable sensors and video technology to improve infant motor development (classicchicagomagazine.com).

Research, Education, and Global Impact

The AbilityLab is home to one of the world’s largest rehabilitation research programs, fueling breakthroughs in brain-computer interfaces, prosthetics, tele-rehabilitation, and more. Its freely available Rehabilitation Measures Database is a global resource for clinicians and researchers (sralab.org).

Educationally, the AbilityLab trains medical students, residents, allied health professionals, and international fellows through its Northwestern University affiliation. It also serves patients from around the world, with a Global Patient Services team that coordinates complex cases and travel (middleeasthealth.com).

Visitor Information: Hours, Tickets, and Directions

Visiting Hours

General Visiting: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Weekend Visits: By appointment only

Always check ahead for holiday or health-related changes (sralab.org).

Tickets and Appointments

General Visitors: No tickets required for public areas.
Patients/Appointments: Schedule via admissions or your referring physician.
Tours/Educational Visits: By appointment; contact Visitor Services.

Location and Directions

Address: 355 East Erie Street, Chicago, IL 60611
Public Transit: CTA Red Line (Chicago Ave station) and multiple bus routes
Parking: On-site and nearby garages; public transit recommended (Birdeye).

Accessibility

The AbilityLab is fully accessible—featuring ramps, wide corridors, elevators, accessible restrooms, and trained staff (Accessibility at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab).

Visitor Amenities

Cafeteria, coffee shops, and a gift shop
Family lounges with Wi-Fi and charging stations
Chapel and garden spaces for restorative breaks

Photography Policy

Photography is permitted in public lobby and art areas but is prohibited in patient and clinical zones to protect privacy.

Nearby Attractions

The AbilityLab is steps from Chicago icons like Navy Pier, Magnificent Mile, the Art Institute, Millennium Park, and the Museum of Contemporary Art.

Community Engagement and Philanthropy

Philanthropy is central to the AbilityLab’s mission. Events like the annual SkyRise Chicago stair climb and Spark! gala fund quality-of-life programs—including adaptive sports and arts therapy—that go beyond insurance coverage (skyrisechicago.org; pjhchicago.com). The AbilityLab also partners with local organizations like the Art Institute and Lyric Opera to promote accessibility and inclusion (prnewswire.com).

Innovations & COVID-19 Response

The AbilityLab responded to the COVID-19 pandemic by rapidly launching a telehealth program, ensuring continuity of care and reducing exposure risks for patients with disabilities (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov). Patient satisfaction is high, and the model continues to expand, integrating AI, robotics, and personalized, data-driven therapies.

Architecture & Facility Highlights

Architectural Vision

Designed by HDR, Gensler, Clive Wilkinson Architects, and EGG Office (HDR Inc.; Gensler), the AbilityLab’s 1.2-million-square-foot building exemplifies translational healthcare architecture. The open, light-filled spaces, color-coded wayfinding, and city views foster healing and innovation (Shirley Ryan AbilityLab Design + Structure).

Facility Layout

Five Ability Labs: Focused on key rehabilitation domains, each with distinctive design and technology.
Sky Lobby: A welcoming space with panoramic city views.
Therapy Facilities: Including the Susan and Christopher Gust Aquatic Center (Online Flippingbook), simulated home environments, and adaptive sports centers.

Art & Sensory Experience

A museum-quality art collection engages all senses, supporting cognitive and emotional healing (Shirley Ryan AbilityLab Design + Structure).

Accessibility and Wayfinding

Wide corridors, automatic doors, accessible restrooms, and intuitive graphic signage enable navigation for all.

Sustainability

Natural lighting, indoor gardens, outdoor terraces, and low-emission materials are central to the building’s eco-friendly and wellness-focused design.

Awards

The AbilityLab has received industry accolades for its integration of research, care, and architectural excellence (HDR Inc.; Gensler).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab’s visiting hours?
A: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–6:00 PM. Weekend visits by appointment.

Q: Do I need tickets to visit?
A: No tickets are required for public spaces. Research tours and patient appointments must be arranged in advance.

Q: Is the AbilityLab accessible?
A: Yes, it is fully accessible for visitors with disabilities.

Q: How do I get there using public transit?
A: The facility is accessible via CTA Red Line (Chicago Ave), multiple bus routes, and is near public parking.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, by appointment. Contact Visitor Services for details.

Q: Can I photograph inside?
A: Photography is permitted in lobby/art areas only—no photos in clinical or patient zones.

Q: What nearby attractions can I visit?
A: Navy Pier, Magnificent Mile, Millennium Park, Art Institute, and more.

Conclusion & Call to Action

The Shirley Ryan AbilityLab is a beacon of innovation, accessibility, and patient-centered care at the forefront of rehabilitation medicine. Whether you are seeking treatment, interested in its research, planning a professional visit, or exploring Chicago’s architectural landmarks, the AbilityLab offers a unique environment dedicated to restoring and enhancing human ability.

For the latest information on hours, visitor policies, programs, and research, visit the official Shirley Ryan AbilityLab website. Connect via social media and consider downloading the Audiala app for curated health and rehabilitation content.