Center for Rehabilitation Outcomes Research, Shirley Ryan AbilityLab

10/09/2026

You never know where you’ll meet your next collaborator!

At the The International Spinal Cord Society - ISCoS Annual Scientific Meeting in Kuala Lumpur, CROR director Allen Heinemann, PhD, met Koly Kamrunnaher, who is interested in collaborating on spinal cord injury research.
Conferences are about more than sharing research — they’re also opportunities to make new connections, spark ideas and build collaborations that can move the field forward!

10/08/2026

The Sensory Stimulation Assessment Measure was developed as a tool for measuring the senses of an unconscious patient over a long period of time. It is intended to assist in treatment planning and to address the demands of scientific research.
See the measure summary on the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab Rehabilitation Measures Database: https://bit.ly/4gU1AA1

10/08/2026

director, Allen Heinemann, PhD, with Mohit Arora, PhD and Ashley Craig, PhD, from the University of Sydney, at the International Spinal Cord Society - ISCoS Annual Scientific Meeting in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Drs. Arora and Craig collaborate with CROR on an international project to explore how inpatient rehabilitation length of stay and other factors impact outcomes for people with . Read more about the project: https://bit.ly/4hMoV6X

10/07/2026

The Fall 2026 issue of MRSCICS Matters is here! https://bit.ly/4y7oeLW
This issue highlights the latest research, resources, and stories from the Midwest Regional Spinal Cord Injury Care System at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, including:
- New research examining readiness to return home after inpatient rehabilitation
- A profile of research scientist Dalia De Santis, PhD, and her work using biomedical engineering and robotics to improve function after SCI
- A new Emergency Preparedness factsheet for people with SCI
- A new episode of the INside the OUTcomes podcast exploring how rehabilitation length of stay and intensity shape SCI outcomes

10/06/2026

This course will introduce CROR's NIDILRR-funded project, “International Exploration of Rehabilitation Length of Stay Following Spinal Cord Injury,” and examine how length of stay affects patient recovery, functional independence, discharge readiness and long-term outcomes. 10/15, 12:20-1:30 pm

Presenters will highlight findings from systematic reviews and focus groups with people with SCI, clinicians and care partners, and share trends in length of stay and Medicare payments for older adults with non-traumatic SCI. The team will also discuss practical implications and future directions for improving SCI rehabilitation care and outcomes.

10/05/2026

Don’t miss this presentation at the ACRM - American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine 103rd Annual FALL Conference & EXPO! assistant director Alex Wong, PhD, DPhil, and colleagues will present research exploring accessibility and implementation challenges of the NIH Toolbox cognitive testing system for people with spinal cord injury. The study highlights accommodation options, user experiences and strategies to support reliable cognitive assessment in rehabilitation settings.
Wed., 10/14, 3:45-4 pm.

10/02/2026

Don’t miss this course at the upcoming ACRM - American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine Annual FALL Conference & EXPO!
research scientist Anne Deutsch, RN, PhD, and colleagues, will be part of an exciting day focused on leadership, professional development and new ways of thinking in rehabilitation research and practice.
Tuesday, 10/13
7:30 am–2:30 pm
Come learn, connect and expand your perspective!

10/01/2026

The Spinal Cord Independence Measure assesses independence in key areas such as self-care, respiration and sphincter management and mobility. It helps clinicians measure functional independence, identify areas for improvement and track progress throughout rehabilitation.
See it on the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab Rehabilitation Measures Database: https://bit.ly/4xi3sc2

10/01/2026

09/29/2026

Don’t miss speakers at the 2026 ACRM Annual FALL Conference & EXPO! https://bit.ly/4xVdNeY

CROR researchers and colleagues will be sharing the latest rehabilitation research in Washington, D.C., October 12–16. Here are a few presentations to add to your schedule:

Engagement: What Is It and How Does It Apply to At-Home Rehabilitation Technology? — Alex Wong, PhD, DPhil, and colleagues

Length of Stay and Rehabilitation Experiences in Persons with Spinal Cord Injury — Allen Heinemann, PhD, Anne Deutsch, PhD, RN, Alex Wong, PhD, DPhil, Sherri LaVela, PhD, MPH, MBA, and colleagues

The Rehabilitation Measures Database: Collaboration with Health Professional Faculty and Students — Linda Ehrlich-Jones, PhD, RN, and colleagues