Next Steps of O'Connor Foundation

08/29/2026

Happy Birthday, Emily! 🎂💙

Help us wish a very Happy Birthday to Emily, our newest Physical Therapist at Next Steps! 🥳

Since joining the team, Emily has already shown us that she brings something special to every session—creativity, passion, energy, and a genuine commitment to every patient she works with. 💪✨

She has a wonderful way of making therapy challenging, meaningful, and—most importantly—FUN! We’re so excited to see the impact she’ll continue to make with our patients and our Next Steps family.

Wishing you an amazing birthday, Emily! 🎈
Here’s to a year filled with happiness, new adventures, big goals, and plenty of reasons to celebrate! 🥳❤️

Happy Birthday from all of us at Next Steps Chicago! 🎂🎉

08/29/2026

08/04/2026

A snapshot of progress and the recapture of function happening at Next Steps of O'Connor Foundation..

07/26/2026

Happy Birthday, Jon O’Connor.

Today we celebrate the life, vision, and enduring legacy of Jon O’Connor, whose passion and determination gave rise to Next Steps Chicago.

Jon believed that individuals living with spinal cord injuries deserved more than acceptance of the status quo. He challenged conventional thinking, inspired innovation, and created a place where hope is strengthened through action, determination, and possibility.

As we honor his birthday, we also renew our commitment to the mission he began:

To reject the status quo in spinal cord injury rehabilitation. To pursue new possibilities. To advance treatment, recovery, and independence. And to never stop believing that progress is possible.

Every therapy session, every milestone reached, and every life impacted is a testament to the vision Jon set in motion.

Thank you, Jon, for showing us that the next step is always worth taking.

Happy Birthday. Your legacy continues to move us forward.

❤️ The Next Steps Chicago Family

07/16/2026

📣 Calling All Physical & Occupational Therapists!
Ready to change the way you understand and treat pain?

Next Steps of O'Connor Foundation is proud to host Great Lakes Seminars' highly acclaimed course:

🧠 Understanding Pain: Reducing Perceived Threat by Changing Perception
📅 September 12, 2026
📍 Next Steps of O'Connor Foundation
8434 Corcoran Rd.
Willow Springs, IL

Pain is more than tissue damage—it's perception, behavior, communication, and neuroscience. This hands-on course will provide practical strategies you can immediately implement to help patients better understand their pain, reduce fear, and improve function.

✅ 75% Hands-On Training
✅ Practical Pain Neuroscience Education
✅ Communication techniques that improve patient outcomes
✅ Neurodynamics & treatment of sensitive nerves
✅ Evidence-based strategies you can use Monday morning

Whether you're a new clinician or an experienced therapist looking to sharpen your clinical reasoning, this course will leave you inspired and equipped with tools that make a real difference.

💲 Registration: $350

👉 Register today and invest in your patients—and your practice.

07/12/2026

🌈 Celebrating Disability Pride Month 🌈

This July, Next Steps Chicago proudly celebrates Disability Pride Month—a time to recognize disability as a natural and valuable part of human diversity, honor disability culture and identity, and reaffirm our commitment to creating a more inclusive world.

Disability Pride Month commemorates the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) on July 26, 1990, landmark legislation that helped expand accessibility, opportunity, and equal rights for millions of Americans.

This year’s theme, “The World Works Better With Us,” reminds us that inclusion isn’t just about removing barriers—it’s about recognizing the unique strengths, talents, perspectives, and contributions that people with disabilities bring to every community.

At Next Steps Chicago, we are honored to partner with individuals every day as they work toward greater independence, confidence, mobility, and participation in the activities that matter most. We believe rehabilitation is about more than recovery—it’s about empowering people to live life on their own terms.

Together, let’s continue building communities where accessibility is expected, inclusion is celebrated, and everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

❤️ Happy Disability Pride Month!

07/03/2026

Happy 4th of July from all of us at Next Steps Chicago! 🇺🇸

As we celebrate our nation’s independence, we wish our patients, families, friends, and community a joyful, safe, and memorable holiday.

Thank you for allowing us to be part of your rehabilitation journey and for trusting us to help you take your next steps forward every day.

Have a fantastic Fourth of July filled with family, friends, and celebration!

❤️🤍💙
Next Steps of O’Connor Foundation
Rehabilitation Innovatively Redefined

🇺🇸🎇

07/03/2026

Freedom takes many forms—and today, we’re celebrating the kind that transforms lives. 🇺🇸✨
Our partnership with Devices 4 the Disabled strengthens our mission at Next Steps Chicago: ensuring every client has access to the equipment that supports Mobility, Dignity, Independence, and Freedom.

Here’s to empowerment, community, and the incredible individuals whose journeys inspire us.
Happy 4th of July! 🎆

07/01/2026

When your therapist gives you a “Kick drum” that is a bubble machine.😂😊

07/01/2026

Rhythm, balance, timing, and a little fun, every session is designed to support meaningful progress.

At Next Steps Chicago, therapy goes beyond repetitive exercises. By combining movement, rhythm, sequencing, and engaging activities, our therapists help patients work on balance, coordination, cognitive processing, and functional skills in a way that keeps every session motivating and purposeful.

Because every beat, every rep, and every step forward matters.