Kessler Foundation Disability Rehabilitation Research And Employment

Welcome to “Life at Kessler Foundation” - Episode 5 Read the transcript at https://kesslerfoundation.org/sites/default/files/2021-10/Melvin%20Mejia%20on%20balancing%20time%20to%20capture%20quality%20data%20for%20outcomes%20in%20movement%20rehabilitation-Ep5-TRANSCRIPT.pdf In this episode, I talked with Melvin Mejia, a Research Engineer in our Center for Mobility and Rehabilitation Engineering Research. Since 2015, Melvin has been collecting and analyzing movement data for studies of adults with physical disabilities caused by traumatic brain injury, stroke, and osteoarthritis, and children and adolescents with cerebral palsy. He finds working on multiple studies simultaneously challenging, but credits teamwork with enabling him to balance his time to ensure collection of quality data. Fluent in Spanish, he also helps translate for Spanish-speaking participants. He finds engaging with participants on common interests, whether sports or musical genres, enriches the research experience for him and the volunte

Life at Kessler Foundation-Episode 4 View the transcript at https://kesslerfoundation.org/sites/default/files/2021-09/Jamil%20Williams%20overcomes%20physical%20obstacles%20to%20contribute%20to%20spinal%20cord%20injury%20research%20-%20Ep4-TRANSCRIPT.pdf In this episode, I talked with Jamil Williams, a research assistant in our Center for Spinal Cord Injury Research. Jamil’s first connection to the Foundation was as a participant in spinal cord injury research studies. That experience motivated him to pursue a career at the Foundation. Jamil achieved his goal and recently celebrated his one-year work anniversary as a research assistant. He is a ‘people person’ who enjoys sharing his experiences as a person with a disability and motivating others to improve the lives of people with spinal cord injury by volunteering to participate in our research studies. Learn more about Jamil at https://kesslerfoundation.org/about-us/foundation-staff/jamil-williams and the Center for Spinal Cord Injury Research at https:/

Life at the Foundation - Episode 3 View the transcript at https://kesslerfoundation.org/sites/default/files/2021-08/Dr-Lauren-Murphy-on-understanding-how-decisions-and-the-environment-influence-sci-quality-of-life-TRANSCRIPT.pdf This is your host Joan Banks-Smith, creative producer at Kessler Foundation. Throughout this series, I’ll be speaking with employees from all of our centers who have diverse roles and passions that help change the lives of people with disabilities. Our research assistants and coordinators, engineers, scientists, technicians, Fellows, physical therapists, and support staff all play a vital role in our research at the Foundation. In this episode, I talked with Dr. Lauren Murphy, a post-doctoral fellow in our Center for Spinal Cord injury Research and Center for Outcomes and Assessment Research. Dr. Murphy’s current research evaluates barriers to preventive medical care for people with spinal cord injuries and is supported by a fellowship from the Craig H. Neilsen Foundation.

Life at the Foundation - Episode 2 View the transcript at https://kesslerfoundation.org/sites/default/files/2021-08/Dr.%20Hogaboom%20advances%20care%20for%20disabling%20injuries%20through%20regenerative%20rehabilitation%20research-TRANSCRIPT.pdf This is your host Joan Banks-Smith, creative producer at Kessler Foundation. Throughout this series, I’ll be speaking with employees from all of our centers who have diverse roles and passions that help change the lives of people with disabilities. Our research assistants and coordinators, engineers, scientists, technicians, Fellows, physical therapists, and support staff all play a vital role in our research at the Foundation. In this episode, I talked with Dr. Nathan Hogaboom, a research scientist in our Center for Spinal Cord injury Research and co-director for our Derfner-Lieberman Laboratory for Regenerative Rehabilitation Research. Dr. Hogaboom spoke about what motivates him each day to want to work at the Foundation, working with study participants, and

Fast Takes - Episode 27 View the transcript at https://kesslerfoundation.org/sites/default/files/2021-09/Hospital%20bed%20alternatives%20at%20home%20among%20individuals%20with%20spinal%20cord%20injury%20%E2%80%93%20Dr%20Jeanne%20Zanca-Ep%2027-TRANSCRIPT.pdf Welcome to another special episode of Fast Takes! I’m Joan Banks-Smith, series producer and creative producer at Kessler Foundation. In this episode, our very own Dr. Jeanne Zanca and co-author for the peered reviewed article “The experience of using a hospital bed alternative at home among individuals with spinal cord injury: A case series" interviews Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation occupational therapists and co-authors, Rachel Levinson, Lorena Salas. Dr. Zanca starts off with the project beginnings and Ms. Levinson responds. Learn more about Dr. Zanca at https://kesslerfoundation.org/aboutus/Jeanne-Zanca, the peered review article at https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/10790268.2021.1937454?src=&journalCode=yscm20&, and Abilities

Welcome to “Life at Kessler Foundation” - Ep1 View the transcript at https://kesslerfoundation.org/sites/default/files/2021-08/Angela%20Spirou%20on%20being%20motivated%20to%20implement%20new%20technologies%20in%20rehabilitation%20research-TRANSCRIPT.pdf In this episode, I talked with Angela Spirou, MA, a research data coordinator in our Center for Traumatic Brain Injury Research. Angela was hired as a research assistant following her internship at the Foundation. Through her work at the Rocco Ortenzio Neuroimaging Center, she gained skills in data science that have enabled her to contribute to a range of rehabilitation research projects involving new technologies such as eye tracking. Passionate about moving the field forward, her work involves engaging with researchers and study participants as well as gathering and analyzing study data. Angela’s efforts to ensure data quality help improve the outcomes of clinical trials aimed at changing the lives of people with multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury, an

Our CEO & President Rodger DeRose talked with @RVNTV's Mark Iorio about how @KesslerFdn's mission and leadership continues the work of our namesake, Dr. Henry H. Kessler. Our work helps people with disabilities improve daily functioning and independence, to fully participate in community life.

RealTalk MS is a podcast for people affected by multiple sclerosis (MS) — including patients, caregivers, family members, and friends. Each week, podcast host Jon Strum cuts through all the scientific jargon and breaks down the latest advances in MS research and news. Every podcast episode features an interview with the world-class MS researchers, clinicians, advocates, and policymakers who are making a difference in the lives of people living with MS. In this episode, Dr. Brian Sandroff joins Jon Strum to share the outcome of a Kessler Foundation study that may lead to a whole new way for people living with MS who are experiencing substantial disability to improve cognition and mobility impairment through rehabilitation exercise. Listen to the full episode at https://realtalkms.com/episode-198-anxiety-and-depression-in-ms-with-dr-anthony-feinstein Use by permission: REAL TALKS MS

Fast Takes – Dr. Nancy Chiaravalloti talks about the role of language ability in verbal fluency of individuals with MS - Episode 25 View the transcript at https://kesslerfoundation.org/sites/default/files/2021-06/Dr%20Nancy%20Chiaravalloti%20talks%20about%20the%20role%20of%20language%20ability%20in%20verbal%20fluency%20of%20individuals%20with%20MS.pdf In this episode, I spoke with Dr. Nancy Chiaravalloti, director of the Centers for Neuropsychology, Neuroscience and Traumatic Brain Injury Research at Kessler Foundation. Dr. Chiaravalloti shared important findings from her peer-reviewed article, “The role of language ability in verbal fluency of individuals with multiple sclerosis”, published in February 2021 in Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders. This research upends long-held assumption that language ability is largely intact in individuals with multiple sclerosis, suggesting the need for more comprehensive neuropsychological testing. Funding sources for this study was the National Institute of He

COVID-19 Edition In 2020, Kessler Foundation awarded nearly $1 million in COVID-19 emergency grants to nonprofits faced with new and sudden challenges to serving people with disabilities in New Jersey. The Foundation’s COVID Emergency Fund provided funding for 37 grantees of Kessler Foundation’s employment grant program. In this mini-series, we explore how our COVID emergency grants supported these nonprofits as they adapted to a new reality, enabling us to continue toward our common goal – helping individuals with disabilities reach their goals of independence and self-sufficiency. In this episode, I spoke with Purna Rodman, President & CEO at Pillar Care Continuum, of Livingston, New Jersey. Pillar Care Continuum operated 15 group homes that needed to provide around-the-clock care for adults with severe disabilities and medical challenges. While most residents formerly spent their days in day programs, these programs closed during the pandemic, thus creating a need for a third shift of staff members. T

Fast Takes Series - Prioritizing Progressive MS Rehabilitation Research - A Call From The International Progressive MS Alliance - Episode 24 In this episode, Dr. John DeLuca, senior vice of president for research and training talks about the International Progressive MS Alliance and the peer-reviewed Alliance article “Prioritizing progressive MS rehabilitation research: A call from the International Progressive MS Alliance” published on March 15, 2021 in the journal Multiple Sclerosis Learn more about: Dr. DeLuca at https://kesslerfoundation.org/aboutus/John%20DeLuca and the journal article at https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1352458521999970 Co-authors: Kathleen M Zackowski, Jennifer Freeman, Giampaolo Brichetto, Diego Centonze, Ulrik Dalgas, John DeLuca, Dawn Ehde, Sara Elgott, Vanessa Fanning, Peter Feys, Marcia Finlayson, Stefan M Gold, Matilde Inglese, Ruth Ann Marrie, Michelle Ploughman, Christine N Sang, Jaume Sastre-Garriga, Caroline Sincock, Jonathan Strum, Johan van Beek, Anthony Feins

Fast Takes Episode 23 Read the transcript: https://kesslerfoundation.org/sites/default/files/2021-05/Dr.%20Peii%20Chen%20on%20improving%20inpatient%20rehabilitation%20outcomes%20for%20spatial%20neglect%20after%20stroke%20-%20Episode%2023.pdf In this episode, Dr. Peii Chen, senior research scientist in our Center for Stroke Rehabilitation Research talks about her peer-reviewed article “Prism adaptation treatment improves inpatient rehabilitation outcome in individuals with spatial neglect: A retrospective matched control study” e-published on April 6, 2021 in the journal Archives of Rehabilitation Research and Clinical Translation Funding source: Kessler Foundation Learn more about: Dr. Peii Chen at https://kesslerfoundation.org/aboutus/Peii%20Chen The peer-reviewed article at https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2590109521000343#keys0001 and podcast host Joan Banks-Smith at https://kesslerfoundation.org/aboutus/Joan%20Banks-Smith Co-authors: NicoleDiaz-Segarra, MD, Kimberly Hreha, EdD,

COVID-19 Edition Read the transcript at https://kesslerfoundation.org/sites/default/files/2021-05/Alternatives%2C%20Inc%20provides%2024%20hr%20support%20to%20those%20with%20intellectual%20disabilities%20during%20COVID-Ep15.pdf In 2020, Kessler Foundation awarded nearly $1 million in COVID-19 emergency grants to nonprofits faced with new and sudden challenges to serving people with disabilities in New Jersey. The Foundation’s COVID Emergency Fund provided funding for 37 grantees of Kessler Foundation’s employment grant program. In this mini-series, we explore how our COVID emergency grants supported these nonprofits as they adapted to a new reality, enabling us to continue toward our common goal – helping individuals with disabilities reach their goals of independence and self-sufficiency. In this episode, I spoke with Carolyn Suero, Vice President of Admissions and Program Development at Alternatives, Inc., of Raritan, New Jersey, which provides services to 500 clients in nine counties. Faced with provi

Read the transcript at https://kesslerfoundation.org/sites/default/files/2021-04/Marble%20Jam%20continues%20providing%20services%20for%20children%20with%20autism%20during%20COVID-Episode14-TRANSCRIPT.pdf In 2020, Kessler Foundation awarded nearly $1 million in COVID-19 emergency grants to nonprofits faced with new and sudden challenges to serving people with disabilities in New Jersey. The Foundation’s COVID Emergency Fund provided funding for 37 grantees of Kessler Foundation’s employment grant program. In this mini-series, we explore how our COVID emergency grants supported these nonprofits as they adapted to a new reality, enabling us to continue toward our common goal – helping individuals with disabilities reach their goals of independence and self-sufficiency. In this episode, I spoke with Anna Villa Bager, Executive Director of Marble Jam Center for Creative Arts Enrichment of Hackensack, NJ. Their arts center closed as of March 16th, 2020 and although they moved to remote classes, most of their stu

Fast Takes – Episode 22 View the transcript at https://kesslerfoundation.org/sites/default/files/2021-04/dr%20chiaravalloti%20applies%20modified%20story%20memory%20tech%20to%20healthy%20aging%20and%20persons%20with%20early%20dementia.pdf In this episode, I spoke with Dr. Nancy Chiaravalloti, Director of the Center for Neuropsychology and Neuroscience Research and the Center for Traumatic Brain Injury Research. We talked about her pilot study “Applying the modified story memory technique (mSMT) to healthy aging and persons with Early Dementia” Funding source for this study was Dean Janeway Fund at the New Jersey Health Foundation (https://www.njhealthfoundation.org). Learn more about Dr. Chiaravalloti at https://kesslerfoundation.org/aboutus/Nancy%20Chiaravalloti, the Center for Neuropsychology and Neuroscience Research, https://kesslerfoundation.org/research/center-neuropsychology-and-neuroscience-research, and the Center for Traumatic Brain Injury Research, https://kesslerfoundation.org/research/cent

Fast Takes – Episode 20 View the transcript at https://kesslerfoundation.org/sites/default/files/2021-04/Dr.%20Nathan%20Hogaboom%20Tests%20Regenerative%20Approach%20to%20Meniscal%20Tears%20of%20the%20Knee-Ep20_0.pdf In this episode, Dr. Nathan Hogaboom, a research scientist in our Center for Spinal Cord Injury Research talks about his latest peer-reviewed article "Clinical evaluation of micro-fragmented adipose tissue as a treatment option for patients with meniscus tears with osteoarthritis: a prospective pilot study” which was published October 7, 2020, in the journal International Orthopaedics. Funding sources for this study was the Derfner-Lieberman Foundation postdoctoral fellowship and New Jersey Regenerative Institute. Learn more about Dr. Hogaboom at https://kesslerfoundation.org/about-us/Nathan%20Hogaboom and the Center for Spinal Cord Injury Research at https://kesslerfoundation.org/research/center-spinal-cord-injury-research For more information about this study, read the International Orth

COVID-19 Edition, Episode 13 READ THE TRANSCRIPTION AT https://kesslerfoundation.org/sites/default/files/2021-04/VISIONS-Services%20for%20the%20Blind%20finds%20innovative%20ways%20to%20serve%20job%20seekers%20during%20a%20pandemic.pdf In 2020, Kessler Foundation awarded nearly $1 million in COVID-19 emergency grants to nonprofits faced with new and sudden challenges to serving people with disabilities in New Jersey. The Foundation’s COVID Emergency Fund provided funding for 37 grantees of Kessler Foundation’s employment grant program. In this mini-series, we explore how our COVID emergency grants supported these nonprofits as they adapted to a new reality, enabling us to continue toward our common goal – helping individuals with disabilities reach their goals of independence and self-sufficiency. In this episode, I spoke with Nancy Miller, Executive Director/CEO for VISIONS/Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired in New Yock City, New York, about the ability to quickly go from in-person training ses

Recorded virtually on Tuesday, March 16, 2021 Read the transcript at https://kesslerfoundation.org/sites/default/files/2021-04/How%20to%20prepare%20Yourself%20and%20People%20with%20Disabilities%20for%20AI%20Employment%20Practices-TRANSCRIPT.pdf Our 2nd virtual symposium continued our discussion on how artificial intelligence (AI) is changing the world of work for people with disabilities. As recent advances in AI streamline the hiring and onboarding process for employers, these tools are becoming more popular in screening applications and evaluating job candidates. Data sets used to develop AI learning, such as facial recognition, employment history, trait testing, and gaming often do not include the experience of people with disabilities and other marginalized populations, leading to bias in hiring practices. Our expert panel will cover understanding and planning for the risks and opportunities that AI technology brings to the users, job types most affected by AI, and how to prepare and use this technology

Fast Takes - Episode 21 In this episode, I spoke with Dr. Helen Genova, Assistant Director of our Center for Neuropsychology and Neuroscience research. We spoke about her latest autism research and how the COVID-19 pandemic has had an impact on children with autism. Learn more about Dr. Genova at https://kesslerfoundation.org/aboutus/Helen%20Genova Read the accompanying blog "Lessons from the Autism Community During the COVID-19 Pandemic" at https://kesslerfoundation.org/info/lessons-autism-community-during-covid-19-pandemic Read about the study mentioned in this podcast at https://kesslerfoundation.org/research/studies/examining-effects-job-entry-intervention-young-adults Interested in signing-up for studies at Kessler Foundation, go to https://kesslerfoundation.org/join-our-research-studies#join Tuned into our podcast series lately? Join our listeners in 90 countries who enjoy learning about the work of Kessler Foundation. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Listen to us on Apple Podc

Fast Takes - Episode 18 Read the transcript at https://kesslerfoundation.org/sites/default/files/2021-03/Curiosity%20leads%20Dr.%20Karunakaran%20to%20a%20career%20in%20rehabilitation%20engineering%20research-Ep18-TRANSCRIPT_0.pdf Welcome to a Fast Takes #WomenInScience podcast honoring the International Day of Women and Girls in Science. Celebrated on February 11th, this United Nations initiative recognizes the critical role of women and girls in science and technology communities and calls for strengthening of their participation in STEM fields. Did you know that today, just 30% researchers are women, and only 35% of all students enrolled in STEM-related fields of study are women? At Kessler Foundation, 70% of our staff are women making major contributions to the advances we achieve in rehabilitation research that changes the lives of people with disabilities. Episode 17 features Dr. Kiran Karunakaran, associate research scientist in our Center for Mobility and Rehabilitation Engineering Research. Produc