Kessler Foundation Inc

Programs: Research center: kessler foundation research center improves the quality of life for people with physical and cognitive disabilities through rehabilitation research in its six specialized laboratories under the leadership of noted research directors-human performance & engineering research, neuropsychology & neuroscience, outcomes & assessment research, spinal cord injury research, stroke rehabilitation research, and traumatic brain injury research. While the staff of each laboratory has expertise in a particular area, collaboration often enhances progress toward finding ways to overcome the obstacles faced by people with disabilities caused by brain injury, spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, stroke, arthritis, and other chronic neurological and orthopedic conditions. The foundation has the distinction of having the only 3t mri scanner solely devoted to rehabilitation in the united states. Over $14 million in new federal, state, and private grants and contracts were awarded to the foundation in 2014. Two federal model system grants establish kessler foundation research center as a center of excellence for both traumatic brain injury (tbi) and spinal cord injury (sci) research. Model systems are comprehensive networks that promote independent and collaborative research that will improve the national standard of care for individuals with these devastating injuries. Model systems are funded by large, multi-year grants sponsored by the national institute on disability and rehabilitation research. While there are 14 model sci systems and 16 tbi model systems in the us, kessler foundation is one of only six centers to have dual model systems-northern new jersey sci system and northern new jersey tbi system. These model systems are collaborative efforts with rutgers university - nj medical school and kessler institute for rehabilitation. Kessler foundation research center is staffed by investigators with advanced degrees in a variety of disciplines including neuroscience, neuropsychology, neurology, bioengineering, and rehabilitation medicine. Research findings are reported at national and international meetings and in the medical and scientific literature. In 2014 alone, kessler foundation researchers published more than 100 articles in medical and scientific journals, wrote 5 book chapters, and presented 94 papers and/or posters at scientific meetings. Current grant funding for the laboratories includes: national institutes of health, national institute of disability and rehabilitation, national multiple sclerosis society, new jersey brain injury commission, kessler foundation, and many more. Kessler foundation research center, in conjunction with the department of physical medicine & rehabilitation at rutgers new jersey medical school, offers fellowship training for scientists and clinicians who are committed to careers in rehabilitation research. Kessler foundation's researchers work closely with the patients and staff at kessler institute for rehabilitation to identify the needs of people undergoing rehabilitation and to recruit participants for its clinical studies. For more information on participating in research studies, read kessler foundation's "research and you" brochure. The research laboratories: human performance and engineering laboratory: research projects focus on helping people with weakness and paralysis caused by stroke or spinal cord injuries to regain their mobility by improving their ability to stand and walk and developing more efficient means of wheelchair locomotion. Research projects focus on applying engineering principles to devise better rehabilitation strategies for people with balance problems, joint abnormalities, and spasticity caused by brain injury, stroke, spinal injury, and arthritis. Neuropsychology & neuroscience laboratory: research projects focus on developing interventions for people whose cognition-the ability to think, learn, and remember-has been impaired by multiple sclerosis, stroke, or traumatic brain injury. Outcomes & assessment research laboratory: outcomes and assessment research measures and evaluates factors that affect the everyday activities, health, and quality of life of persons with disabilities. This research establishes the evidence base that supports the development of effective rehabilitation interventions. Spinal cord injury research laboratory: research focuses on optimizing acute and chronic care for people with spinal cord injury, facilitating active community involvement and access to care, improving quality of life, and reducing the risk of secondary medical complications such as pressure ulcers, urinary tract infections, chronic pain, and cardiovascular disease. Stroke rehabilitation research laboratory: research projects center on developing effective strategies for long-term rehabilitation for individuals with complications of stroke, including difficulties with speech, visual perception, cognition, and mobility. Traumatic brain injury research laboratory: research projects focus on rehabilitation needs of people who have disabilities caused by traumatic brain injury, including cognitive dysfunction, behavioral problems, spasticity, and deficits in motor function. A new focus is the use of genetic testing to tailor treatments for optimal outcomes.

program center: kessler foundation focuses on increasing employment opportunities for people with disabilities through its signature employment and community employment grantmaking programs which fund local and national programs aimed at increasing the percentage of americans with disabilities in the workforce. Our special initiative grants, an invitation only program, are awarded to projects and organizations that operate within the broad spectrum of rehabilitation and physical disabilities primarily in new jersey. Rates of unemployment and underemployment are unacceptably high among the millions of people with disabilities in the united states. By working full or part-time, with training and support, many people can find meaningful employment and reap the benefits of greater independence and self-esteem. Having a job enhances social interaction and acceptance in the community, which contribute to a better quality of life. Although individuals living with disabilities represent the largest minority group seeking employment in today's marketplace, they are often not considered an integral component of corporate diversity programs. Through our strategic focus on employment, kessler foundation has invested more than $33 million since 1999 in organizations that work to create job opportunities through development, placement employer education, and social enterprise. This funding has enabled people with disabilities to overcome the obstacles that often face them and meet the workforce needs of american business. Innovative grantmaking has introduced creative solutions to help eliminate some of the barriers that prevent people with disabilities from working.