Kessler Foundation

04/16/2026

🎧 New Podcast Episode!

What does breakthrough research in brain injury recovery really look like? 🧠

In this episode, Karen Nolan, associate director of the Center for Mobility and Rehabilitation Engineering at Kessler Foundation, joins Heather Rose for a powerful conversation on advancing care for individuals with traumatic brain injury.

Dr. Nolan shares insights from her research and how innovation in rehabilitation engineering is shaping the future of recovery.

💡 From science to real-world impact, this episode highlights the progress and possibility in TBI research.

🎧 Listen now via the link below.

https://soundcloud.com/kesslerfoundation/exploring-breakthroughs-in-brain-injury-recovery

04/14/2026

In this powerful story, one mother shares how trusting her instincts led to early advocacy for her twin sons on the autism spectrum, changing the course of their lives.

When milestones were missed, she spoke up. When challenges arose, she pushed forward. And through perseverance, support, and research-backed programs like KF-STRIDE, her sons gained confidence, independence, and a clearer path toward the future.

💡 By focusing on strengths, not limitations, research is helping neurodiverse young adults build skills, advocate for themselves, and thrive in school, work, and beyond.

Because sometimes, the most powerful force in discovery starts with a parent who refuses to give up.

Click on the link below to learn more.
https://kesslerfoundation.org/impact-story/When-Autism-Research-Meets-Mothers-Intuition



[Image description: Carla Vicari and her family sit together outdoors on a stone ledge, smiling at the camera, surrounded by greenery and palm trees.]

04/13/2026

Last month, Kessler Foundation, in partnership with the Northern New Jersey Spinal Cord Injury System Lecture Series, hosted a powerful conversation with Karen Olson on purpose and resilience.

Karen’s story is a reminder that even in the face of life-changing challenges, there is always potential to rebuild, and redefine what we’re truly meant for.

Her words continue to inspire us and so many others to push beyond limitations and embrace new paths forward.

🎧 Missed it? Listen to the full conversation via the link below:

https://soundcloud.com/kesslerfoundation/meant-for-more-with-karen-olson

👏 Thank you, Karen, for sharing your journey and perspective with our community.

04/10/2026

Join us for a monthly gathering designed for individuals living with spinal cord injury and their loved ones to come together, share experiences, and find strength in community.

🗓 Second Wednesday of each month
⏰ 7–8 PM ET
📅 Begins April 8, 2026
📍 Via Zoom

Each session is guided by:
✨ Maryann Hobbie — SCI Survivor, chaplain, and author
✨ Angela Smith — Coordinator, Kessler Foundation’s SCI Caregiver Peer Mentoring Program

Whether you’re looking to listen, share, or simply be present, this is a space where every voice is valued.

🤝 Together, we can build resilience, encouragement, and connection.

🔗 Visit the link below to register:
https://redcap.link/i4xddsmn

04/09/2026

At Kessler Foundation, researchers are working to expand opportunities for people on the autism spectrum through innovative research.

By studying how individuals learn, communicate, and build social and vocational skills, our scientists are developing evidence-based strategies that support greater independence, employment, and quality of life.

Discover how research is making an impact this Autism Awareness Month and beyond via the link below:
https://kesslerfoundation.org/research/autism

04/03/2026

Join us for a safe, supportive, and reflective gathering where people with spinal cord injury and their loved ones can connect, listen, and share what gives them courage, comfort, and strength.

🗓 Second Wednesday of each month
⏰ 7–8 PM ET
📅 Starting April 8, 2026
📍Via Zoom

These monthly gatherings will be led by:
✨ Maryann Hobbie — SCI Survivor, Chaplain, and Author
✨ Angela Smith — Coordinator, Kessler Foundation’s SCI Caregiver Peer Mentoring Program

Let’s come together to support one another and build strength through community.

🔗 Register here: https://redcap.link/i4xddsmn

04/03/2026

Join us this Friday for our upcoming nTIDE webinar! 📊

🗓 April 3, 2026
⏰ 12:00–1:00 PM ET

We’re excited to feature Stacia Kingsbury and Nate Thomas as this month’s guest speakers. They’ll be sharing insights from their recent presentation at the Annual Disability Statistics Conference in Washington, DC, don’t miss it!

Join us via the link below:

The July 2025 National Trends in Disability Employment (nTIDE) webinar with monthly rotating guest presenters. Featuring Andrew Houtenville (UNH), John O'Neill (Kessler Foundation), and Denise Rozell (AUCD).

04/01/2026

🦽 Join us for our next Aging with SCI webinar

Rolling Forward: Aging Well with SCI — Technology, Mobility, and Independence

📅 Wednesday, April 1, 2026
⏰ 6:00–8:00 PM ET
📍 Virtual via Zoom

Kessler Foundation and the Spinal Cord Injury Model Systems invite you to an engaging discussion on how technology and mobility solutions can support independence while aging with spinal cord injury.

Learn about:
• Smart technology for aging in place (voice assistants, home automation, safety tools)
• Adapting mobility as needs change over time
• Choosing and optimizing wheelchair setups for comfort and independence

This session will share practical, real-world strategies to help individuals with SCI stay safe, confident, and independent at home and in the community.

Register here: https://miami.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_3QNnB9HlRvuO2ucPUR4Bqw

04/01/2026

Today's the start of Autism Acceptance Month! Helen Genova, PhD, associate director of the Center for Autism Research at Kessler Foundation, joined Andrew Seaman of LinkedIn's Get Hired podcast, to discuss KF-Stride ®—a web-based program empowering young adults on the autism spectrum to identify their strengths and communicate them confidently to reach their goals.

🔗 To listen, visit: https://tinyurl.com/2rjaevzm



[Video Description: Clip of Dr. Genova and Andrew Seaman sitting at a table talking.]

03/31/2026

As March comes to a close, we reflect on both Developmental Disability Awareness Month and Traumatic Brain Injury Awareness Month. 🧠

This month, we celebrated the strength, resilience, and contributions of our community, while advancing research that improves lives.

At Kessler Foundation, awareness is just the beginning. We remain committed to driving discovery, expanding opportunities, and creating a more inclusive future, every day of the year.

03/31/2026

After sustaining a traumatic brain injury, Norman Lim found new purpose through research at Kessler Foundation, including studies exploring how something as simple as a nap can make a difference.

Research shows that even a short nap may help the brain strengthen newly learned skills, improving motor performance and making everyday tasks feel more automatic.

For Norman, participating in research wasn’t just about recovery, it was about contributing to discoveries that can help others rebuild their lives after TBI.

His story is a powerful reminder that progress can come from unexpected places… even a moment of rest.

💡 Because recovery isn’t always about doing more, it’s also about knowing when to pause.

Click on the link below to learn more.
https://kesslerfoundation.org/our-impact/norman-lim-tapping-napping-after-tbi

03/29/2026

Sleep after a brain injury isn’t just about rest, it’s part of recovery. 🧠

Research from Kessler Foundation shows that 50–70% of individuals with traumatic brain injury experience sleep disruptions, from difficulty falling asleep to frequent waking.

And the impact goes beyond fatigue. Poor sleep can affect memory, mood, focus, and overall quality of life.

The good news? With the right support, healthy sleep habits, and continued research, better outcomes are possible.

Click the link below to learn more:

https://kesslerfoundation.org/newsletter/real-life-science-when-brain-injury-disrupts-your-sleep