Kessler Foundation Disability Rehabilitation Research And Employment

In this podcast, Erica Weber, PhD, a research scientist at Kessler Foundation, assembled a panel of experts to share their experiences, insights, and advice to help individuals navigate the complex issues they may encounter following a brain injury or neurological condition. The speakers emphasize the need for individuals and families to educate themselves on community resources and comprehensive planning options to ensure they can access the support they need to live fulfilling lives. The panelists include Adria DeSimone, a vocational counselor at Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation, Christine Chickadel, a New Jersey ABLE Program Representative, and Ellen Nalvin, the executive director of the Planned Lifetime Assistance Network of New Jersey. For more information, visit: Erica Weber, PhD: https://kesslerfoundation.org/aboutus/Erica%20Weber Kessler Foundation’s Center for Traumatic Brain Injury Research: https://kesslerfoundation.org/research/center-traumatic-brain-injury New Jersey ABLE Alliance: https:

Mimi Hayes, a comedian and author, shares her inspiring story of turning a traumatic brain injury at age 22 into comedic material. Despite the seriousness of her condition, she found humor in her experiences, using stand-up comedy to process her trauma and connect with audiences. Despite facing challenges like sensitivity to sound and light, she pursued her passions; writing a book and doing stand-up comedy. Through her honest and relatable storytelling, Mimi demonstrates how laughter and a positive mindset can be powerful tools for overcoming life's challenges, even in the face of a debilitating injury. She also shares sobering statistics about brain aneurysms, the importance of advocating for proper medical care, and highlighted the power of community support for TBI survivors. For more information, visit: Mimi Hayes: https://mimihayes.com/#about Kessler Foundation’s Center for Traumatic Injury Research: https://kesslerfoundation.org/research/center-traumatic-brain-injury This was a free event sponsor

Read the transcript at https://kesslerfoundation.org/sites/default/files/2024-10/2024%20KesslerFoundation-Summer-Brainstorm_Look%20Closer.%20My%20Brain%20Injury%20Is%20Invisible-V2-TRANSCRIPT.pdf Stacia Bissell, MEd, shares an inspiring story of overcoming the challenges of her traumatic brain injury (TBI) sustained 13 years ago. In her presentation, “Look Closer. My Brain Injury Is Invisible,” she discusses the profound impact the TBI had on her life, forcing her to adapt to a new reality and embrace her identity as a survivor. Despite these difficulties, Stacia found ways to thrive by pursuing roles as a brain injury coach, mentor, and advocate. Her resilience and determination to find a "healing process with no end" serve as an example for others navigating life after TBI. Stacia's powerful story sheds light on the invisible nature of brain injuries and the importance of building a supportive community for survivors and caregivers. The presentation, part of the quarterly virtual speaker Brainstorm series

Read the transcription at https://kesslerfoundation.org/sites/default/files/2024-09/Einat%20Engel-Haber%2C%20MD%2C%20Discusses%20Evolving%20Definitions%20and%20Challenges%20of%20Central%20Cord%20Syndrome_Transcription.pdf In this podcast, Einat Engel-Haber, MD, associate research scientist in the Tim and Caroline Reynolds Center for Spinal Stimulation, presents the challenges of accurately defining and understanding central cord syndrome (CCS), the most common and controversial spinal cord injury that primarily affects the upper extremities. Dr. Haber discusses the need for a more precise definition, as the demographics and understanding of CCS have changed over time. The lack of a consistent definition for CCS has led to significant variability in reported incidence rates across studies, ranging from 6% to 32% of all traumatic spinal cord injuries. Dr. Haber also notes that within the incomplete tetraplegia population, the incidence of CCS can be as high as 70%. She outlines plans to review the existing lit

Subject matter experts discuss how and why a new, online education class, “Understanding Spinal Cord Injury: A Course for Personal Care Assistants,” was created. The course introduces learners to the physical and emotional experience of individuals living with SCI and offers suggestions for building positive working relationships. Course content was created with guidance from individuals who have real-world experience with SCI, focus groups, and support from various organizations. Free to the public, the course’s goal is to increase knowledge about SCI, improve communication between clients and assistants, and enhance quality of care. Jeanne Zanca, MPT, PhD, Trevor Dyson-Hudson, MD, and Denise Fyffe, PhD, scientific researchers from the Center for Spinal Cord Injury Research at Kessler Foundation describe the course development process and subject matter included. Learn more about this course at https://kesslerfoundation.org/understanding-spinal-cord-injury-course-personal-care-assistants To enroll in this

Welcome to this 2024 Kessler Foundation Baird Visiting Educational Professorship Lecture podcast. Lisa Ottomanelli, PhD, a prominent researcher in the field of spinal cord injury (SCI) and disabilities, was a featured speaker at the 2023 Kessler Foundation Baird Visiting Educational Professorship. Her work primarily revolves around implementing and assessing evidence-based strategies aimed at establishing employment opportunities and facilitating community reintegration for veterans with SCI and other disabilities. In this podcast, she discussed the effectiveness of standardized evidence-based approaches that combine vocational rehabilitation with clinical care, highlighting their potential to enhance quality of life and foster competitive employment. Dr. Ottomanelli shared findings from two studies conducted in collaboration with the VA examining vocational rehabilitation in SCI. She also detailed key strategies for enhancing outcomes and implementing the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model int

Nancy Chiaravalloti, PhD, is a widely recognized leader in cognitive rehabilitation for multiple sclerosis and traumatic brain injury at Kessler Foundation. Here are excerpts from her 2023 interview with Jon Strum, RealTalk MS. For more information about Nancy Chiaravalloti, PhD, director, https://kesslerfoundation.org/aboutus/Nancy%20Chiaravalloti Cognitive rehabilitation and Kessler Foundation modified story Memory Technique, https://kesslerfoundation.org/researchcenter-neuropsychology-and-neuroscience-research/ms/multiple-sclerosis Listen to the full episode at https://realtalkms.com/episode-328-cognitive-rehabilitation-and-ms-with-dr-nancy-chiaravalloti Read the transcript, https://kesslerfoundation.org/sites/default/files/2024-01/RealTalk%20MS%20Interview_Cognitive%20Rehabilitation%20and%20MS%20with%20Nancy%20Chiaravalloti-PhD-TRANSCRIPT.pdf To learn more, you can listen to Jon Strum's podcast each week as he breaks down the latest multiple sclerosis news and research that may impact MS treatments.

Read the transcript at https://kesslerfoundation.org/sites/default/files/2024-01/What%20is%20cognitive%20rehabilitation-TRANSCRIPT.pdf Expertly Explained: Insights with Nancy Chiaravalloti, PhD Nancy Chiaravalloti, PhD, is a widely recognized leader in cognitive rehabilitation for multiple sclerosis and traumatic brain injury at Kessler Foundation. Here are excerpts from her 2023 interview with Jon Strum, RealTalk MS. For more information about Nancy Chiaravalloti, PhD, director, https://kesslerfoundation.org/aboutus/Nancy%20Chiaravalloti Cognitive rehabilitation and Kessler Foundation modified story Memory Technique, https://kesslerfoundation.org/researchcenter-neuropsychology-and-neuroscience-research/ms/multiple-sclerosis Listen to the full episode at https://realtalkms.com/episode-328-cognitive-rehabilitation-and-ms-with-dr-nancy-chiaravalloti To learn more, you can listen to Jon Strum's podcast each week as he breaks down the latest multiple sclerosis news and research that may impact MS treatment

Read the transcript at https://kesslerfoundation.org/sites/default/files/2024-01/What%20is%20the%20modified%20Story%20Memory%20Technique%20%28KF-mSMT%29%20protocol-TRANSCRIPT.pdf  Expertly Explained: Insights with Nancy Chiaravalloti, PhD Nancy Chiaravalloti, PhD, is a widely recognized leader in cognitive rehabilitation for multiple sclerosis and traumatic brain injury at Kessler Foundation. Here are excerpts from her 2023 interview with Jon Strum, RealTalk MS. For more information about Nancy Chiaravalloti, PhD, director, https://kesslerfoundation.org/aboutus/Nancy%20Chiaravalloti Cognitive rehabilitation and Kessler Foundation modified story Memory Technique, https://kesslerfoundation.org/researchcenter-neuropsychology-and-neuroscience-research/ms/multiple-sclerosis Listen to the full episode at https://realtalkms.com/episode-328-cognitive-rehabilitation-and-ms-with-dr-nancy-chiaravalloti To learn more, you can listen to Jon Strum's podcast each week as he breaks down the latest multiple sclerosis n

Read the transcript at https://kesslerfoundation.org/sites/default/files/2024-01/Which%20cognitive%20functions%20are%20commonly%20affected%20by%20MS-TRANSCRIPT.pdf Expertly Explained: Insights with Nancy Chiaravalloti, PhD Nancy Chiaravalloti, PhD, is a widely recognized leader in cognitive rehabilitation for multiple sclerosis and traumatic brain injury at Kessler Foundation. Here are excerpts from her 2023 interview with Jon Strum, RealTalk MS. For more information about Nancy Chiaravalloti, PhD, director, https://kesslerfoundation.org/aboutus/Nancy%20Chiaravalloti Cognitive rehabilitation and Kessler Foundation modified story Memory Technique, https://kesslerfoundation.org/researchcenter-neuropsychology-and-neuroscience-research/ms/multiple-sclerosis Listen to the full episode at https://realtalkms.com/episode-328-cognitive-rehabilitation-and-ms-with-dr-nancy-chiaravalloti To learn more, you can listen to Jon Strum's podcast each week as he breaks down the latest multiple sclerosis news and research

Explore how using specialized yoga and mindfulness exercises, developed by national nonprofit LoveYourBrain, can help individuals with traumatic brain injury. Hear tips from certified brain injury specialist and registered yoga teacher Dr. Kyla Pearce. This Winter Brainstorm Series presentation was held on Thursday, January 11, 2024. It was sponsored by Kessler Foundation and the Northern New Jersey Traumatic Brain Injury Model System, which is funded by the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research, grant #90DPTB0003. Watch the video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gi6UnVoNwpk View the presentation slides at https://kesslerfoundation.org/sites/default/files/2024-01/2024%20TBI%20Winter%20Brainstorm_Kyla%20Pearce-SLIDES_0.pdf Read the transcript at https://kesslerfoundation.org/sites/default/files/2024-01/2024-KesslerFoundation-Winter%20TBI-BrainStorm-TRANSCRIPTION.pdf Interested in joining a study? Go to https://kesslerfoundation.org/join-our-research-studies

Read the transcript at https://kesslerfoundation.org/sites/default/files/2023-11/2023%20FALL%20BrainStorm%20My%20Invisible%20Injury%20presented%20by%20Kelsey%20Boyer-TRANSCRIPT.pdf Watch our Fall Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Virtual Speakers Series and listen in as Kelsey Boyer shares her dramatic story of her traumatic brain injury (TBI) and forming the nonprofit Save a Brain. Kelsey was a competitive snowboarder in high school with hopes of competing in the Olympics, but after sustaining a brain injury in 2016, her life drastically changed. Her mission now is to provide education, encourage prevention, and spread awareness of the long-term mental and physical effects of TBI. The Fall Brainstorm Speaker Event is sponsored by the Northern New Jersey Traumatic Brain Injury System and Kessler Foundation. View the presentation slides at https://kesslerfoundation.org/sites/default/files/2023-11/2023%20TBI%20Fall-BrainStorm_KelseyBoyer_PRESENTATION_0.pdf

Fast Takes - Episode 49 In this episode, Dr. Denise Fyffe, senior research scientist in our Center for Spinal Cord Injury and Outcomes and Assesment Research, talks about her peer-reviewed article, “Multi-Phase Veteran Engagement to Develop a Spinal Cord Injury Employment Survey” published on March 17, 2023, in the journal Progress in Community Health Partnerships: Research, Education, and Action Funding Source: US Dept. of Defense, Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program (CDMRP), Spinal Cord Injury Research Program award # W81XWH-17-1-0696; National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research grant # 90SI5026. Learn more about: Dr. Denise Fyffe, https://kesslerfoundation.org/aboutus/Denise%20Fyffe Center for Outcomes and Assessment Research, https://kesslerfoundation.org/research/center-outcomes-and-assessments-research Center for Spinal Cord Injury Research, https://kesslerfoundation.org/research/center-spinal-cord-injury-research The peer-reviewed artic

Read the transcript at https://kesslerfoundation.org/sites/default/files/2023-09/How%20to%20Live%20with%20Mild%20Traumatic%20Brain%20Injury-The%20Brainlash%20with%20Gail-Denton-2023-Summer-BrainStorm-TRANSCRIPT.pdf Tune in to our Summer Brainstorm virtual speaker series presentation “’The Brainlash’ Way with author Gail L. Denton, PhD. Dr. Denton shares lessons, tips and strategies on living with mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI) As a patient turned professional MTBI life coach, Dr. Denton shares her first-hand insights and offers down-to-earth practical advice for every aspect of the MTBI recovery process. The 2023 Summer Brainstorm Virtual Series is supported by Kessler Foundation, the Northern New Jersey Traumatic Brain Injury System, and by a grant from the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living and Rehabilitation Research. Grant number 90DPTB0032

Fast Takes Episode 48 Read the transcript at https://kesslerfoundation.org/sites/default/files/2023-06/Novel%20Brain%20Injury%20Study%20Expands%20Prism%20Adaptation%20Treatment%20to%20Right-Sided%20Spatial%20Neglect%20-%20Episode%2048-TRANSCRIPT.pdf In this podcast, Research Scientist Timothy Rich, PhD, discusses a new study, the first to show the need to expand the application of prism adaptation treatment for spatial neglect. Dr. Rich was part of a team that discovered prism adaptation therapy was as beneficial for treating right-sided spatial neglect as left-sided spatial neglect in a cohort of individuals with stroke and traumatic and non-traumatic brain injuries. The findings were published in June 2023 in a peer-reviewed article, “Prism Adaptation Treatment for Right-Sided and Left-Sided Spatial Neglect: A Retrospective Case-Matched Study,” in the journal Archives of Rehabilitation Research and Clinical Translation. Funding source: the Wallerstein Foundation for Geriatric Improvement, the Charles and

2023 Spring BrainStorm Read the transcript at https://kesslerfoundation.org/sites/default/files/2023-06/2023%20Spring%20Brainstorm-Mike-at-the-Mic_Transition%20to%20the%20World%20After%20Brain%20Injury-TRANSCRIPT.pdf Kessler Foundation, in partnership with the Voices Advancing the Brain Injury Community (Voices), hosted a Mike-at-the-Mic session entitled “Transition to the World After Brain Injury.” A lively panel discussion – including facilitator Michael Greenwald and brain injury survivors - Sharon Naulty, Scott Pomann, Patty Thompson – covered challenges people with brain injury face when transitioning to the “real” world after brain injury. Discussion points included employment challenges, ways to advocate for yourself, whether to disclose your disability, and Kessler Foundation research studies and supports available to help them. The mission of Voices is to champion and publicize the advocacy, rights, and needs of people who have survived a brain injury. The group is supported by the Brain Injury A

Mindful Meditation Ep. 5 Extended - 10-Minute Silence with Bell Tones Welcome to Kessler Foundation’s new four-part meditation series Mindful Meditation. The Center for Traumatic Brain Injury Research is adapting mindfulness intervention methods to help improve control of attention and psychological well-being for individuals with TBI while alleviating depression and anxiety. Each mindfulness episode will offer a short and extended version without music, voice only. What is mindful meditation? Mindfulness is the caring, compassionate, nonjudgmental awareness of our own experience and everything going on around us. Meditation involves the practices we do to develop the skill and capacity to develop mindful awareness. The instructor in this series is Siobhan Gibbons, EdD, a licensed psychologist in New Jersey. Since 2010 she has been teaching stress management, mindfulness meditation, and mindfulness-based stress reduction. She completed her EdD in counseling psychology at Rutgers University Graduate School

Mindful Meditation Ep. 4 - 10-Minute Loving Kindness Welcome to Kessler Foundation’s new four-part meditation series Mindful Meditation. The Center for Traumatic Brain Injury Research is adapting mindfulness intervention methods to help improve control of attention and psychological well-being for individuals with TBI while alleviating depression and anxiety. Each mindfulness episode will offer a short and extended version without music, voice only. What is mindful meditation? Mindfulness is the caring, compassionate, nonjudgmental awareness of our own experience and everything going on around us. Meditation involves the practices we do to develop the skill and capacity to develop mindful awareness. The instructor in this series is Siobhan Gibbons, EdD, a licensed psychologist in New Jersey. Since 2010 she has been teaching stress management, mindfulness meditation, and mindfulness-based stress reduction. She completed her EdD in counseling psychology at Rutgers University Graduate School of Education. Sh

Mindful Meditation Ep. 4 Extended - 20-Minute Loving Kindness Welcome to Kessler Foundation’s new four-part meditation series Mindful Meditation. The Center for Traumatic Brain Injury Research is adapting mindfulness intervention methods to help improve control of attention and psychological well-being for individuals with TBI while alleviating depression and anxiety. Each mindfulness episode will offer a short and extended version without music, voice only. What is mindful meditation? Mindfulness is the caring, compassionate, nonjudgmental awareness of our own experience and everything going on around us. Meditation involves the practices we do to develop the skill and capacity to develop mindful awareness. The instructor in this series is Siobhan Gibbons, EdD, a licensed psychologist in New Jersey. Since 2010 she has been teaching stress management, mindfulness meditation, and mindfulness-based stress reduction. She completed her EdD in counseling psychology at Rutgers University Graduate School of Educ

Mindful Meditation Ep. 3 - 10 Minute Body Scan Welcome to Kessler Foundation’s new four-part meditation series Mindful Meditation. The Center for Traumatic Brain Injury Research is adapting mindfulness intervention methods to help improve control of attention and psychological well-being for individuals with TBI while alleviating depression and anxiety. Each mindfulness episode will offer a short and extended version without music, voice only. What is mindful meditation? Mindfulness is the caring, compassionate, nonjudgmental awareness of our own experience and everything going on around us. Meditation involves the practices we do to develop the skill and capacity to develop mindful awareness. The instructor in this series is Siobhan Gibbons, EdD, a licensed psychologist in New Jersey. Since 2010 she has been teaching stress management, mindfulness meditation, and mindfulness-based stress reduction. She completed her EdD in counseling psychology at Rutgers University Graduate School of Education. She also