Kessler Foundation

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. kesslerfoundation.org/impact-story/W… #AutismAwarenessMonth [Image description: Carla Vicari and her family sit together outdoors on a stone ledge, smiling at the camera, surrounded by greenery and palm trees.]

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: soundcloud.com/kesslerfoundat… 👏 Thank you, Karen, for sharing your journey and perspective with our community.

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: redcap.link/i4xddsmn

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: kesslerfoundation.org/research/autism

A spinal cord injury can impact many aspects of life. But how does community environment impact life with SCI? That's what our collaborative research study, led by @KesslerFdn , is all about. uab.edu/medicine/news/…

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: redcap.link/i4xddsmn

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: researchondisability.org/event/2026/04/…

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: kesslerfoundation.org/newsletter/rea…

🧠 In honor of Brain Injury Awareness Month, join Kessler Foundation for a live webinar highlighting our latest traumatic brain injury research and the collaborative approach that drives discovery. 📅 Friday, March 27 ⏰ 12:00 PM ET 💻 Live on Zoom What’s Next in TBI Research: Innovation, Collaboration, and Impact at Kessler Foundation Led by Nancy Chiaravallotti, PhD, Director of the Centers for Traumatic Brain Injury and Neuroscience and Neuropsychology Research, this discussion will explore how collaboration across disciplines accelerates progress and improves outcomes for individuals affected by brain injury. Save your spot today: l.feathr.co/TBIatKF

🧠 This Brain Injury Awareness Month, discover what’s next in traumatic brain injury research. Join Kessler Foundation for a live webinar exploring the innovative research and cross-disciplinary collaboration driving progress in TBI rehabilitation. 📅 Friday, March 27 ⏰ 12:00 PM ET 💻 Live on Zoom Led by Nancy Chiaravallotti, PhD, the discussion will highlight how research and collaboration are advancing care and improving outcomes for people living with brain injury. 🔗 Save your spot via the link below: l.feathr.co/TBIatKF

At Kessler Foundation, we are committed to advancing research that improves quality of life and expands opportunities for people with disabilities through innovation and discovery. During March, in recognition of Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, we celebrate the contributions, strengths, and voices of people with developmental disabilities while continuing to work toward a more inclusive future for all. Visit the link below to learn more. l.feathr.co/KFAUTISM

March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. At Kessler Foundation, we are committed to advancing research that improves the quality of life for people with disabilities. Through innovation, collaboration, and discovery, our work helps create more opportunities for inclusion, independence, and meaningful participation in everyday life. This month—and every month—we celebrate the strengths, contributions, and voices of people with developmental disabilities while continuing to work toward a more inclusive future for all. Visit the link below to learn more: kesslerfoundation.org/research/autism

🧡 March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month! At Kessler Foundation, we recognize and celebrate the strength, talents, and contributions of people with developmental disabilities. Through innovative research and community partnerships, we work to expand opportunities, promote inclusion, and improve quality of life. Join us in raising awareness and celebrating this community. Comment an orange heart 🧡 to show your support!

🎙️ In the News Michele Pignatello, Chief Development Officer and Vice President of Development and Communications at Kessler Foundation, recently spoke with Radio LoRa Switzerland about our mission to improve the quality of life for people with disabilities through discovery, innovation, and research. Listen to the interview here: soundcloud.com/kesslerfoundat…

🎙️ In an interview with Radio LoRa Switzerland, Dr. Trevor Dyson-Hudson discusses the growing importance of aging with spinal cord injury—including later onset, chronic pain, and other health conditions that may develop over time. As the average age of SCI onset has increased from 29 in the 1970s to 44 today, understanding the long-term needs of this community has become a key clinical and research priority. Listen now: soundcloud.com/kesslerfoundat…

🧠 March is Brain Injury Awareness Month. At Kessler Foundation, research and storytelling help amplify the voices of people living with brain injury. After sustaining a traumatic brain injury, Cheryl Green found a powerful way to reclaim her voice through creative storytelling and an unexpected turn to comedy. 🎧 Listen to “Who Am I to Stop It? Letting Your Personal Story Shine Through Art” and explore the power of resilience and recovery. You can listen here: soundcloud.com/kesslerfoundat…

We are proud to share United Spinal Association’s Work Readiness Program for wheelchair users. This 8-session virtual series, in partnership with Allsup, helps participants build job search skills—from resume writing and LinkedIn to navigating disability disclosure and workplace accommodations. 📅 Starts March 17 🗓 Every 3rd Tuesday ⏰ 1:00 PM ET Sign up via the link here: l.feathr.co/workreadiness #DisabilityEmployment #WheelchairUsers #WorkReadiness #InclusiveWorkplace

Join us for the next #nTIDE Lunch & Learn on Mar. 6! Helen Genova, PhD, of #KesslerFoundation will discuss strength-based programs supporting employment for neurodivergent young adults. Register today: iod.unh.edu/event/2026/03/… #DisabilityEmployment #AutismAcceptance #KesslerChangingLives

Join us for the next #nTIDE Lunch & Learn on Mar. 6! Helen Genova, PhD, of #KesslerFoundation will discuss strength-based programs supporting employment for neurodivergent young adults. Register today: iod.unh.edu/event/2026/03/… #DisabilityEmployment #AutismAcceptance #KesslerChangingLives

At Kessler Foundation, we’re transforming lives through groundbreaking rehabilitation research that improves mobility, cognition, independence, and opportunity for people with disabilities. ✨ Whether you… 🔹 Participate in a research study 🔹 Make a gift 🔹 Share our mission to raise awareness across your community Every breakthrough starts with people like you! Get involved via the link below. l.feathr.co/getinvolvedKF