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Kessler Foundation


More people with disabilities are seeking work

The employment-to-population ratio for people with disabilities increased slightly to 38.3% in July 2026, up 0.8%, while the labor force participation rate rose to 42.4%. For those without disabilities, the rates also showed slight increases. This trend may be linked to the need for additional workers during the summer vacation season.

Sheba Medical Center and Kessler Foundation partner to expand revolutionary spinal stimulation rehabilitation for people with a spinal cord injury

The collaboration aims to expand research and clinical program development in spinal cord stimulation, pairing it with intensive activity-based training to improve movement, mobility, and other functions. This effort will help move evidence-based practices into broader clinical use, benefiting people living with a spinal cord injury.

More people with disabilities are seeking work

The June 2026 nTIDE report reveals a significant increase in job-seeking among people with disabilities, signaling that more individuals are entering the labor force. The employment-to-population ratio decreased slightly for people with disabilities, while the labor force participation rate increased substantially.

Kessler Foundation researchers advance traumatic brain injury rehabilitation with cognitive integrated motor training and neuromodulation enhanced robotic balance therapy

Researchers develop personalized cognitive integrated sensorimotor virtual reality training to improve gait and balance in individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI). A separate study uses robotic balance training combined with non-invasive brain stimulation to enhance postural control and motor recovery in TBI.

Neural mechanisms of sleep-dependent motor learning revealed in new study on brain injury rehabilitation

A new study published by Kessler Foundation reveals that short naps can significantly improve motor performance and brain activity associated with motor skill improvement in individuals recovering from traumatic brain injury. This research highlights the potential for incorporating napping protocols into rehabilitation programs to maxi...

SourceKessler Foundation·JournalJournal of Sleep Research·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 18, 2024

Kessler Foundation’s Silvana Lopes Costa, PhD, honored with Women in Neurodegenerative Disease Rehabilitation Science Award from ACRM

Silvana Lopes Costa, PhD, of Kessler Foundation has received the Women in Neurodegenerative Disease Rehabilitation Science Award for her groundbreaking research on multiple sclerosis and cognitive assessment. Her work aims to improve quality of life among individuals with neurological conditions through innovative rehabilitation science.

Kessler Foundation scientist to explore effects of transcutaneous spinal stimulation's impact on motor recovery in traumatic brain injury

A four-year study funded by a $2.5 million grant will investigate the impact of spinal cord transcutaneous stimulation combined with gait training on motor recovery in individuals with traumatic brain injury. The research aims to improve clinical treatment strategies and decision-making for improved gait and functional recovery.

SourceKessler Foundation·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 30, 2024

Study indicates delayed feedback enhances learning performance in individuals with traumatic brain injury

A novel study found that delayed feedback improves learning outcomes for individuals with moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury. Delayed feedback may engage brain regions associated with memory retrieval and confidence, bypassing impaired pathways. The study suggests a valuable tool for improving learning in TBI individuals.

SourceKessler Foundation·JournalJournal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 10, 2024

nTIDE September 2024 Jobs Report: Gains in employment for people with disabilities appear to level off after reducing gaps with non-disabled workers

According to the nTIDE September 2024 Jobs Report, employment and labor force participation trends for people with disabilities have leveled off after several years of growth. This decline in employment is similar to the trend observed between 2016 and 2018. The employment-to-population ratio for people with disabilities decreased from...

Kessler Foundation scientists publish protocol for combining aerobic exercise and cognitive rehabilitation in multiple sclerosis

Researchers at Kessler Foundation develop a new clinical protocol to improve learning and memory in individuals with multiple sclerosis who have mobility disability. The study combines aerobic exercise with virtual reality and cognitive rehabilitation, showing potential synergistic effects on cognitive improvements.

SourceKessler Foundation·JournalContemporary Clinical Trials·DateSep 3, 2024

Kessler Foundation scientists investigate effects of robotic postural stand training combined with spinal cord epidural stimulation

The study found that robotic postural stand training with epidural stimulation improved trunk control during standing tasks, but had no significant impact on sitting outcomes for high-level motor-complete individuals with SCI. This suggests that rehabilitation strategies should be tailored to target specific postures.

SourceKessler Foundation·JournalJournal of Clinical Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 21, 2024

Supporting school re-entry of children with special health care needs post extended hospitalizations

A recent study published online in Disability and Rehabilitation found that transitioning children with special health care needs back to school after extended hospitalizations can be challenging due to lack of coordination and communication between healthcare and educational systems. The study recommends improving communication, provi...

SourceKessler Foundation·JournalDisability and Rehabilitation·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJul 26, 2024