The 'ADA generation' working-age population with disabilities shows a higher employment-to-population ratio compared to the non-ADA generation. The data suggests progress in closing the employment gap between individuals with and without disabilities, largely driven by the ADA generation's presence in the labor market.
A pilot study found that remote cognitive rehabilitation using TELE-Self-GEN improved memory performance and daily life functionality in individuals with MS. The virtual intervention demonstrated high levels of participant satisfaction and effectiveness.
A pilot study found that methylphenidate enhances oculomotor function in individuals with multiple sclerosis, improving visual processing speed. The treatment also showed promise for mitigating cognitive symptoms associated with MS.
The nTIDE May 2024 Jobs Report shows people with disabilities engaging in the labor market at historically high rates. Labor force participation and employment increased for people with disabilities, while remaining flat for those without disabilities.
A consensus has been reached by an international team of rehabilitation researchers and clinicians on the standardized labeling of spatial neglect, a common disorder following neurological injury. The panel adopted 'spatial neglect' as the standard term for the disorder, aiming to improve diagnosis, treatment, and research.
The study highlights the significant post-COVID recovery of youth aged 25-34 in employment, while those aged 16-24 experienced a slower recovery. Innovative programs and practices for supporting youth with autism in their employment search are also discussed.
The employment-to-population ratio for people with disabilities increased from 36.5% in March 2024 to 37.9% in April 2024, up 3.8%. The labor force participation rate also rose, from 40.3% to 40.6%, as individuals with disabilities remain engaged in the workforce at a similar rate to last month.
Researchers will investigate sleep patterns in adolescents with TBI, explore behavioral changes in individuals with spatial neglect, and develop a caregiver training program for TBI care. The studies aim to improve treatment outcomes and rehabilitation experiences for individuals with traumatic brain injury.
Researchers will study wearable robotic assistance for chronic SCI, new assessment tools for spatial neglect, and a web-based job interview training tool for autistic youth. The studies aim to improve upper extremity movement function and employment outcomes for individuals with autism.
A new study by Kessler Foundation scientist Glenn Wylie will independently investigate brain networks associated with 'state' fatigue in MS. The research aims to validate 'state' measures of fatigue and offer a more accurate assessment of primary fatigue, potentially improving the quality of life for individuals living with MS.
Dr. Olga Boukrina's research aims to test a novel hybrid approach combining aerobic exercise and targeted reading treatment for post-stroke aphasia, targeting 70 stroke survivors. The study seeks to enhance brain blood flow and rehabilitate damaged brain networks supporting reading.
The employment-to-population ratio for people with disabilities decreased slightly over the last four months, but labor force participation is leveling off. People with disabilities are still engaged in the labor force at a similar rate to last month.
Scientists from Kessler Foundation received significant research grants to explore the social determinants of health among racial/ethnic groups during wheelchair breakdowns. The studies aim to understand the impact of transportation insecurity on individuals with chronic Spinal Cord Injury (SCI).
Recent research highlights unprecedented upward trend in employment for people with disabilities, supported by favorable labor market and employer attitudes. Continued research and policy development are needed to extend this trend and foster a more inclusive economy.
Kessler Foundation has received two grants to improve cognitive assessment for traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) patients and pilot-test a nationwide personal assistance services survey. The grants will support innovative research, including a hands-free eye-tracker-based cognitive assessment and a survey to assess the impact of perso...
The nTIDE March 2024 deeper dive reveals a reduction in the gender employment gap among individuals with disabilities, but women with disabilities still face lower wages and undervalued positions. The data suggests that women are more likely to be disabled due to COVID-19, which may explain the trend.
Kessler Foundation and collaborators win $1 million prize for proof-of-concept study on tablet-type controller StimXS, designed to help individuals with spinal cord injuries manage autonomic functions. The team advances to Phase 3 of the NIH Common Fund's Neuromod Prize competition.
The employment-to-population ratio for people with disabilities decreased from 37.8% in January 2024 to 36.7% in February 2024, but remained positive overall. The labor force participation rate also declined, but the percentage of people with disabilities largely remaining in the labor force is a good sign.
The nTIDE January 2024 Jobs Report shows slight declines in employment-to-population ratio and labor force participation rate for people with disabilities, but still near historic highs. Employment numbers remain steady or increased compared to last year.
The employment-to-population ratio for people with disabilities reached a record high of 37.1% in 2023, surpassing the pre-pandemic level and that of people without disabilities. This growth is attributed to significant employer trends, including labor shortages and increased wages, as well as accommodations made during the pandemic.
A new study will compare the effects of a single bout of cycling alone to two different cycling experiences enhanced with VR technology. The goal is to uncover the relationship between sensory demand and acute improvements in processing speed, informing future research on exercise training for long-term benefits.
A Kessler Foundation researcher will examine the impact of social determinants on brain health and MS outcomes in Latinos. The study aims to improve healthcare access and quality for this minoritized group.
The Kessler Foundation has received two significant grants from NIDILRR to fund research initiatives focused on enhancing employment opportunities for adults on the autism spectrum. A strength-based tool will be developed to help individuals identify and confidently express their strengths, improving job interview skills and employment...
In December 2023, people with disabilities in the US maintained their employment-to-population ratio near historic highs. The labor force participation rate for individuals with disabilities also remained steady around 40% throughout the last half of 2023. In contrast, those without disabilities experienced slight declines in both rates.
Researchers investigated cognitive fatigue across multiple sclerosis, traumatic brain injury, and controls using two tasks, finding that fatigue was consistent across participants regardless of task. Cognitive fatigue correlated with longer response times and activation in the caudate nucleus and thalamus.
A Kessler Foundation study found that spatial neglect affects a substantial percentage of people with traumatic brain injury, with an incidence rate of 38% post-TBI. The study also revealed that right brain damage is more likely to result in spatial neglect, highlighting the need for timely treatment and screening guidelines.
Researchers found that whole-word errors are influenced by egocentric position, while unilateral paralexias are not. A failure of selective attention also contributes to whole-word intrusion errors. The findings suggest different rehabilitative approaches are needed for each type of error.
The employment-to-population ratio for people with disabilities increased from 37.2% in October 2023 to 38.3% in November 2023, reaching an all-time high. The labor force participation rate also rose, with people with disabilities engaging in the labor force at record rates.
Researchers surveyed 690 people with spinal cord injury to understand their residential mobility patterns. They found that those who moved were younger, healthier, and less advantaged socioeconomically, often moving due to accessibility issues or housing quality.
Employment rates for veterans with disabilities reached historic highs, with 43.8% of veterans with disabilities employed in October 2023, compared to 35.1% for people with disabilities. The Individual Placement and Support (IPS) toolkit showed an impressive success rate of 43% for veterans with chronic spinal cord injury.
Despite cooling economic growth, people with disabilities continue to make strides in the labor market, maintaining their record-high employment-to-population ratios. The employment-to-population ratio for people with disabilities remained stable at 37.2%, while that of those without disabilities also held steady at 75.2%.
The labor force participation and employment-to-population ratio have remained relatively stable for people with disabilities, holding steady at all-time highs over the summer and into early autumn. In contrast, percentages for people without disabilities may have maxed out at their pre-pandemic baseline.
A recent study by Kessler Foundation found that young adults with disabilities aged 25-34 surpassed their pre-pandemic and historic employment highs, achieving a 49.0% employment-to-population ratio. This was significantly higher than other age groups, including 35-44 year olds and those in the 55-64 age group.
A three-year grant from the National Multiple Sclerosis Society will fund Dr. Carly Wender's study on maximizing learning and memory function in individuals with MS. The COMBINE intervention combines cognitive rehabilitation technique KF-mSMT with innovative exercise training to improve new learning and memory.
Researchers aim to understand the role of gaze in post-stroke reading impairments and develop an employment-specific assessment tool for individuals with autism. The studies may provide major steps towards finding innovative solutions for individuals affected by neglect dyslexia and autism.
The employment-to-population ratio for people with disabilities jumped to a new all-time high, reaching 37.9%, while labor force participation rates also increased, with 41.2% of working-age individuals participating in the workforce. This trend contrasts sharply with people without disabilities, whose ratios decreased slightly.
Research by Kessler Foundation team found that processing speed plays a role in benefit from the modified Story Memory Technique on verbal list learning but not on prose memory tasks. This suggests that treating deficits in processing speed may lead to optimal outcomes for individuals with traumatic brain injury.
The study found that individuals with hearing difficulties, vision impairments, and cognitive disabilities had the highest employment rates, with 52%, 40.3%, and 31.9% respectively. Remote work became essential during the pandemic, contributing to the surge in employment-to-population ratios for people with disabilities.
Researchers at Kessler Foundation are conducting novel studies on identity reconstruction, physical and mental fatigue, and upper limb function to improve the lives of individuals with TBI. The studies aim to develop scalable, accessible, and effective interventions using strength-based approaches.
A team of New Jersey researchers reviewed the evidence on robotic exoskeleton devices for individuals with acquired brain injury, laying out a systematic framework for future research. The review highlights the need for comprehensive approaches to evaluate these devices and their role in improving mobility in individuals with acquired ...
The new online course, “Understanding Spinal Cord Injury: A Course for Personal Care Assistants,” enhances training for PCAs to provide quality assistance services for individuals with spinal cord injury. The four-module course covers topics such as building relationships, managing blood pressure, and transferring clients safely.
The July 2023 nTIDE report shows that people with disabilities maintained their job numbers and achieved an all-time high employment level of 37.3%. The labor force participation rate for people with disabilities increased by 8.3% from last year, reaching 40.4%, while the employment-to-population ratio rose to 37.3%.
A new study shows that earlier transfer to specialized care is associated with better outcomes for infants with NOWS, including shorter hospital stays and less exposure to medication. The study found that nonpharmacologic interventions, such as swaddling and pacifier use, are critical to clinical outcomes.
The June 2023 nTIDE report shows employment-to-population ratio for people with disabilities increasing to 37.0%, while labor force participation rate decreases slightly to 39.7%. Employment and labor force participation of people with disabilities may be negatively affected by Federal Reserve efforts.
The Kessler Foundation will evaluate the long-term effects of a myoelectric orthosis on improving hand/wrist/elbow capability in individuals with spinal cord injuries. The goal is to increase muscle strength, joint range of motion, and daily task ability.
Researchers developed a new method for controlling lower limb exoskeletons using deep reinforcement learning, enabling more robust and natural walking control. The system has the potential to benefit users with spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis, stroke, and other neurological conditions.
The employment-to-population ratio for working-age people with disabilities increased from 35.6% to 36.9%, bringing them close to the previous high observed in December last year. The labor force participation rate also rebounded, with people with disabilities experiencing a 5% increase in May.
A retrospective case-matched study found prism adaptation therapy (PAT) to be beneficial for treating both right- and left-sided spatial neglect. PAT showed improvements in neglect symptoms for patients with right-sided neglect, suggesting greater potential benefits compared to those with left-sided neglect.
Two Kessler Foundation scientists will conduct studies on upper extremity exercise after stroke and restoration of cardiovascular function in spinal cord injury populations. Dr. Shenoy Handiru's study combines transcranial electrical stimulation and wearable sensor-based exergaming to improve hand dexterity, while Dr. Einat Engel-Haber...
New data show that individuals with visual disabilities slowly recovered employment after the COVID-19 lockdown, but at varying rates depending on their level of disability. The recovery was impacted by safety concerns and access to vaccines, according to experts.