According to the May COVID Update from National Trends in Disability Employment (nTIDE), unemployment declined for people with disabilities, while those without disabilities saw a slight increase. The data should be interpreted cautiously due to ongoing inflation concerns.
A comprehensive online survey of people with multiple sclerosis found that improving social integration and reducing social isolation can promote and maintain health and wellbeing. The study suggests that these social factors significantly predict health and wellbeing, even when accounting for demographic factors.
The employment-to-population ratio for working-age people with disabilities increased from 34% in April to 34.3% in May, up 0.9 percentage points. However, the labor force participation rate decreased from 37.5% in April to 37.2% in May, down 0.8 percentage points.
Kessler Foundation researchers use signal detection theory to characterize cognitive fatigue in multiple sclerosis. The study reveals an association between subjective 'state' fatigue, response bias, and brain activation patterns in both MS and control groups. This finding supports the use of signal detection metrics as an objective me...
Researchers will investigate neural mechanisms during learning in individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI) with and without clinical depression. The study aims to identify new knowledge about the effect of depression on the injured brain, which may lead to interventions for rehabilitation.
The number of unemployed people with disabilities remained relatively steady at 590,000, while labor force participation rate showed minimal movement. Unemployment for people without disabilities has shown a slow but steady decline over the past two years.
A recent study found that aquatic exercise is preferred by individuals with multiple sclerosis and can provide significant benefits for those with the condition. However, lack of access to pools and high costs are major barriers to participation.
Researchers at Kessler Foundation found significant improvement in processing speed among individuals with MS after a five-week training intervention. The treatment effect was maintained six months later, with dosage correlating with improved outcomes.
The post-pandemic economic recovery of people with disabilities remained strong in April, with the employment-to-population ratio increasing to 34.0 percent and labor force participation rate also on the rise. The labor market continues to exceed pre-pandemic levels, with sustained good news since 2018.
Researchers developed a new method using actigraphy to monitor sleep-wake cycles in children with brain injury during inpatient rehabilitation. The study found lower rest-activity ratios, suggesting poorer sleep-wake regulation and lower functional status.
Researchers have demonstrated the efficacy of a six-week interpersonal emotion regulation (IER) intervention for addressing depression often experienced by individuals with multiple sclerosis. IER strategies, such as turning to others for emotional support, significantly reduced depression levels in the treatment group.
Unemployment rates for people with disabilities increased in March, while those without disabilities still lag behind pre-pandemic levels. Despite this, people with disabilities are continuing to outperform their non-disabled counterparts in the labor market.
Researchers developed EMOPRINT, a five-week behavioral intervention improving facial affect recognition skills in individuals with MS. The study showed significant improvement in facial affect recognition in the MS group compared to placebo controls.
A study revealed a negative correlation between living in areas with low residential greenspace and lower depressive symptoms among people with spinal cord injury. The findings have implications for urban planning and public policy, highlighting the need to understand how community environment factors influence quality of life.
The March 2022 nTIDE Jobs Report shows employment-to-population ratios for working-age people with disabilities increasing from 33.1% in February to 34.1% in March, a historic high. Labor force participation rates also increased, with workers with disabilities remaining engaged in the labor market throughout the pandemic.
A new study published in Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders found that individuals with multiple sclerosis experienced increased depression, anxiety, and loneliness during the COVID-19 pandemic. The research suggests that pandemic-related stress may exacerbate mental health issues in MS patients.
The latest nTIDE February 2022 COVID Update reports little change in unemployment for people with and without disabilities, despite the decline of COVID-19 cases and lifting of pandemic restrictions. Experts note that labor force participation rates are improving for those with disabilities, but remain stagnant for those without.
The employment-to-population ratio for working-age people with disabilities decreased from 33.8% in January to 33.1% in February 2022, while labor force participation rates also declined. Despite the decline, employment numbers remain above historic levels.
A new report from Kessler Foundation reveals that workers with disabilities have exceeded pre-pandemic employment levels to reach historic highs, while those without disabilities still lag behind. The data show that labor force participation rates for people with disabilities increased from 33.6% in 2019 to 35.1% in 2021, outpacing the...
The nTIDE January 2022 COVID Update reports a rise in furloughs and job seekers among people with and without disabilities. This trend reflects the impact of the omicron variant on the labor market.
A recent online survey found that pandemic-related school closures have a disproportionate negative impact on students with autism. The study reveals differences in the psychological impact of the pandemic on neurotypical and autistic children, highlighting the need for alternative ways to support autistic children's educational goals.
A new study on the Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT) has found that group-level scores lack significance on an individual level. The normative study recommends a higher cut-off score for SDMT to accurately assess changes over time and predict disease progression.
Researchers will test the effectiveness of WeCAN, a group-based treatment designed to teach long-lasting management skills to individuals with traumatic brain injury and dementia. The study aims to identify behavioral, neuroimaging, and blood biomarkers that correlate with treatment efficacy.
Researchers developed a user-centered virtual reality system to engage stroke survivors with spatial neglect in intensive therapy, showing promising results. The system uses head-mounted displays and hand-tracking technology to deliver standardized treatment in an engaging environment.
According to the nTIDE January 2022 Jobs Report, people with disabilities have continued to gain employment, with an increase in employment-to-population ratio and labor force participation rate. Their numbers are now above historic highs, exceeding those of their non-disabled peers.
Researchers analyzed fMRI studies on healthy individuals and stroke survivors to understand the neural mechanisms underlying prism adaptation therapy. The study found differences in brain activity patterns between healthy individuals and those with spatial neglect, suggesting a shift in spatial processing to the left hemisphere.
The latest nTIDE COVID Update reports lower unemployment rates for people with disabilities, following a positive trend for four consecutive months. The early impact of the omicron variant is seen in small rises in furloughs, but experts predict continued improvement as businesses adapt to the pandemic.
Researchers found that moderate aerobic cycling improved auditory verbal learning and processing speed, as well as increased volumes of the hippocampus and cerebellar cortex. The study suggests exercise interventions may be an attractive option for improving cognitive function in individuals with traumatic brain injury.
Researchers aim to expand an existing spinal cord injury intervention to improve self-efficacy, coping, and well-being in individuals with multiple sclerosis. The study will conduct focus groups and a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy of the adapted intervention.
A two-year study aims to restore functional vision among veterans and service members with head trauma-related visual dysfunction using immersive virtual reality technology. Researchers will explore the feasibility and benefits of applying new technologies to rehabilitative treatment activities.
The job numbers for people with disabilities remained above pre-pandemic levels in December, according to the National Trends in Disability Employment (nTIDE) report. The employment-to-population ratio for working-age people with disabilities decreased slightly from 34.6 percent in November to 33.6 percent in December.
Researchers found that delirium and spatial neglect are associated with widespread dysfunction of brain networks, including arousal, attention, and spatial orientation. This imbalance may contribute to chronic cognitive decline after stroke.
Unemployment rates for people with disabilities decreased in November, dipping below pre-pandemic levels for the first time. Progress is attributed to rises in employment-to-population ratio and labor force participation rate, with some individuals returning to their previous jobs or starting new ones.
A pilot study by Kessler Foundation found that methylphenidate improved 'state' mental fatigue in individuals with multiple sclerosis, but had no effect on 'trait' fatigue. The study suggests an important role for dopamine in MS-related mental fatigue.
A pilot study of exercise and cognition in progressive multiple sclerosis found that cardiorespiratory fitness and free-living physical activity were not associated with improved cognitive performance. The study, which analyzed data from 240 individuals with progressive MS, suggests that other mechanisms may be at play.
The nTIDE November 2021 Jobs Report reveals historic employment gains for people with disabilities, with the employment-to-population ratio increasing to 34.6% and labor force participation rate rising to 37.7%. These gains surpass pre-pandemic levels and historic highs.
Researchers found improvements in verbal learning and memory and preservation of hippocampal volume in participants with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis after 12 weeks of supervised treadmill walking exercise. A targeted pilot randomized controlled trial demonstrated the effectiveness of this intervention for managing cognitive ...
The Kessler Foundation has awarded a $100,000 grant to the SHRM Foundation to develop its Employing Abilities @Work certificate program. The program aims to equip HR professionals with knowledge and skills to effectively recruit, onboard, and retain employees with disabilities.
The National Trends in Disability Employment (nTIDE) October 2021 COVID Update reports a rise in unemployment for people with and without disabilities, following two consecutive months of decline. This increase may indicate more people with disabilities actively seeking work due to new job opportunities.
The October 2021 nTIDE report shows a significant increase in employment-to-population ratio and labor force participation rate for working-age individuals with disabilities. The rates rose to 33.2% and 36.8%, respectively, exceeding pre-pandemic levels.
For the second consecutive month, unemployment declined for people with and without disabilities, according to nTIDE September 2021 COVID Update. However, levels remain higher than pre-pandemic levels for both groups, with people with disabilities looking for work at rates higher than before the pandemic.
The Northern New Jersey Spinal Cord Injury System has been funded by the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research since 1990. The grant enables researchers to investigate new approaches to improving employment outcomes after spinal cord injury.
A pilot study examines graph-theoretical properties of brain networks in traumatic brain injury and controls, showing association with balance impairment and structural damage. The study uses EEG-based functional connectivity measures during a balance perturbation task to explore underlying neural mechanisms.
People with disabilities have surpassed pre-pandemic job numbers, with labor force participation rates increasing by 2.2% and employment-to-population ratios rising by 4.4%. This is a positive trend, with the employment-to-population ratio for working-age people with disabilities increasing from 31.5% to 32.9% in September 2021.
A systematic review found spatial neglect to be prevalent among 29% of unilateral stroke survivors, with higher rates in right brain strokes and ecological assessments. This condition impairs cognitive and motor functions, slowing rehabilitation progress and increasing risk for injury.
The August nTIDE COVID Update reports a decline in unemployment for people with disabilities, attributed to increased employment and labor participation rates. However, the overall job market remains unstable, with chronically high unemployment compared to pre-pandemic levels.
The August nTIDE report shows an increase in employment-to-population ratio for workers with disabilities, reaching 31.5%, up from 30.8% in July. The labor force participation rate also increased by 1.4 percentage points, reflecting the resilience of workers with disabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic.
A multi-center study found micro-fragmented adipose tissue injections to be highly effective in reducing knee pain, improving function, and enhancing quality of life. Positive effects were observed for up to 12 months, with notable differences in efficacy among demographics.
A new study by Spinal Cord Injury Model System investigators found that remote wheelchair-skills training increases clinician confidence in teaching peers. The training program improved trainees' ability to navigate real-world spaces, empowering them to engage with their communities. This innovative approach has the potential to expand...
A study published in Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation found that 80% of people with spinal cord injury use complementary and integrative healthcare approaches. The most common reasons for use were general health and wellness, pain management, and to improve mobility and flexibility. However, there is a need for more res...