The employment-to-population ratio for working-age people with disabilities increased to 29.2% in October, while labor force participation rates improved slightly compared to last year. The ongoing pandemic and federal aid uncertainty remain major concerns.
The number of workers with disabilities on furlough has dropped to one out of four, while three out of four are now actively looking for work. The trend is worse than for those without disabilities, who have seen a decline in unemployment since the peak in May 2020.
A prospective study of employment and multiple sclerosis found individuals at risk tend to have progressive disease, fatigue, poorer coping mechanisms, and less MS self-efficacy. The study identified factors and behaviors that may be targeted for interventions to maintain employment.
The September nTIDE report reveals a decline in employment-to-population ratios and labor force participation rates for Americans with disabilities, due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. This trend suggests that people with disabilities are leaving the labor market or no longer actively seeking work.
Thirty years after the ADA, employment rates remain low for individuals with spinal cord injury. New models like individual placement and support (IPS) and vocational resource facilitation (VRF) are helping more people achieve competitive employment.
The number of unemployed people with disabilities has declined since May 2020, but some are now actively looking for work instead of waiting to be recalled from temporary layoff. This shift may signal a slowing recovery due to ongoing COVID-19 outbreaks and regional economic variations.
Research highlights the benefits of returning to work after spinal cord injury, including improved quality of life, reduced depression, and better health outcomes. Effective approaches include individualized placement support and vocational resource facilitation.
Researchers are testing a digital therapeutic device that uses music and sensors to help individuals recover from stroke-induced mobility loss. The study aims to improve walking speed and community ambulation in participants, offering new hope for those affected by stroke.
Researchers tested the ReWalk ReStore soft robotic exosuit for safety, reliability, and feasibility in post-stroke rehabilitation. The device improved gait patterns and walking speeds, with over a third of participants achieving significant increases in unassisted walking speed.
The employment-to-population ratio for working-age people with disabilities increased from 28.1% to 28.8%, while the labor force participation rate also showed a modest increase. These gains are encouraging, but experts caution due to factors affecting economic recovery and COVID-19.
A large international study of progressive MS found minimal changes in depression, anxiety, and quality of life during pandemic lockdowns. Participants adapted to lockdown conditions by engaging in mental and physical activities, which may have provided a sense of control and countered negative emotional reactions.
Dr. Hon's article explores the risk of deep vein thrombosis in individuals with spinal cord injury, suggesting screening on admission may be advisable to identify at-risk patients. The Bors Award recognizes her contributions to advancing spinal cord injury care and research.
The employment-to-population ratio for working-age people with disabilities decreased from 28.4% in June 2020 to 28.1% in July 2020, while the labor force participation rate for these individuals also declined. These findings suggest prolonged unemployment may discourage workers and lead to long-term employment stress.
A pilot study of a combination of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection and home-based exercise program showed encouraging results in reducing shoulder pain in wheelchair users with spinal cord injury. Participants reported decreased pain levels, with three describing their pain as 'much improved', after the treatment.
Researchers at Kessler Foundation found significant differences in brain activation patterns between individuals with and without multiple sclerosis (MS) due to mental fatigue. MS participants showed reduced activation of anterior brain regions and slower processing speeds under high cognitive loads.
The nTIDE June 2020 Jobs Report reveals a modest improvement in employment-to-population ratios for working-age individuals with and without disabilities. Despite this positive trend, the ongoing pandemic poses concerns that longer closures could lead to permanent job loss and exit from the labor force.
The 2020 Kessler Foundation National Employment and Disability Survey found that college graduates with disabilities transition to work at the same rate as their peers without disabilities, 90%. The survey also revealed that students with disabilities are more likely to pursue career paths focused on helping people.
The number of employed working-age people with disabilities increased by 5.5% in May, while employment-to-population ratios improved slightly from April. Despite this, historic levels of unemployment remained high, and the percentage of temporary layoffs declined only moderately for both groups.
A systematic review of multiple sclerosis treatments found no effective interventions for cognitive symptoms, despite over half of affected individuals experiencing cognitive dysfunction. Researchers emphasize the need for future studies focusing on cognitive outcomes and standardized criteria to inform optimal treatment choices.
Cognitive dysfunction is a common symptom of multiple sclerosis, affecting two-thirds of patients. Researchers recommend cognitive rehabilitation and exercise training as promising strategies for treating cognitive deficits in MS.
The May 2020 nTIDE report shows an increase in employment-to-population ratio and labor force participation rate for working-age people with disabilities, up 5.3% and 4.6%, respectively. This uptick may indicate people with disabilities returning to work as restrictions ease.
A national survey of recent college graduates with and without disabilities reveals that 90% of each group are employed after graduation. Engaging in internships, paid employment, and career counseling services correlates positively with working after graduation for all graduates.
The COVID Recession has hit workers with disabilities harder, with a 20% decrease in employed working-age people with disabilities compared to those without. Temporary layoff rates are also higher among workers with disabilities, affecting their ability to return to work as the pandemic diminishes.
The COVID Recession has disproportionately affected workers with disabilities, with a 20% decline in employment for those with disabilities compared to a 14% decline for those without disabilities. The FAIR program in Louisiana is helping formerly incarcerated individuals with disabilities access services and supports.
Early March data shows positive news for people with disabilities in employment-to-population ratio, but declines expected in next month's Jobs Report. The Women's Project provides critical services to women with special needs transitioning from the justice system, including job training and placement.
Researchers have developed new frameworks and recommendations for managing neurogenic bowel and bladder dysfunction after spinal cord injury. These guidelines aim to improve independence, self-efficacy, and quality of life among individuals with spinal cord injuries.
Kessler Foundation receives a $250,000 grant from the Derfner Foundation to expand regenerative rehabilitation research and develop new treatments for musculoskeletal and neurological injuries. The lab will focus on restoring function to individuals with disabilities caused by injuries, disease, and aging.
The nTIDE February 2020 jobs report reveals a significant increase in employment-to-population ratios for both people with and without disabilities, with modest job gains reported for Americans with disabilities. The labor force participation rate for working-age individuals with disabilities also showed a notable increase.
Researchers are examining the outcomes of neonates who undergo treatment at Children's Specialized Hospital for withdrawal from prenatal exposure to opioids. The study aims to understand the factors that influence the severity of Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) and responses to treatment protocols.
Researchers at Kessler Foundation are studying a potential application of a trunk-strengthening program to improve posture, balance, and mobility in individuals recovering from stroke. The pilot study uses the AllCore360º device to examine the effects on posture, balance, and walking ability.
A pilot study found that the Spanish adaptation of the modified Story Memory Technique improved learning and life satisfaction in Mexicans with multiple sclerosis. The intervention, which teaches imagery and context to facilitate learning, may be an effective rehabilitative tool for Spanish-speaking populations with MS.
The employment-to-population ratio for working-age people with disabilities increased from 29.8 percent in January 2019 to 30.7 percent in January 2020, up 3.0 percent or 0.9 percentage points. This gain reflects the growing strength of the labor market and suggests an upward trend for 2020.
A new article from the Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation reveals effective but underutilized practices for including employees with disabilities in workplaces. These include partnering with disability organizations, auditing hiring practices, and providing supervisor training. The survey also found that a higher commitment from uppe...
Researchers at Kessler Foundation identified specific brain regions associated with memory rehabilitation using the modified Story Memory Technique. Participants showed decreased brain activity in language network, default mode network, and executive control network, leading to improved learning and memory outcomes.
The nTIDE report reveals minimal job gains for people with disabilities in December 2019, with a slight increase in the employment-to-population ratio. The labor force participation rate remains unchanged, and experts hope to see a return to positive trends in employment for people with disabilities.
Dr. Rakesh Pilkar is developing a novel system called SMARTq to monitor true muscle responses to neuromuscular stimulation in individuals with spinal cord injury and complete spinal cord injuries. The tool aims to improve functional outcomes by tailoring stimulation protocols.
Researchers identified deficits in prospective memory as factors affecting performance of everyday life activities in individuals with multiple sclerosis. Time-based tasks showed poorer performance compared to event-based tasks, and were associated with executive function deficits and lower motor scores.
A study found that individuals with multiple sclerosis who struggle with money management have difficulty with executive functioning and low depressive symptomatology. This can lead to serious financial, legal, and psychological consequences. Understanding these underlying factors is crucial for identifying those at risk and providing ...
Dr. Jeanne Zanca, a senior research scientist at Kessler Foundation, was named Fellow of the ACRM for her outstanding record of professional service and national significance in spinal cord injury rehabilitation research. Her work focuses on prevention and management of secondary complications of SCI.
A three-year study will investigate how the educational experiences of children with special health care needs are affected by pediatric rehabilitation. The researchers aim to develop a prospective process to identify the educational needs of these children that can be implemented across various healthcare settings.
The employment-to-population ratio for working-age people with disabilities increased from 30.7% to 31.2% in November 2019, reflecting a 1.6% rise. This uptick is attributed to initiatives like NYC: ATWORK, which connects jobseekers with disabilities to competitive jobs in high-growth industries.
Researchers will enroll 129 patients with upper extremity hemiparesis and limited hand movement to test contralaterally controlled functional electrical stimulation (CCFES), a new rehabilitation intervention developed by Jayme S. Knutson, PhD. The study aims to determine the optimal method for restoring hand function in stroke survivors.
Researchers found associations between sensory difficulties, cognitive impairments, and disease severity in individuals with multiple sclerosis. Sensory processing deficits also affected functional performance of everyday life activities.
Researchers aim to provide evidence for micro-fragmented adipose tissue as a viable alternative to surgery for treating meniscal tears. The one-year study will monitor changes in meniscal tissue, pain levels, and functional activity.
A pilot study by Kessler Foundation researchers found that children with moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury have impaired social communication skills, leading to poorer social functioning. The study suggests the Social Communication Disorders Checklist (SCDC) has potential for screening children with TBI.
A study found associations between default mode network connectivity and emotion recognition and social integration in individuals with moderate to severe brain injury. Increased prefrontal-temporal connectivity predicted participants' level of social integration, underscoring the importance of brain connectivity metrics in TBI recovery.
The employment-to-population ratio for working-age people with disabilities decreased from 31.4% in October 2018 to 30.7% in October 2019, while the labor force participation rate also declined. Researchers at Kessler Foundation attribute this trend to inadequate vocational planning and rehabilitation services.
A recent study found that risk factors for unemployment among individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) differ by age group. Factors such as physical symptoms, psychological issues, and person-specific traits were identified as contributing to the high unemployment rate among MS patients, with younger and older adults experiencing diffe...
A new grant from the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers will allow researchers to investigate different types of exercise regimens in individuals with multiple sclerosis. The study aims to measure the effects of exercise on various aspects of MS-related symptoms, such as cognition, fatigue, and physical functioning.
The employment-to-population ratio for working-age people with disabilities remained unchanged at 31.4 percent in September 2019, while the labor force participation rate decreased by 1.2 percentage points. Financial instability is a significant issue for people with disabilities, with many struggling to make ends meet.