Kessler Foundation PSA Ranked in the Top 20% by Nielsen Media Research
The “Walk Away From No” PSA shows the remarkable potential for new technology to change the outlook for wheelchair users
East Hanover – August 24, 2018 – Kessler Foundation’s TV Public Service Announcement (PSA), titled “Walk Away From No,” has been nationally ranked in the top 20% of all Nielsen Media Research tracked PSAs for the third consecutive year. Nielsen Media Research is a global measurement and data analytics company that provides the most complete and trusted view available of consumers and markets worldwide.
Kessler Foundation debuted “Walk Away from No” in January 2014. The individual featured in the PSA is Paul Thacker, a former professional snowmobile athlete who was paralyzed in a practice jump. People who are suddenly paralyzed are often told by doctors that they will never walk again and must adapt to life in a wheelchair. In the PSA, Thacker stands up out of his wheelchair and takes steps using a wearable exoskeleton known as EksoGT. EksoGT is just one of the devices researched by Kessler Foundation scientists.
“This PSA shows wheelchair users that anything is possible,” explained Rodger DeRose, President and Chief Executive Officer of Kessler Foundation. “’Walk Away from No’ sends a powerful message of inspiration and helps bring awareness to the research advances that Kessler Foundation scientists are making in the field of rehabilitation. We are honored to once again be ranked in the top 20% of PSAs tracked by Nielsen, and hope that through this PSA, wheelchair users will see that they also may walk away from ‘no.’”
“Walk Away from No,” which is available in English and Spanish, is currently airing on more than 350 television stations across the U.S.
Watch Kessler Foundation’s top ranked PSA “Walk Away From No” by visiting: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oxWPheerC3E&feature=youtu.be.
About Robotics Research at Kessler Foundation
Robotics research is a collaborative effort of Human Performance & Engineering Research, Spinal Cord Injury Research, the Neuroimaging Center, and Stroke Rehabilitation Research. Collaborators include Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation, the James J. Peters VA Medical Center, NJIT and Children’s Specialized Hospital. Scientists study the application of exoskeletal devices (Ekso GT, Indego, ReWalk) and the Lokomat v6 robotic treadmill device in individuals with paralysis and weakness caused by spinal cord injury and stroke. Studies extend beyond measures of gait and walking ability to include the impact of exoskeletal-assisted standing and walking on secondary complications, such as chronic pain, impaired bowel and bladder function, cardiovascular risks, pressure ulcers, and muscle and bone loss. Funders include the Department of Defense, NJ Commission on SCI Research, NJ Commission on Brain Injury Research, Craig H. Neilsen Foundation, National Institute on Disability, Independent Living and Rehabilitation Research, Veterans Administration and Kessler Foundation. Foundation scientists have faculty appointments at Rutgers-New Jersey Medical School and in Biomedical Engineering at NJIT.
About Kessler Foundation
Kessler Foundation, a major nonprofit organization in the field of disability, is a global leader in rehabilitation research that seeks to improve cognition, mobility and long-term outcomes, including employment, for people with neurological disabilities caused by diseases and injuries of the brain and spinal cord. Kessler Foundation leads the nation in funding innovative programs that expand opportunities for employment for people with disabilities. Learn more by visiting http://www.KesslerFoundation.org.
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Contacts
Carolann Murphy, PA; 973-324-8382; [email protected]
Laura Viglione, MS; 973-323-3675; [email protected]
