By Jacqueline Leddy, Research Recruitment Manager

Are you looking for a way to give back, explore new treatments, or help advance care for people with disabilities? By participating in a research study at Kessler Foundation, you can help scientists develop new ways to improve mobility, memory, fatigue, and overall quality of life after injury or illness.

Every year, thousands of volunteers—people with disabilities, caregivers, and even healthy individuals—partner with researchers to drive progress in rehabilitation science.

  • Over 10,000 people have joined studies with us, and more than 50 percent have participated in multiple studies
  • More than 7,000 research sessions have been completed since 2020, made possible by committed study participants
  • Participants in Kessler Foundation studies usually stay involved 

As a research volunteer, you’ll play a key role in moving discoveries forward while gaining insights that may benefit you or your loved ones.

Why Join a Study? 

1. Help Drive Discovery
    Your involvement can improve care by…
  • Helping to develop treatments and rehabilitation strategies for people with disabilities
  • Providing valuable data that improves care, quality of life, and independence
  • Testing new therapies and help scientists better understand medical conditions
     
2. Volunteering is Easy and Convenient
     We understand that flexibility matters.
  • In-person studies take place at Kessler Foundation’s research centers in East Hanover and West Orange, NJ
  • Join from home—no in-person visits needed for some studies
  • Time commitments vary from a single visit to several weeks or months
  • You’ll always know what is expected before enrolling, and we strive to make participation convenient 
3. Experience Hands-On Research. 
     Depending on the study, you may be asked to… 
  • Engage in exercise-based programs, or participate in imaging studies using MRI scans
  • Complete questionnaires or take memory tests that sometimes feel like games
  • Try innovative technologies such as robotic exoskeletons or virtual reality equipment 

Your safety is our top priority 

  • Each study is reviewed and approved by an independent Institutional Review Board
  • The IRB ensures your rights, privacy, and well-being are fully protected

Your involvement in a study leads to...

  • Important research published in scientific journals
  • New treatments and tools used in real life
  • Better care and support for people with disabilities
  • Stronger rehabilitation programs based on proven results
  • Lasting impact on how future care is delivered

You can learn about our research results, which may appear in:

  • Scientific journal articles
  • Clinicaltrials.gov
  • Consumer-friendly articles on our website, which share new treatments and tools used in real life

Many participants return for future studies because of our supportive atmosphere, flexible scheduling, and the satisfaction of knowing they are helping advance care for others. Volunteers typically receive compensation for their time, with the option to donate this compensation back to support future research. 

Learn more about participating—visit our FAQs about joining a research study.
Ready to participate? We invite you to explore our current study opportunities. 

Take the first step and get involved today!