Get Involved

Support Fall Fest

One hundred percent of every dollar raised at Fall Fest makes a profound difference. Thanks to your support, people with paralysis take their first steps. Stroke survivors regain independence. Individuals with multiple sclerosis and traumatic brain injury improve thinking, learning, and memory. Young adults with autism build awareness of their strengths and gain confidence in self‑advocacy

Your generosity returns people with disabilities to their homes, their communities, and the workplace. Together, we maximize recovery, independence, and inclusion for people with disabilities.
 

Attend Fall Fest

Discover how disability and rehabilitation research is changing lives, explore community resources, and enjoy accessible, family-friendly activities designed for all ages and abilities. Fall Fest is a chance to learn, connect, and celebrate inclusion together.
 

Sponsor Fall Fest

Showcase your organization to a highly engaged, diverse audience while supporting research that creates real‑world impact. As a Fall Fest sponsor, your organization helps fuel groundbreaking rehabilitation research and inclusive employment initiatives that improve lives. Fall Fest sponsorship offers visibility, community engagement, and alignment with one of the nation’s leading rehabilitation research foundations.
 

Nonprofit Partners at Fall Fest

Share your nonprofit organization's resources, connect with attendees, and show your commitment to accessibility and inclusion.

Exhibitors play an important role in Fall Fest by sharing resources, engaging directly with attendees, and demonstrating a commitment to creating inclusive and accessible communities. Nonprofit organizations are invited to host an exhibitor table at a reduced rate to showcase their work, and support Kessler Foundation’s mission in a visible, meaningful way.
 

Become a Sponsor Today

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What to Expect

Fall Fest offers engaging, accessible activities for all ages and abilities, including interactive games, hands-on crafts, and opportunities to connect with Kessler Foundation researchers and staff. Families can explore adaptive recreation, enjoy seasonal favorites like the pumpkin patch, food trucks, and learn more about how research at Kessler Foundation is changing lives.

Throughout the event, attendees will have the chance to meet community partners and exhibitors who share our commitment to accessibility, disability inclusion, and innovation.

FAQs About Fall Fest

Kessler Foundation’s Fall Fest is a free, family-friendly celebration of accessibility and inclusion that brings together people with disabilities, caregivers, clinicians, researchers, and community members. The event raises vital funds to support disability and rehabilitation research and employment initiatives for people with disabilities. 

Fall Fest takes place on Sunday, October 4, 2026, from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM, on the Kessler Campus, located at 1199 Pleasant Valley Way, West Orange, NJ.

Fall Fest is open to individuals and families of all ages and abilities. More than 500 people attend each year, including people with disabilities, caregivers, clinicians, researchers, research participants, and community partners.

Yes. Fall Fest is free and open to the public. Guests are encouraged to make a voluntary gift to support Kessler Foundation’s research.

Attendees can enjoy accessible, family-friendly activities, hands-on experiences, and opportunities to:

  • Learn about disability and rehabilitation research
  • Explore community resources
  • Connect with researchers, clinicians, and advocates
  • Celebrate inclusion and community

Funds raised through Fall Fest directly support disability and rehabilitation research and employment initiatives at Kessler Foundation—helping advance innovative studies that improve independence, opportunity, and quality of life for people with disabilities.

You can support Fall Fest by:

  • Attending the event
  • Making a gift in support of disability and rehabilitation research
  • Becoming a sponsor or exhibitor

All contributions support Kessler Foundation’s 501(c)(3) charitable mission and are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. 

Exhibitors host a table during Fall Fest to share resources, engage with attendees, and support disability inclusion. Exhibit opportunities are available at various sponsorship levels and help fund critical research and programs.

Yes. Fall Fest offers multiple sponsorship opportunities that directly fund disability and rehabilitation research. Sponsors play a vital role in advancing Kessler Foundation’s mission and supporting research participants.

For questions about Fall Fest, sponsorship, or exhibitor opportunities, please contact:

Shelby Nielsen
Assistant Director, Individual Giving and Donor Engagement
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 973‑324‑8430