Demanding Equal Care for Muslim Patients

January 8, 2020

By Nicky Miller and N. Erkut Kucukboyaci 

By combining clinical observations with findings from extant literature on health disparities, Kessler Foundation researchers turned the spotlight on below average health outcomes of Muslim Americans in the healthcare system.

“This is an underrepresented group that finds it difficult to negotiate the complex healthcare system and it is important to give them a voice,” says N. Erkut Kucukboyaci, PhD, an associate research scientist in the Center for Traumatic Brain Injury Research at Kessler Foundation.

“Muslim Americans:

Reducing Diagnostic Uncertainty What the Evidence-Based Researcher Can Do for Clinical Practitioners

January 7, 2020

In this episode of Kessler Foundation’s podcast, Gordon Chelune, PhD, presents “Reducing Diagnostic Uncertainty What the Evidence-Based Researcher Can Do for Clinical Practitioners.” Dr. Chelune presented this topic at last year’s 2019 Kessler Foundation Baird Visiting Educational Professional Lecture.

Listen to the podcast, view the transcript and download this episode and others for free on Apple Podcasts, SoundCloud, 

Financial Tool to Enhance Quality of Life After SCI

January 7, 2020

In this episode of Kessler Foundation’s podcast, Henry Stifel, Ethan Ordog and Nancy Guerin presents, “Financial Tool to Enhance Quality of Life After SCI.”

Listen to the podcast, view the transcript and download this episode and others for free on Apple

Sleep Apnea and Stroke

January 3, 2020

In this episode of Kessler Foundation’s podcast, Brian Benoff, MD, FCCP, FAASM, of Holy Name Medical Center, presents “Sleep Apnea and Stroke.”

 

This is part eight, and the final podcast from the series.

Listen to the podcast, view the transcript and download this episode and others for free on 

Impact of Spatial Neglect

December 19, 2019

In this episode of Kessler Foundation’s podcast, Peii Chen, PhD, senior research scientist at the Center for Stroke Rehabilitation Research at Kessler Foundation, presents “Impact of Spatial Neglect.”

This is part seven of an eight part series. Listen to the series as it's posted. 

Listen to the podcast, 

Happy New Year!

December 19, 2019

Happy New Year and thank you for changing lives with your generosity. 

Your generosity gives the gift of first steps, improved memory, and independence for people with disabilities.

Learn more about your impact.

On behalf of all of us at Kessler Foundation, best wishes for a happy and healthy new year filled with all things good.

 

4 Things to Do Now to Give Less to the IRS on April 15

December 18, 2019

April 15—the dreaded tax day—may seem like a long way off, but you can take action now, before December 31, to give less to the IRS and more to change the lives of people with disabilities.

Even better: when your charitable giving is part of your overall financial plan, you can give more and have a greater impact, without actually giving more.

Even better than that: give by December 31 and your gift will be matched dollar for dollar!

So what are the four things to do now to give less to the IRS on April 15?

1. Donate highly appreciated, publicly traded assets, such as stock, bonds, or real estate that you have held

One Tough Cookie—and Generous Donor, Too

December 18, 2019

In October 2013, as 5th grader Isabella Sementilli went to sit down, a classmate pulled out the chair from under her. In that moment, her life was changed forever. Isabella sustained a brain injury, a fractured tailbone, and back and neck injuries. She lives with the effects of her brain injury to this day.

Isabella can longer do the things she once loved, like tap dance or play tennis. But in overcoming her obstacles, Isabella has found new passions—baking and fighting for anti-bullying and brain injury awareness. The cookies she bakes, which she has named Iznettes, are sold at her dad’s restaurant, and she donates the proceeds to support causes she cares about, including Kessler Foundation. Isabella also wrote, illustrated, and self-published a picture book

Caregiver Guide to Bowel and Bladder Function after Stroke

December 16, 2019

In this episode of Kessler Foundation’s podcast, Lizette Hocbo-Balin, BSN, CRRN, of Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation presents “Caregiver Guide to Bowel and Bladder Function after Stroke.”  

 

 

This is part six of an eight part series. Listen to the series as it's posted. 

Listen to the podcast, view the transcript and download this episode and others for free on Apple Podcasts, 

Impact of Communications and Hearing Impairment

December 12, 2019

In this episode of Kessler Foundation’s podcast, Pamela Tamulevicius, MSR, CCC-SLP, of Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation presents “Disability Disparities: The Impact of Communication and Hearing Impairments.”

 

This is part five of an eight part series. Listen to the series as it's posted. 

Listen to the podcast, view the transcript and download this episode and others for free on Apple Podcasts, 

Questions about Disability and Loneliness

December 11, 2019

The holiday season can take a toll on your mind and body. There can be an extra level of difficulty, if you are living with an acquired disability.

We asked Helen M. Genova, PhD, assistant director of the Kessler Foundation's Center for Neuropsychology and Neuroscience Research and director of the Social Cognition and Neuroscience Laboratory to share her thoughts on how dealing with an acquired disability can effect someone mentally and physically.

What are the emotional effects an acquired disability can have on an individual?

People who have an acquired disability may have a number of emotional issues

Working Smart to Achieve Functional Outcomes

December 9, 2019

In this episode of Kessler Foundation's podcast, Gretchen March, OTR, Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation, presents “Working Smart to Achieve Functional Outcomes Using ICF Framework for Goal-Writing and Treatment Planning.”

 

 

This is part four of an eight part series. Listen to the series as it's posted. 

Listen to the podcast, view the transcript and download this episode and others for free on Apple Podcasts

Cardiovascular Fitness and Health Behavior Change for Individuals Post-Stroke

December 5, 2019

In this episode of Kessler Foundation's podcast, Arielle Resnick, PT, DPT, NCS, of Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation presents, “The Heart of the Matter: Cardiovascular Fitness and Health Behavior Change for Individuals Post-Stroke.”

 

 

This is part three of an eight part series. Listen to the series as it's posted. 

Listen to the podcast, view the transcript and download this episode and others for free on 

Caregiver Corner

November 26, 2019

By Nicky Miller 

Caregivers spend time and energy supporting parents, spouses and loved ones with disabilities. Some caregivers juggle work and home life, while caring for a friend or family member. Their responsibilities are often overlooked. At times they forget to care for themselves, neglecting their health and wellness or simply not meeting their own needs.

According to a 2015 study by AARP and the National Alliance for Caregiving, more than a third of caregivers were ages 50 to 64, about a quarter were 35 to 49, and another quarter were 18- to 34-year-olds.

As November is National Family Caregivers Month,

Kessler Researchers Impact ACRM Conference

November 25, 2019

By Nicky Miller 

The American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine conference was held on December 5-8, in Chicago, IL. Over 14 of Kessler Foundation researchers attended, presenting posters, winning awards, and giving talks in various topics on rehabilitation research.

Awards

Taking home this year’s ACRM Fellowship award was Jeanne Zanca, PhD, senior research scientist, at the Centers for Spinal Cord Injury and Outcomes and Assessment Research at Kessler Foundation.

Fellows of ACRM are recognized for their outstanding service to the organization and have made a significance in the