After a spinal cord injury, government assistance programs can help cover healthcare, replace lost income, support employment, and meet basic living needs. But attaining that help is rarely simple.  Kessler Foundation researchers at the Northern New Jersey Spinal Cord Injury System (NNJSCIS) and seven additional collaborating spinal cord injury model systems centers across the United States conducted focus groups with people living with spinal cord injury to better understand their experiences. Participants described both the benefits of public assistance and the barriers they face, including complex rules, long waits, and limits on savings. The study also identified practical ways to improve access to support and help people maintain financial stability over time.

 

Production Notes 
This podcast was recorded, produced, and edited by Joan Banks-Smith, Sr. Creative Producer at Kessler Foundation (September 2026).

 

Accessibility 
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