Recognizing the vital role of spinal cord injury caregivers, Jeanne Zanca, PhD, MPT, developed training, peer support, and educational materials to empower families and professionals to deliver high-quality care and care for themselves.
Our SCI Navigator Program, led by Denise Fyffe, PhD, is a free, dedicated resource for individuals with spinal cord injury and their families. We offer care coordination, help adjusting to home life, and connections to community resources for those living with SCI and their loved ones.
Anthony Lequerica, PhD, led the creation of validated questionnaires to measure healthcare access barriers for individuals with traumatic brain injury. These tools are now being adapted for use with other groups, such as caregivers of individuals with dementia, to better understand systemic obstacles.
Lauren Strober, PhD, studies the effects of depression, anxiety, and social isolation on people with multiple sclerosis. She develops strategies to enhance resilience and emotional well-being. Her work includes designing interventions that strengthen social support networks.
Researchers led by Amanda Botticello, PhD, MPH, are uncovering barriers that limit community participation. Using surveys, GPS data, and mobile technology, we investigate how the environment shapes daily experiences to inform policies and programs that promote accessibility and inclusion.
Staying active in the community is all about being prepared for uneven sidewalks, busy crowds, and surprises along the way. Kiran Karunakaran, PhD, is exploring innovative technologies like virtual-reality treadmills and wireless brain monitoring to get a better understanding of how the brain controls movement. These advances aim to give people more confidence and independence as they go about their daily lives.
Our researchers are working to understand why some children with disabilities face obstacles to essential healthcare, school support, and community services. Factors such as race, language, income, and location can limit access and opportunities, especially for youth with special health care needs and those on the autism spectrum. By identifying these gaps, studies focus on improving school re-entry, social participation, and equitable access to care so every child can learn, grow, and thrive.
Our Scientists Studying Quality of Life and Community Engagement
Impact of Transportation Access on Life After Spinal Cord Injury
This fully remote study explores how access to public transportation impacts the lives of people with spinal cord injury. This information will be used to improve existing strategies to meet the needs of public transportation users living with disabilities.
Kessler Foundation SCI Navigators work one-on-one with people living with SCI and their families, helping at every stage in their recovery journey, from hospital to home. Navigators guide patients and families through the complex healthcare system so they feel empowered to focus on their care and rehabilitation goals.
Your Support Drives Change
When you give to Kessler Foundation, you provide people with disabilities and their caregivers the opportunity to live more independent, connected, and fulfilling lives—helping communities become more inclusive for everyone.
Bill Pastras, Why Research Matters to Me After My Stroke and TBI
In 2017, my life changed in an instant. While driving on the New Jersey Turnpike, I suddenly felt weak and lost control of my car...
Therese Bertrand, Finding My Way Forward With Multiple Sclerosis
A phone call changed Therese Bertrand's life. It brought a diagnosis she had never expected...
Pastora Goldner, A Mother’s Day Reflection
Over thirty years ago, Pastora was involved in a devastating car accident in the middle of the desert. She has lived with a spinal cord injury ever since.
Victor Pena Keeps Life Sporty After SCI
“I’m passionate about sports,” says Victor Pena, who lives with SCI. “Staying active improves my physical and mental health.”
Bianchino Family, Bridging Perspectives in Autism
Inspired by their daughter Kira and her journey on the autism spectrum, Melissa and Tony Bianchino are driving impactful change...
John McAleavey, Experience Guides the Way, SCI Quality of Life
John McAleavey has lived with a spinal cord injury for 32 years. Now he's guiding others...
Nadine and Nassan Change the Status Quo for Autism
Nadine Wright-Arbubakrr, whose son Nassan is on the autism spectrum, experienced first-hand the lack of accessible, affordable resources in her community.
Joe Monteforte's Remarkable Journey, SCI
In 2017, Joe Monteforte, a wheelchair user with spinal cord injury and debilitating shoulder pain, faced the prospect of shoulder surgery...
