The QuadCast Podcast shares inspiring stories and expert insights to support and uplift the spinal cord injury community. The QuadCast How To Fall Up… With My Friend, Hashim Garrett (orig title) On the latest episode of the QP, I am joined by Hashim Garrett. We met a few years ago at Kessler Institute For Rehabilitation, and I have always been impressed, not only by how approachable he is on a number of topics/issues, but also by how well dressed he is EVERY time I see him! He makes us all look ordinary, in fact. Today Hashim shares his journey from growing up in Brooklyn, to his life-changing spinal cord injury, the result of gun violence. We reflect on the influence of family and friends, the challenges of coping with his injury, and his founding of Wisdom and Understanding LLC. Hashim is a motivational speaker, an author, a member of the Kessler Foundation team, and an all-around great guy! His positive attitude, coupled with an emphasis on the power of forgiveness and resilience, is infectious as you will soon find out. Takeaways * Family and friends played a crucial role in Hashim’s recovery and adjustment to life after the injury. * Coping with the mental and emotional impact of the injury was a significant challenge for Hashim, leading to a journey of self-discovery and healing. * The founding of Wisdom and Understanding LLC was a result of Hashim’s work in preventing spinal cord injuries and addressing violence in inner-city communities. Forgiveness and resilience are powerful tools for healing and overcoming adversity. * Support and resources for individuals with spinal cord injuries are essential for navigating the challenges of daily life. The QuadCast Podcast hosted by John McAleavey is a weekly show featuring the spinal cord injury community and stories of personal resilience. This episode is part one of a two-part joint podcast and is used by permission. Chapters * 00:00 Growing Up in Brooklyn * 05:14 The Day That Changed Everything * 20:47 Recovery and Coping * 25:21 Founding Wisdom and Understanding LLC * 26:31 Journey to Motivational Speaking * 27:30 The Power of Forgiveness * 31:18 Authoring ‘How to Fall Up’ * 37:33 Role at Kessler Foundation * 45:20 Aspirations and Future Endeavors

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. LEAD INVESTIGATOR: Amanda Botticello, PhD, MPH, https://kesslerfoundation.org/about-us/foundation-staff/amanda-botticello-phd-mph LEARN about our Outcomes and Assessment research, https://kesslerfoundation.org/research/center-outcomes-and-assessment-research READ all our Real-Life Science summaries, https://kesslerfoundation.org/newsletter/real-life-science LISTEN to all our Real-Life Science summaries, soundcloud.com/kesslerfoundation/sets/real-life-science EXPLORE our spinal cord injury research, https://kesslerfoundation.org/research/spinal-cord-injury PARTICIPATE: Interested in participating in our research remotely or in-person? Go to https://kesslerfoundation.org/join-our-research-studies?field_research_categories_target_id[302]=302 Production Notes This podcast was recorded, produced, and edited by Joan Banks-Smith, Sr. Creative Producer at Kessler Foundation (September 2026). Accessibility Kessler Foundation uses AI voices and narrators to make our media more accessible. These tools help ensure people with visual or cognitive impairments can access our materials. Automated voices may not always capture intonation or pronunciation as clearly as the accompanying text. If you experience issues with our AI narrators, please contact us at [email protected].

The QuadCast Inner Strength, Featuring Angela Smith and Maryann Hobbie This episode of The QuadCast explores how people living with spinal cord injury and their loved ones find inner strength while navigating loss, change, and the emotional and social experiences that often accompany injury. The conversation shows how social connection, shared experience, personal reflection, and community can foster well-being, offering practical ideas and encouragement through honest dialogue and peer support. At the heart of the episode is Kessler Foundation’s Inner Strength program, a monthly virtual gathering for people living with spinal cord injury and their loved ones. Maryann Hobbie, a spinal cord injury survivor, chaplain, and author, facilitates the program with Angela Smith (https://kesslerfoundation.org/about-us/foundation-staff/angela-smith), the Foundation’s peer mentoring program coordinator and community engagement specialist. Drawing on lived experience, compassion, and connection, they guide thoughtful conversations that help participants reflect, connect with others, and find strength in community. The QuadCast Podcast (https://quadcast.org) hosted by John McAleavey is a weekly show featuring the spinal cord injury community and stories of personal resilience. This episode is part one of a two-part joint podcast and is used by permission. To learn more about upcoming gatherings or to register, visit the Foundation’s Events webpage (https://kesslerfoundation.org/about-usdriven-purpose-leading-impact/events). Chapters * 00:00 Introduction and Personal Stories * 02:59 Resilience in Caregiving * 06:58 Living with Spinal Cord Injury * 11:03 Inner Strength in Times of Loss * 23:14 Finding Inner Strength * 25:38 The Importance of Connection * 28:28 Adapting to Loss and Grief * 31:38 Finding Purpose * 35:22 Inner Strength Program

Many people with progressive multiple sclerosis experience slower thinking speed. This can make it harder to process information, stay focused, and keep up with everyday tasks. According to a secondary analysis of the international CogEx trial, tailoring cognitive rehabilitation to each person’s needs may help improve thinking speed in people with progressive multiple sclerosis. Kessler Foundation researchers and collaborators from 10 additional research centers explored which attention-based exercises were most closely linked to these gains. Using a computerized cognitive rehabilitation program called RehaCom, they identified the strongest gains and key factors that contributed to cognitive improvement. Read the transcript, https://kesslerfoundation.org/sites/default/files/2026-09/Tailored%20Rehabilitation%20Could%20Improve%20Thinking%20Speed%20in%20People%20with%20Progressive%20MS%20_Real-Life%20Science-TRANSCIPT.pdf Kessler Foundation Collaborators: Silvana Costa, PhD, https://kesslerfoundation.org/about-us/foundation-staff/silvana-lopes-costa-phd Nancy Chiaravalloti, PhD, https://kesslerfoundation.org/about-us/foundation-staff/nancy-chiaravalloti-phd John DeLuca, PhD, https://kesslerfoundation.org/about-us/foundation-staff/john-deluca-phd Brian M. Sandroff, PhD, https://kesslerfoundation.org/about-us/foundation-staff/brian-m-sandroff-phd LEARN about our Center for Neuropsychology and Neuroscience Research, https://kesslerfoundation.org/research/center-neuropsychology-and-neuroscience-research READ all our Real-Life Science summaries, https://kesslerfoundation.org/newsletter/real-life-science LISTEN to all our Real-Life Science summaries, soundcloud.com/kesslerfoundation/sets/real-life-science EXPLORE our multiple sclerosis research, https://kesslerfoundation.org/research/multiple-sclerosis PARTICIPATE: https://kesslerfoundation.org/join-our-research-studies?field_research_categories_target_id%5B290%5D=290&field_location_value=All&field_mri_study_value=All&field_inpatient_study_value=All&field_lead_investigator_target_id_verf=All Production Notes This podcast was recorded, produced, and edited by Joan Banks-Smith, Sr. Creative Producer at Kessler Foundation (September 2026). Accessibility Kessler Foundation uses AI voices and narrators to make our media more accessible. These tools help ensure people with visual or cognitive impairments can access our materials. Automated voices may not always capture intonation or pronunciation as clearly as the accompanying text. If you experience issues with our AI narrators, please contact us at [email protected].

The Summer 2026 Brainstorm webinar features Thomas Dixon, the author of I'm Sorry... That's Awesome!: Inventing a Solution for Memory Loss. He is also the creator of ME.mory, a digital memory app. After surviving a severe traumatic brain injury caused by a car accident, he experienced significant memory loss and developed ME.mory to help manage daily life. He is a speaker and advocate who shares his experiences and promotes the use of technology to support memory and independence after brain injury. View the webinar slides, https://kesslerfoundation.org/sites/default/files/2026-08/Regain%20Control%20of%20Your%20Life%20After%20TBI%20-%20Brainstorm%20-%207-29-26%20-%20Slides.pdf Webinar links: Message Thomas at [email protected] “The Observed Life” clip, https://youtu.be/DvDl4FrOHDw?si=8A5Alvd80U717xra Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/thomasanthonydixonjr My Digital Memory, https://www.us.mensa.org/read/bulletin/features/my-digital-memory Are you ready to be part of something bigger? Join a research study TODAY and help transform lives. Go to https://kesslerfoundation.org/join SAVE THE DATE! Friday, September 18  •  8:30 am - 3:30 pm Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation 1199 Pleasant Valley Way, West Orange, NJ Stronger Together: Empowering Brain Injury Survivors and Their Loved Ones Join us for a day of support and inspiration to help brain injury survivors and their loved ones thrive together. Register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/stronger-together-empowering-brain-injury-survivors-their-loved-ones-tickets-1986077628651 Join us in person for an inspiring event where survivors and their loved ones come together to share stories, gain support, and learn empowering tools. It’s a welcoming space to connect, grow, and celebrate strength! * This is a free event sponsored by the Northern NJ Traumatic Brain Injury System, Kessler Foundation, and Kessler Institute of Rehabilitation * The event will be held in person. There will not be a virtual option for attending * Breakfast and lunch will be provided

The audio version of the Summer 2026 issue of Facets, Kessler Foundation’s autism newsletter, explores the vital role parents play in creating businesses that support successful transitions to adulthood for neurodivergent youth. Stories include community-driven efforts in job training, life skills, and supportive employment and the importance of the Center for Autism Research in advancing understanding and meaningful progress. Learn how these strength-based, evidence-backed initiatives are shaping a positive future for neurodivergent children, adolescents, and adults.     Read the issue, https://kesslerfoundation.org/newsletter/autism-community-parents-create-employment-solutions-their-children-2026-summer-facets    Read the transcript, https://kesslerfoundation.org/sites/default/files/2026-07/Facets-Newsletter_Summer-2026_Transcript-v2.pdf      Articles timestamp  00:00 - Welcome Message  01:08- A parent’s hope, a community’s future  03:55 - 4 keys to success  04:42 - Small businesses. Big opportunities.  06:53 - Spread the word!  07:55 - Listen up    08:49 - Working partnership  10:10 - Episode Wrap-Up      Newsletter links:  Carson’s Cookie Dough: https://carsonscookiedough.com  The Ethan Foundation: https://ethanfoundationnj.com  Invictus Bakery: https://invictusbakery.org  Popcorn for the People: https://popcornforthepeople.com  Sorriso Kitchen: https://sorrisokitchen.com  Spectrum Independence Living: https://spindlrivervalley.org  WorkAble NJ: https://workablenj.com  Webinar ("Focused on Strengths"): bit.ly/4ecq33x      Our research develops interventions focusing on the critical adolescence-to-adult transition, https://kesslerfoundation.org/research/center-for-autism-research  Have a question? Contact the Center for Autism Research, AutismResearch@ KesslerFoundation.org To learn more and enroll in our studies, https://kesslerfoundation.org/join-our-research-studies?field_research_categories_target_id%5B279%5D=279     Kessler Foundation uses AI voices and narrators to make our media as accessible as possible. These tools help us ensure that individuals with visual or cognitive impairments are not prevented from accessing the materials that Kessler Foundation uses to change the lives of people with disabilities.  
  
These automated voices may not correctly capture intonation or pronunciation that may be clearer in the accompanying text. If you encounter any issues related to Kessler Foundation's use of AI narrators in our multimedia content, please reach out to us at [email protected]   Tuned in to our podcast series lately? Join our listeners in 90 countries who enjoy learning about the work of Kessler Foundation. Be sure and subscribe to our SoundCloud channel “KesslerFoundation” for more research updates.    Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Listen to us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, SoundCloud, or wherever you get your podcasts.    This podcast was recorded in July 2026 and was edited and produced by Joan Banks-Smith, Creative Producer for Kessler Foundation.

Read the transcript - https://kesslerfoundation.org/sites/default/files/2026-07/Milestones-Newsletter_Spring-2026_Transcript.pdf In this episode of MileStones, Kessler Foundation’s multiple sclerosis research newsletter, John DeLuca, PhD, shares key insights on cognitive impairment in MS. He discusses advances in assessment guidelines, effective cognitive rehabilitation, and lifestyle changes that promote brain health. Learn about important research studies you can join and practical tips for protecting your cognition with MS. For more information or to enroll in studies, visit the links provided. KEY TAKEAWAYS: Evolution or revolution? Nearly half of people with MS experience cognitive impairment, now recognized as a major factor in quality of life. Cognitive screening guidelines. Annual cognitive screening is recommended for everyone with MS, starting at age eight, to catch changes early. For the complete guidelines, visit bit.ly/4tombks Putting mind over matter. Cognitive rehabilitation and active lifestyles, like socializing, exercising, and learning, help preserve brain health in MS. PODCAST WEB LINKS: Meet the Researcher John DeLuca, PhD, is a leading MS neuropsychologist with over $65 million in research grants, 425+ publications, and seven edited books. He is a professor at Rutgers and co-chief editor of the Encyclopedia of Clinical Neuropsychology. Read more at https://kesslerfoundation.org/about-us/foundation-staff/john-deluca-phd Advance the science. Join a study! Research is ongoing on exercise, cognitive rehab, and new ways to measure and treat cognitive issues in MS. For more information or to see if you qualify, email Nancy Moore at [email protected] or go to bit.ly/43bXR9B 6 Ways to be smart about brain health. Healthy habits, including good diet, exercise, sleep, mental stimulation, stress reduction, and social connection, support brain health in MS. To learn more, visit bit.ly/47AIZ8q ARTICLE TIMESTAMPS: Welcome and Introduction - 0:00 - 0:56 Evolution or revolution? - 0:58 - 3:49 Cognitive screening guidelines - 3:54 - 4:53 Putting mind over matter - 5:02 - 7:28 Meet the researcher - 7:33 - 8:10 Advance the science. Join a study! - 8:16 - 9:36, 6 Ways to be smart about brain health - 9:44 - 10:44 Wrap up - 10:46- 11:16 READ this newsletter at https://kesslerfoundation.org/newsletter/cognitive-frontiers-ms-milestones-spring-2026-newsletter MISSED a newsletter, check out our MileStones archives, https://kesslerfoundation.org/media-center?search=&type%5B3%5D=3&field_research_categories%5B290%5D=290 INTERESTED in participating in our research remotely or in-person? Visit https://kesslerfoundation.org/join Kessler Foundation uses AI voices and narrators to make our media as accessible as possible. These tools help us ensure that individuals with visual or cognitive impairments are not prevented from accessing the materials that Kessler Foundation uses to change the lives of people with disabilities.    These automated voices may not correctly capture intonation or pronunciation that may be clearer in the accompanying text. If you encounter any issues related to Kessler Foundation's use of AI narrators in our multimedia content, please reach out to [email protected] This podcast was recorded in July 2026 and was edited and produced by Joan Banks-Smith, Creative Producer for Kessler Foundation.

This one-hour session is designed to provide clear, practical guidance for people with disabilities and their families. In this session, you can: - Get clear, straightforward answers to your questions about SSI and SSDI - Learn how to avoid common challenges in the application and appeals process - Understand how to protect benefits eligibility over time - Gain practical insights you can use right away Our experts: Jonathan Gudema, Esq. [email protected] Legacy Giving Advisor, Kessler Foundation With more than 30 years of experience in estate and elder planning, Jonathan helps guide people and families through complex decisions with clarity and compassion. Gabriel J. Hermann, Esq. [email protected] Founding Partner, Hermann Law Group, PLLC Gabe has represented thousands of people navigating Social Security Disability benefits (SSI and SSDI), bringing decades of practical experience to this conversation. Read the transcript, https://kesslerfoundation.org/sites/default/files/2026-06/Disability%20Q%20%26%20A%20Webinar%20-%20TRANSCRIPT%20-%20%20June%2015%2C%202026.pdf

In this episode of Real-Life Science, we explore how mental fatigue may relate to your brain age rather than chronological age. Discover how brain scans reveal differences in fatigue development, what this means for aging, and practical steps you can take to manage cognitive tiredness in daily life. Join us for insights that connect scientific research with real-life decisions about your brain health. READ the full study, “The differential effect of chronological age and brain age on cognitive fatigue: new metrics, new insights,” in the Journal of Neurology (2026), doi.org/10.1007/s00415-025-13584-1 LEAD INVESTIGATOR: Glenn R. Wylie, DPhil, https://kesslerfoundation.org/about-us/foundation-staff/glenn-wylie-dphil LEARN about our Rocco Ortenzio Neuroimaging Center, https://kesslerfoundation.org/research/rocco-ortenzio-neuroimaging-center READ all our Real-Life Science summaries, https://kesslerfoundation.org/newsletter/real-life-science LISTEN to all our Real-Life Science summaries, soundcloud.com/kesslerfoundation/sets/real-life-science PARTICIPATE: Interested in participating in our research remotely or in-person? Go to https://kesslerfoundation.org/join-our-research-studies Production Notes This podcast was recorded, produced, and edited by Joan Banks-Smith, Sr. Creative Producer at Kessler Foundation (May 2026). Accessibility Kessler Foundation uses AI voices and narrators to make our media more accessible. These tools help ensure people with visual or cognitive impairments can access our materials. Automated voices may not always capture intonation or pronunciation as clearly as the accompanying text. If you experience issues with our AI narrators, please contact us at [email protected].

This episode of Real-Life Science summarizes research on a one-on-one travel training program in New Jersey designed for people with disabilities to help them use public transportation more confidently and independently. We discuss how personalized lessons improved travel skills, findings on lasting transit use, and why access to transportation matters for health and social life. Tips and resources for getting started with travel training are also included. This Kessler Foundation research was presented at the 2026 National Academies Transportation Research Board Annual Meeting. LEAD INVESTIGATOR: Lauren F. Murphy, PhD, https://kesslerfoundation.org/about-us/foundation-staff/lauren-murphy-phd LEARN about our Outcomes and Assessment research, https://kesslerfoundation.org/research/center-outcomes-and-assessment-research READ all our Real-Life Science summaries, https://kesslerfoundation.org/newsletter/real-life-science LISTEN to all our Real-Life Science summaries, soundcloud.com/kesslerfoundation/sets/real-life-science EXPLORE our spinal cord injury research, https://kesslerfoundation.org/research/spinal-cord-injury PARTICIPATE: Interested in participating in our research remotely or in-person? Go to https://kesslerfoundation.org//join-our-research-studies?field_research_categories_target_id[302]=302 Production Notes This podcast was recorded, produced, and edited by Joan Banks-Smith, Sr. Creative Producer at Kessler Foundation (May 2026). Accessibility Kessler Foundation uses AI voices and narrators to make our media more accessible. These tools help ensure people with visual or cognitive impairments can access our materials. Automated voices may not always capture intonation or pronunciation as clearly as the accompanying text. If you experience issues with our AI narrators, please contact us at [email protected].