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].

This episode of Real-Life Science from Kessler Foundation highlights research on virtual reality’s role in treating chronic pain. VR is well-known for easing short-term pain during medical procedures, but experts say more work is needed to make it effective for long-term pain conditions. Lead investigator Carly L.A. Wender, PhD, outlines a roadmap for progress that focuses on multiple causes of pain, combined treatment approaches, and open sharing of research. For the full study, visit the link provided below. READ the full study, Virtual reality in chronic pain management: how do we galvanize a stagnant field was published in Pain Management (2025), 10.1080/17581869.2025.2554561 LEAD INVESTIGATOR: Carly L.A. Wender, PhD,  https://kesslerfoundation.org/about-us/foundation-staff/carly-wender-phd LEARN about our 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 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 (April 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].

In this recorded webinar, Helen Genova, PhD, associate director of Kessler Foundation’s Center for Autism Research, explores a strength‑based, evidence‑driven approach to autism research grounded in positive psychology. The session highlights research focused on expanding employment opportunities, participation, and quality of life for autistic and neurodiverse individuals. The webinar also features KF‑STRIDE®️, a research‑backed program that helps autistic and neurodiverse young adults identify their strengths and communicate them effectively to achieve their personal and professional goals. The recording concludes with a panel discussion featuring Michelle and Gabe Schaerf, a mother and son participating in Kessler Foundation research, and Michael Dacanay, senior research assistant and program facilitator, sharing real‑world perspectives on how strength‑focused research and programs are applied in daily life. Key Takeaways: * Strengths-based approaches dramatically outperform deficit-focused methods — KF-STRIDE's 54% employment rate, compared with 12% in the control group, demonstrates that framing autism as a set of unique abilities rather than limitations is far more effective. * Interview preparation is a critical, often-overlooked barrier — Many autistic individuals struggle not with job capability but with communicating their strengths in interviews, making targeted interview support a high-impact intervention. * Positive psychology tools work better than traditional job training — Using animated videos and personalized coaching to build confidence and self-awareness produces superior outcomes compared to conventional employment support programs.   In this webinar: 00:00 – Welcome, Shelby Nielsen 01:07 – Autism research at Kessler Foundation, Helen Genova, PhD Panel Discussion: 22:34 – Michelle Schaerf 25:17 – Gabriel Schaerf 29:30 – Michael Dacanay 33:11 - Helen Genova, PhD 38:07 – Gabriel Schaerf 39:30 – Wrap-up LEARN more about Kessler Foundation’s autism research at: https://kesslerfoundation.org/research/autism To Join a Study or Learn More Ways to Get Involved visit: https://kesslerfoundation.org/ways-get-involved READ the transcript, https://kesslerfoundation.org/sites/default/files/2026-05/Real-Life-Science-Autism-Event%20Transcript-07MAY26.pdf

In this episode, we look at innovative research on shockwave therapy for reducing muscle spasticity after spinal cord injury. We hear from study participant Scott Texidor about his experience with this new treatment. Then, we discuss a study on how outdoor spaces can be made more accessible for people who use wheelchairs. These research efforts aim to improve quality of life and promote inclusion through science and community design. Article Timestamps 
00:00 - Welcome 00:41 - A new wave of discovery for life 03:55 - Taking a chance 05:00 -Sometimes I just wanna be outside! 06:49 - Episode Wrap-Up Kessler Foundation Investigators: Nathan Hogaboom, PhD, https://kesslerfoundation.org/about-us/foundation-staff/nathan-hogaboom-phd Lauren Murphy, PhD, https://kesslerfoundation.org/about-us/foundation-staff/lauren-murphy-phd
 Amanda Botticello, PhD, MPH, https://kesslerfoundation.org/about-us/foundation-staff/amanda-botticello-phd-mph READ our Spring 2026 Your Impact Newsletter:
https://kesslerfoundation.org/newsletter/your-impact-newsletter-spring-2026 LISTEN to all our 2025 Your Impact Report stories:
soundcloud.com/kesslerfoundation/sets/your-impact-audio-newsletter EXPLORE our research: Derfner-Lieberman Laboratory for Regenerative Rehabilitation Research, https://kesslerfoundation.org/lab/derfner-lieberman-laboratory-regenerative-rehabilitation-research Center for Outcomes and Assessment Research, https://kesslerfoundation.org/research/center-outcomes-and-assessment-research PARTICIPATE:
Interested in participating in our research remotely or in-person? Go to kesslerfoundation.org/join

Brainwaves TBI newsletter explores recovery journeys for traumatic brain injury survivors. In this podcast of a recent article, we hear Darcy’s remarkable story of overcoming TBI after a devastating car accident. Despite sustaining a brain bleed, collapsed lung, and memory loss, Darcy shifted her mindset from focusing on limitations to possibilities. Darcy shares a five-step method to rebuild life, including the importance of surrender, perseverance, and specifically asking for help. The podcast also discusses practical tools like using timers, calendars, and working during peak alertness. There is also an introduction to the Rutgers Synapse program, which supports survivors and caregivers through peer connections. Articles 00:00 - Welcome and Introduction 00:41 - Taking ‘STEPS’ to Overcome Adversity 03:35 - Five “STEPS” to help overcome adversity after traumatic brain injury 04:31 - There’s No Place Like Home 07:15 - "A Smart Start to Life at Home" 08:00 - RU Ready for a New Brain Injury Resource? 09:50 - Episode wrap-up For more information: READ this TBI Brainwaves newsletter, https://kesslerfoundation.org/newsletter/brainwaves-fall-2025-taking-steps-overcome-adversity LISTEN to past Brainwaves audio newsletters, https://soundcloud.com/kesslerfoundation/sets/brainwaves-audio-newsletter LEARN MORE—TBI Facts Sheets from the Model Systems Knowledge Translation Center, https://msktc.org/tbi/factsheets 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 , Creative Producer at Kessler Foundation (March 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].

Mandy Dickey, a nurse practitioner with over 20 years of experience, shares her profound journey through traumatic brain injury and recovery. Her story reveals how standard tests missed visual issues that caused headaches and how unconventional treatments like photobiomodulation and neurofeedback helped improve brain function. Supported by leading organizations, this episode provides hope and guidance for anyone facing brain injury challenges. Learn more about Mandi Dickey, https://biausa.org/brain-injury/community/speakers-bureau/mandi-dickey Learn more about Kessler Foundation’s TBI research, https://kesslerfoundation.org/research/center-traumatic-brain-injury-research View the slides: https://kesslerfoundation.org/sites/default/files/2026-04/Spring%202026%20TBI%20Brainstorm%20-Dickey.pdf Are you ready to be part of something bigger? Join a research study TODAY and help transform lives. Go to https://kesslerfoundation.org/join

In this episode, scientists at Kessler Foundation share how promising research is opening new pathways for individuals living with spinal cord injury and changing the landscape of recovery. This podcast is from the second event in our three-part Spinal Cord Injury Community Event Series, held on November 14, 2025. Kessler Foundation’s SCI research addresses mobility, pain and spasticity management, prevention of secondary complications, and addresses systemic challenges such as employment barriers and caregiver well-being. Recovery is about more than movement—it’s about reclaiming independence, managing health challenges, and improving quality of life for individuals and their caregivers. In this podcast, Drs. Steven Kirshblum, Ghaith Androwis, Gail Forrest, Einat Engel-Haber, and Trevor Dyson-Hudson, share their expertise on exciting advancements in spinal cord injury research. ===================================================================================== Kessler Foundation Investigator: Jeanne Zanca, PhD, MPT, https://kesslerfoundation.org/aboutus/Jeanne-Zanca Steven Kirshblum, MD, https://kesslerfoundation.org/about-us/foundation-staff/steven-kirshblum-md Ghaith J. Androwis, PhD, https://kesslerfoundation.org/aboutus/Ghaith%20Androwis Gail Forrest, PhD, https://kesslerfoundation.org/aboutus/Gail%20Forrest Einat Engel-Haber, MD, https://kesslerfoundation.org/about-us/foundation-staff/einat-engel-haber-md Trevor Dyson-Hudson, MD, https://kesslerfoundation.org/aboutus/Trevor%20Dyson-Hudson ===================================================================================== EXPLORE our spinal cord injury research:
Center for Spinal Cord Injury Research, https://kesslerfoundation.org/research/center-spinal-cord-injury-research Tim and Caroline Reynolds Center for Spinal Stimulation, https://kesslerfoundation.org/research/tim-and-caroline-reynolds-center-spinal-stimulation PARTICIPATE:
Interested in participating in our research remotely or in-person? Go to kesslerfoundation.org/join LISTEN to all the series podcasts:
https://soundcloud.com/kesslerfoundation/sets/spinal-cord-injury-research RESOURCE links: https://kesslerfoundation.org/join scitrialsfinder.net ===================================================================================== LOOKING FOR MORE PODCASTS? 

Join our listeners in 90 countries who enjoy learning about the work of Kessler Foundation. Subscribe to our SoundCloud channel, “KesslerFoundation,” for more research updates. This podcast was recorded, produced, and edited by Joan Banks-Smith, Creative Producer at Kessler Foundation in November 2025. ===================================================================================== 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].

In honor of Brain Injury Awareness Month, this recorded webinar highlights how Kessler Foundation advances traumatic brain injury research through collaboration across disciplines. Led by Nancy Chiaravalloti, PhD, Director of the Centers for Traumatic Brain Injury and Neuroscience and Neuropsychology Research, the discussion features insights from Brian M. Sandroff, PhD and Silvana Lopes Costa, PhD. Together, they explore how cross‑functional collaboration—spanning research, neuroscience, neuropsychology, and beyond—drives innovation and accelerates progress in TBI research. Viewers gain a behind‑the‑scenes look at how ideas move from investigation to real‑world impact at Kessler Foundation, and how collaborative science helps improve outcomes for individuals affected by brain injury. Whether you are a researcher, clinician, student, advocate, or community member, this timely conversation offers valuable perspective on the future of TBI research and the power of working together to advance discovery. In this webinar: 00:00 - Welcome - Shelby Neilsen 01:49 - Nancy Chiaravalloti, PhD 22:29 - Brian M. Sandroff, PhD 36:34 - Silvana Lopes Costa, PhD 45:00 - Q&A 53:00 - Wrap-up Learn more about Kessler Foundation’s TBI research at: https://kesslerfoundation.org/research/traumatic-brain-injury To Join a Study or Learn More Ways to Get Involved visit: https://kesslerfoundation.org/ways-get-involved Read the transcript: https://kesslerfoundation.org/sites/default/files/2026-03/RLS%20-%20What%E2%80%99s%20next%20in%20TBI%20Research-Transcript.pdf View the slides: https://kesslerfoundation.org/sites/default/files/2026-03/RLS%20-%20What%E2%80%99s%20next%20in%20TBI%20Research%20Webinar-Slides.pdf