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].

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 transcript, https://kesslerfoundation.org/sites/default/files/2026-08/Unlock%20the%20Full%20Potential%20of%20Virtual%20Reality%20Use%20for%20Chronic%20Pain_Real-Life%20Science%20Transcript.pdf 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].