multiple sclerosis (MS), and stroke, which also affirms the caliber of our work. With the renewal of the five-year federal grant for the Northern NJ TBI System, Kessler Foundation became one of only eight centers to have federally funded model systems in both spinal cord injury and traumatic brain injury. Our new director of Human Performance & Engineering Research increased our ability to explore new avenues of research. The addition of an assistant director of Stroke Rehabilitation Research is expanding Kessler Foundation’s translational research in improving mobility and spatial deficits in stroke survivors.

 

In 2012, more than $2.1 million in grants were awarded to initiatives that create or expand employment opportunities for people with disabilities. For the second consecutive year, Kessler Foundation’s Signature Employment Grants were awarded to disability employment programs across the nation. Since 2005, more than $27 million in grants were distributed to job training and employment initiatives, leading to more than 3,000 people with disabilities receiving job training and earning a paycheck.

 

Kessler Foundation also received the distinct honor of being named one of the 50 Best Places to Work in New Jersey by NJBIZ. This is a tribute to the hard work and dedication of our employees and Board of Trustees. We share a commitment to improve the lives of people with disabilities because we know the great contributions they can make to society when given the opportunity. Through research that improves function and the funding of disability employment initiatives, we are part of providing that opportunity. 

 

While 2012 was a time for accomplishments, it was also a time to help others. We at Kessler Foundation pledged our support to the recovery efforts for individuals with disabilities affected by the storm through our Hurricane Sandy Emergency Fund. Many lost wheelchairs, medical equipment, modified vehicles, and access to accessible housing. In essence, they lost their means of independence. With our grants, organizations that serve people with disabilities are resuming operations and helping as many individuals as possible.

 

Our upcoming plans include the opening of our state-of-the-art Neuroimaging Center solely dedicated to research. With neuroimaging, researchers can objectively assess changes to the brain and spinal cord after a tested treatment. The Center is expected to advance the pace of research discoveries and increase national and international collaborations in cognitive and mobility research.  Our research facilities are also under renovation to accommodate more innovative equipment. We also disability employment initiatives being rolled out at large national businesses.
 

Thank you for your support of Kessler Foundation. Together, we can be a change in the lives of people with disabilities. For more information on the research and employment programs supported by Kessler Foundation, visit us online at KesslerFoundation.org.

 

Sincerely,

 

Rodger DeRose

President and CEO