Spinal Cord Injury Research

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Spinal Cord Injury Research

Spinal Cord Injury Research is a product of the Northern New Jersey Spinal Cord Injury System and Ke

Spinal Cord Injury Research is maintained by The Northern New Jersey Spinal Cord Injury System (NNJSCIS), which is a collaboration of Kessler Foundation and Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation. The NNJSCIS is dedicated to providing high-quality clinical care for people with SCI, conducting innovative research to advance the field of SCI rehabilitation, and providing education and training that he

lps people with SCI and their loved ones live, satisfying, healthy, and productive lives in the community. NNJSCIS is supported by a grant from the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR grant number 90SI5011-01-00). NIDILRR is a Center within the Administration for Community Living (ACL), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The contents of this page do not necessarily represent the policy of NIDILRR, ACL, HHS, and you should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government.

08/31/2026

As one of three U.S. research sites participating in an FDA trial, Kessler Foundation helped evaluate the safety and everyday use of Eve, the first self-balancing personal exoskeleton cleared by the FDA for eligible wheelchair users with spinal cord injury.

The device is designed to help users stand, walk, and complete certain daily activities without using their hands for balance.

Learn more about Kessler Foundation’s role in this advancement: https://kesslerfoundation.org/In-The-News/fda-clears-first-self-balancing-personal-exoskeleton-people-spinal-cord-injury

08/23/2026

What role does the spinal cord play in movement, recovery, and the body’s ability to adapt after injury?

In a new episode of the Blink of an Eye podcast, Susan Harkema, PhD, director of consortium growth for spinal stimulation at Kessler Foundation, discusses how advances in spinal stimulation are changing what researchers understand about the spinal cord and expanding possibilities for people living with spinal cord injury.

Listen to “The Hidden Intelligence of the Human Spine”: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6raE9SyHeIILVyhzGPaWlb

07/13/2026

How can electrical stimulation help restore function after spinal cord injury?

At Kessler Foundation's Tim and Caroline Reynolds Center for Spinal Stimulation, researchers are advancing recovery through neuromodulation, an approach that combines precise electrical stimulation of the spinal cord with task-specific rehabilitation.

Research participants have experienced improvements in functions including standing, walking, arm control, blood pressure regulation, breathing, sensation, and bladder function, even years after their injury.

Watch the video to learn how Kessler Foundation researchers are helping redefine what's possible after spinal cord injury: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7xm_cRz1yDQ

07/10/2026

Community, connection, and inclusion are at the heart of everything we do.

This weekend, Kessler Foundation is proud to attend Disability Unite Festival 2026, celebrating disability pride and bringing people together through art, entertainment, advocacy, and culture. We're excited to connect with the disability community and share how our research is helping maximize recovery, promote independence, and expand opportunities for people with disabilities.

Stop by and say hello!
📅 Sunday, July 12 | 11 am – 6 pm
📍 Naumburg Bandshell, Central Park

[Video Description: Collage of photo and video of Kessler Foundation's booth at Disability Unite's Festival in Central Park, NYC. Booth features sign up forms, study flyers, and free giveaways.]

07/08/2026

Living with a spinal cord injury can come with unique challenges, but no one has to navigate them alone.

This monthly gathering is designed for people living with spinal cord injury and their loved ones to come together, share experiences, and find strength in community.

🗓 Second Wednesday of each month
⏰ 7–8 PM ET
📅 Next Meeting, TODAY, July 8
📍 Via Zoom

Each session is guided by:
✨ Maryann Hobbie — SCI survivor, chaplain, and author
✨ Angela Smith — Coordinator, Kessler Foundation’s SCI Caregiver Peer Mentoring Program

Whether you’re looking to listen, share, or simply be present, this is a space where every voice is valued.

🔗 Register and join us: https://redcap.link/i4xddsmn

🤝 Together, we can build resilience, encouragement, and connection.

06/08/2026

Women living with spinal cord injury deserve access to inclusive, evidence‑based sexual health care, yet research and clinical attention remain limited.

A recent scoping review co‑authored by Denise Fyffe, PhD, of Kessler Foundation calls attention to critical gaps and urges more patient‑centered, intervention‑based research that supports dignity, well‑being, and quality of life.

This is a call to prioritize care that reflects real needs and lived experience.

💬 Learn more at the link below: https://kesslerfoundation.org/blog/discussing-sexual-health-and-women-spinal-cord-injury

05/14/2026

Our research team from the Center for Spinal Cord Injury Research was proud to attend the Reeve Summit in Boston this past week.

Connecting with advocates and people with lived experience reinforces what drives our work every day: meaningful change for people living with paralysis is possible when progress is shaped by community. We’re grateful for the opportunity to listen, learn, and contribute alongside others committed to advancing research, care, and participation.

🔗 Learn more about our SCI research through the link below: https://kesslerfoundation.org/research/spinal-cord-injury

05/07/2026

Living with a spinal cord injury can come with unique challenges, but no one has to navigate them alone.

This monthly gathering is designed for individuals living with spinal cord injury and their loved ones to come together, share experiences, and find strength in community.

🗓 Second Wednesday of each month
⏰ 7–8 PM ET
📅 Next Meeting, May 13
📍 Via Zoom

Each session is guided by:
✨ Maryann Hobbie — SCI survivor, chaplain, and author
✨ Angela Smith — Coordinator, Kessler Foundation’s SCI Caregiver Peer Mentoring Program

Whether you’re looking to listen, share, or simply be present, this is a space where every voice is valued.

Together, we can build resilience, encouragement, and connection.

🔗 Register via the link below: https://redcap.link/i4xddsmn

05/01/2026

✨ We’re at Abilities Expo this weekend! ✨
Come visit Kessler Foundation at Abilities Expo and stop by Booth 526 to learn how our research is maximizing recovery, independence, and inclusion for people with disabilities. We’d love to meet you, share what’s new, and ways to get involved!

🗓 Friday–Sunday, May 1–3
📍 Booth 526
⏰ Friday & Saturday: 11 AM–5 PM | Sunday: 11 AM–4 PM
⏰ Sunday: 10 AM–11 AM, Early access for people with sensory disabilities

04/13/2026

Last month, Kessler Foundation, in partnership with the Northern New Jersey Spinal Cord Injury System Lecture Series, hosted a powerful conversation with Karen Olson on purpose and resilience.

Karen’s story is a reminder that even in the face of life-changing challenges, there is always potential to rebuild, and redefine what we’re truly meant for.

Her words continue to inspire us and so many others to push beyond limitations and embrace new paths forward.

🎧 Missed it? Listen to the full conversation via the link below:

https://soundcloud.com/kesslerfoundation/meant-for-more-with-karen-olson

👏 Thank you, Karen, for sharing your journey and perspective with our community.

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1199 Pleasant Valley Way
West Orange, NJ
07052

Website

http://www.kesslerfoundation.org/

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