i

ANNUAL REPORT 2012 Changing the lives of people with disabilities

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TABLE OF CONTENTS Financial Highlights 2

President’s Letter 3

Changing Lives Through Research 4

Bridging the Gap to Employment 8

Kessler Foundation News 2012 12

Kessler Society 14

Board of Trustees 15

Corporate Directory 15

ANNUAL REPORT STAFF Contributing writers: Carolann Murphy, Lauren Scrivo

Photographer: Jody Banks-Smith

Photo contributors: Richard Titus, Carolann Murphy

Graphic design: Satellite Advertising & Design, Inc.

ABOUT KESSLER FOUNDATIONKessler Foundation, a major nonprofit organization in the field of disability, is a global leader in rehabilitation research that seeks to improve cognition, mobility, and long-term outcomes, including employment, for people with neurological disabilities caused by diseases and injuries of the brain and spinal cord. Kessler Foundation leads the nation in funding innovative programs that expand opportunities for employment for people with disabilities. For more information, visit KesslerFoundation.org.

OUR VISION Kessler Foundation leads the way in linking science and grantsmanship so that people with disabilities can lead more productive, independent, and fulfilling lives.

OUR MISSION The mission of Kessler Foundation is to improve quality of life for people with disabilities through discovery, innovation, demonstration, application, and dissemination.

INSIDE THE QR CODESThroughout Kessler Foundation’s 2012 Annual Report are QR codes, where you can find more information

on grants, publications, research, employment initiatives, and personal stories. To access this information,

download a QR code scanner or reader app on your mobile device. Open the app and place your mobile

device over the QR code. Scan the code on the right, or visit kesslerfoundation.wix.com/2012annualreport,

to view the online version of the annual report.

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

Since 1998:• $143 million invested for

research and other programs

• $28 million expended for employment and other grants

These funds improve the lives of people with disabilities!

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ANNUAL REPORT STAFF Contributing writers: Carolann Murphy, Lauren Scrivo

Photographer: Jody Banks-Smith

Photo contributors: Richard Titus, Carolann Murphy

Graphic design: Satellite Advertising & Design, Inc.

Dear Friends, In 2012, Kessler Foundation achieved new milestones in rehabilitation research and employment initiatives that are changing the lives of people with disabilities. Restoring function and ensuring meaningful jobs for individuals with disabilities are crucial to self-sufficiency and community involvement. In an important step toward achieving this goal, Kessler Foundation hired a Director of Employment and Disability Research to seek opportunities for collaboration between research and funded employment programs. Our researchers secured $11.7 million in new grant funding for our research—our highest annual total to date—so more discoveries can be made to improve the daily function of individuals with traumatic

brain injury, spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, and stroke, which also affirms the caliber of our work. With the renewal of the five-year federal grant for the Northern New Jersey Traumatic Brain Injury 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 cognitive deficits in stroke survivors. In 2012, the Foundation awarded $2.1 million in grant 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 $28 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 paychecks. 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 will advance the pace of research discoveries and increase national and international collaborations in cognitive and mobility research. In addition, our research facilities are under renovation to accommodate more innovative equipment. We also anticipate our funded disability employment initiatives being rolled out at large national businesses. Thank you for your support of Kessler Foundation. Together, we can change 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 L. DeRose President & CEO

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“RESEARCH AT KESSLER FOUNDATION HAS HELPED INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES IMPROVE THEIR MEMORY, MOBILITY, SPATIAL PERCEPTION, AND OVERALL HEALTH, AS WELL AS OVERCOME OBSTACLES TO EMPLOYMENT. THESE ADVANCEMENTS LEAD TO GREATER INDEPENDENCE AND QUALITY OF LIFE AS THEY REJOIN THEIR COMMUNITIES.”

CHANGING

LIVES

THROUGH RESEARCH

— JOHN DELUCA, PHD, VP FOR RESEARCH & TRAINING

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Cognitive research at Kessler Foundation improves thinking, learning, and memory in people with TBI, multiple sclerosis (MS), and other conditions. Researchers also examine how the brain changes after treatment. Highlights include: • With a $44,000 grant from the National MS Society, Research Scientist Victoria Leavitt, PhD, is studying the effects of intellectual enrichment on cognitive decline in people with MS. Individuals use iPads to engage in home-based activities, such as reading, puzzle solving, and games, for 12 weeks. Dr. Leavitt correlates improvements in cognition with changes in brain activity. Previously, Research Scientist James Sumowski found that individuals who have a history of a mentally enriching lifestyle are better protected against cognitive decline associated with MS—known as the theory of cognitive reserve. “While we typically build cognitive reserve during school years, the study will examine if people with MS can build their reserve after diagnosis,” said Dr. DeLuca. The findings may prove that intervention can prevent the effects of decline.” • Dr. Chiaravalloti found increases in brain activation in people with MS after just ten weekly sessions of cognitive rehabilitation. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to document brain activation patterns before and after memory retraining, she found that greater activation was associated with improved memory performance. These findings may support third-party reimbursement for cognitive rehabilitation.

Nancy Chiaravalloti, PhD, and Trevor Dyson-Hudson, MD, were appointed directors of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Research and Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Research, respectively. Dr. Chiaravalloti also serves as director of Neuropsychology & Neuroscience Research and project director of the Northern New Jersey TBI Model System (NNJTBIS). Her research interests include finding treatments to improve memory, learning, and processing speed. Dr. Dyson-Hudson also serves as director of Outcomes and Assessment Research at the Foundation and project co-director of the Northern New Jersey SCI Model System (NNJSCIS). His interests include restoring function and mobility as well as preventing further complications of SCI. Both have faculty appointments at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School.

ADVANCING COGNITIVE RESEARCH

IN 2012, KESSLER FOUNDATION SCIENTISTS SECURED $11.7 MILLION IN NEW EXTERNAL GRANT FUNDING — THE MOST FUNDING IN ONE YEAR TO DATE — TO ADVANCE COGNITIVE AND MOBILITY RESEARCH STUDIES AND CHANGE THE LIVES OF PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES.

Kessler Foundation welcomed Guang Yue,

PhD, as director of Human Performance

and Engineering Research as well

as Mooyeon Oh-Park, MD, as assistant

director of Stroke Rehabilitation

Research—an inaugural position.

Dr. Yue is interested in how the brain

controls movement as well as how the

central nervous system reacts to injury,

disease, and medical intervention.

Dr. Oh-Park has expertise in investigating

the impact of mobility problems on

function in aging and in the

methodology of gathering self-report

and self-awareness data after stroke.

ADVANCING RESOURCES

Scan to view the research grants received in 2012.

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ADVANCING COGNITIVE RESEARCH CONTINUED...

• With a two-year, $366,000 grant from the National Institutes of Health, Dr. Yue uses MRI to study the cognitive effects of chemotherapy. “We anticipate that this research will yield significant information regarding structural and physiological causes of the neurological side effects of chemotherapy,” said Dr. Yue. “This will help us devise better ways to manage symptoms...and may encourage the development of safer drugs.”

• Director of Stroke Research A.M. Barrett, MD, Research Scientist Peii Chen, PhD, and colleagues advanced research on the effects of prism adaptation on treating spatial neglect—a perceptual problem caused by a disconnect between the brain and the eye that affects up to 70 percent of stroke survivors. With a three-year, $595,800 grant from NIDRR, Dr. Barrett looks to establish clinical guidelines to better detect and manage spatial neglect, which is likely to reduce accidents and optimize independence among affected patients. The Healthcare Foundation of New Jersey also awarded a $145,000 grant to provide home-based prism therapy to stroke survivors in the Newark, NJ-area.

Mobility research focuses on improving movement, balance, and walking pattern in people with SCI, stroke, and other conditions. Some individuals have even taken their first steps since their injuries. Highlights include:

• Kessler Foundation is part of a large study designed to maximize independence among wheelchair users with SCI, titled, “Collaboration on Mobility Training (COMIT).” The study is part of a five-year, NIDRR-funded SCI Model Systems Multi-site Collaborative Research Project that examines the impact of web-based training and group sessions on wheelchair skills and maintenance in 500 individuals. “For many people with SCI, the wheelchair is the single most important factor in their ability to be independent after their injury,” said Dr. Dyson-Hudson. “Our goal is to minimize obstacles to independence caused by environmental barriers and wheelchair malfunction.”

• Research Scientist Karen Nolan, PhD, was nominated for the 2012 Novel Art in Science Award for her work in restoring function to stroke survivors. She is studying the effect of the WalkAide — an electrical stimulation device — in stroke survivors with foot drop.

ADVANCING MOBILITY RESEARCH

Kessler Foundation

was awarded a five-

year, $2.2 million grant

from the National

Institute on Disability

and Rehabilitation

Research (NIDRR) of

the US Department of Education to fund the NNJTBIS,

a comprehensive system of care, research, education,

and dissemination aimed at improving quality of life

for people with TBI. NNJTBIS is a cooperative effort of

Kessler Foundation, Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation,

St. Joseph’s Regional Medical Center, Morristown

Memorial Hospital, Hackensack University Hospital, and

University Hospital. “We are interested in more than

recovery; we want to get people back to school and back

to work as productive members of their communities,”

said Dr. Chiaravalloti, project director of the NNJTBIS.

Research Scientist Victoria Leavitt,

PhD, demonstrated for the first time

that outdoor temperature significantly

impacts cognitive function in people with

MS. Over a calendar year, individuals with

MS scored 70 percent higher on memory

and processing tests during cooler

months. “This information is relevant

to making life decisions and choosing

therapies and evaluating their effects,”

said Dr. Leavitt. Scan to view the stories of individuals whose lives improved from research at Kessler Foundation.

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Assistant Director of Human Performance and Engineering Research

Gail Forrest, PhD, released preliminary findings on Ekso—a robotic,

battery-powered exoskeleton that enables wheelchair users to stand

and walk. Results showed improvements in gait, balance, walking

speed, respiration, heart rate, and muscle firing in the lower leg.

“We’re looking beyond the ability to stand and walk to the potential

long-term effects of these activities on health and well being,”

noted Dr. Forrest. She is conducting long-term research studies to

accurately evaluate the exoskeleton’s effects on the muscles, heart,

and lungs in individuals with SCI.

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Postdoctoral fellow Abhijit Das, MD, DM, and Foundation colleagues Glenn Wylie, DPhil, and Drs. Chiaravalloti

and Botticello found a rise in neurological disabilities in India caused by increases in TBI, age-related

dementia, and stroke. The researchers identified the enforcement of traffic safety measures to reduce TBI,

development of standardized data tools for assessment and accurate statistics, training of more professionals

in neurorehabilitative care, and expanding research in neurorehabilitation as a way to curb the epidemic.

“Neurologic Disability: A Hidden Epidemic for India” was published in the November issue of Neurology.

Das’ fellowship was funded through NIDRR’s Advanced Rehabilitation Research Training Program.

Kessler Foundation researchers study the effect of disability across racial, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds. The addition of John O’Neill, PhD, as Director of Employment and Disability Research integrates employment considerations in research studies (see more on page 9). Through his work, and in collaboration with other researchers, Kessler Foundation examines the best methods to keep people with disabilities active in the workforce. Other highlights include:

• Research Scientist Amanda Botticello, PhD, MPH, and Dr. Chen found that caregivers of stroke survivors have decreased memory. These findings support providing adequate resources to lessen the stress on caregivers.

• With a three-year, $738,216 grant from the National Institutes of Health, Dr. Botticello will study the role of environmental factors in rehabilitation outcomes in individuals with SCI. “We can identify community factors that threaten the physical, psychological, and social gains made in rehabilitation,” she said.

ADVANCING OUTCOMES RESEARCH

Foundation scientists published findings in scientific journals and conducted presentations to share the latest rehabilitation strategies. Stroke researchers, for example, made 18 national and six international presentations in 2012. NNJTBIS also hosted a two-day conference for consumers and professionals to explore advances in care, research, and recovery strategies. Richard Pimentel, a founding father of the Americans with Disabilities Act, was the keynote speaker.

ADVANCING DISSEMINATION

Kessler Foundation is increasing collaborations to improve research and access to rehabilitation around the world. Researchers worked with scientists in China to develop a method for delivering cognitive rehabilitation to people with stroke. In partnership with the Santa Lucia Foundation in Rome, Dr. DeLuca explored its extensive database of patients with MS, correlating clinical symptoms with changes on fMRI.

ADVANCING COLLABORATIONS

JOHN DELUCA, PHD, VP FOR RESEARCH & TRAINING

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“VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION AND TRAINING ISN’T ENOUGH. IT’S ALSO ABOUT WHAT COMES NEXT. BY FUNDING EMPLOYMENT INITIATIVES THAT EXPAND THE OPPORTUNITY FOR JOBS, INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES ARE REJOINING THE COMMUNITY, LEADING PRODUCTIVE LIVES, AND APPLYING THEIR SKILLS, AND EMPLOYERS ARE BENEFITTING FROM THEIR CONTRIBUTIONS.”

— ELAINE KATZ, VP OF GRANTS & SPECIAL INITIATIVES

BRIDGING THE GAP TO EMPLOYMENT

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In 2012, John O’Neill, PhD, became director of Employment and Disability Research—an inaugural position—in an effort to bridge the gap between rehabilitation research and employment. With more than 30 years of experience in vocational rehabilitation, he is a noted expert on the effects of culture, race, gender, and socioeconomic status on social outcomes after disability. Dr. O’Neill also studies how physical and cognitive function, government assistance benefits, and healthcare coverage impact utilization of vocational services and job seeking by people with disabilities. His research is funded by government agencies, including the National Institute on Disability Rehabilitation Research. With the addition of Dr. O’Neill, research has expanded in the area of employment outcomes for individuals with cognitive and physical disabilities. “Our research improves the function of people with disabilities, but we must also consider what comes next,” noted John DeLuca, PhD, vice president for Research and Training. “We are finding ways for individuals with disabilities to enter or rejoin the workforce so they can enjoy greater independence, self-sufficiency, and quality of life.” Highlights include: • Research Scientist Lauren Strober, PhD, is studying factors relating to the 80 percent unemployment rate in people with multiple sclerosis (MS). This five-year grant from the National Institutes of Health, examines demographics and disease variables as well as person-specific factors, such as personality and coping, which have not been extensively investigated. “The goal is to develop a predictive model of unemployment in MS that can be used as a decision-making tool by practitioners,” said Dr. Strober. “Application of the tool will help people with MS retain jobs, which will positively affect their overall care and quality of life.”

The Northern NJ Spinal Cord Injury

System and Northern NJ Traumatic

Brain Injury System, as well as

Outcomes Research at Kessler

Foundation, assess key indicators—

including employment—that impact

quality of life across various cultural

and socioeconomic communities.

Anthony Lequerica, PhD, and Denise

Krch, PhD, research scientists at the

Foundation, and their model systems

collaborators, are examining the

best ways to evaluate quality of life

among the Hispanic population and

the factors influencing employment

after brain injury.

“I’m eager to contribute my knowledge and skills in employment and disability to the Foundation’s

philanthropic work and ongoing research in stroke, brain injury, multiple sclerosis, and spinal cord

injury,” said Dr. O’Neill. By incorporating employment outcomes into research studies, researchers

can identify treatments and techniques to improve function so people with disabilities can rejoin or

remain in the workforce. Dr. O’Neill is also affiliated with Rutgers University’s John J. Heldrich Center

for Workforce Development and Rutgers New Jersey Medical School.

BRIDGING THE GAP THROUGH DISABILITY EMPLOYMENT RESEARCH

“OUR RESEARCH IMPROVES THE FUNCTION OF PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES, BUT WE MUST ALSO CONSIDER WHAT COMES NEXT.”

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Thanks to a Community

Employment Grant

awarded to the Washington

Center for Internships

& Academic Seminars,

Chris Miller interned for

the Administration on

Intellectual Disabilities and Developmental Disabilities

Administration for Community Living, in the nation’s

capitol, where he developed airport screening materials for

individuals with disabilities and presented to a visiting Chinese

Delegation. “The internship confirmed my professional

goals— to live in Washington, DC, and work in an advocacy

role for people with disabilities,” he exclaimed.

Led by Elaine Katz, Kessler Foundation has distributed more than $28 million in funding to job training and employment initiatives for people with disabilities over the past 7 years. “I’m proud of the diversity in the types of funded programs, as well as the potential of these new collaborations. The impact of our grant funding is clear: When talented individuals with disabilities join the workplace, society sees their abilities instead of their disabilities,” she said. Here are the highlights: • This year marked the second year that Signature Employment Grants—the Foundation’s largest grants—were available to disability employment and training programs across the nation. More than $1.3 million was awarded to organizations in Maryland, Missouri, and Washington, DC, to support initiatives for people with disabilities in distribution and retail centers, social enterprises, and financial services. • In 2011, Kessler Foundation awarded the Boston-based National Telecommuting Institute (NTI) a $250,000 Signature Employment Grant to give people with disabilities with transportation challenges a work-from- home option. In one year, NTI hired 300 individuals with disabilities—from 48 states—as home-based call center agents. “The grant from Kessler Foundation allows us to move forward with our overall mission of creating a true 21st century workforce, inclusive of those with disabilities,” stated Alan Hubbard, chief operating officer of NTI.

BRIDGING THE GAP THROUGH GRANTS

Kevin Greene found a new career

path after a devastating car

accident resulted in a brain injury

and paralysis from the waist

down. With a love for science, he

completed the laboratory assistant

training program at JFK Vocational

Rehabilitation Department—funded

by Kessler Foundation—and quickly

landed a job where he maintains the

laboratory of a local medical office.

He also volunteers for the NJ chapter

of ThinkFirst, a national injury

prevention program for students,

sponsored for more than 20 years

by Kessler Foundation.

BRIDGING THE GAP THROUGH NATIONAL AWARENESS

Kessler Foundation disseminates best practice strategies to create employment opportunities for people with disabilities. Kessler Foundation and the Heldrich Center for Workplace Development at Rutgers University released an addition to their series of research briefs on disability employment: “Strategies to Support Employer-Driven Initiatives to Recruit and Retain Employees with Disabilities.”

Scan to view grants awarded to disability employment initiatives in 2012.

Scan to read the personal stories of individuals whose lives improved as a result of Kessler Foundation’s employment grants.

ELAINE KATZ VP OF GRANTS & SPECIAL INITIATIVES

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Kessler Foundation also funds initiatives that increase the participation of people with disabilities in their communities. Among the highlights: • On Memorial Day, racers from all over the world competed in the 12th Annual Kessler Foundation Wheelchair 10K — the wheelchair division of the Fred d’Elia Ridgewood Run. The competition featured former and current Paralympians, including Jessica Galli and Santiago Sanz who set new course records. • In his first Paralympic appearance in London, 18-year-old Raymond Martin won gold medals in four wheelchair racing events. Ray has been a member of the North Jersey Navigators—an adaptive sports team for junior athletes with disabilities—for more than a decade. Kessler Foundation provided seed funding for the team and continues to support the Navigators. • Kessler Foundation awarded 28 grants, totaling $160,820, to non-profit organizations that help people with disabilities recover from the effects of Hurricane Sandy. The grants address the immediate needs of these organizations to resume operations or fill the needs of individuals who lost necessary equipment or housing in the storm.

BRIDGING THE GAP THROUGH NATIONAL AWARENESS CONTINUED...

Authors Elaine Katz, MS, CCC-SLP, of Kessler Foundation, Meg O’Connell, PHR, of the National Organization on Disability, and Robert Nicholas, PhD, of the Heldrich Center, explored a growing trend among employers to establish initiatives to increase the participation of workers with disabilities in their workplaces. “These initiatives are resulting in integrated workplaces where people with and without disabilities work side by side and employers are reporting benefits in their workplaces and to their bottom lines,” said Katz.

More than 200 guests came out to

support Kessler Foundation’s

Rebuilding Lives after Hurricane

Sandy: A Benefit for People with

Disabilities. Hosted at The Grove, in

Cedar Grove, NJ, the event had

a Jersey Shore theme. The legendary

Ben Vereen performed highlights from

his show, Steppin’ Out. Comedian and

NJ-native Jeff Norris served as the

emcee. More than $28,000 was raised

for the Foundation’s Hurricane Sandy

Emergency Fund to help organizations

continue to provide services to

individuals with disabilities.

Kathleen Martinez, Assistant Secretary of Labor for the Office of Disability Employment Policy,

visited Kessler Foundation to learn about employment programs supported by the Foundation and

share her view on strategies for successful disability employment policies. “Kessler Foundation is

the gas that fuels the programs that provide job opportunities for people with disabilities,” said Ms.

Martinez. “The Foundation’s creativity, innovation, and team-building [through its grantmaking] serve

as a catalyst for creating sustainable employment options for the disability community.”

BRIDGING THE GAP THROUGH THE COMMUNITY

BRIDGING THE GAP THROUGH GRANTS

BRIDGING THE GAP THROUGH NATIONAL AWARENESS

“KESSLER FOUNDATION IS THE GAS THAT FUELS THE PROGRAMS THAT PROVIDE JOB OPPORTUNITIES FOR

PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES.”

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KESSLERFOUNDATION

NEWS2012

IN 2012, KESSLER

FOUNDATION

EXPANDED ITS

REACH TO CHANGE

THE LIVES OF MORE

PEOPLE WITH

DISABILITIES AND

WAS RECOGNIZED

AS A LEADING

ORGANIZATION IN

THE DISABILITY

COMMUNITY.

2012 ESTABROOK DISTINGUISHED

RESEARCH LECTURESHIP:

Edward Taub, PhD, presented Kessler Foundation’s 2012 Estabrook Distinguished Research Lectureship. His thought-provoking lecture—“Constraint-induced (CI) Therapy: A Family of Treatments in

Rehabilitation that Remodel the Brain”—addressed how immobilizing the stronger limb retrains the brain to use the weaker limb. Dr. Taub is director of the CI Therapy Research Group and Taub Training Clinic at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and a professor in the Department of Psychology. Dr. Taub developed CI therapy, which has been shown to be effective in improving movement in children and adults with stroke, traumatic brain injury, multiple sclerosis, and other neurological injuries.

2012 ROGER G. BARKER DISTINGUISHED

RESEARCH CONTRIBUTION AWARD: Vice

President of Research and Training at Kessler Foundation, John DeLuca, PhD, received distinct honors for his work in rehabilitation research. He was the recipient of the 2012 Roger G. Barker Distinguished Research Contribution Award from the American Psychological Association (APA). Presented annually by Division 22 (Rehabilitation Psychology) of the APA, this award recognizes an individual who has made an outstanding lifelong contribution to rehabilitation psychology through research, conceptual/theoretical development, or both. Dr. DeLuca also received the 2012 Medical Excellence Award by the New Jersey Metro Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. He was honored at the Musical Moments for MS — a star-studded event at NJPAC featuring Olivia Newton-John. “It is immensely gratifying to work in this field, contributing to new ways to maximize function for people with disabilities,” said Dr. DeLuca. “My goal is to continue to contribute to rehabilitation research that helps people achieve their best in their personal lives, in the community, and in the workplace.”

2012 KESSLER FOUNDATION JOEL A. DELISA, MD

AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN RESEARCH AND

EDUCATION: John Whyte, MD, PhD, received the 2012 Kessler Foundation Joel A. DeLisa, MD Award for Excellence in Research and Education in the Field of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (PM&R), which includes a $50,000 unrestricted grant. Dr. Whyte is the founding director of Moss Rehabilitation Research Institute (MossRehab) in Philadelphia and leader of its Rehabilitation Medicine Scientist Training Program. Kessler Foundation funds this annual award to honor Dr. DeLisa’s many contributions to the field of PM&R. Dr. DeLisa is the founding director of Kessler Foundation Research Center.

133

DISABILITY MENTORING DAY: On October 17th, Timesha, Moses, and Schneider from Horizon High School in Livingston, NJ, visited Kessler Foundation for Disability Mentoring Day (DMD). The students learned about research and administrative jobs at the Foundation. They learned that their opportunities are limitless and that a disability shouldn’t stop them from achieving their goals.

PRESS CONFERENCE:

Congressman Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ) and other leaders in advocacy, research, rehabilitation, and treatment of traumatic brain injury (TBI) held a press conference at Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation to discuss legislation to better serve Americans with TBI. Rep. Pascrell is co-founder and co-chair of the Congressional Brain Injury Task Force. He was joined by John

DeLuca, PhD, vice president for Research and Training at Kessler Foundation; Bruce M. Gans, MD, chief medical officer of Kessler Institute; Neil Jasey, MD, director of Brain Injury Rehabilitation at Kessler Institute; Susan Connors, president and CEO of the Brain Injury Association of America; and Tom Grady, director of Advocacy & Public Affairs at the Brain Injury Alliance of New Jersey.

FOUNDATION OF THE YEAR AWARD: Pathways for Exceptional Children, a NJ organization, named Kessler Foundation its Foundation of the Year for its support of Project Win-Win, a career mentoring program that promotes community integration for young people with disabilities. Kessler Foundation awarded Pathways its first grant in 2008 and has continued to support the program. Students are coached by their peers as they learn about jobs in computer technology, bakery and food service, landscaping and masonry, pet care and grooming, accounting, house painting and woodworking, disc jockeying, and entertainment.

11TH ANNUAL STROLL ‘N ROLL: Thank you to all those who made

Kessler Foundation’s 11th Annual Stroll ‘N Roll a huge success!

More than 400 people of all ages and abilities came out to

Brookdale Park. Special guests included Congressman Rodney

P. Frelinghuysen (D-11), Montclair Mayor Robert D. Jackson,

Bloomfield Mayor Raymond J. McCarthy, Miss Wheelchair New

Jersey Kim Biglin, Miss New Jersey Teen-US Kendal Barrett, model

Selita Ebanks, and former Rutgers football player Eric LeGrand.

$85,000 was raised to change the lives of people with disabilities.

“ONLY ABILITIES MATTER” CAMPAIGN: Former Rutgers football player Eric LeGrand

and actor John Larroquette lent their time and talent to a series of public service

announcements for Kessler Foundation. The campaign, “Only Abilities Matter,” taught

others to recognize abilities before disabilities. Featured on television stations around

the United States, Kessler Foundation invited everyone to post their abilities on its

Facebook page, www.facebook.com/KesslerFoundation.

14

KESSLER SOCIETY

BENEFACTORS

Anonymous

Mr. and Mrs. Neil DeSena

The Marc Haas Foundation

Ms. Gail Kreitman

Liz and David Lowenstein*

SHARING, Inc.

Wallerstein Foundation for Geriatric Life Improvement

PATRONS

Ellen and Rodger DeRose*

Emiliani Enterprises

Gibbons, P.C.

Mr. and Mrs. Howard Jacobs

Global Risk Consultants, Mr. and Mrs. David C. Lowell

Mr. and Mrs. Richard S. Kessler*

Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation

Mr. and Mrs. Gary S. Lewis*

Mr. and Mrs. David C. Lowell

Mr. and Mrs. Glenn M. Reiter*

The Philip W. Riskin Charitable Foundation

Phyllis J. Roome and Barbara J. Foreman

Mrs. Edythe Rosenthal

Mr. and Mrs. Ryan Schinman*

Mr. and Mrs. Stephen G. Sudovar*

SPONSORS

Anne and Victor Ammons

Antonio’s Hair Design

Ms. Barbara Arbesfeld*

C.R. Bard Foundation, Inc.

Bederson & Company, LLP

Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan D. Bell

Bollinger, Inc.

Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Borck

Mr. and Mrs. John R. Cannell*

Mr. and Mrs. Robert J. Casey

Colonial Consulting, LLC

The Cormac Group

J. Fletcher Creamer Foundation

Dr. and Mrs. Joel A. DeLisa

Mrs. Alice Dillon

Dimensional Dynamics Incorporated

James K. Estabrook, Esq.*

Eastern States Dressage and Combined Training Association

Barbara and Jeffrey Feiner*

Benjamin Gittlin Foundation

Dr. Michele Green and Mr. Steven Gutwillig

Mr. and Mrs. Thomas G. Greig, III

The Grove

Alyce C. Halchak, Esq.

Mr. and Mrs. Robert Herz*

Anonymous

Mr. and Mrs. Dean Janeway, Jr.

Elaine and Daniel Katz

Nancy and John Lasser*

Mrs. Mary Lasser

Mr. Peter Lasser & Mrs. Cynthia Potter

Mr. and Mrs. Irwin Lerner

Lindabury, McCormick, Estabrook & Cooper, P.C.

Louis and Tobey Lipschitz*

Donna and Tom Margetts

Mrs. Antonia S. Marotta-Brinton

Ms. Eleonore B. McCabe

Mary Anne McDonald* and Joseph Benning

McLoone’s Boathouse

John and Susan McCallum

Ms. Jacqueline J. McMullen

Anonymous

Mr. and Mrs. David A. Neibart

New Meadowlands Stadium Company

North Jersey Masters Track & Field Club

Platinum Rye Entertainment

TD Bank

Mr. and Mrs. Mark L. Pollard*

Mr. Frank Rea, Jr.

Select Medical Corporation

Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Siegel

Dr. and Mrs. Richard A. Stall

Mr. Leopold Swergold

Mr. Sheamus Toal

Trenk, DiPasquale, Della Fera & Sodono, P.C.

Mr. and Mrs. Guy Tufo*

TSymmetry Inc.

Wakefern Food Corporation

Westminster Hotel

Winning Strategies

Anita and Paul Yarossi

Yukon Graphics

ZIIZ, Inc.

MEMBERS

Amramp

Barnabas Health

Brookdale ShopRite, Inc.

Mr. Joseph Calvo

Mr. William Carroll

Dr. Nancy and Mr. Nicholas Chiaravalloti

Ms. Kathy Creamer

Mr. Fletch Creamer, V

Mr. and Mrs. Vincent P. Donnelly & Mr. and Mrs. Robert H. Rue

Mr. and Mrs. James Frank

Mr. and Mrs. R. B. Fraser

Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence J. Gelber

Mr. and Mrs. John Giraud

Mr. and Mrs. Howard S. Greenberg

Peter and Michelle Harbeck

Mr. Matthew D. Houston

Mr. and Mrs. W.R. Howell

Ms. Dolly Judge

Mr. Robert A. Kleinert

Mr. and Mrs. Irwin Lerner

LMCL, Inc.

The Lockhart-Martinez Family

The Long and The Ward Families

Mr. and Mrs. Paul Mangus

Mr. and Mrs. David P. McCarthy

Meadowlink

Anonymous

New Jersey Manufacturers Insurance Company

Partners for Health Inc.

Priority Nursing Services

Henry P. Riordan, Esq.

Mr. Peter N. Rudy

Mr. Salvadore R. Salvo

Dr. and Mrs. Donald H. Sebastian*

Anonymous

Mrs. Dolores K. Smith

Mr. and Mrs. Thompson Swayne

Mr. Albert Thrower

Mr. Donald H. Voss

LEGACY DONORS

Mr. and Mrs. Gary S. Lewis*

Estate of Debra J. Lezak

Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth P. Middleton

Estate of Eugenie H. Recht

Mrs. Edythe Rosenthal

Thank you for your generous support of Kessler Foundation! One hundred percent of your gift funds rehabilitation research and employment initiatives that are changing the lives of people with disabilities.

Individuals and organizations that contribute $500 or more per year are members of the Kessler Society. Every gift counts as, together, we are changing the lives of people with disabilities. Members of the 2012 Kessler Society are listed here.

For a complete listing of all donors, please scan

the QR code. Thank you to everyone who supported our events and made a generous contribution to Kessler Foundation in 2012.

*Board Member

15

KESSLER FOUNDATION

BOARD OF TRUSTEES 2012 (AS OF 12.31.2012)

OFFICERS

James K. Estabrook, Esq., Chairman

Robert H. Herz, CPA, Vice Chair

Louis Lipschitz, CPA, Vice Chair

Elizabeth Lowenstein, Vice Chair

Barbara Lewis, Secretary

Anne E. Ammons, Treasurer

TRUSTEES

Bobbie ArbesfeldJohn R. Cannell, Esq.Rodger L. DeRoseRobert E. Dillon Jr.†Jeffrey M. FeinerRichard S. KesslerWilliam F. Owen Jr., MDRobert W. Parsons Jr., PhDMark L. PollardGlenn M. Reiter, Esq.Ryan SchinmanLynn F. Schneemeyer, PhDDonald H. Sebastian, PhDSaul SimonStephen G. SudovarGuy Tufo

TRUSTEES EMERITIDavid F. BolgerJack J. ConfusioneH. Corbin DayRichard C. Fowler Jr.Thomas G. Greig IIIFred M. KolarsickJohn O. LasserW. Thomas MargettsToni Marotta-BrintonWendy M. RichmanAllen SinisgalliFrancis A. Wood, MD

BOARD COMMITTEES

Audit Committee Louis Lipschitz, Chair

Compensation Committee Stephen G. Sudovar, Chair

Development Committee Richard S. Kessler, Chair

Executive Committee James K. Estabrook, Esq., Chair

Finance Committee Robert H. Herz, Chair

Grantmaking Committee Elizabeth Lowenstein, Chair Nominating & Governance Committee Elizabeth Lowenstein, Chair Research Committee Donald Sebastian, PhD, Chair

CORPORATE DIRECTORY EXECUTIVE OFFICES Rodger L. DeRose President & Chief Executive Officer

Richard J. Greene, MD, PhDSusana M. Santos DEVELOPMENTChad Peddicord Interim Chief Development OfficerNoel BarreiraCherie A. GiraudGrace E. Surma OPERATIONS AND GRANTS ADMINISTRATIONJohn L. Giraud Director Marita DelmonicoMalica T. DockEileen KirkDonna S. ServidioMatthew R. Weiner FINANCE OFFICE Anne E. Ammons, CPA Senior Vice President & Chief Financial OfficerElizabeth J. CalascioneEugene G. ForteElena R. GuizaJeannine R. MorelliJeffrey L. MorrisAngela Saporito HUMAN RESOURCESLauri S. Wactlar Director INFORMATION TECHNOLOGYPaul C. Dombrowski DirectorSandra McDonaldBart B. RajchelAlfonso Savastano PROGRAM CENTER Elaine E. Katz, MS, CCC-SLP Vice President of Grant Programs & Special InitiativesJoan L. Banks-SmithMelia MossCarolann Murphy, PALauren Scrivo

THINKFIRST PREVENTION PROGRAMSusan A. Helmstetter New Jersey Director RESEARCH CENTER John DeLuca, PhD, ABPP Vice President for ResearchDeborah L. Bixler EMPLOYMENT AND DISABILITY RESEARCH John H. O’Neill, PhD Director HUMAN PERFORMANCE AND ENGINEERING RESEARCH Guang H. Yue, PhD Director Didier Allexandre, PhDPeter J. Barrance, PhDKathleen M. ChervinJennifer A. ColomboGail Forrest, PhDErica L. GarbariniErik M. JohnsenKaren J. Nolan, PhDArvind RamanujamSandra (Buffy) WojciehowskiMilda WoodsMathew B. Yarossi NEUROIMAGING CENTERGlenn R. Wylie, DPhil Associate Director Bing (Brian) Yao, PhD NEUROPSYCHOLOGY & NEUROSCIENCE RESEARCH Nancy D. Chiaravalloti, PhD Director Juliane A. Armstrong Aerielle M. BelkJean Lengenfelder Brenner, PhDChristina M. Broderick Lindsay G. CookJulia H. Coyne, PhDAndrea T. GaglianoYadira GaspardHelen M. Genova, PhDAndrew P. GenualdiDenise D. Krch, PhDSilvio F. LavradorVictoria M. Leavitt, PhDNancy B. MooreDaniela SacchettiAmanda R. SirenoAngela A. SmithJelena Stojanovic-Radic, PhDLauren B. Strober, PhDJames F. Sumowski, PhDLeeann TrimarchiGabriella M. TostoDenise VasquezGlenn R. Wylie, DPhil

SPINAL CORD INJURY/ OUTCOMES & ASSESSMENT RESEARCHTrevor A. Dyson-Hudson, MD Director Amanda L. Botticello, PhDTiara C. Brown Rachel ByrneNicolette CobboldDenise C. Fyffe, PhDGadiz M. GarciaNatalia IkheloaJeanne M. Zanca, PhD STROKE REHABILITATION RESEARCHA.M. Barrett, MD Director Vahid Behravan, PhDPeii Chen, PhDKecia T. ColemanAshley J. HartmanEmma L. KaplanJenny R. MásmelaKristen K. MaulMooyeon Oh-Park, MDKimberly A. RamosKelsea J. Sandefur TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY RESEARCHNancy D. Chiaravalloti, PhD Director Kathy S. Chiou, PhDGabriel FelixAbdullah O. LajideAnthony H. Lequerica, PhDAilya Z. NaqviDennis J. TirriBelinda L. WashingtonStarla M. Weaver, PhD

Scan to view Kessler Foundation’s publications in 2012.

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Changing the lives of people with disabilities

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