Fast Takes - Episode 42

Read the transcript at https://kesslerfoundation.org/sites/default/files/2022-07/Dr.%20B.%20Sandroff%20on%20virtual%20reality%E2%80%99s%20role%20in%20managing%20cognitive%20deficits%20in%20multiple%20sclerosis%20-Ep42-TRANSCRIPT.pdf

In this episode, Brian Sandroff, PhD, senior research scientist in the Center for Neuropsychology and Neuroscience Research at Kessler Foundation, talks about his peer-reviewed article, “Developing the Rationale for Including Virtual Reality in Cognitive Rehabilitation and Exercise Training Approaches for Managing Cognitive Dysfunction in MS,” published in April 2022, in the journal NeuroSci. He discusses how virtual reality could increase sensory input and promote multisensory integration and processing during rehabilitation for multiple sclerosis.

Learn more about:  Dr. Brian Sandroff, https://kesslerfoundation.org/about-us/foundation-staff/brian-m-sandroff-phd

Center for Neuropsychology and Neuroscience Research, https://kesslerfoundation.org/center-neuropsychology-and-neuroscience-research

The peer-reviewed article at www.mdpi.com/2673-4087/3/2/15

Co-authors: Carly L. A. Wender, https://kesslerfoundation.org/about-us/foundation-staff/carly-wender, John DeLuca, https://kesslerfoundation.org/aboutus/John%20DeLuca, Brian M. Sandroff

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This podcast was recorded remotely on May 4, 2022, and was edited and produced by Joan Banks-Smith, Creative Producer for Kessler Foundation.

Fast Takes

Dr. B. Sandroff on virtual reality’s role in managing cognitive deficits in multiple sclerosis-Ep42

Read the transcript, https://kesslerfoundation.org/sites/default/files/2025-10/Employment%20and%20Disability_A%20New%20Path%20to%20Independence-TRANSCRIPT.pdf

Over 14 million Americans with disabilities rely on Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) to survive. Yet, the very system designed to support them often creates barriers to financial independence. Complex rules around employment and earnings can discourage individuals from entering the workforce, trapping them in cycles of poverty. HireAbility Vermont, a program within the state’s Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, is working to change that narrative. With funding from Kessler Foundation, the program combines work incentive counseling and career planning to help individuals understand their earning potential, navigate benefit rules, and pursue meaningful employment. This episode explores how strategic support and innovative funding are transforming lives and reshaping the future of disability employment.
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EXPLORE our disability employment research:
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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 October 2025.

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Employment & Disability: A New Path to Independence

Stay@Work/Return2Work

These podcasts are the inspirational stories of individuals with SCI who have participated in the Resource Facilitation Program at Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation and successfully returned to work – whether in a previous position or a new one.

In sharing these stories, we aim to keep hope alive and remind those in similar situations that every day brings with it new possibilities.

The study, which is funded by a Craig H. Neilsen grant to Kessler Foundation, includes the participation of the New Jersey Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services and United Spinal Association. 

This episode was recorded, edited, and produced by Joan Banks-Smith, Creative Producer for Kessler Foundation on October 5th, 2017 at Kessler Foundation, 120 Eagle Rock Ave, East Hanover, NJ
 
Our first episode MaryLea West, project coordinator for the Return 2 Work early intervention program at Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation met with Megan Helsel, a Wildlife Specialist for the United States Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.

In early October 2016, Ms. Helsel experienced sudden back pain and bilateral numbness in both legs. She was rushed to a local emergency room where an MRI showed that a hemangioma (tumor) had ruptured in her spinal cord. Unable to stand or walk, she was admitted to the hospital and prescribed a high dose of steroids to reduce swelling. Two days later, after showing no improvement, Ms. Helsel was told that she would need immediate spinal cord surgery.

After surgery, Megan was transferred to Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation where she immediately began physical therapy. On her 11th day, she took her first steps.

This is Megan's story...

Stay@Work/Return2Work with Megan Helsel

Stay@Work/Return2Work

These podcasts are the inspirational stories of individuals with SCI who have participated in the Resource Facilitation Program at Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation and successfully returned to work – whether in a previous position or a new one.
In sharing these stories, we aim to keep hope alive and remind those in similar situations that every day brings with it new possibilities.

The study, which is funded by a Craig H. Neilsen grant to Kessler Foundation, includes the participation of the New Jersey Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services and United Spinal Association. 

This episode was recorded, edited, and produced by Joan Banks-Smith, Creative Producer for Kessler Foundation on October 5th, 2017 at Kessler Foundation, 120 Eagle Rock Ave, East Hanover, NJ

In our second episode MaryLea West, project coordinator for the Return 2 Work early intervention program at Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation met with Craig B. Brod a practicing attorney and partner at the international, NYC-based law-firm, Cleary Gottlieb Steen and Hamilton. 

Mr. Brod spent the past 38 years practicing law with little interruption. That was until January of 2017, when he was diagnosed with Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS), a disorder in which the body's immune system attacks part of the peripheral nervous system. Mr. Brod first began noticing symptoms of GBS when he returned from traveling abroad, where he and others experienced an intestinal infection. Everyone recovered. Initially, Mr. Brod felt unilateral pain down one leg and believed it was sciatica. The symptoms soon progressed to include extreme weakness, tingling sensations, and numbness in both legs. Unable to walk, he called 911. Mr. Brod was taken to Overlook Hospital in Summit, New Jersey, and there he was diagnosed.
 
Mr. Brod’s symptoms increased in intensity over the next four weeks. He experienced complete paralysis and lost the ability to speak, eat, drink, and breathe independently.
 
He was brought to Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation in February 2017, determined to attend his oldest son’s graduation in May that academic year.

This is Mr. Brod’s story…

Stay@Work/Return2Work with Craig Brod

Stay@Work/Return2Work

Thanks for joining us for Episode 3 of the Stay at Work, Return to Work Podcast Series. In this episode Laura Viglione, Communications Specialist at Kessler Foundation, met with Adria De Simone, MS, CRC, LAC, Spinal Cord Injury Vocational Resource Facilitator at Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation. They discuss Adria's background in employment facilitation and how it has prepared her for her current role. Adria also shares how the program has already made a difference in the lives of people with a spinal cord injury.

For more information about the Stay@Work/Return2Work program, contact Adria by email at AADeSimone@kessler-rehab.com, or visit: https://www.kessler-rehab.com/programs/outpatient-services/vocational-rehab/.

For more information about Kessler Foundation and our researchers, go to www.KesslerFoundation.org

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Stay@Work/Return2Work with Adria DeSimone

Kessler Foundation - Changing the lives of people with disabilities through research in stroke, brain injury, multiple sclerosis,  spinal cord injury and by funding innovative programs that promote employment for people with disabilities. Podcasts are from various consumer and professional lectures   presented by our researchers and guest lecturers.

Employment & Disability: A New Path to Independence

Kessler Foundation

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