KESSLER FOUNDATION INC

After World War II, Dr. Kessler founded Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation, where he established a comprehensive program of rehabilitation aimed at helping people with disabilities regain function, rebuild their lives, and achieve maximum independence. Today, his vision is reflected in the work of Kessler Foundation. With the support of our donors, Kessler Foundation drives positive change for people with disabilities by linking science and grantmaking so people with disabilities can lead productive, independent, and fulfilling lives. Our approach is twofold: We conduct groundbreaking rehabilitation and disability employment research, and we fund innovative initiatives to increase inclusion in the workplace.
Through research, Kessler Foundation achieves steady scientific gains to improve the practice of physical rehabilitation. Internationally-renowned experts, our researchers seek new ways to improve mobility and cognition for people with disabilities caused by stroke, multiple sclerosis, brain and spinal cord injury, and chronic neurological and musculoskeletal conditions. Our researchers also investigate how disabilities affect employment and ways to optimize outcomes. We collaborate closely with Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation, ensuring that research prioritizes the needs of people undergoing rehabilitation. Kessler Foundation’s grantmaking is grounded in the belief that all people with disabilities have a right to pursue competitive, integrated employment and live with dignity within our communities. By focusing our funding on inclusion, equality, and ability rather than disability, Kessler Foundation has helped thousands, including veterans, find meaningful work and gain independence.
Kessler Foundation’s tag line is “changing the lives of people with disabilities.” Real change necessitates working across the lifecycle to ensure that individuals can overcome obstacles to full community participation. With a talented staff of over 150, governed by an astute and dedicated Board of Trustees, our diverse capabilities uniquely position us to address the challenges of this continuum and effect positive change.