Reimagining Recovery: Rodger DeRose on Breakthrough Rehabilitation
Wed Jan 28 2026
Segment from October 2025 Vital Signs
Rodger DeRose, president and CEO of Kessler Foundation, explores how rehabilitation research is redefining what recovery can look like across neurological conditions. He describes how innovations in neuromodulation, spinal stimulation, robotics, and brain health research are moving care beyond compensation toward restoration of function and independence. Philanthropic support from donor Tim Reynolds has played a critical role in advancing this work.
DeRose highlights Kessler Foundation’s integrated research model, where scientists and clinicians work side by side to identify real-world challenges and rapidly translate discoveries into care. This approach has led to advances in restoring movement, regulating autonomic function, reducing fatigue, and improving cognitive and motor outcomes after conditions such as spinal cord injury, stroke, traumatic brain injury, multiple sclerosis, and autism. By embedding innovation directly within clinical settings, researchers can test, refine, and scale promising interventions.
Across the series, DeRose emphasizes how combining neuromodulation, regenerative strategies, and robotic technologies is transforming rehabilitation and quality of life. From wearable and implantable stimulation systems to robotic devices that support walking, upper-limb function, and brain health, these studies point toward a future in which recovery is more personalized, accessible, and effective. The series also underscores the importance of participation, collaboration, and philanthropy in accelerating discoveries that help people with disabilities live and work more independently.
Used by permission: NowMedia Television Networks (https://www.youtube.com/@NowMedia_TV,) "Vital Signs: Rodger DeRose"
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Segment from October 2025 Vital Signs Rodger DeRose, president and CEO of Kessler Foundation, explores how rehabilitation research is redefining what recovery can look like across neurological conditions. He describes how innovations in neuromodulation, spinal stimulation, robotics, and brain health research are moving care beyond compensation toward restoration of function and independence. Philanthropic support from donor Tim Reynolds has played a critical role in advancing this work. DeRose highlights Kessler Foundation’s integrated research model, where scientists and clinicians work side by side to identify real-world challenges and rapidly translate discoveries into care. This approach has led to advances in restoring movement, regulating autonomic function, reducing fatigue, and improving cognitive and motor outcomes after conditions such as spinal cord injury, stroke, traumatic brain injury, multiple sclerosis, and autism. By embedding innovation directly within clinical settings, researchers can test, refine, and scale promising interventions. Across the series, DeRose emphasizes how combining neuromodulation, regenerative strategies, and robotic technologies is transforming rehabilitation and quality of life. From wearable and implantable stimulation systems to robotic devices that support walking, upper-limb function, and brain health, these studies point toward a future in which recovery is more personalized, accessible, and effective. The series also underscores the importance of participation, collaboration, and philanthropy in accelerating discoveries that help people with disabilities live and work more independently. Used by permission: NowMedia Television Networks (https://www.youtube.com/@NowMedia_TV,) "Vital Signs: Rodger DeRose"