Spinal Cord Injury Model System (SCIMS)

Kessler Institute Spinal Cord Injury Model System

The National Institute on Disability, Independent Living and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR) has designated Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation, in collaboration with Kessler Foundation, as one of only ten centers nationwide – and the only hospital in New Jersey – as a Model System for the treatment and research of both traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries (SCI).

Spinal Cord Injury Model System logo

The Northern New Jersey Spinal Cord Injury System (NNJSCIS) was established as a collaborative project of the Kessler Foundation, University Hospital and Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation to provide a comprehensive continuum of care for SCI patients from the time of injury through long-term follow-up.

Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation is one of only 18 SCI model systems in the country currently funded by NIDILRR to conduct this critical research and improve outcomes for people with SCI.

Purpose of the SCI Model System:

  • Deliver coordinated rehabilitation care to patients with SCI
  • Track the health of patients over their life-time to better understand and support their recovery
  • Conduct innovative research to improve patient outcomes
  • Participate in collaborative, multi-site research with other SCI Model System centers across the country
  • Provide resources to patients and families

A female patient with a spinal cord injury, learning to walk with the assistance of a therapist.
Kessler Institute For Rehabilitation
Spinal cord injury rehabilitation
As one of the largest spinal cord injury rehabilitation programs in the country, Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation treats many patients with complex medical, physical and cognitive needs.

National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research logo

About our funding

The contents of this website were developed under a grant from the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research. NIDILRR is a Center within the Administration for Community Living (ACL), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The contents of this website do not necessarily represent the policy of NIDILRR, ACL, or HHS, and you should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government.

Looking to Get Involved?

We are always looking for people to participate in our studies. Without participants, we wouldn’t be able to collect the essential data that goes into improving patient outcomes.