Graphic of the Zia Sun Symbol, which originated with the Indians of Zia Pueblo in ancient times. The Zia believe that in this great brotherhood of all things, man has four sacred obligations: he must develop a strong body, a clear mind, a pure spirit, and a devotion to the welfare of his people.

Mission Statement

The purpose of the David and Minnie Meyerson Foundation is to identify, promote and support endeavors likely to benefit people with disabilities, with a focus on children with disabilities.

The Meyerson Foundation is a private operating foundation under IRS §4942 (j)(3). As such, the foundation directs (and must direct) its own projects both independently or in partnership with other non-profit organizations.

In addition, because the Meyerson Foundation is a private operating foundation under IRS §4942, contributors qualify for the same degree of tax deduction as for charitable contributions to a public foundation.

Mission Statement

The David and Minnie Meyerson Foundation Mission

Background

For 42 years, Lee Meyerson (1920-2002) and Nancy J. Kerr (1933-2001) were nearly inseparable professionally, theoretically, and personally.

The family home was a varied mix of family, scholarship, ideas, science, practice, and good times. All of those present were allowed, perhaps expected, to make mistakes and through that to gradually grow.

Their early interventions with self-destructive, autistic children paralleled in time Ivar Lovaas's work, culminating in a landmark article published surprisingly as an original manuscript in Reader's Digest (Frank, 1968).

Throughout her life, Nancy never compromised in her belief of the necessity of being supportive and encouraging of the scholarly endeavors and intellectual curiosity of undergraduates and graduate students. The many good things she did herself, that she taught or assisted others to do, and those that she inspired will continue to reverberate.

In honor of his parents, Lee Meyerson established the David and Minnie Meyerson Foundation. One of the last directives before Dr. Meyerson's death was to those in charge of the foundation. Regarding the spending of funds, he said, "Do good works."

This summarizes his approach to science and education: to go beyond the mundane and produce significant works to help people live more full and productive lives.

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Founders

Lee Meyerson and Nancy Kerr dedicated themselves to improving the lives of children with disabilities through research and practice in the areas of rehabilitation, somatopsychology and child psychology.

Both were highly honored professors at Arizona State University. Both were disabled themselves. Dr. Meyerson became completely deaf at the age of 12 as a result of osteomyelitis. In addition, he coped with substantial orthopedic disabilities. Dr. Kerr contracted polio in 1956, at the age of 22 and her legs were completely paralyzed as a result.

Dr. Meyerson and Dr. Kerr came to see their disabilities as opportunities to contribute.

Their final effort toward the welfare of people with disabilities was the creation of the David & Minnie Meyerson Foundation as a means of continuing their work after their passing. (David & Minnie were Dr. Meyerson's parents.)

Please read more about our founders on their bio pages: