Summary: Jerry Kerr is recognized as one of the leading authorities on the use of Segways by people with disabilities. Jerry is disabled, and still makes daily use of a wheelchair, however, in early 2003, soon after its introduction he began using the Segway as his primary means of mobility both inside and outside of the home. Kerr is a strong advocate for the adoption of universally designed technology solutions as the only sustainable approach for continued improvement in quality of life issues effecting people with disabilities and senior citizens and the opportunities these solutions offer for extending the independent life of the baby boomer generation and people with disabilities. Jerry is a featured speaker and presenter at international symposiums and national conferences focusing on issues that effect people with disabilities and addressing the benefits that technology and universal design can provide. In May 2006, he testified before the U.S. Congress on access issues effecting people with disabilities in the National Park System. He recently agreed to serve as a consumer member of a Scientific Advisory Panel of a Multidisciplinary Clinical Consortium researching solutions and treatment for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Traumatic Brain Injury suffered by returning combat veterans. In January 2008, Disability Rights Advocates for Technology (DRAFT), an all-volunteer 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization, co-founded by Kerr, was certified as one of America’s best charities. Of the 1,000,000 charities operating in the United States today, it is estimated that fewer than 50,000, or 5%, meet or exceed the standards, and, of those, fewer than 2,000 have been awarded this seal. In 2005, Kerr and his organization started the Segs4Vets program, awarding Segways to returning military who had sustained severe and permanent injuries while serving our nation in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. The Segs4Vets program has provided Segways and training to the physical and occupational therapy staff at four major military medical centers. In August 2006, DRAFT, for its Segs4Vets program, became the only organization in the United States to receive a blanket waiver from the Marine Corps, Army, Navy, Air Force and the Department of Defense allowing a donation to active duty military personnel in excess of $1000. To date, the Segs4Vets program has awarded 78 Segways, funded entirely through donations.
