The is a nonprofit, multi-faceted organization that provides services to more than 5,370 children, adults, and families who are faced with autism, intellectual disabilities, and behavioral health challenges. The institute’s central facility was founded in 1952 and is located in Erie, Pennsylvania. The Barber National Institute now employs more than 2,600 staff members throughout the state.
History
The Barber National Institute was founded in 1952 by the late Dr. Gertrude A. Barber. An educator and administrator in the Erie City School District in Erie, Pennsylvania, Dr. Barber, along with a small group of local teachers and parents, opened a one-classroom school in the localYMCA for children with developmental disabilities. As programs expanded, the City of Erie leased its former communicable disease hospital to the Barber Center in 1958. The first permanent location for the programs, this site formed what has become the main campus in Erie. Construction began in 1968 for new Administrative offices, a medical suite, cafeteria, and classrooms for middle and high school aged students. In 1969, a facility was opened in Corry, Pennsylvania to provide services for individuals in southern Erie County. The Barber Center’s first group homes were opened in 1973, after the closing of an institution in Venango County, PA. A satellite center was also opened in Girard, PA to accommodate those living in the western portion of Erie County. The Barber Center expanded to other areas of the state by opening group homes and support services in Philadelphia in 1990 and a day support program and residential group homes in the Pittsburgh area in 1999.
Current
In 2003, the Barber Center name was changed to what is now the Barber National Institute. It currently serves 5,370 children and adults annually in locations across Pennsylvania. The 11th largest employer in Erie County, the Barber National Institute has approximately 2,600 employees. The Institute provides services in a variety of fields including Autism, deaf and hearing impairment, behavioral health diagnosis, and intellectual disabilities.
An approved private school, which includes the eleven modern classrooms housed in their Elizabeth Lee Black School
Bright Beginning, offering early intervention for infants and toddlers in their homes or child care centers that include physical, occupational, speech, and behavioral therapies
Happy Hearts Child Care and Preschool, featuring “inclusive” classrooms for typically developing children and students with disabilities
, where individuals reside in their own apartments or homes with staff support
, a program administered through the PA Department of Public Welfare which enables an adult with a disability to reside with a family provider.
Community services
Several types of therapies, , for example, its , and targeted case management for children with autism and their families.
offering therapy and medication management to children, adults, and families in the general population.
Location and facilities
Facilities are located in Erie, Corry, Girard, and Warren, PA; Residential group homes and adult day services are located in the Philadelphia and Pittsburgh regions.
