Tag Archives: barber national institute

Artist Makes Dreams Come True for Students

Posted on November 1, 2012 by

Disney has Mickey and Pixar may have Nemo, but only the Elizabeth Lee Black School at the Barber National Institute in Erie, PA has Dharma, Angelina and Mackenzie.  These are just a few of the 60 students who became stars … Continue reading →

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7 Tips for Successful Trick-or-Treating

Posted on October 25, 2012 by

It’s a sunny, warm Thursday in Erie today. Looking out the window, one would guess that the Fourth of July, not Halloween, is approaching.  However, as I walk though the school I’m reminded that this is October. Our school is … Continue reading →

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The Power of a Word

Posted on October 23, 2012 by

Have you ever used the word “retarded” to describe a child or an adult that you know? Have you ever heard someone else use it as slang in conversation? When I was teaching in the 80s, special education was thought … Continue reading →

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“I see you, as a classmate, as an equal, as a friend. Do you see me?”

Posted on October 11, 2012 by

Best Buddies International came to Erie last night. Dorian Smith, director of Best Buddies PA, and Ryan Christy, chair of the Pittsburgh Best Buddies Advisory Board, discussed with us how we as a community could become a Best Buddies chapter. 

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National Disability Employment Awareness Month

Posted on October 4, 2012 by

In Tuesday’s blog I wrote about my son Ryan’s Workforce Training Program at the Barber National Institute as the first step on his journey to employment.  For persons with disabilities, this journey is challenging.  We have included persons with disabilities … Continue reading →

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Effects of Autism on Development

Posted on September 13, 2012 by

Dr. Joseph Barber presented a great seminar last evening on “Regulation, Reactivity, and Flexibility in Autism Spectrum Disorder,” where he discussed the effects of autism on a child’s developmental stages and progression. He provided information that would be most helpful … Continue reading →

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First Day of School at the Elizabeth Lee Black School

Posted on August 28, 2012 by

Yesterday was the start of the 2012-2013 school year!  I’m not sure who was more excited – the faculty, the children, or me.  So, I thought that today I would provide you with an update on the Elizabeth Lee Black … Continue reading →

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New App for Kids with Autism

Posted on August 2, 2012 by

I had an opportunity this winter to attend a presentation by Interbots.  Founded in 2005, Interbots is a spin-off of the Carnegie Mellon University Entertainment Technology Center.  The company specializes in the design and construction of custom interactive characters, both … Continue reading →

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Medications & Autism

Posted on July 10, 2012 by

Medications.  Should I or shouldn’t I?  Many families struggle with this question.  From my perspective, there is no right or wrong answer.  When the suggestion to consider medication was first made to me, I immediately said, “Let’s give it a … Continue reading →

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Autism News: Medication Announcement

Posted on June 21, 2012 by

Yesterday, pharmaceutical giant, Roche, announced a partnership with Seaside Therapeutics to speed up the development medications for use in the treatment of autism.  Click below to read more about the collaboration: New Alliance for Developing Autism Medication For those of you in … Continue reading →

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