The recent passing of writer, activist and former first lady Rosalynn Carter has shed light on this amazing woman’s accomplishments and her legacy that will endure.  

Mrs. Carter supported many worthy causes, including equality for people with disabilities. The United Nations proclaimed 1981 as the International Year of Disabled Persons, which raised public awareness and understanding of the issues and rights of people with disabilities across the world. It also encouraged people from all walks of life to act in helping improve the lives of people with disabilities through legislation and efforts in their own communities.  

Learning of Erie’s commitment to driving positive change for people with disabilities and their caregivers, Mrs. Carter personally visited the Barber National Institute and was hosted by Dr. Gertruda Barber that same year.  

With the leadership of Dr. Barber and the support of countless stakeholders, Erie was and continues to be a progressive city that values the diverse contributions of people with disabilities. I recently spoke about quality and how it’s personified at the Barber National Institute. Below are my remarks: 

What is quality at the Barber National Institute?  It is our staff who are so committed to the children and adults.  It is the world class expertise of these men and women who are the very best at what they do.  It is a state-of-the-art technology rivaling all others which allows us to individualize innovative programming for each and every person.  This is the culture of excellence that drives the Barber National Institute.   

I believe Mrs. Carter also saw the value of the Barber National Institute and organizations like it. I am especially thankful to Mrs. Carter for helping promote the importance of ensuring that people with disabilities have fair and equitable access to education, healthcare, acceptance in the community, and resources throughout the course of their lives. I’m also grateful for her commitment to ensuring caregivers and professionals working closely with people with disabilities don’t go unnoticed.  

I hope this information was helpful to you. If you have any other questions, please feel free to ask me.  

Do you have any personal interest or connection to the topic of disability? I would love to hear your thoughts and opinions on this important issue.