Author Archives: all about autism

Recently, I was dismayed when I read an article that made claims that environmental and lifestyle factors are a key contributor to the rise in autism in recent years. The article, which was written by someone in the field of … Continue reading →

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) ensures students throughout the country are provided with free appropriate public education. Recent data suggests that 15%, or 7.5 million, children ages 3 to 21 are receiving services under IDEA.  During the 2012-13 … Continue reading →

It’s hard to go a day without noticing information in the news and online about the advances in technology and artificial intelligence (AI) tools. Educators are one group who are benefiting from AI and its seemingly endless array of features. I’d … Continue reading →

PNC Grow Up Great is a $500 million initiative through the PNC Foundation to strengthen early childhood education programming for children birth to five years.  To celebrate its 20th year, it is providing $10.5 million in grants to create outdoor … Continue reading →

Although we have just completed the 2023-24 school year, we are already planning for the 2024-24 school year. Recruitment is certainly a major focus area. We know that there are significant shortages in the high demand fields of special education … Continue reading →

This week has been a celebration of our graduates who have made tremendous strides leading up this this monumental moment. We have two ceremonies, one for our Early Childhood (PreK Counts and Happy Hearts) graduates (33 students) and one for our … Continue reading →

The Barber National Institute had the distinct pleasure of welcoming Dr. Valerie Arkoosh, Pennsylvania’s Secretary of Human Services, along with other elected officials across the Commonwealth, yesterday for a day of productive conversations surrounding the future of services for adults … Continue reading →

The Today Show had Anthony Shriver, the founder of Best Buddies, on to discuss Eunie’s Buddies, a pioneering initiative within the Best Buddies Family Support. Watch the Today Show segment. Some of you may remember that Dr. Gertrude Barber worked … Continue reading →

I had the honor of speaking at the Project SEARCH graduation held on the campus of AHN St. Vincent Hospital this week.  Local sponsors of Project SEARCH include AHN St. Vincent Hospital, the Erie School District, the Office of Vocational … Continue reading →

The Elizabeth Lee Black School is so fortunate to have two amazing nurses, Keri Moore and Kayla Litz. Both Keri and Kayla offer a wealth of knowledge and experience that ensures our students stay healthy, safe, and thriving throughout their … Continue reading →