All About Autism

Unity Day is coming up on October 19, a day where schools and communities around the country will come together to take a stand against bullying. The call to action is to wear and share the color orange as a visible representation of our society uniting for kindness, acceptance, and inclusion.

Why orange? Since Unity Day is held in October, orange is a color commonly identified with the month. In addition, it is also a color associated with safety and visibility, and orange has been described as warm and inviting.

I have shared some startling statistics on bullying in the past (see: cyberbullying and unite against bullying), but unfortunately bullying continues to be an issue, in schools and online. Bullying does not target only certain types of people – on the contrary, bullying can affect both men and women of all races, nationalities, shapes or sizes.

So what can you do to help?

• Ensure children understand bullying. Talk about what bullying is, how to stand up to it safely and how to get help.
• Keep lines of communication open. Check in with your children – know who their friends are and ask about school.
• Encourage children to do what they love. Activities, hobbies and interests can boost confidence and help children make friends.
• Model how to treat others with kindness and respect.
• For wonderful information on bullying, bully behavior, and action plans, you can visit https://www.pacer.org/bullying/resources/parents/helping-your-child.asp

There are also numerous resources online that you can share with your children to help them understand what to do if they see bullying occur. Some include:

• A series of fantastic cartoon videos designed for children to learn about bullying: https://www.stopbullying.gov/kids/webisodes
• Designed for elementary school students to learn about bullying prevention and ways to take action: https://pacerkidsagainstbullying.org/

At the Elizabeth Lee Black School, students and staff will be wearing orange in honor of Unity Day. Why don’t you?

On a personal note, after graduation Ryan told me that he had been bullied at school. I asked him for details. He was not forthcoming, so I ended the discussion. Looking back, I wonder now if some of his intense anxiety about going to school was because of bullying. I will never know….

I asked coordinators from the Elizabeth Lee Black School to provide their dreams for this school year, and I received some very uplifting and timely responses. Plus, I added a few of my own dreams.

“I dream of being able to bring parents back into the school to experience the excellent early childcare education programs we offer, to offer parents the option to volunteer in the preschool room or to come in to share their talents and family culture with the children and staff, to offer group information meeting and events in person.”

“I dream of sending our students back out into the community, opening community-based instruction and transition back to local vocational opportunities, and volunteering and attending social and wellness events in Erie County. This all comes as we open vocational training within the Elizabeth Lee Black School and the Barber National Institute.”

“I want the positive culture to continue to grow.  I want the staff to always feel supported and love what they do!” 

“I want the staff to be well trained, positive, and successful so that they can find meaning in their work as they help all our students to grow into the best version of themselves.”

In my dream, every teacher understands, appreciates, and does his or her best with every student regardless of their behavioral or academic challenges. If a child cannot learn the way we teach, then we change our practice to conform with the needs of the child.

In my dream, each day we celebrate learning. It is joyful learning that will allow us to grow to be as independent and successful as possible.

In my dream, all family members will feel and believe themselves to be equal partners on the Team that allow and facilitate successful school and home partnerships.

What are your dreams for this next school year?

Now that our Founder Day’s celebration is over, I wanted to share a few final thoughts on the Beast.

We had 1,100 participants on the 10-mile course and 100 on the adaptive course.  A beautiful day greeted our 300+ volunteers.

This was Ryan’s 7^th year participating in the Beast.  The first 2 years he did the adaptive course and, of course, he was very fast.  Ryan runs most days for 60 minutes at a very quick pace. So, I asked him if he wanted to try the Beast, and his answer was a resounding “YES.” 

Over the years he has had numerous buddies participate with him. All of the guys have been people who have worked with him.  The person who had done the Beast with him the last few years moved out of Erie this summer, so I was in a quandary.  Who might be able to Beat the Beast this year with him?????  It was suggested that Kate and Brian Stark might be willing .  I reached out to them, and they immediately said yes.  Ryan was so excited.  We met them at Waldameer so that they could ride out together to the start of the race at Beach 10.  He couldn’t wait to get on the bus. 

I confess I was nervous.  How would Ryan do?  I did not need to be.  They finished the 10 miles, and I learned that Ryan tried all of the obstacles, something that he had not been willing to do in the past.  He was so proud, and I was as well.

When you ask Ryan, “why do you do the Beast?”, he immediately responds that he wants to help the kids of the Barber Center.  The Starks decided that this was their motto as well.  So, next year you will find Ryan, Kate, and Brian at Beach 10 to Beat the Beast for the kids of the Barber Center.  We are so fortunate to have friends and supporters  in the community who are committed to supporting persons with disabilities.  Erie is a very special community!

Let the festivities begin! Friday is Founder’s Day, a celebration held each year in honor of Dr. Gertrude Barber’s birthday and to commemorate our enduring mission. On this day, I often reflect on her accomplishments.

If we take a look back in time to the year 1952, services for persons with disabilities were nonexistent.  As an Erie School District psychologist, it was Dr. Barber’s responsibility to tell parents that their son or daughter could not attend school because of their disability. Parents were left with two options: send their child to an institution or keep them at home.

Both she and the children’s families wanted so much more – thus began the Barber Center.

There wasn’t any funding in the early years. The program was supported by ice cream socials, card parties, and raffles. Dr. Barber used to say that all of their money could fit in a cigar box – and it did! It wasn’t until the mid-’60s that state funding finally became available through the MH/MR Procedures Act, as well as the Department of Education. Fortunately, our programs were already in place and could be immediately funded. One such program was our school. We were designated an Approved Private School, serving children whose school districts could not provide an appropriate education. We were many years ahead of others in the field.

Much growth happened in the ’70s and ’80s. 1972 saw the first men and women return to Erie from Polk State Center on a yellow school bus carrying their life’s possessions in a brown paper bag. Most of them had been sent to Polk as young children because the belief at that time was that children with disabilities were best taken care of away from their families and in the institution. These 30 people were the beginnings of our community living programs. A groundbreaking ceremony was held for our new therapeutic swimming pool and our physical and occupational therapy facilities.

We established an adult rehabilitation, employment, and training center, additional classrooms in our school, an Inclusive Day Care program and a Child Development Center. At times, it seemed as if our facilities could not grow fast enough to meet the needs of the community. By the ’90s we were ready to expand across the state and opened residential services for adults in Philadelphia. Not too long after, we opened the same services in Pittsburgh.

Project 2000, Dr. Barber’s ultimate quest, was our first major capital campaign since 1966. This funding would provide a new school and facility for training. $7 million later… Dr. Barber announced the Project’s success!!

Dr. Barber’s dream was that children and adults with disabilities would be able to learn and grow in their own community, in which they would find acceptance and opportunity. This vision has changed the lives of thousands of children and adults over the last 70 years. Through her example and leadership she transformed a system. But even more significantly, she changed attitudes about people with disabilities.

Following her passing, a group of those who knew Dr. Barber formally appealed to Bishop Lawrence Persico of the Diocese of Erie to begin the cause for canonization. In December 2019, Bishop Persico issued a decree opening the cause for canonization. Monsignor Thomas McSweeney was appointed diocesan postulator for the cause and is the point of contact for gathering of documents and interviews with anyone who is willing to discuss their interactions with Dr. Barber during her lifetime. This testimony will become part of the official documentation considered during the canonization process, all which will eventually be sent to the Vatican.

Dr. Barber herself says it best:

“Our focus has continued to be a mission of faith, hope, and love – to open the doors where they were closed – to bring sunlight where there was darkness – faith where there was despair.

Let’s always lead with a mission to open doors.”

Dr. Gertrude A. Barber, 1995

Calling all walkers and runners to the Beast on the Bay Adapted Course at Waldameer this Saturday, September 10^th!

If you are 12 years of age or older and have Autism, Intellectual Disability or a Physical Disability, the course is designed just for you!

The adapted course offers 17 different obstacles, including Drawbridge, Sling Shot, Beastly Bell Ringer, Water Cannon, Feed the Beast, and many more over a 1-mile accessible course. The obstacles challenge participants to use all different parts of their body to either lift, pull, push, or navigate through in order to complete each one.

The adapted course is full of fun and excitement not only for the participants, but also the volunteers. We have many volunteers spread out throughout the course to help with each obstacle and help participants navigate through the course.

You will cross the finish line with all of the 10 milers and receive a Beastly medallion. You can bring a friend /companion to Beast with you at no charge. 

Whether you walk, use a wheelchair, or want to run, I can guarantee that you will have fun!

Registration is available the morning of the race at Waldameer.

For more information, https://www.barberbeast.org/adapted-course.

I’d like to share with you my opening remarks to staff for the 22/23 school year:

As we kick off our 70^th school year, I can feel the enthusiasm and excitement and energy in all of you. I can imagine that our first year,1952, that same feeling was present.

Those staff did not have the education, training, and resources that we have today. But, they had your passion, your joy, and your commitment to our children and families, and we know that this passion is contagious.

We are grateful for the positive motivation that you bring to this new school year.  You are making a positive difference in the lives of our students and families each and every day. You are making dreams come true.

So, smile, breathe, relax, connect with others, be ready to learn something new every day, and celebrate your successes.

It is going to be a great 70^th year!

Maureen

I recently heard a Back-to-School ad on the TV and immediately thought, “Can it be time for this already?” Ryan graduated many years ago, but I can still recall how I felt as July turned into August and we began the back-to-school countdown. Ryan was always very anxious (and I was, too) so I learned over the years how I could help the both of us control our worry. Perhaps some of my ideas might help you and your child.

• If your child is entering a new school, it is helpful to set up times prior to the start of school for your child to walk through the school building and locate his or her classroom. When Ryan was transitioning to middle school, we walked through the school and located his classroom, locker, restrooms, etc. to allay his anxiety about being in a new school. We even had an album of photos of the staff with whom he would interact.
• Schedule an appointment with the principal – support of the administrative team is critical for a successful school year.
• Similarly, request a team meeting prior to the start of school. I asked that all the teachers who would interact with Ryan attend as it is important that not only the classroom teacher but the ancillary staff become acquainted with his strengths and challenges.
• Each year I created a handout describing what teaching methods and behavioral strategies were most successful with Ryan. I made sure that the team understood the importance of setting the bar high by including a sample of his best work as well as his efforts when he lacked interest in the work he was doing.
• Count down the days to the start of school so that your child is prepared for the transition from summer fun to school days. Bedtime and morning routines often change in the summer, so begin readjusting 2 weeks ahead of time so that your child gets used to getting up early and starting the day in a structured way.
• Remain positive and calm about the new school year. Ryan could always sense my anxiety, which in turn made him become more anxious.

On another note, as some of you may know I particularly enjoy Maria Shriver’s concept of taking the month of August to step away from social media, blogging, and the digital world (as much as possible). I will resume my blogging in September! May you have a smooth and blessed start to the school year!

Happy Summer!

As we are enjoying the waning days of July, we are very actively recruiting for staff for the Elizabeth Lee Black School.  We have a number of open positions:

• Special Education Teachers (Full and Part time)
• Para Educators/ Assistant Teachers (Full and Part time)
• Nurse
• Speech Therapist
• Food Service Aide

Why should you consider us?

As a School of Excellence, we provide our students the most innovative, research-based techniques, strategies, and programming.

For you, our staff, we offer extensive training, professional development opportunities, and mentorships throughout the year.

We offer competitive wages, flexible scheduling for both full-time and part-time positions, and a generous benefits package that includes medical/dental/vision insurance, flexible spending accounts, discounted on-site weekly childcare, generous PTO plans, retirement savings, and employee discounts for select events and services.

You will be a part of an organization respected as a highly valued resource for world-class knowledge, education, training, consultation, and support throughout Erie and far beyond. 

All of our team are on site to answer your questions and help you meet your challenges throughout the day.

Most importantly, you will “love what you do” as you “make dreams come true for our students and families.”

More information can be found on our careers web page, https://barber-national-institute.breezy.hr.

Give me a call and I can answer your questions.

It is an experience of a lifetime!

Next Tuesday, we will celebrate a second independence day in July. Yes, less known, but just as important! On July 26^th, 1990, President George H.W. Bush signed the historic Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against all individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including jobs, schools, transportation, and all public and private places that are open to the community at large.

The ADA has helped millions of people with disabilities, their families, their friends, and society overall. We have seen many wonderful achievements since the passing of the ADA including, but not limited to:

• Employers are required to give all qualified individuals equal opportunity in the workforce, regardless of any disability they may have. This is perhaps the greatest impact of the ADA.

• Many physical accommodations have been implemented, such as the construction of curb cuts, ramps, automatic doors, public buses with wheelchair lifts, and countless forms of assistive technology.

• There has been incredible growth in the overall community’s attitude and mindset regarding people with disabilities. No longer are persons with intellectual disabilities hidden away at institutions; rather, we hear more and more success stories every day about what people with disabilities are accomplishing. You will see some of those stories on our webpage, www.barberinstitute.org.

These achievements were made possible because of the perseverance and persistence of the visionary advocates who were not satisfied with the status quo. Dr. Gertrude Barber shattered numerous “glass ceilings” in her lifetime, but July 26^th was the pinnacle of her efforts. As a member of President Kennedy’s commission on Mental Retardation in the 60’s, she was involved in crafting initial legislation for the inclusion of persons with disabilities. She was invited to the White House by President George Bush to see this landmark legislation signed into law. She was so proud to be in attendance!

On July 26th, let us remember and thank those who fought for equal rights for persons with disabilities and honor them by living full lives in the community and maximizing every opportunity the ADA has made possible. The importance and need for advocacy in education, employment and community life can never be forgotten.

I have been asked about the post pandemic economic recovery of people with disabilities.  I researched this topic to learn that the employment population data of working people with disabilities actually increased from 30.2% in April of 2021 to 34% in April 2022.  The data reflects that the Great Resignation is largely a phenomenon among workers without disabilities as we see people with disabilities engaged in the labor market.

It was so exciting to walk into school last week! For the first time in over two years, I was “unmasked”. The Barber National Institute Board has approved the revised Health and Safety Plan in which we adopted all CDC guidelines as to when one masks and when one does not. Erie is in low transmission, so staff and students need not mask. Everywhere you looked in the school, staff and students were smiling. I actually saw the faces for the first time of staff who were hired during COVID. There was a definite “buzz” in the air that continued all week.

Some key points in the Plan include:

• Physical distancing of at least 3 feet as appropriate
• Daily cleaning with no COVID suspected/confirmed cases
• Follow CDC Quarantine and Isolation Procedures
• Availability of testing in school for staff and students
• Encourage students and staff to complete daily health check for symptoms related to COVID
• Remote learning model provided during intermittent closures based on county, state, and federal mandates.
• Continue to assist county and state Departments of Health with contact exposure tracing
• PPE available as requested and needed
• Students travel individually or with their class cohorts

The entire Health & Safety Plan can be found at tinyurl.com/h6mm4js9.

We plan to continue to implement changes during Extended School Year (ESY) with a goal of returning to past practices for the 2022-23 School Year unless high transmission occurs.

Stay Safe and Healthy!