Dr. George provided walkers to two boys who sat on the floor all day long. Like typical boys, they even learned to run using the walkers. One boys legs have developed enough and is now able to walk unassisted. (Photo Credit: http://www.nspreschurch.org/india.html)
It was 1990 and David Householder of the North Sewickley Presbyterian Church recommended to Dr. V.C. George that he come to Erie for on-the-job training at the Dr. Gertrude A. Barber Center. At that time he was a manager of a program for adults with disabilities in India. Dr. George spent four months with us learning about everything we did for children and adults with disabilities in our school, with our adult services and in our residential programs. He returned to India to begin his mission.
He came back to Erie in the late 90s and early 2000s many, many times, always committed to learning the state-of-the-art programs. One summer, our physical therapist, Tom Hudson, returned to India with him to spend six weeks assisting Dr. George with establishing his programs for children and adults with disabilities. In 2008, Dr. George dedicated his school for children with disabilities. A few years later he began a small center for adults with disabilities. Dr. George currently serves as Clinical Psychologist/ Administrator of Vadaketh Development Center, Miraj, Maharashtra, India and is President of the Indian Association of Clinical Psychologists.
Vadaketh Center in Miraj, Maharastra, India
In addition to providing these direct services, Dr. George has been able to help at least two other village schools begin to serve children with disabilities. Also, he is a voice for these children at the national level in India and is influencing the priorities and services India offers persons with disabilities.
Photo Credit: L – R; Maureen Barber-Carey, Dr. V.C. George, Irene George, Bridget Barber, John Barber
Today, 24 years later, he has returned to the Barber National Institute to offer us an update on the Vadaketh Development Center and to learn from us what is current that is practiced in the field of disabilities. Dr. George frequently comments that he has established a Gertrude Barber Center in India. I look forward to his visit and will share his comments in future blogs.
As we focus on May as Mental Health Awareness Month, we know that there is a great deal of misunderstanding about mental illness. Unfortunately, negative attitudes and beliefs toward people who have a mental health condition are common. Although 1 in 4 people have some form of a mental health disorder, a recent study found that in Europe and the United States up to 75% of those affected don’t receive the treatment they need.
and are afraid to let anyone know they have an issue. Those most affected by the stigma are young people, those from minority ethnic groups, members of the military and healthcare professionals.
the local summer day camps. What can you offer me?” Fourteen years ago a small group of parents of children with high functioning autism/Asperger’s approached me and asked me to help them find a solution to the challenges and obstacles their children were experiencing in the traditional day camp. They were looking for a summer recreation program where their children could be together, have fun and develop friendships. Their children were in inclusive educational placements and progressing well academically but didn’t have friends. Their parents worried that another summer would pass with the children alone at home playing video games or reading books about their special interests. They wanted 
more.
Siebenbuerger. The SeaWolves will offer a baseball clinic at Jerry Uht Park on Tuesday, July 22nd for participants in the Connections Camps. Erie SeaWolves players and coaches will help teach baseball fundamentals such as fielding, throwing, pitching and base running. They will also cover topics such as nutrition, proper stretching and exercise. The goal is for youngsters to take what they learn at the clinic and put it to use on school and neighborhood fields with their friends, classmates or in a league. In addition, to the instruction provided at the Clinic, each child will receive a t-shirt, certificate and a ticket to an Erie SeaWolves game, where they will be recognized on the field before the start of play.
social dates and look forward to getting together the following summer. As one child told me, “I don’t have any friends at school but at Connections Camp I have lots.” Definitely a win-win for all of the children involved.
retty.
of panic. Why? Sister Eulalia was, first and foremost, a strict grammarian. Under her tutelage, we diagrammed “Our Father,” “Hail Mary,” and every other prayer recommended by Sister. It was her belief that unless you could diagram, you could not write a clear, concise sentence that would effectively communicate your message. By the time I graduated from 8th grade, not only could I diagram every prayer, but I actually wrote a paragraph worthy of Sister’s approval. I love writing, even today, and I thank Sister Eulalia for enabling me to develop those skills.
My next thought of influential teachers brings up Ryan’s academic career. He was very fortunate to have many outstanding teachers throughout his career in the Millcreek School District. Two teachers who truly made a difference in Ryan’s education were Darcie Mosley and Regina Cocolin. As principal of Walnut Creek Middle School, Darcie welcomed Ryan into the WC family from his first day in 6th grade. Regardless of his challenges, she was Ryan’s greatest champion and cheerleader. I attribute his success in middle school to Darcie’s leadership. Regina Cocolin was Ryan’s speech teacher in high school. The enthusiasm and commitment to his success that was shown by Regina encouraged Ryan to achieve the very best.
The Mini Beast on the Bay obstacle course is back for its second year and is even better! Last year, the ELBS faculty and students chose to initiate a Mini Beast as their way to participate in the 
Physical Fitness Month. The 
All About Autism 