Kids on the Block
The Kids on the Block are a troupe of very likeable Puppets, with and without disabilities, designed to teach about differences in people. Disabilities include ADHD, Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Blindness, Metal Retardation and Hearing Impaired. The goal of this program is to help shape the attitudes of children toward classmates with disabilities.

This program is offered at no cost to all schools in Erie County. For more information, please contact Cheryl Bilski @ Family Support Services, 814-878-5931. Or email CherylBilski@BarberInstitute.org .
Beyond Camp Shamrock
Beyond Camp Shamrock is an innovative young adult summer recreation day camp for individuals between the ages of 21-26 years who have graduated from school and are not enrolled in a day program. It provides them with a fun summer experience for 5 weeks from July 7, 2008 thru August 8, 2008. Activities include field trips, swimming and gym time. Camper scholarships made possible through a grant from the Department of Community & Economic Development Operations & Compliance Office. Please contact CherylBilski@BarberInstitute.org or by calling 814-878-5931 for more information.

Camp Shamrock
Camp Shamrock is a summer day camp program provided for children ages 5 thru 21 years with a diagnosis of mental retardation. Activities include field trips in the community, pool and gym time and also arts & crafts activities. The camp is staffed by trained Recreation Aides, Certified Pool Instructors and Professional Supervisors. There is also a Camp Nurse available. Camp Shamrock is an allowable service of Family Support Services and the In-Home Waiver Program. Please contact CherylBilski@BarberInstitute.org or by calling 814-452-3071 for more information.
ESO Dances for Young Adults
The Dr. Gertrude A. Barber National Institute in collaboration with local colleges and universities sponsors on-going Expanding Sociability Opportunities (ESO) Dances. ESO Dances are designed to provide social interaction for individuals with special needs and their same age peers in the community-at-large. An open invitation to the dances is extended to all young adults between the ages of 18-35.

Monthly dances are held Friday evenings on local college campuses during the school year with college students serving as volunteers. While there are always plenty of volunteers on site, parents and caregivers are welcome to stay. ESO Dances feature a lot of interaction between guests and volunteers. Attendees have the opportunity to get to know one another on a personal, social basis.

For more information or to place your name or the name of someone you think might be interested in attending the dances on the mailing list, please contact Joyce Krahe McDonnell, Family Support Services, Dr. Gertrude A. Barber National Institute at JoyceMcDonnell@BarberInstitute.org or 814-878-5905. The Family Support Services Office may be reached @ 814-878-5961.
Click here for the current schedule.
SIBSESSIONS for Brothers and Sisters
Family Support Services offers monthly SIBSESSIONS for brothers and sisters of individuals with developmental disabilities.

SibSessions offer a supportive setting for the expression of feelings and concerns and the development of new friendships for siblings ages 5 to 16. Participants share the positive aspects of having an affected sibling. Participants enjoy activities in arts and crafts, recreational events, sharing time, and a free lunch.

Sessions are offered free of charge, and unless otherwise notified, take place at the Barber National Institute. For more info and registration, please call Theresa Cross @ 814-878-5936 or email TheresaCross@BarberInstitute.org .
Click here for the current schedule.
Time for Me Children's Program
Time For Me is a unique program held at the Barber National Institute for children ages 4 - 10 with a developmental disability. Sessions include swimming, arts & crafts and gym. The program also provides parents with their own "Time For Me" knowing that their children are in a safe environment, having fun and well supervised by trained staff. TSS are welcome to attend.

Space is limited to 12 children per session. For program dates, fee information and registration, please contact CherylBilski@BarberInstitute.org . The FSS Office may be reached @ 814-878-5931.
Click here for the current schedule.