Our story begins with an educator’s unwavering belief – that every child deserves the chance to learn, grow, and belong. In 1952, our founder, Dr. Gertrude A. Barber, opened a small school for children with intellectual disabilities, a bold act of love at a time when few believed in their potential.
History of the Barber National Institute
About Dr. Barber
As an administrator in the Erie School District, Dr. Gertrude Barber was faced with the difficult task of telling parents that there was no place for their children with disabilities. These youngsters would either have to be educated at home or sent to a distant institution to live.
Dr. Barber believed there was a better way, and working with families, borrowed a room from the local YWCA to begin the first class for students with intellectual disabilities.
Over the next nearly 75 years, the organization founded by Dr. Barber has served children and adults in need because of the support of so many generous donors and friends.
Founder's Room
The public is invited to visit our Founder’s Room located at our main campus in Erie. This commemorative space honors the legacy of Dr. Gertude Barber and celebrates our history. The Founder’s Room is open Monday-Friday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and is free and open to the public.
Cause for Canonization
Dr. Gertrude A. Barber dedicated her life to serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, transforming the landscape of care and education in Erie, Pennsylvania and beyond.
Today, her legacy lives on not only through the institutions she founded, but also through a formal cause for canonization—the process by which the Catholic Church investigates and recognizes individuals whose lives reflect extraordinary holiness and virtue.
Latest News
Children's Behavioral Health Center Selected for State Funding
Posted on December 17th, 2025 at 7:54 PM
Harrisburg, PA (December 15, 2025) - The Pennsylvania Department of Co ...
DSP Recognized on Pennsylvania Advocates and Resources Network
Posted on December 17th, 2025 at 7:47 PM
Erie, PA (December 15, 2025) - Congratulations to Direct Support Professional (D ...
Thryve Labs and Barber National Institute Take Next Step in Pilot Partnership to Advance AI-Enhanced Caregiving Technologies
Posted on December 10th, 2025 at 2:27 PM
Erie, PA (Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2025) - Thryve Labs, an AI-powered caregiving ...
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