Barber National Institute provides structured residential living opportunities to adults and pre-adults with intellectual disabilities, autism and behavioral health needs. Throughout Erie County, a team of dedicated staff supports these residents within 55 group homes. Referrals in Erie County for residential services can be initiated through Erie County Care Management.

Barber National Institute provides a nurturing, safe, family-like structured environment in residential group homes to meet the needs of adults with intellectual disabilities, autism and behavioral health needs. Individuals are provided with 24-hour a day care by direct support professionals who assist in developing a person-centered program designed for each person's preferences, needs and goals.

Since opening our first residential community homes in 1973, Barber National Institute has been a trusted and relied upon partner in caring for your loved one.

Using a person-centered approach, each adult participates in the development of his or her own personal plan for services and receives the guidance and support of our qualified direct support professionals. Our individuals are encouraged and supported to live an active and fulfilling life, exploring new and interesting activities of their choice. Individualized plans are based on the needs, wants, goals and aspirations of each person.

Residential community homes are designed to provide a secure and comfortable environment where residents can thrive, balancing independence with the right level of support and care for each person. We ensure tht all homes have skilled and dedicated staff who can respond to medical and behavioral needs while facilitating every individual's unique choice and preferences.

The individual is surrounded by a support team that includes direct support professionals, nurses, behavior therapists, supervisors, administrative staff and a primary care physician who coordinates any other services the person may need. Our program offers a 24-hour on-call system for supervisor, administrative and nursing services to ensure that individuals, employees and families can be supported when the need arises.

Residential Services offers a range of options in the Erie, PA region to promote shared goals: to facilitate individual choice, foster greater independence and community involvement, and provide a comfortable, life-enriching home life.

Community Home Features

Each residential community home is unique and situated within friendly community neighborhoods. Barber National Institute homes are created with a family setting in mind and feature items such as:

• Personalized bedrooms
• Spacious rooms
• Communal and private areas of group home
• Comfortable furniture
• Outdoor Space
• Family-type living