Elizabeth Lee Black School Thanks Senator Dan Laughlin

Students from Barber National Institute’s Elizabeth Lee Black School gathered in song to thank Pennsylvania Senator Dan Laughlin who was instrumental in securing an additional $750,000 in funding from the Pennsylvania Department of Education for Barber National Institute’s Elizabeth Lee Black School as part of the 2024-2025 Pennsylvania state budget.

The Elizabeth Lee Black School is an Approved Private School, licensed by the State Board of Private Academic Schools. Pennsylvania currently has 33 non-charter Approved Private Schools. The Elizabeth Lee Black School serves 26 Pennsylvania school districts who cannot provide appropriate education due to the severity of the students’ needs.

“Our founder Dr. Gertrude Barber was an administrator for the Erie School District. She was faced with the difficult task of telling parents that there was no place for their children with disabilities. These youngsters would either be educated at home or sent to a distant institution to live,” said Barber National Institute Executive Vice President Dr. Maureen Barber-Carey. “Dr. Barber believed there was a better way, and working with families, borrowed a room at the local YMCA to begin the first class for students with intellectual disabilities.” 

The Elizabeth Lee Black School teaches students aged five to 22 with a diagnosis of autism, mental health disorders, and intellectual, sensory or physical disabilities. “We believe that all children have the right to an education that challenges their capacity to learn utilizing solid behavior analytical approaches and other state-of-the-art educational strategies delivered in a positive, nurturing environment,” said Barber-Carey.

Over 30 Elizabeth Lee Black School students require one-on-one assistance throughout the school day due to behaviors such as aggression, self-abusiveness, or elopement. Half of the students have multiple disabilities and many also have significant medical needs.

“We serve children facing the greatest challenges, whether behavioral, medical, educational or a combination of all three. Their school districts and parents turn to us for help. Funding secured by Senator Laughlin will help offset the rising costs of providing high-quality education. This funding also will help us remain somewhat competitive by allowing us to increase salaries for special education teachers and paraeducators ensuring we can meet our students’ needs,” concluded Barber-Carey.

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About Barber National Institute

Barber National Institute provides children and adults with autism, intellectual disabilities and behavioral health challenges and their families with the education, support and resources needed to be self-reliant, independent, and valued members of their community. Its Elizabeth Lee Black School is a nationally recognized school of excellence that serves a very diverse group of learners.

Barber National Institute serves more than 5,400 individuals statewide with offices in Erie County, Pittsburgh, Somerset, Bedford and Philadelphia, PA. Barber National Institute employs over 3000 people.