Barber National Institute Renewed at Select Status; Expands AI Pilot to Additional Erie Homes

Erie, PA (August 18, 2026) -Barber National Institute has been renewed by the Pennsylvania Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) at the Select Tier for performance-based contracting, recognizing the organization's continued commitment to quality residential services for individuals with intellectual disabilities and autism. The renewal reflects Barber National Institute's performance across key measures established by ODP, including staff training, service delivery, data collection, referral practices and supports for individuals with complex needs.

"This is a significant accomplishment. Barber National Institute is the only provider in Erie County and Northwest Pennsylvania to meet all criteria for this renewal. It also strengthens our ability to continue investing in staff, programs, services and the individuals and families who rely on us," said Robert Barber, senior vice president at Barber National Institute.

Barber National Institute's commitment to quality and safety also was recognized nationally through the 2026 Impruvon IMPACT Awards. The organization received the Scan-to-Safety Award in the Summit Impact Tier, recognizing the best barcode scan rate among large, multi-site providers. During the award period, Barber National Institute achieved the top barcode scan rate across 95 active sites and more than 500,000 scheduled medication administrations. The recognition reflects the commitment, consistency, and attention to detail demonstrated by direct support professionals and residential teams every day, placing Barber National Institute among the top-performing organizations in the country for this important medication safety practice.

The award reflects the work of residential teams who use Impruvon's medication management tools to support safe, accurate medication administration and strengthen visibility into compliance across community homes.

"Individual health and safety are core to our mission," said Thaddeus Jackman, chief of programs at Barber National Institute. "Impruvon has helped us use data in a practical way - identifying where additional support is needed, learning from high-performing teams, and continuing to strengthen medication safety for the individuals we serve."

A key priority continues to be certification of direct support professionals by the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP). "These certifications reflect our commitment to professional excellence and ensuring that direct support professionals have the knowledge, skills, and recognition they deserve," added Barber. "Continued progress with NADSP certification remains an important part of our ability to maintain and build upon our Select Tier status."

Separately, Barber National Institute is expanding Phase 2 of the Thryve Labs AI pilot project to three additional Erie community homes as part of its ongoing efforts to explore innovative tools that support direct support professionals and enhance quality of care.

Thryve's passive AI system will continue testing and learning ways to provide continuous environmental awareness that helps caregivers:

• Reduce administrative time: AI-generated shift notes and documentation free caregivers and care coordinators to spend more time on direct care rather than paperwork.
• Enable evidence-based care plans: Rich observational data helps program specialists develop more effective, personalized care strategies and track progress over time.
• Support family communication: Scheduled or on-demand updates keep families informed about their loved ones' well-being.

"We are helping lead the way in exploring how AI can support direct support professionals- shaping the future of care, not just at Barber National Institute, but across the field," said Barber.

The completion of Phase 1 demonstrated the potential for AI-supported technology to enhance safety, support staff, and reduce documentation burden while preserving person-centered care. The expansion is based on these early successes and implementation learnings.

Together the Select Tier renewal, national recognition through the Impruvon IMPACT awards, and the expansion of the Thryve AI pilot reflect Barber National Institute's commitment to quality, innovation, and continuous improvement. Through a combination of compassionate care, highly trained staff, and innovative approaches, the organization is focused on building a future where innovation and person-centered care work hand in hand to strengthen the outcomes for the individuals and families it serves while helping shape the future of disability services.

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About Barber National Institute

Barber National Institute is guided by compassion, innovation, and an unshakeable belief in human potential. We work every day to help make dreams come true for people of all abilities. Founded in 1952 by Dr. Gertrude A. Barber, we have grown from a single classroom into a comprehensive network of services for 5,400 adults and children with intellectual disabilities, autism, and behavioral health challenges. With locations in Bedford, Erie, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Somerset, and Warren, we empower children, adults, and families through education, residential options, employment, and community programs. We carry forward Dr. Barber's legacy and vision for a world where everyone belongs and lives to their fullest potential.