The Watson Institute

The Watson Institute helps children with special needs achieve their fullest potential in all aspects of their lives.

Founded in 1917 as the D.T. Watson Home for Crippled Children, the Watson Institute has evolved and grown over the years by focusing upon its mission of helping children with special needs achieve their fullest potential in all aspects of their lives. The Watson Institute fulfills its mission by providing programs and supports not only to the child but also to the child's family, as well as training and technical support to educators and others working in the field. Today the Watson Institute serves over 1300 children annually through its continuum of services that includes special education programs, psychological services, respite, therapeutic summer camps, as well as training and consultation services for school districts.

Each year, the Watson Institute serves students from over 70 school districts across 12 counties in Pennsylvania, and provides consultation to school districts in Ohio, West Virginia, Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

Services are individually tailored to meet the needs of each child, whose diagnoses include Autism Spectrum Disorder, cerebral palsy, and neurological impairments, as well as severe emotional disturbances. In addition, many of the young learners the Watson Institute serves live at or near the poverty level: 92% of the students attending the Watson Institute's Friendship Academy are from low-income families.

Testimonials

"When I walked into Watson, I knew this was it - I new child would be supported."

"They truly love and care about each child. In this caring and compassionate environment, he can reach his true potential, and even more importantly, he has realized that he is a valuable member of society (instead of being the one that doesn't fit)."

"Your staff, resources, skill sets, empathy and overall environment are head and shoulders above the rest."

"I and my son know you are on our side which is demonstrated daily through your flexibility, communication, suggestions, and willingness to do whatever our children and their parents need."