The Watson Institute, established in 1917 as the D. T. Watson Home for Crippled Children, provides educational and supportive services to children with special needs. David T. Watson was a Pittsburgh business leader and attorney to some notable business leaders from the region, including Andrew Carnegie, Henry Phipps, and Henry Clay Frick. Founders, David T. and his wife, Margaret, envisioned a place where children could be cared for and encouraged to succeed. Watson has been that place for children, helping them to achieve their fullest potential in all aspects of their lives.

Over the past 100 years, the Watson Institute has served thousands of children with special needs, including victims of the polio epidemic.    Now known as the Watson Institute, today “Watson” focuses on providing special education and supportive services to children aged 3 to 21 with special needs. Watson helps children with special needs achieve their fullest potential in all aspects of their lives. Watson also provides education and support to school districts and other professionals working in the field of special education.