She helps students with autism, Down syndrome, Retts syndrome, speech and language delays, muscular problems, cerebral palsy, hearing impairments, deafness and blindness. These children require adapted materials, augmentative devices and "specialized equipment to accommodate them in their learning environment," Nightingale said.
Nightingale's students learn like other classes "but adapted to their special circumstances." She guides students through "active learning," allowing children "to have direct, hands-on experiences with people, objects, events and ideas (to) construct their own knowledge."
"Active learning begins as children manipulate objects using their bodies and all their senses," Nightingale said. "Children's choices and interest are at the heart of this program."
...
She respects students' parents "past to present" who are "absolutely patient, understanding and willing to learn more to assist their child's special educational program. It takes stamina and courage to say every day, 'I will not give up or give in.' They do what needs to be done. Sometimes, it takes tough love."
"I hate the paperwork but that too shall pass," Nightingale said. "Every special-needs child is entitled to a free, appropriate education. That's law but also humanity. Children are a blessing no matter the disability." ai.com (12/27, 2006)
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