Seven-year-old Valentina is going back to school this fall, but without Wayfinder’s support, it would be incredibly difficult.
Valentina is deaf and nonverbal, and she has cerebral palsy and autism. Last year she attended a school for children who are deaf, but it couldn’t address her other disabilities, especially her autism, which affects her even more than her deafness.
Fortunately, Valentina’s family learned that she could enroll in Wayfinder’s Special Education School, which helps children and young adults with profound special needs.
The Path to a Brighter Future
In fact, most of the students at our Special Education School have five or more significant disabilities, so we truly are the perfect match for children like Valentina, who need a customized and caring approach to school and learning.
We serve children from school districts in Los Angeles County and surrounding areas whose diagnoses include visual impairment, autism, seizure disorders, severe neurological problems, hyperactivity, chronic heart disorders, cerebral palsy and fetal alcohol syndrome.
Our Special Education School is free to attend and supported by donors. It’s incredible to watch these students gain independence, learn skills like sign language, build friendships and social skills, and learn how to interact and communicate with people inside and outside their homes.
Valentina started attending Wayfinder’s Special Education School earlier this year and recently completed summer school. “When she comes home, she’s happy, and when she has her good moments, she’s excited,” says her mom, Norma.
At our Special Education School, children with profound disabilities like Valentina receive individualized instruction from compassionate educators who teach in small classrooms with adapted instructional materials to engage students in learning.
With a 1:2 staff-to-student ratio, on-site nursing and outdoor recreation – including our sensory playground and swimming pool – parents like Norma feel confident and happy knowing their child is at Wayfinder’s Special Education School.
A Loving Aunt to the Rescue
When Valentina was just 10 months old, her mother passed away, leaving her in the care of her aunt, Norma, who had already raised three children of her own. “My house wasn’t prepared for a baby, but she’s been with me ever since,” Norma says. “Valentina is all I have left of my sister.”
Norma knew Valentina was deaf, but she had no idea her niece had additional disabilities. When Valentina was a toddler, Norma noticed she couldn’t sit up or walk. “All she wanted to do was lay down,” Norma recalls. “She didn’t want to touch the floor.”
Thanks to Norma’s advocacy, Valentina was finally diagnosed with Level 3 Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), the highest severity level, which requires very substantial support.
Norma researched ways to help Valentina, and her eldest daughter even moved back to the LA area from Texas to help out. “We started working as a family, my older kids and myself,” Norma says. Together, they learned ways to keep Valentina happy and calm.
Although Valentina is nonverbal, Norma says she communicates very well. “She points to things and shows me what she wants,” Norma says. “She will hold my hand, and it’s like I understand what she needs.” They plan to learn sign language together in the future.
Norma describes Valentina as a “chill girl” who loves Disneyland, SeaWorld, nature and animals. At home, she loves playing on her tablet, and nothing makes her happier than car rides and being outdoors. “We’re lucky to have her,” Norma says.
Your gift to Wayfinder helps create opportunities for children like Valentina. Please consider making a gift today!
September 28, 2026
