Help Change the School Experience for Students with Rett Syndrome
Every school year, families of students with Rett Syndrome face the same challenge: helping a new team of teachers, educational assistants, therapists, and school staff understand a condition they may have never encountered before.
Imagine if every school had someone who could help bridge that gap.
That’s exactly why the Rett Syndrome Society of BC (RSSBC) is launching the Rett Education Ambassador Program.
This exciting new initiative will train a team of dedicated volunteers from across British Columbia to become Rett Education Ambassadors—individuals equipped with the knowledge and confidence to support schools, educators, EA’s, and homeschooling families by sharing Rett Syndrome-specific best practices.
Once trained, Ambassadors will work alongside schools to help educational teams build successful, inclusive learning environments for students with Rett Syndrome.
Why is this needed?
Children with Rett Syndrome often have incredibly unique educational, communication, physical, and sensory needs. While school districts provide wonderful professionals and supports, many educators may never have worked with a student with Rett Syndrome before.
Our goal is to provide a Rett Syndrome-specific starting point that helps schools begin with confidence while complementing the services already available through school districts.
By helping educational teams understand Rett Syndrome from day one, we can reduce stress for families, improve student outcomes, and create more inclusive classrooms throughout British Columbia.
What You’ll Learn
Participants will receive hands-on training from experienced professionals in areas such as:
- AAC communication and communication devices
- Yes/No communication
- Regulation and co-regulation
- Classroom inclusion
- Understanding body language and non-verbal communication
- Physiotherapy for ambulatory and non-ambulatory students
- Positioning and movement
- IEP review and goal writing
- Real-life classroom strategies
- Best practices for supporting students with Rett Syndrome
Even better, you’ll learn directly from professionals working in the field while also having opportunities for hands-on learning with Kayla, a young adult living with Rett Syndrome who has graciously agreed to be our demonstration student.
Who Can Volunteer?
We’re looking for volunteers from across British Columbia.
No previous experience with Rett Syndrome is required.
This opportunity is perfect for:
- Individuals interested in education
- Educational Assistants
- Teachers
- Parents and caregivers
- University and college students
- Anyone considering a career in Speech-Language Pathology
- Anyone considering a career in Physiotherapy
- Anyone considering a career in Special Education
- Community members with a passion for helping others
If you are compassionate, willing to learn, and excited to share your knowledge with others, we’d love to have you join us.
Why Volunteer?
As a Rett Education Ambassador, you’ll:
- Make a lasting difference in the lives of children with Rett Syndrome.
- Help reduce the stress families experience each school year.
- Gain practical training from leading professionals.
- Develop valuable leadership, communication, advocacy, and presentation skills.
- Build experience that looks fantastic on resumes and post-secondary applications.
- Become part of a province-wide network of volunteers improving educational outcomes for students with disabilities.
Most importantly, you’ll leave knowing you’ve helped create a better future—not just for one student, but for many families across British Columbia.
Training Details
Training Dates & Locations:
- July 25 Sat 10:30am – 1:15pm (lunch provided)
Coquitlam City Centre Public Library – room 127
1169 Pinetree, Coquitlam, V3B 0Y1
Skytrain – Lincoln Station (Millennium Line) - August 8 Sat 10:15am – 1:15pm (lunch provided)
Coquitlam City Centre Public Library – room 127
1169 Pinetree, Coquitlam, V3B 0Y1
Skytrain – Lincoln Station (Millennium Line) - August 15 Sat 11:30am – 1:30pm (snacks provided)
Trout Lake Community Centre – room Lakewood
3360 Victoria Drive, Vancouver, V5N 4M4
Skytrain – Commercial Broadway (Expo/Millennium Line)
Lunch and snacks will be provided.
Sessions will also be professionally recorded, creating a lasting educational resource for schools and future volunteers.
Join the Team
Whether you’re exploring a future career in education, speech-language pathology, physiotherapy, or simply want to make a meaningful difference in your community, this is an incredible opportunity to learn from experts while helping improve the educational experience of students with Rett Syndrome across British Columbia.
Ready to become a Rett Education Ambassador?
Bringing the Rett Education Ambassador Program to Life
The Rett Education Ambassador Program is made possible through funding from the University of British Columbia’s Centre for Community Engaged Learning (CCEL) Chapman & Innovation (C&I) Grant. This grant supports innovative, community-led projects that create meaningful learning opportunities while making a lasting impact in the community.
We are incredibly grateful to UBC CCEL and student project lead Tiffany Wai for believing in this vision and partnering with the Rett Syndrome Society of British Columbia to make this program possible.
Because of this generous funding, volunteers will receive expert-led training, educational resources, hands-on learning opportunities, and ongoing mentorship—allowing us to provide free Rett Syndrome education to schools and families throughout British Columbia.
Together, we’re building more knowledgeable schools, more confident educators, and brighter futures for students living with Rett Syndrome.
This program is proudly funded by
University of British Columbia
Centre for Community Engaged Learning
Chapman & Innovation (C&I) Grant
In partnership with the Rett Syndrome Society of British Columbia.
