Rett University Launches New Emergent Literacy course for Girls with Rett Syndrome

AMELIA ISLAND, Fla. - July 27, 2015 - PRLog -- Amelia Island, FL (July 27, 2015) –

Rett University, an international e-learning platform designed for educators, therapists and families working with students who have Rett Syndrome, is proud to announce a new course by Susan Norwell, Educator and Rett University Co-Founder: “Emergent Literacy for Girls with Rett Syndrome – Part One.” The first in a three-part series on Emergent Literacy, the course is designed to support parents and therapists in their ability to teach initial literacy skills to students who have Rett Syndrome.

Individuals with Rett Syndrome can succeed with typical Emergent Literacy expectations, but need adapted materials and teaching strategies to be successful. Norwell models the strong connection between communication, behavior and focus, as well as uses embedded AAC and technology within the instruction in order to best support these individuals in their learning.

"I believe so strongly in the abilities of individuals with Rett Syndrome that I knew we needed to take training and education to a global level. It was no longer enough to train one girl, one school or one family at a time. We needed a larger outreach and a more directed strategy. Rettuniversity.org was born out of a five-year dream of mine to unlock the abilities of those struggling with Rett Syndrome, bring hope to their families and skills to their professionals," said Norwell.

The addition of this new course marks another step toward the Rett University's vision to offer courses at an economical price to therapists, educators and parents of students with Rett Syndrome. These courses offer accessible instruction from individuals who have dedicated their careers toward the education of individuals with Rett Syndrome and other disabilities, and who have proven their teaching strategies work in helping these students succeed.

“Our goal is to unlock the potential within each and every girl suffering from Rett Syndrome. Rett U makes it easier for educators to teach them and propel them toward their highest level of academic achievement. We are excited to add this new course as we grow to offer different topics ranging from literacy to physical therapy to nutrition in the near future," said Ingrid Harding, Executive Director of Girl Power 2 Cure.

About Susan Norwell

Susan Norwell, M.A. Special Education, has worked with a wide array of students, including those with Rett Syndrome, Autism and Multiple Disabilities for the last 39 years. Susan’s current focus is in teaching literacy skills for children without verbal language and with significant disabilities while integrating augmentative communication and technology supports.

About Rett Syndrome

Rett Syndrome is a severe neurological disorder that almost exclusively affects females. Every 90 minutes another little girl is born "normal," only to be robbed of her ability to speak, walk, crawl, and use her hands between the ages of one and three. Complications include seizures, sudden death in their sleep and scoliosis. It is considered the most physically disabling childhood neurological disorder and is as prevalent as Cystic Fibrosis, ALS and Huntington's disease. There is no treatment, but in 2007 researchers proved in the lab that Rett Syndrome can be reversed, giving it the potential to be the first curable neurological disorder and playing a key role in understanding other neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's, Schizophrenia and Parkinson's.

About Rett University

Rett University is an international e-learning platform designed for educators, therapists and families of Rett Syndrome students that allows experienced professionals to share cutting-edge courses on how to support and teach Rett Syndrome individuals. Rett University was co-founded by Girl Power 2 Cure, Inc. a 501c3 nonprofit organization dedicated to raising awareness and funds for treatments and a cure for Rett Syndrome, and Susan Norwell, a world renowned Rett Syndrome education and communication specialist.

For further information, visit www.rett-u.org.