Abigail Davison-Hoult

Communication and Education Support Coordinator, Rett UK M.A. (Childhood Studies and Early Years)

About this speaker

Abigail was thrust into the world of Rett syndrome in October 2013 when her daughter Esme, then 3, was diagnosed with the condition. Up until age 2, Esme had been developing at a typical, if not slightly advanced rate, able to demonstrate what she knew, thought, liked and didn't like.

After attending the first Rett Education conference in 2014, the family fundraised relentlessly, purchasing their first eye gaze device that year. Refusing to believe that Esme would be unable to progress with her learning and cognitive development, Abigail persuaded Susan Norwell to mentor her in teaching ways to get started with AAC.

Abigail shadowed Susan at various events and in 2016 co-hosted at workshops in Nottingham and Edinburgh before going on to work alongside Callie Ward and Gill Townend from the very start of the Rett UK Communication and Education Project.

Deciding to further enhance her knowledge of child development and the factors affecting it, Abigail completed an MA in Childhood Studies and Early Years in 12 months (2017/18) through Leeds Beckett University, gaining a merit. She used Rett syndrome as a focus point wherever possible throughout her studies, submitting a thesis titled "A Study of Parental Experiences in the UK of the Implementation and Use of Electronic AAC Methods to Support Their Child with Rett Syndrome."

She is now the Communication Coordinator at Rett UK for the Communication and Education Project. This role includes managing the loan device program and the team of Regional Communication Champions, supporting and advising families in all matters regarding communication and education, and arranging digital conferences!

Abigail's conference talks will remain available as replays until 20th November 2021.

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Talks

Welcome to Rett Education 2020

15 November 2020, 03:30 PM
Gill Townend Abigail Davison-Hoult

Look Back and Reflection on the Week

21 November 2020, 10:00 AM
Gill Townend Tracey Campbell Abigail Davison-Hoult

Conference Wrap-up

21 November 2020, 05:15 PM
Tracey Campbell Abigail Davison-Hoult Gill Townend

Discussion Group - Getting Started with Communication. Focus on Susan Norwell’s Rett Education 2020 talks

18 February 2021, 08:00 PM
Tracey Campbell Susan Norwell Gill Townend Abigail Davison-Hoult

Discussion Group - AAC in Schools

18 March 2021, 08:00 PM
Gill Townend Callie Ward Abigail Davison-Hoult Michelle Mann Tracey Campbell

Discussion Group - Getting Started with Communication. Focus on Jaquie Mills' Rett Education 2020 talk

22 April 2021, 08:00 PM
Gill Townend Tracey Campbell Abigail Davison-Hoult

Discussion Group - What Else Affects Communication – Motor Skills, Movement & Positioning. Focus on Meir Lotan’s Rett Education 2020 talk.

20 May 2021, 08:00 PM
Tracey Campbell Abigail Davison-Hoult Meir Lotan Gill Townend

Discussion Group - What Else Affects Communication – Emotional/Behavioural & Sensory Issues. Focus on Kate Ahern and Judy Lariviere's Rett Education 2020 talks.

17 June 2021, 08:00 PM
Abigail Davison-Hoult Gill Townend Tracey Campbell

Discussion Group - Next Steps with Communication

15 July 2021, 08:00 PM
Abigail Davison-Hoult Tracey Campbell

Discussion Group: Why and How to Develop Literacy

23 September 2021, 08:00 PM
Caroline Musselwhite Gill Townend Tracey Campbell Abigail Davison-Hoult

Discussion Group: Reflection on Rett Education 2020

21 October 2021, 08:00 PM
Abigail Davison-Hoult Gill Townend Tracey Campbell