Celebrating Rett Syndrome Awareness Month: Join Us for Inclusive Play on October 31!
Different Abilities. Inclusive Play. Brighter Tomorrows. đź’ś
October is Rett Syndrome Awareness Month, a time dedicated to increasing understanding, supporting families, and celebrating individuals living with Rett syndrome.
At Bella Smiles for Developmental Disabilities, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to play, connect, learn, and feel included, regardless of their abilities.
That's why we're excited to invite families to a special Rett Syndrome Awareness Month – Inclusive Play event, hosted by 321 Buddy at A Place for Me, on Saturday, October 31!
This community gathering is an opportunity to celebrate inclusion, connect with other families, share helpful resources, and recognize the importance of creating welcoming spaces for children of all abilities.
What Is Rett Syndrome?
Rett syndrome is a rare neurological and developmental disorder that primarily affects girls. It can impact a child's ability to communicate, move, and perform everyday activities.
Children with Rett syndrome often experience a period of early development followed by changes or loss of previously acquired skills. Some individuals may experience challenges with walking, hand movements, communication, breathing patterns, and seizures.
While every individual experiences Rett syndrome differently, one thing remains important: having a disability does not diminish a child's desire to connect, participate, and belong.
Raising awareness helps families feel seen, encourages greater understanding, and reminds our communities of the importance of accessible activities, supportive resources, and meaningful inclusion.
Why Inclusive Play Matters
Play is an important part of childhood. It helps children explore their surroundings, build relationships, express themselves, and experience joy.
For children with intellectual and developmental disabilities, opportunities for play may look different. Some children may need adaptive equipment, additional assistance, sensory accommodations, or alternative ways to communicate and participate.
Inclusive play is about creating opportunities where every child is welcomed and valued.
It also provides opportunities for families to connect with others who understand their experiences, share resources, and build lasting friendships.
At Bella Smiles, we believe inclusion goes beyond simply inviting someone to participate. It's about creating an environment where children and families feel comfortable, supported, and genuinely included.
And that's what makes community events like this so meaningful!
Join Us for Rett Syndrome Awareness Month – Inclusive Play!
đź’ś Saturday, October 31, 2026
⏰ 2:00 PM–4:00 PM
đź“Ť 321 Buddy at A Place for Me
1918 112th Street East, Suite 3Tacoma, WA 98445
We're looking forward to an afternoon of community connections, inclusive play, and family support!
Thanks to the generosity of our community partners, families can also look forward to:
🍕 Free pizza, generously donated by Costco.
🧥 Free children's winter jackets, donated by All Saints Knights of Columbus.
đź“– A Guide to Good Hygiene During MPs for Girls with IDD, a helpful educational resource from Bella Smiles.
We are grateful to the organizations and community members who help create opportunities like these for children and families.
Sharing Resources That Support Growing Up
One of the resources we'll be sharing at this event is our illustrated menstrual hygiene guide, A Guide to Good Hygiene During MPs: A Step-by-Step Guide for Girls with Autism.
Developed by Bella Smiles for Developmental Disabilities with funding from the Organization for Autism Research (OAR), this free educational guide helps girls with autism understand menstruation, learn personal hygiene routines, and navigate growing up with greater confidence and dignity.
The guide includes colorful illustrations, step-by-step instructions, visual schedules, checklists, and practical information for parents, caregivers, and educators.
Although developed with girls with autism in mind, many of the strategies and visual tools may also be helpful for girls with other intellectual and developmental disabilities.
We recognize that growing up can bring new challenges for both children and their caregivers. By sharing accessible educational resources, we hope to make these important conversations easier and help families feel more informed and supported.
You can also find the guide on our website:
Thank You to Our Community Partners!
Events like this remind us how much we can accomplish when organizations and community members come together.
We extend our appreciation to 321 Buddy at A Place for Me for hosting this Inclusive Play event and helping provide a welcoming environment for families.
We also want to recognize:
đź’ś Costco for generously donating pizza.
đź’ś All Saints Knights of Columbus for donating children's winter jackets.
Their generosity helps make this gathering even more special for the families attending.
Let's Celebrate Inclusion Together!
Rett Syndrome Awareness Month is an opportunity to learn, connect, and advocate for a world where individuals with developmental disabilities have access to the support, resources, and opportunities they deserve.
Whether you're a parent, caregiver, family member, advocate, or community supporter, we hope you'll join us on October 31 as we celebrate children of all abilities and the importance of belonging.
Mark your calendars, invite a friend, and come celebrate inclusive play with us! đź’ś
📅 Saturday, October 31, 2026 | 2:00–4:00 PM
đź“Ť 321 Buddy at A Place for Me1918 112th Street East, Suite 3Tacoma, WA 98445
Together, we can continue building a more understanding, supportive, and inclusive community.
Different Abilities. Inclusive Play. Brighter Tomorrows.
Bella Smiles for Developmental Disabilities — Paving the Way with a Smile!
Visit www.bellasmilesfordd.org to learn more about our programs and resources.
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