Conferences and National Events
Every two years, NOAH hosts its largest and most dynamic event, the NOAH National Conference. Held in different regions of the country, NOAH national conferences provide the albinism community with unparalleled opportunities to connect with one another, to share experiences, to learn about current research and to celebrate the diversity of the community. NOAH conferences traditionally draw attendees from all over the world and offer special programming for children, teens, young adults and new parents. Session topics address issues over a variety of issues relating to albinism, including genetic research, vision testing, educational concerns, employment, makeup, social issues and technology. Because the condition of albinism is rare and many people with albinism are the only ones in their families or communities, NOAH conferences are unique in that they offer people with albinism of all ages the chance to meet others like them and to share common experiences.
Several active local chapters and special interest groups also host mini-conferences throughout the year. In 2009, mini-conferences have been scheduled for Chicago, New York, West Virginia, north Texas, Kansas City and Los Angeles.
On off years between conferences, NOAH's leadership hosts a social weekend for adults with albinism called Adult Day. This event, which is held in a different location every two years, draws adults with albinism from across the country and offers educational programming, social events and community service projects to keep the albinism community connected. In 2007, Adult Day was held in New Orleans, Louisiana, where attendees not only had an opportunity to take in the sights, sounds and culinary delicacies of New Orleans, but also participated in a service project with Beacon of Hope in order to help neighborhoods rebuild and recover from Hurricane Katrina.
In 2005, NOAH held its first Family Summer Camp at Beacon Lodge in Mount Union, Pennsylvania. This was the first and only summer camp experience designed specifically to meet the needs of children with albinism. The camp, which has now become a biannual fixture in NOAH's national events, offers structured activities, educational sessions and social events for young children and families taking into account the unique visual and sun care needs of children with the condition.
In 2008, NOAH established its first-ever scholarship award for college students with albinism. The Michael J. McGowan Leadership Scholarship Award, named after the organization's current president, recognizes leadership and empowers young people with albinism. NOAH will award one scholarship annually to a student with albinism enrolled in an undergraduate program at an institution of higher education. This award aims to enhance educational opportunities for students with albinism while celebrating outstanding leadership qualities similar to those exhibited by NOAH's dedicated current and past leaders.
Read more about this topic: National Organization For Albinism And Hypopigmentation
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