Sunscreen for Albinism

Hello blogland, this week I am happy to share the work of one of my students, Gwen V., a high school student in Connecticut. Gwen has Albinism and beyond that, is a talented artist, funny, smart and has decided to be part of the solution with me in an effort to collect sunscreen for people with Albinism in Tanzania.

For those of you who do not know, people with Albinism living in the country of Tanzania do not have access to sunscreen. Can you imagine having a condition like Albinism and living in a rather sunny place like Tanzania? Although there are other issues facing people with Albinism in Tanzania, the issue of sunscreen is the one I have chosen to support.

From now until the end of the summer at every program that I supervise for my students, I will be collecting as much sunscreen as I can (SPF 50 or higher, lotion preferred).

Gwen became aware of the sunscreen issue shortly after I started this new initiative. She stepped up to the challenge to collect the sunscreen. I am proud to blog that she has started her own Facebook page, Sunscreen for Albinism, to support the collection efforts. She has taken her personal cause to her family, friends, school and community. How could I not blog about this??

Check her page out:http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sunscreen-For-Albinism/204002642955487

This is a great example of skills straight out of the good ol' ECC---self-determination & self-advocacy just to name a couple.

Please support us and efforts to collect sunscreen for people with Albinism living in Tanzania. Our collection will be sent to Tanzania via the Under the Same Sun organization.

Way to go Gwen!!

Under the Same Sun

I am inside all day due to the recent snow storm that hit New England so I thought it would be a perfect day to post some more sites & resources just in case some of you are stuck inside all day, too.

This one is called Under the Same Sun. It's a project designed to help people who have Albinism in Tanzania (and in other countries). Currently, my agency is collecting sun screen to send to Tanzania.

From their site: "Under The Same Sun (UTSS) Fund is investing significantly within Tanzania to improve the lives of Persons With Albinism (PWA) by establishing a well staffed office and resource center there. Our primary focus is on advocacy and education as well as assisting PWA to access external information, education bursaries, health care and other community supports available to assist with their genetic condition."

Check out their site: http://www.underthesamesun.com/home.php

There is some interesting reads on their site. I will forewarn you that some of the material may be difficult to read. People with Albinism have been the target of some ugly human crimes. It was very difficult for me to read about especially because I have so many of my favorite students with Albinism. But it is interesting and inspired me to help be part of the solution and support UTTS's efforts to help.

The beauty of Albinism

Did you check out my weblinks and see this one for Positive Exposure? Check out Positive Exposure. It's a site from a photographer who has taken beautiful pictures of people with Albinism.
Save this site to your favorites if you have a child with Albinism; particularly if they struggle with the negative experiences kids with Albinism can encounter. I love these portraits!! I think the artist does a great job of capturing the beauty of Albinism.

A little bit about Positive Exposure (from their site):
Positive Exposure, founded in 1997 by former fashion photographer Rick Guidotti, challenges the stigma associated with difference by celebrating the beauty of human diversity.
Positive Exposure also supports the Tanzania Project & Under the Same Sun. Take a moment and check both sites out.
Here's the site information:
Positive Exposure: http://www.positiveexposure.org/home.html

Check out Under the Same Sun: www.underthesamesun.com
The last site is NOAH.



They are a great resource for information, family events and support.
Their site is www.albinism.org

Do it at home: Get involved with a support/family/child website that is for your child's vision impairment. Check out what's available in your area. Many groups for specific vision conditions have regional or local chapters. The more you know, the less alone you are!