Photo courtesy of Carmine Sarazen/VisitPittsburgh Photos courtesy of Positive Exposure, Rick Guidotti NOAH’s 16th National Conference July 14 – 17, 2016 Wyndham Grand Pittsburgh Downtown 600 Commonwealth Place, Pittsburgh, PA 15222 albinism.org/NOAHCon2016 #NOAHCon2016 1 Details Dates and Deadlines The Conference Hotel Wyndham Grand Pittsburgh Downtown 600 Commonwealth Place • Pittsburgh, PA 15222 Located in Pittsburgh’s Central Business District, also known as the Golden Triangle, where the Allegheny and Monongahela Rivers meet to form the Ohio River, and conveniently near Heinz Field, PNC Park, Consol Energy Center and Rivers Casino. Group Room Rate Wednesday, July 11 – Sunday, July 17 $140 per night (plus tax and fees) single / double / triple / quad Group rate applies if rooms are available: July 8 – 10 and July 18 – 20 NOAH encourages you to book your room as soon as possible to ensure availability. Please note that one night’s deposit is required. You may cancel up to 72 hours before without penalty. Reservation must be made by June 22nd to ensure group rate. Hotel Reservations Reserve NOAH rates online at: https://aws.passkey.com/g/34681122 or call 877-999-3223 and say you are booking with NOAH. Conference Registration is ONLINE! Save time and a stamp! Register online for the NOAH 2016 Conference. If you can’t register online, contact NOAH for other options. Email: info@albinism.org • Phone: 1-800-473-2310 albinism.org/NOAHCon2016 #NOAHCon2016 2 Conference Fees Early Bird Registration Deadline is April 15th. Received by 4/15/16 by 5/13/16 Members Children 5 yrs – Adults $175 $230 Young Children (6 mos. – 4 yrs) $100 $125 Non-Members Children 5 yrs – Adults $210 $285 Young Children (6 mos. – 4 yrs) $135 $185 Professionals $300 $375 Registration includes: •Thursday night reception •Friday & Saturday lunches •Saturday night reception •Sunday farewell breakfast Registrations after 5/13/16 on space-available basis only. Programs for attendees 17 and under have limited enrollment and are not available for walk-in registration. CANCELLATION POLICY Written refund requests are subject to a $25 fee and the following receipt deadlines: By 5/13/16 – all fees By 5/31/16 – 50% After 5/31/16 – no refunds Photo courtesy of VisitPittsburgh Photo courtesy of VisitPittsburgh Photo courtesy of Ft. Pitt Museum/VisitPittsburgh Building Bridges. We all build bridges throughout life – bridges that connect us to ones we care for, bridges to knowledge, to understanding, to acceptance. Join us as we build bridges in Pittsburgh – take advantage of this unique opportunity to establish lifelong friendships, collect information, and create indelible memories as you connect with the albinism community. Often described as a fun, festive family reunion, the national NOAH Conference presents the most comprehensive albinism education program anywhere and affords plenty of time to socialize and enjoy fellowship. Authorities in a variety of fields present accurate information on living with albinism, raising a child with albinism and the latest albinism research. Photo courtesy of JP Diroll/VisitPittsburgh 3 four brand new features for the 2016 conference! NOAH Conference Website albinism.org/NOAHCon2016 restrictive parameters of the industry’s standard of beauty. After a chance encounter with a young woman with albinism, Rick refocused his lens on those too often relegated to the shadows to change the way we see and experience beauty. A brand new webpage is loaded with everything you need to know about attending the conference. The website contains the latest and most detailed information about the conference program, optional activities, youth programs and up to date conference news. An extensive list of area amenities will make it easy for you to find everything from food to pharmacies. Maps and transportation information have all you need to know to get to the conference and how to get around while you are there. Thank You for the Music One-Woman (With Albinism) Cabaret Show Featuring Marleena Barber Friday July 15, 2016 9:00 PM Marleena Barber is a performer, educator and disability advocate. She has performed in various musical theater productions and as a solo artist at festivals and concert venues throughout California. Her one-woman cabaret show, Thank You for the Music, tells the story about her life growing up with albinism and how music played a vital role in the journey to believing in herself. The show is an inspiring piece that reaches out to all ages, and encourages audiences, through a variety of different musical styles, to live their dreams despite any challenges they may face. The show was featured at the 2010 International VSA festival – a festival on arts and disability – produced by the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. She has served as a keynote and motivational ambassador at various conferences across the country, including a performance on Capitol Hill for Congress as part of National Arts Advocacy Day. Marleena is married with two young daughters and resides in Anaheim, California. She directs Braille Institute’s awardwinning Johnny Mercer Children’s choir – a choir composed entirely of blind and visually impaired students. As a visually impaired individual, Marleena strives to be a role model of independence and determination, demonstrating to her students, and her audiences, that with hard work dreams can come true. For more information about Marleena please visit: www.marleenabarber.com. Low Vision Driving Workshop Pre Conference - Thursday July 14, 2016 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM This new workshop is for people with low vision considering obtaining a driver’s license. Low vision driving guru, Chuck Huss, and a group of experts will discuss a comprehensive series of topics to help attendees understand the process. More information on this workshop can be found on page 8 and at www.albinism.org/LVDriving. Screening of Documentary Film On Beauty Featuring Rick Guidotti Friday July 15, 2016 1:00 PM From Emmy-nominated filmmaker Joanna Rudnick and Chicago’s Kartemquin Films comes a story about challenging norms and redefining beauty. On Beauty follows fashion photographer Rick Guidotti, who left the fashion world when he grew frustrated with the 4 Photo courtesy of Lawrence Lau New 6 1 0 in 2 NOAH is excited to announce Conference Highlights Learn! Play! Connect! Facts Through keynote presentations and information sessions, you can increase your knowledge of albinism. Keynote Presentation Research Updates A panel of nationally recognized researchers share the latest scientific and medical information on identifying and understanding albinism. Learn about clinical trials and other albinism studies. Educational Programs Two full days are packed with a wide variety of information sessions and discussion groups. Here are just a few Educational Topics you will be able to explore: •Genetics of Albinism •What do People with Albinism See? •Parenting a Child with Albinism •Advocating for your Student •Parenting without Pigment •Resources for Adults with Albinism •Workplace Topics •Low Vision Driving Workshop and Educational Sessions •Orientation & Mobility •Assistive Technology •Adaptive Recreational Opportunities •Self Defense for Visually Impaired •Much, much more Fun Exciting and enjoyable opportunities await kids of ALL ages. Adult Pre Conference Outing Adults with albinism gather for a pre conference excursion. See page 9 for more about this optional activity. Optional Activities Choose from a number of tours to experience Pittsburgh. Get the scoop on pages 9 and 10. Children’s Programs From childcare for the little ones to engaging activities for older kids – caring, professional, trained staff and vetted volunteers provide a safe environment for kids to have fun! Preschool – Professional staff provide high-quality daycare for children aged six months to entering kindergarten. See page 11 for more information. School-Aged Kids – NOAH kids enjoy the unique experience of being with others who share their condition. Children will be placed in one of several programs based on the grade they will be entering in the fall from 1st – 12th grades. Each program is designed to meet the interests and needs of that age group. See pages 12 and 13 for details. NOAH Apparel We are pleased to offer several great merchandise options this year at albinism.org/ NOAHCon2016. 5 Why Attend a NOAH Conference? Here’s what past conference attendees said about their experience: “Living with albinism, you can feel like you’re alone 99% of the time. At the NOAH conference people totally get you, understand what you’re going through, and you discover you are not alone/strange/ different.” “It feels like coming home. You don’t need to explain yourself. You’re accepted and embraced by strangers who feel like family.” “Attending a NOAH conference is an amazing opportunity to bond with individuals who somehow seem to instantly understand what you’ve been through and what lies ahead. I’ve never felt more a part of any community than I have when I’m around others with albinism.” “It’s an experience of understanding and connection, and the bond you feel in your soul with the people you meet and lifetime friends you make is like no other.” “To see and u nde the beauty of th rstand is community.” #NOAHCon2016 “Education… connections… family… we found it all at the NOAH conferences. Worth every penny!” “The NOAH conference provides kids with albinism self-confidence, connections, and friendships that continue through a lifetime.” “Seeing so many adul ts with albinism – who w er brilliant, beautiful, stro e ng, capable, and confident living their dreams de spite having low vision.” Fellowship Optional outings, parties and social activities are perfect opportunities to build friendships, make connections and have fun. Mothers’ Workshop A one day, pre conference workshop allows mothers to put the outside world on hold in order to focus on all the emotions that come along with having a child with albinism. See page 9 for details. Low Vision Driving Workshop A one day workshop for low vision individuals who are interested in exploring the “Parents can observe other children with albinism of all ages.” d dge gaine le w o n k e “Th nts talking from pare parents and with other lking with children ta ren.” other child “Parents will leave with comfortable feelings like ‘we can handle this.’ Children learn that ‘I’m not alone.’” “You just can’t miss the NOAH conference. You make a lot of new friends and get to see your old friends. You learn how to live with albinism.” Photos courtesy of Positive Exposure, Rick Guidotti 6 driving privilege. This day long multi-disciplinary workshop will cover the process to assess readiness and eligibility for low vision drivers, evaluating and obtaining bioptics, training and related topics. Parents, spouses or others who might offer emotional support to potential low vision drivers are also encouraged to attend. See page 8 for details. Conference registration includes: •Thursday evening opening reception •Lunch Friday and Saturday •Saturday evening dessert reception and dance party •Sunday morning breakfast and closing session Tentative Conference Schedule Thursday, July 14, 2016 Pre conference Activities These pre conference activities require an additional fee and start early! If you register for these activities, be sure to make note of the start time when planning travel. 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM Low Vision Driving Workshop See page 8 for details 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM Mothers’ Workshop see page 9 for details 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM Adults with Albinism Outing see page 9 for details 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM Conference Check-in After settling into your room, pick up your conference folder, name badge and pre-ordered merchandise. Welcome 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM Subgroup Meetings – Small groups with shared interests gather. 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM Opening Session – The NOAH conference kicks off with an exciting program that you won’t want to miss! Highlights include: 5:00 PM – 5:30 PM First Timers’ Session – Get some background information on NOAH and pick up some helpful tips to get the most from your conference experience. •the amazing Rick Guidotti speaks about how seeing a girl with albinism changed the focus of his career •traditional NOAH funny business •leadership scholarship award •and a surprise or two And that’s all in the first hour!!! 6:00 PM – 7:15 PM Kids’ Conference Orientation Session – Mandatory session. Staff will explain procedures for drop-off, pick-up and emergency protocols, and give more information about the upcoming activities. 8:30 PM – 9:30 PM Reception – Light refreshments and snacks provide the perfect atmosphere to start making connections in the albinism community or to catch up with friends. albinism.org/ NOAHCon2016 #NOAHCon2016 Friday, July 15, 2016 8:00 AM – 8:45 AM Subgroup Meetings – Small groups with shared interests gather. 9:00 AM – 3:15 PM (Check in begins at 8:45 AM) Preschool Program and NOAH Kids’ Programs: A preschool program and three separate programs for schoolaged children give kids with albinism and their siblings the unique opportunity to interact with others like themselves in a safe environment designed to keep them engaged in fun activities while making friends. Lunch is provided for the kids separately from their parents / guardians. 9:00 AM – 3:10 PM Educational Programs The educational programming provides the opportunity to learn the most up to date information about living with albinism. The topics presented by experts in their fields will provide educational and community based sessions for people with albinism, family members, educators and professionals. Workshops, panel discussions and discussion groups will give each of us the opportunity to connect with the community 7 and learn from one another. 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM Extra Sessions – Special presentations address specific topics of interest to the albinism community. 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM Subgroup Meetings – Small groups with shared interests gather. 5:00 PM Optional Trips and Tours An additional charge applies. See pages 9 and 10 for details. Tentative Conference Schedule Saturday, July 16, 2016 8:00 AM – 8:45 AM Subgroup Meetings – Small groups with shared interests gather. 9:00 AM – 3:15 PM Preschool Program and NOAH Kids’ Programs Educational Program - Same as Friday, see Friday schedule. Sunday, July 17, 2016 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM Saturday night celebration It’s the albinism community’s biggest party! Come relax and celebrate with friends new and old. We’ll have a D.J. and sweets and treats. A cash bar will also be available. This is a wonderful way to begin to wrap up your NOAH conference experience. 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM Extra Sessions – Special presentations address specific topics of interest to the community. 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM Breakfast and Closing – Sunday breakfast provides the setting for the conference wrap up. The closing session includes an awards presentation, a retrospective slideshow and announcements for the date and location of future NOAH events. There is also plenty of time to take pictures with your buddies and to say good-bye. Preconference Activities for Thursday, July 14, 2016 Can’t wait to get started? If you opt for one of the full day activities, you should probably arrive in Pittsburgh on Wednesday, July 13th. ἀes e activities require a separate fee. Driving with Low Vision and Bioptics: A Multi-Disciplinary Perspective Thursday July 14, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM $90 per person (includes lunch) Register online only by June 16, 2016, at this special site: www.albinism.org/LVDriving We are not able to accommodate on-site registrations Photo courtesy of Ali Adema Obtaining a driver’s license that requires the use of a bioptic lens system involves the cooperation and services of a multi-disciplinary team of professionals. This workshop will provide an overview of: Topics & Presenters: •The Clinical Low Vision Examination Paul Freeman, O.D. FAAO •Fitting, Evaluation & Prescription of Bioptics Cheryl Reed, O. D. •Pre-Driver Readiness Skills Chuck Huss, C.O.M.S., DRS •Behind-The-Wheel Training Kathleen Miller, OTR/L, CDRS •Bioptic Driving Research Cynthia Owsley, Ph. D., MSPH •Consumer Advocacy, Matt Bailey •Panel Discussion / Questions & Answers •the preliminary clinical low vision exam; •process of evaluating, fitting, and prescribing a bioptic; •pre-driver readiness; behind-the-wheel training or retraining; current bioptic driving related research; •advocacy tips for legislative change; •ample time for addressing those questions or concerns that arise concerning low vision driving issues. This workshop is intended for low vision individuals who are considering exploring the driving privilege. Parents or spouses who might offer direct or indirect related services or emotional support are also encouraged to attend. 8 Preconference Activities for Thursday, July 14, 2016 Photo courtesy of VisitPittsburgh Photographer: Laura Petrilla NOAH Mothers’ Workshop 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM $50 per person (includes lunch and refreshments) Adults with Albinism Outing 1:00 PM $44 per person For adults with albinism 18+ and their significant others or family members. SPACE IS VERY LIMITED. Slots will be given to those who register first, so register early! Do you like to laugh? Enjoy food? Do you want to catch up with old friends or make new ones? Adults with albinism and their significant others are invited to join us for a pre conference walking tour of Pittsburgh’s historic Strip District. Please note: childcare is NOT available, so please make other arrangements. The Strip District Market Tour features a behind-thecounter look at a variety of eateries in Pittsburgh’s historic market district. This tour links local history of the eating establishments peppered along Penn Avenue with taste samples from around the world including Italian pastries, Mediterranean and Polish specialties, European meats and French bread. As a mother of a child with albinism, Sheila Adamo LCSW, CADC, designed this one day workshop for mothers to put the outside world on hold and deal with all the emotions that come along with having a child with albinism. Led by a licensed professional, this is a rare opportunity to discuss issues of acceptance, anger and fear along with ways to keep our sanity while dealing with families, friends, schools and everything else that comes our way. We explore how albinism has changed us; and how we can continue to grow and help our children to grow and become happy, healthy adults. The tour includes frequent tastings (enough food for a moderate lunch) and a bottle of water, along with historic and architectural information provided by a knowledgeable local tour guide. Wear weather appropriate clothing and comfortable walking shoes. Please be advised there are some stairs on this tour. Additional Activities for Friday, July 15, 2016 NOAH conferences are packed with informational session and social opportunities. Friday evening is the mid-point of the conference, so you may want to relax, or, you may want to keep up the momentum! Here are some optional activities to see different parts of Pittsburgh while continuing your connection with the albinism community. All optional outings require a separate fee. Power to the Pedal! $22 for kids 12–16 and $27 ages 17 and up 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM tour is family friendly ages 12 and up* 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM tour is for adults 21 and over The 7:00 PM tour is for adults 21 and over and will feature stops at local pubs and brew houses. You can sample some of the best food and drink Pittsburgh has to offer. Looking for something a little different? Want to burn off some energy after sitting all day? How about a touring Pittsburgh on a bike built for 15! Pedal Powered Party Bikes provides the bike and a drive / tour guide. You provide the power. *The 4:00 PM tour is for anyone 12 and older (children under 18 must be accompanied by a parent / guardian and are required by law to wear a helmet). Take in the sights of Pittsburgh’s downtown and North Shore area. Photo courtesy of VisitPittsburgh Photographer: Adam Isovitsch Please note food and beverages purchased at the various stops are NOT included in the tour cost. This tour is first come first served and seating is very limited, so register early!! 9 Additional Activities for Friday, July 15, 2016 Photo courtesy of JP Diroll/VisitPittsburgh Photo courtesy of Carnegie Science Center/ VisitPittsburgh Highmark Sportsworks® at the Carnegie Science Center $32 adult, $24 children 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM All Aboard Molly’s Trolley! $32 per person 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM This two hour tour highlights Pittsburgh’s magnificent array of architecture, rivers and historic landmarks. The tour also showcases interesting facts about the people, places and culture of the city. You’ll get an up close and personal look at Pittsburgh Downtown, Cultural District, North Side, Oakland, and one-way ride on the historic Duquesne Incline! Hey! Let’s scale a 25-foot rock wall! Want to be a human yo-yo? Are you a fast runner? Could you beat Olympic silver medalist Lauryn Williams? Wanna find out? Where can you have all this fun AND hang with the albinism community? Highmark SportsWorks® at the Carnegie Science Center! Mollly’s Trolleys features immaculate, new model vehicles air-conditioning, gorgeous interior woodwork, polished brass handrails and comfortable, padded, bench-style seating, all reminiscent of 1920s-style trolleys. See everything Pittsburgh has to offer! Just take a free ride across the river on the light rail to the Carnegie Science Center. We’ll have all of SportsWorks® to ourselves. Kids and kids at heart can explore passions for sports and science or just get active. On Beauty Film Showing Free 1:00 PM The idea behind Carnegie Science Center’s Highmark SportsWorks® is to inspire learning and curiosity by uniting the experience of sports for every age level with the laws of science that control sports. They offer nearly 30 interactive experiences in three thematic areas: LifeWorks, Physics of Sports, and Sports Challenge. For more information visit carnegiesciencecenter.org/exhibits/highmarksportsworks. On Beauty is a story about recognizing and appreciating the beauty of difference. The film follows fashion photographer Rick Guidotti. At the center of On Beauty are two of Rick’s photo subjects – Sarah and Jayne. Sarah lives in upstate New York and left public school for homeschooling after being bullied so harshly for the Sturge-Weber birthmark on her face and brain. Jayne lives in Eastern Africa where witch doctors hunt people with albinism to sell their body parts and the society is blind to their unique health and safety needs. Rick, Sarah, Jayne and the other vibrant people highlighted in On Beauty prove that people with genetic conditions are more than what is in medical textbooks and beauty is more than what is in magazines. Fees include admission to SportsWorks® diner. Adult meal includes a gourmet sandwich, pasta salad, fruit salad, dessert and bottled water. Kids meals include kid friendly sandwiches, fruit, dessert and a beverage. Note: Some of the kids groups will be visiting the Carnegie Science Center, but they will NOT be visiting SportsWorks® on their trip. 10 Preschool Program The Copper Group From six months to those entering kindergarten The Copper Group is childcare for our youngest conference attendees, six months to five years. Parents can attend workshops and activities knowing that their young children are being cared for by qualified and caring nannies. These nannies will provide a balance of quiet and active time in a safe, nurturing atmosphere. The following is a list of planned activities Beth and Kelly anticipate for the Copper Group. Activities include: Other activities: • Hands on science programs presented by the Carnegie science Center • Rock and Roll Pet Store • Visit from the Pittsburgh Zoo • Gymagic Bus • Puppet show • Music with Robyn • Gross motor area • Quiet time • Free play • Arts and crafts • Snacks and lunch will be served in the program area Photos courtesy of Positive Exposure, Rick Guidotti Parents can relax and focus on the educational sessions and networking opportunities assured that their young children are in good hands. NOAH is concerned about the safety and security of your child. Therefore the Copper Group includes the following procedures: • Matching security bracelets for parent and child Photos courtesy of Positive Exposure, Rick Guidotti • CPR and First Aid certified team managers • Licensed nurse on premise • Vetting of all volunteers and staff 11 IMPORTANT NOAH will try to accommodate every child that registers for the conference in this program. However, due to constraints such as securing meeting space, reserving transportation, and other logistical considerations, NOAH may need to cap the number of children in the program to ensure proper staffing. It takes several weeks to plan activities, so last minute registrations pose significant problems. To ensure your child’s spot in a program, please register early. Admission will be based on the date the registration and payment is received. Kids’ Conference Conference Program for Your Kids The Kids’ Conference is a one-of-a-kind experience for school-aged children with albinism and their siblings. While the adults are engaged in the educational program, NOAH’s kids enjoy the unique experience of being with others who share their condition. NOAH hopes that the children with albinism and their siblings will begin to feel the fellowship of the albinism community by creating an environment that allows kids to play and make lasting friendships while learning about albinism. Children will be placed in one of four separate programs based on the grade they will be entering in the fall (see page 13). Each program is designed to meet the interests and needs of that age group. Photos courtesy of Positive Exposure, Rick Guidotti Conference Registration is ONLINE! Save time and a stamp! Register online for the NOAH 2016 Conference. If you can’t register online, contact NOAH for other options. Email: info@albinism.org Phone: 1-800-473-2310 albinism.org/ NOAHCon2016 #NOAHCon2016 12 School Aged Programs The Cobalt Group The Iron Group Entering 1st – 6th Grade: Entering Grades 7 – 9 and The Cobalt Group is made up of three tracks consisting of two grades each. Crews of up to 12 kids will be guided through a series of age-appropriate, fun and educational activities including art, science, physical activities, play time and albinism education. The Steel Group Entering Grades 10 – 12 The Iron and Steel groups will have many opportunities for bonding with their peers in Pittsburgh. They will also have plenty of time to share the experiences they’ve had living with albinism during get to know you games and lunches off site. In addition to these exciting activities, both groups will participate in informational sessions. The schedule includes: • Making your own stuffed animal (younger grades) • Science exploration with the Carnegie Science Center • Animal visits from the Pittsburgh Zoo • Gymnastics Bus • Crafts & storytelling from The Pittsburgh Children’s Museum • Lego creations & team building with Snapology • Eye education & edible craft • Light Rail train ride to lunch at the mall (5th and 6th grades) • Sun protection & skin care • Crafts, board games & music • The Carnegie Science center is located on the shores of the three rivers and features four floors of interactive exhibits such as Blue!, SpacePlace and Roboworld that bring science to life for all ages. • Duck tours take you through the city and just when you thought you had seen it all, the tour takes to the water. • This year the Iron and Steel groups will get an introduction into Blind Sport. This introduction will have even the most timid NOAH members playing like the pros. Photos courtesy of Positive Exposure, Rick Guidotti 13 Photos courtesy of Positive Exposure, Rick Guidotti Volunteer Opportunities It takes dozens of people with many different talents and countless hours of work to hold a national conference for over 800 people. NOAH relies on volunteers to make it all happen. Please take a look at these volunteer opportunities and consider helping to create NOAH Magic! Crew Leaders Cobalt Group: Grades 1st – 6th 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM Friday and Saturday Crew leaders chaperone up to 12 kids through a series of activities. An assistant will be assigned to crews made up of younger children. Using materials provided, leaders will facilitate short activities with their crews at the beginning and end of the each day. If you have a little time to give, here are some great options. • Session moderator • Registration preparation • Registration • Silent auction and raffle Assistant Crew Leaders Here is what you can do if you have more time to give. Are you: Chaperones • A committed extended family member, doting aunt, cool cousin, proud grandma? • An experienced daycare professional? • An experienced teacher? • An experienced early intervention specialist? • An adult with albinism who loves to work with kids or teens? • A parent who always volunteers to go on field trips? • A college student studying education? A program of adventure and exploration of Pittsburgh, providing entertaining, engaging activities for teens and pre-teens, complete with a teen “hang out.” Volunteers are needed to chaperone field trips and to monitor the teen room. Planned activities will take place during the day Friday and Saturday. Teen room supervision is needed in the evening. If so, please consider volunteering for one of the kids’ programs. All volunteers working with children will be vetted and required to attend an orientation session on Thursday around 5 PM. For more information, contact NOAH at 1-800-473-2310 Go to albinism.org/conf-volunteer to sign up today. Responsible teens and college students help manage groups of up to 12 younger children though engaging activities. Assistant crew leaders will be paired with seasoned volunteer crew leaders. Iron and Steel Groups: Grades 7 – 12 Tour Group Leaders On Friday evening, volunteers will direct those on optional trips and tours to transportation and make sure everyone gets where they need to be. 14 Help the albinism community Build Bridges! Registration fees do not cover the cost of the NOAH Conference. NOAH depends on support from generous donors to create an environment that transforms lives each time we bring the albinism community together. We need your support to make the NOAH Magic happen in Pittsburgh! Your financial gifts support programs for infants, toddlers, schoolaged children, tweens, teens and adults with albinism as well as programming for parents dealing with a new diagnosis, the challenges encountered during the educational process, and for all aspects of living with albinism. NOAH also needs funding for personal grants. Personal grants are available to families and individuals who need a little extra support to be able to attend the conference and experience the NOAH Magic. There are many ways to support the 2016 Conference! •A financial gift to support the conference •A financial gift in honor of someone from the NOAH community •Make a gift toward a personal grant •Direct NOAH to someone who would like to sponsor the conference We have a full sponsorship package available for corporations and organizations. For more information, contact NOAH at 1-800-473-2310 or conference@albinism.org. 15 Photo courtesy of Positive Exposure, Rick Guidotti Donate to the Conference Easy as 1•2•3 Make your tax deductible contribution today! 1 2 3 Online at albinism.org/donate By Amex, Disc, MC, Visa at 1-800-473-2310 By checks made payable to NOAH and mailed to: NOAH Conference Fund P.O. Box 959 E. Hampstead, NH 03826-0959 National Organization for Albinism and Hypopigmentation PO Box 959, East Hampstead, NH 03826-0959 USA 6 NE ! on201 I L ON AHC r e t is rg/NO g e R .o m s i n albi Pittsburgh: Here We Come! Photo courtesy of VisitPittsburgh PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID MANCHESTER, NH PERMIT NO. 417