Source: Perkins Webcasts: "Including Students with Albinism – Susan Dalton"
Susan Dalton shares her personal and professional experience with students with albinism in these videos co-produced by Perkins School for the Blind and National Organization for Albinism & Hypopigmentation (NOAH). The videos include scientific information about the condition of albinism as well as strategies for accommodating the various impacts to learning.
Albinism and Vision Impairment (Video)
Classroom Accommodations for Students with Albinism (Video)
Considerations for Activities Outside the Classroom (Video)
Advocacy and Early Intervention (Video)
Resources and Support (Video)
One out of every 100 Americans carries the gene for albinism, but it is not widely understood by most people. Albinism affects different individuals in different ways, and can have an “adverse effect on the child's educational progress,” as described in a student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP).
Some typical characteristics of albinism are light pigmentation of the eyes, light sensitivity, and low vision. Low-tech classroom accommodations such as magnifiers, light adjustment, and large print can be extremely helpful in making material accessible to students. Students should be encouraged to participate in activities and sports, and oriented to the surroundings of their school neighborhood. Group activity is beneficial for children; involvement with other kids with albinism through the National Organization for Albinism & Hypopigmentation (NOAH) provides the support that helps them grow into strong self-advocates.
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