NOAH Connections
Inspired by our early pandemic “Social Distancing with Friends” series, as well as the heart-warming connections created during #VirtualNOAHCon2020, NOAH is delighted to offer NOAH Connections, an ongoing series of virtual opportunities to bring the community together. An essential part of NOAH’s mission is to “provide a place where people with albinism and their families in the U.S. and Canada can find acceptance, support, and fellowship.” With the participation and engagement of community members like you, NOAH Connections will provide this opportunity for virtual “face to face” connections. Unless otherwise stated, NOAH Connections will be hosted on the Zoom platform.
Looking for a way to help? Let YOUR voice be heard!
Learn more about NOAH Connections Advisory Task Force opportunities!
We hope you’ll join us for one of many upcoming opportunities to connect!
What’s Your Vision?
Do you have a vision for future support forums, interest group meetings, educational sessions or social activities that would benefit the albinism community?
Submit your session ideas using this form to suggest upcoming content and connections for all!
Upcoming Opportunities to Connect:
In order to make efficient use of NOAH resources, if less than two attendees join a NOAH Connections call within 15 minutes of the published call start time, the NOAH Connections call will end.
Preschool ~ Grades K-5 ~ Grades 6-8 ~ Teens
Young Adults ~ Adults ~ Parents, Grandparents, & Caregivers
Special Interest ~ Everyone!
Are you looking for educational or social-emotional sessions facilitated by a licensed professional? Check out NOAH Workshops and register for upcoming offerings!
Monday, March 10th ~ PWA Book Club
Thursday, March 13th ~ Teens & Transportation for Non-Drivers
Tuesday, March 18th ~ Dads
Wednesday, March 19th ~ Young Adults
Thursday, March 20th ~ Adults
Monday, March 24th ~ LGBTQ+ and Allies
Tuesday, March 25th ~ Parent Liaison Panel
Thursday, March 27th ~ Teens
Monday, March 31st ~ Tech Talk for Adults
Wednesday, April 2nd ~ Young Adults
Thursday, April 3rd ~ Adults
Thursday, April 10th ~ Teens
Wednesday, April 16th ~ Reading Tips for Kids & Parents!
Wednesday, April 23rd ~ Seeing Beyond: Driving and Albinism
Preschool NOAH Connections
Preschool NOAH Connections
with Kathi Garza
TBD
Join us for some Fun Fall Fingerplays as we chat about the beautiful changes fall brings. If you like spending time outdoors in the fall, collect a few treasures on a nature walk and bring them to Preschool Connections so we can share in the joy together! If you’re unable to go on a nature walk and would like to draw some of your favorite fall things, we’d love to see that, too!
Sign up for Preschool NOAH Connections today for info on how to join this session, and we’ll automatically subscribe you to email reminders for future opportunities to connect!
Join Preschool NOAH Connections!
Grades K-5 NOAH Connections
Are you looking for educational or social-emotional sessions facilitated by a licensed professional? Check out NOAH Workshops and register for upcoming offerings!
Grades K-5 NOAH Connections
Next Call TBA
Sign up for Grades K-5 NOAH Connections today for info on how to join this session, and we’ll automatically subscribe you to email reminders for future opportunities to connect!
Join Grades K-5 NOAH Connections!
Reading Tips for Kids & Parents!
with Caroline
Wednesday, April 16th at 8pm ET // 5pm PT
Join Caroline to talk about large print books, e readers, audiobooks, apps, and other devices to make your kid’s reading experience the best it can be!
Sign up for Reading Tips for Kids & Parents!
NOAH Kids’ PWA Book Club
(recommended for ages 7-10)
Next Book Club TBD
Grades 6-8 NOAH Connections
Are you looking for educational or social-emotional sessions facilitated by a licensed professional? Check out NOAH Workshops and register for upcoming offerings!
NOAH Kids’ PWA Book Club
(recommended for grades 4-8)
Next Book Club TBD
Teen NOAH Connections
Are you looking for educational or social-emotional sessions facilitated by a licensed professional? Check out NOAH Workshops and register for upcoming offerings!
Teen NOAH Connections
Thursday, March 13th at 8:00pm ET // 5:00pm PT
Thursday, March 27th at 8:00pm ET // 5:00pm PT
Thursday, April 10th at 8:00pm ET // 5:00pm PT
NOAH Teens, you’re invited to our next Teen Connections call!
Sign up for Teen NOAH Connections today for info on how to join this session, and we’ll automatically subscribe you to email reminders for future opportunities to connect!
Join Teen NOAH Connections!
Young Adult NOAH Connections
Are you looking for educational or social-emotional sessions facilitated by a licensed professional? Check out NOAH Workshops and register for upcoming offerings!
Young Adult NOAH Connections
Wednesday, March 19th ~ 9:00pm ET // 6:00pm PT
Wednesday, April 2nd ~ 9:00pm ET // 6:00pm PT
Young Adults*, join us for our next session. This is a great chance to share our experiences and connect with fellow PWAs!
Sign up for Young Adult NOAH Connections today for info on how to join this session, and we’ll automatically subscribe you to email reminders for future opportunities to connect!
Join Young Adult NOAH Connections!*
*Young Adult Connections is open to PWAs ages 18 – early 30s
Adult NOAH Connections
Are you looking for educational or social-emotional sessions facilitated by a licensed professional? Check out NOAH Workshops and register for upcoming offerings!
Adult NOAH Connections
Thursday, March 20th at 9:00pm ET // 6:00pm PT
Thursday, April 3rd at 9:00pm ET // 6:00pm PT
Adult PWAs, you’re invited to our next session of Adult Connections! We hope to see you on Zoom for social time with fellow PWAs.
Sign up for Adult NOAH Connections today for info on how to join this session, and we’ll automatically subscribe you to email reminders for future opportunities to connect!
Join Adult NOAH Connections
PWA Book Club
hosted by: Casey Greer, Silpa Tadavarthy, and Chrys Buckley
Next Meeting: Monday, March 10th at 8pm ET // 5pm PT
Current Reading Material: The Rose Code by Kate Quinn
Are you an adult PWA (18+) who loves to read? Join us for the re-launching of the NOAH Book Club! Get a copy of our current reading material, and join us to discuss.
Please note: NOAH’s book club is offered free of charge, but NOAH does not provide the current reading material to participants. You must purchase or borrow the selected book to participate!
Join NOAH PWA Book Club Today!
Transportation for Non-Drivers: Share Your Experiences!
hosted by: Kathi Garza, Jocelyn Leworthy, and Adam Wolson
Tuesday, March 13th at 9pm ET // 6pm PT
Are you an adult with albinism who doesn’t drive? Join us on Thursday, March 13th at 9pm ET // 6pm PT to share your experiences with others who get it.
Sign up for Transportation for Non-Drivers today!
Teen Tech Talk for Adults with Albinism!
with Leah D.
Monday, March 31st at 8:00pm ET // 5:00pm PT
Do you feel like a “tech dinosaur”? Are you finding it difficult to keep up with all of the new tech features? Join NOAH teen Leah for a basic tech tutorial and Q&A
Sign up for Tech Talk today!
Parents, Grandparents, & Caregivers
Are you looking for educational or social-emotional sessions facilitated by a licensed professional? Check out NOAH Workshops and register for upcoming offerings!
Parent Liaison Panel
featuring: Sarah Venn, Erin Finfrock, and Rebekah Zigby
Tuesday, March 25th at 8:30pm ET // 5:30pm PT
New parents & caregivers – have you heard about NOAH’s New Parent Program? One of the offerings this program provides to parents of young or newly-diagnosed kids with albinism is the chance to connect with a trained Parent Liaison volunteer. The parent liaison will guide you through the many resources NOAH has to offer and provide you the opportunity to speak directly to a parent of a child with albinism who truly understands.
Join us for our Parent Liaison Panel for the chance to meet a few of our wonderful Parent Liaisons and ask any questions you might have!
Sign Up for Parent Liaison Panel!
Parent Connections
hosted by: Ashley Maynard
Next Call TBD
Parents & caregivers – join us to become part of a community that “just gets it!” Stay tuned for upcoming calls including social time, educational presentations, and more.
Sign Up for Parent Connections!
Canadian Parents
hosted by: Rebekah Leitner Zigby
Next Call TBD
Calling all Canadian parents of children with albinism! This group is just for YOU! Sign up today for info to join this call and you’ll be invited to future chances to connect with fellow parents from Canada 🙂
Sign Up Now!
Ocular Albinism – Parents, Grandparents, & Caregivers Connections
hosted by: Pamela Tarnawa, M.Ed., TVI
Next Call TBD
Come talk, listen and discuss the unique ways OA is present in your life.
Join Ocular Albinism Parents, Grandparents, & Caregivers Connections!
Grandparent Connections
Next Call TBD
Join us to discuss overstepping when it comes to being a grandparent of a child with albinism.
NOAH grandparents, join us to connect with fellow grandparents of children with albinism! Grandparents of kids of all ages are welcome to attend 🙂
Join Grandparent Connections!
NOAH Connections: Dads!
hosted by: Sam McClung
Tuesday, March 18th at 9pm ET // 6pm PT
NOAH Dads, join us to connect with fellow dads of children with albinism. We’ll discuss the unique experiences of being a dad to a PWA and come together in the shared goal of being the best dads we can be for our children.
Register for NOAH Connections: Dads today!
NOAH Connections for Everyone
Seeing Beyond: Driving and Albinism
An educational presentation by Dr. Thomas Porter, O.D., F.A.A.O. & Chuck Huss, COMS
Wednesday, April 23rd at 9pm ET // 6pm PT
Are you a PWA considering low vision driving? Prospective drivers and their families are invited to join Dr. Thomas Porter and Chuck Huss to learn more!
About Dr. Thomas Porter, O.D., F.A.A.O.
Dr. Porter is an Associate Professor and Director of Low Vision Services at Saint Louis University’s department of ophthalmology. He also serves as an Assistant Professor at the University of Missouri College of Optometry. For his entire 44 year career, Dr. Porter has limited his practice to patients with low vision such as albinism. His clinic sees in excess of 1,000 low vision patients each year. Dr. Porter has also served as a clinical consultant to several manufacturers of low vision aids as well as a medical advisor to the Vision Council of America.
About Chuck Huss, COMS
Mr. Huss is a certified orientation and mobility specialist (COMS) and driver rehabilitation specialist (DRS). He is nationally known for his work and experience in formalized bioptic driver training and assessment over the past forty-one (41) years. Mr. Huss served as one of the principal researchers and instructors for the:
- West Virginia Pilot Low Vision Driving Study (’85-’88),
- Its continuum of related services (’89-’08), and the
- Current West Virginia Bioptic Driving Program (’09-’22).
For his years of service, knowledge sharing and professional advocacy efforts revolving around “bioptic driving”, he was awarded the
AER Ambrose Shotwell Award in 2012, a NOAH Distinguished Service Award in 2014, and an ADED Scholar’s Award in 2018.
Mr. Huss is a former 1976 M.A. graduate of Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI.
Sign up today and you’ll receive email invites for future sessions in our Seeing Beyond session too!
Register for Seeing Beyond: Navigating Life with Low Vision!
NOAH Connections Research Coffee Chat!
Next Call TBD
Are you interested in albinism research? Join the NOAH Research Program Committee for a call to discuss the program, share details about our Research Program Grant process and provide information and insight about NOAH’s ongoing support of albinism research and how you can GET INVOLVED.
Sign up for NOAH Connections Research Coffee Chat today, and we’ll automatically subscribe you to email reminders for future opportunities to connect!
Join NOAH Connections Research Coffee Chat!
*please note* those signed up for the standard NOAH Connections Coffee Chat will not receive the link for the Research Program Coffee Chat. Please use the link above to sign up if you are interested in attending the Research Coffee Chat!
NOAH Connections: Coffee Chat
Next Call TBD
Coffee Chats are an open invitation to have coffee with NOAH staff on Zoom. Share your thoughts on NOAH programming, share your voice, or simply join us for some social time.
Sign up for NOAH Connections Coffee Chat today, and we’ll automatically subscribe you to email reminders for future opportunities to connect!
Join NOAH Connections Coffee Chat!
Special Interest
Low Vision Driving Chat
hosted by: Bonny Reinhardt
Next Call TBD
Adults with albinism – you’re invited to join Bonny Reinhardt and friends to discuss your experiences with low vision driving!
Sign up for NOAH Connections Low Vision Driving Chat today, and we’ll automatically subscribe you to email reminders for future opportunities to connect!
Join NOAH Connections: Low Vision Driving Chat!
NOAH Connections: LGBTQ+ & Allies
Monday, March 24th at 9:00pm ET // 6:00pm PT
YOU belong here! Join us for a social gathering open to all LGBTQ+ and allies with albinism. Participants are welcome to connect however they are comfortable – leave your camera off or dial in via phone if video isn’t your style. We look forward to connecting with you!
Sign up for NOAH Connections LGBTQ+ & Allies today, and we’ll automatically subscribe you to email reminders for future opportunities to connect!
Join NOAH Connections: LGBTQ+ & Allies!
PWAs in the STEM Fields
hosted by Sarah Kane & Derek Schindelman
Next Call TBD
PWAs in STEM, you’re invited to a social gathering hosted by Sarah Kane & Derek Schindelman!
Register to participate in this and future PWAs in STEM connections!
Parenting without Pigment: Prospective Parents
Tuesday, February 18th at 9pm ET // 6pm PT
Are you a PWA considering having kids? Join us for a special session of Parenting without Pigment: Prospective Parents! Kathi Garza and fellow parents without pigment will be here to answer any and all of your questions about parenting with albinism.
Sign up for Parenting without Pigment: Prospective Parents NOAH Connections today for info on how to join this session, and we’ll automatically subscribe you to email reminders for future opportunities to connect!
Join Parenting without Pigment: Prospective Parents NOAH Connections
Sign up for Parenting without Pigment NOAH Connections today for info on how to join this session, and we’ll automatically subscribe you to email reminders for future opportunities to connect!
Join Parenting without Pigment NOAH Connections
Aging with Albinism
Aging with Albinism is typically held on the third Tuesday of each month. See below for confirmed dates!
Tuesday, February 18th at 5:00pm ET // 2:00pm PT
PWAs 55+, you’re invited to our next session of Aging with Albinism!
Sign up for NOAH Connections Aging with Albinism today, and we’ll automatically subscribe you to email reminders for future opportunities to connect!
Join NOAH Connections Aging with Albinism!
People with Albinism in the Legal Profession
hosted by Arielle Lewis
Next Call TBD
Calling all law students, lawyers, judges, and paralegals with albinism. You’re invited to join with fellow PWAs in the legal profession for a NOAH Connections social time just for you. Please join us for conversation and connections.
Note: This is a social time for people with albinism in the legal profession – legal advice will not be provided.
Register Now for People with Albinism in the Legal Profession!
NOAH Connections: Military Families
hosted by: Ashley Maynard
Next Call TBD
Calling all military families (active, reserve, retired), join us to connect, share experiences, and discuss the challenges of being a military family navigating life with albinism.
Sign up for Military Families Connections today!
BIPOC NOAH Connections
hosted by: Torey Alford
Next Call TBD
This gathering is intended for adults with albinism who identify as Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC).
Sign up for BIPOC NOAH Connections today for info on how to join this session, and we’ll automatically subscribe you to email reminders for future opportunities to connect!
Join BIPOC NOAH Connections!
Canadian PWAs
Next Call TBD
Sign up for NOAH Connections: Canadian PWAs today, and we’ll automatically subscribe you to email reminders for future opportunities to connect!