What is NOAHCon? ~ Kids’ Conference ~ What is there to do?
Who Should Attend? ~ What about Disney?!?
What is NOAHCon?
Often described as a fun, festive family reunion, NOAHCon offers 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.
Kids’ Conference
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. Each program is designed to meet the interests and needs of that age group.
What is there to do at NOAHCon?
There are tons of activities and sessions for everyone at NOAHCon! Past conferences have included the following activities and programs:
Educational Programs
Past topics have included:
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
And much, much more!!
Keynote
“The Magic of Your Story” Using Narratives to Empower Albinism Identity – Dr. Niya Pickett Miller
Dr. Niya Pickett Miller is an Assistant Professor of Communication Studies at Samford University where teaches communication courses related to race, gender, and culture. With a scholarship focus on the visual rhetorical criticism of marginal identities and otherness in popular culture, her recent books include Deconstructing the Albino Other: A Critique of Albinism Identity in Media (2020, Lexington Books); Lizzo’s Black, Female, and Fat Resistance (2021, Palgrave MacMillan); and Sustaining Black Music and Black Culture During COVID-19: #Verzuz and Club Quarantine. (2020, Lexington Books). She holds membership with and serves within the National Communication Association, Southern States Communication, and the Alabama Communication Association.
As an albinism advocate, she talked about her experience of parenting a child with albinism and the importance of inclusive communication as 2019 TEDx Birmingham speaker. She routinely commits to ongoing work with the National Organization for Albinism and Hypopigmentation (NOAH). As a former parent liaison, she offered information and support to parents with newly diagnosed children. She’s been a two-time contributing author to Albinism Insight, NOAH’s publication; and a guest speaker for NOAH’s Parent Connections calls. She has given special virtual talks and hosted Bowl-A-Thons on behalf of NOAH. Dr. Pickett Miller is a devoted wife, mother of two humans (one with albinism), and a dog-mom to a sweet Cocker Spaniel.
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.
Pre-Conference Outings
Conference attendees of all ages gather for pre-conference excursions. Please note, pre-conference outings are not included in conference registration. Attendees must plan to arrive early and pay an additional fee to participate.
Community Fair
Join families and individuals with albinism for the premiere of the NOAH Community Fair! This event offers an exciting showcase of individuals with and without albinism sharing their experiences, endeavors, and engagement in their communities. Visitors to the fair will have the opportunity to view artwork, hear personal stories of empowerment (NOAH Talks), reference academic and scientific posters, and connect about resources available to those impacted by albinism.
Who Should Attend NOAHCon?
There’s something for everyone at NOAHCon! Whether you are a PWA, parent, grandparent, sibling, etc., the conference offers so many wonderful opportunities for learning & connecting with others. We encourage you to bring the whole gang along to NOAHCon this summer for an unforgettable experience!
What About Disney?!?
Walt Disney World has graciously offered NOAH conference attendees and their families special, discounted tickets!