Introducing 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 introduce 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.
Do you have suggestions for future NOAH Connections virtual gatherings?
Learn more about the NOAH Connections Advisory Committee and apply today!
NOAH Connections Advisory Committee
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:
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!
Tuesday, October 19th ~ Aging with Albinism
Thursday, October 21st ~ Adults
Sunday, October 24th ~ Paralympian Panel
Tuesday, October 26th ~ PWAs in the Legal Profession
Thursday, October 28th ~ Teens
Wednesday, November 3rd ~ Young Adults & PWA Book Club
Thursday, November 4th ~ Adults
Wednesday, November 10th ~ Could Adults with Albinism Miss HPS?
Thursday, November 11th ~ Teens
Sunday, November 14th ~ Podcast Panel
Wednesday, November 17th ~ Young Adults
Thursday, November 18th ~ Parents, Grandparents, & Caregivers & Adults
Preschool NOAH Connections
Preschool NOAH Connections
with Kathi Garza
Wednesday, October 6th ~ 12:00pm ET // 9:00am PT
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!
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 5-8)
Next Call TBD
Sign up for NOAH Kids’ PWA Book Club!
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, October 14th at 8:00pm ET // 5:00pm PT
Thursday, October 28th at 8:00pm ET // 5:00pm PT
Thursday, November 11th 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, October 20th ~ 9:00pm ET // 6:00pm PT
Wednesday, November 3rd ~ 9:00pm ET // 6:00pm PT
Wednesday, November 17th ~ 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!
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, October 21st at 9:00pm ET // 6:00pm PT
Thursday, November 4th at 9:00pm ET // 6:00pm PT
Thursday, November 18th 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
Could Adults with Albinism Miss HPS?
hosted by HPS Network Founder & President, Donna Appell, RN
Wednesday, November 10th at 8:00pm ET
Join Donna Appell, RN for an informative session for adult PWAs about HPS.
Register Now!
PWA Book Club
Next Meeting: Wednesday, November 3rd at 9:00pm ET
Current Reading Material: “The House of the Spirits” by Isabel Allende
All PWAs (18+ years old) can join NOAH’s Book Club – simply sign up and get your hands on a copy of the current book. Depending on the length of the book, we will meet every 1-2 months in NOAH’s zoom room for a discussion facilitated by the book club member who selected the current book. Members will take turns picking the next reading selection and facilitating the discussion!
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!
Parents, Grandparents, & Caregivers
Are you a parent or caregiver who lives in Canada?
Sign up for NOAH Connections: Canadian Parents today!
Are you looking for educational or social-emotional sessions facilitated by a licensed professional? Check out NOAH Workshops and register for upcoming offerings!
Practical Considerations for Early Literacy
a presentation intended for parents, grandparents, and caregivers of children with albinism ages 0-5.
Thursday, November 18th at 8:00pm ET // 5:00pm PT
When we hear the word, “literacy,” we often think of conventional reading and writing, but did you know that the development of literacy skills begins at birth and continues on until the child is ready to read and write? Come discover how to support the development of early literacy skills in practical ways through shared reading, singing songs, and exploring the world around you.
Anyone signed up for Parent Connections or Grandparent Connections will receive the link to join this call via email! Not a member? Join today!
Join Parent Connections! ~ Join Grandparent Connections!
NOAH Connections for Everyone
Paralympian Panel!
hosted by Pam McGonigle & Donté Mickens
Sunday, October 24th at 4:30pm ET // 1:30pm PT
Join four-time track and field Paralympian, Gold Medalist and USABA Hall of Fame Honoree, Pam McGonigle and 2004 Goalball Paralympic Bronze Medalist Donté Mickens for a panel featuring athletes with albinism who recently competed in the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games!
Meet the panelists:
Liza Corso earned a silver medal at the Tokyo Paralympic Games in the T13 1500. She started running in Elementary school and has run ever since. She’s a freshman at Lipscomb University in Nashville, Tennessee where she’s running Division 1 track and cross country. Liza loves the challenges that distance running brings and the feeling of working hard to accomplish her goals.
“My favorite Paralympic moment was crossing the finish line in Tokyo and realizing that I had Medaled. I will always remember getting handed an American flag and feeling so proud to be representing my country.” – Liza Corso
Kym Crosby is a 2x Paralympian and 3x Paralympic medalist in track and field as a sprinter. She has been competing in track for 14 years and started as a freshman in high school. Kym attempted many other sports but fell in love with track because it was one sport she didn’t have to depend on anyone else or trying to see a ball. She loves the freeing and flying feeling she gets from running and doesn’t think she will ever stop running because of it.
“My favorite Paralympic moment was in Rio 2016 when a camera man told me I won the bronze medal. I had no idea I got 3rd when I crossed the line and it took a while for me find out that I was a medalist. When the camera man told me, at the same time our team leader was behind me yelling to me asking if I wanted a flag. I’ve always dreamed of being able to parade around with the USA flag and at that moment my dream had come true.” – Kym Crosby
Robert Tanaka is a 2020NE Paralympian in Judo. He was born and raised in Denver, Colorado and started judo at 5 years old with his current Paralympic coach, Scott Moore. Growing up with albinism, participating in most sports proved challenging, but judo gave Robert the perfect opportunity because it was practiced indoors and was a full contact sport, so his vision wasn’t an obstacle. Ever since he started judo, Robert dreamed of becoming a Paralympian, and 16 years that dream became true.
“My favorite [Paralympic] memory is standing in the Nippon Budokan, where judo made its Olympic debut in 1964.” – Robert Tanaka
Daryl Walker is a 3 time Paralympic athlete in the sport of goalball. Silver medalist at the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil.
“My favorite Paralympic memory would have to be scoring a goal for my dad at the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio. In May of 2013, my dad passed away because of cancer. He was a hard working man and always would find time to attend goalball tournaments to cheer me on. While at the game, in honor of him, I made it my goal to dedicate my first goal scored for him. The coolest thing about that was that it was in the gold medal match against Lithuania. The same team that I watched play for the gold medal 8 years earlier while attending my first Paralympic Games in Beijing, China. Even though we ended up losing the match and taking silver, it was still a pretty emotional time for me to get that one goal for him. I remember yelling really loud and having a few tears come out my eyes. That was my Paralympic moment.” – Daryl Walker
Register for Paralympian Panel Today!
Podcast Panel
featuring Dale Hamilton, Jennie Bovard, Casey Greer and Cassandra Mendez
Sunday, November 14th at 4:00pm ET
Join us as four podcast hosts with albinism share their experiences!
Registration Link Coming Soon!
NOAH Connections Coffee Chat!
Meet Karen!
Next Call TBA
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
NOAH Connections: LGBTQ+ & Allies
Thursday, October 14th 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!
Aging with Albinism: Your Family’s Response to a Child with Albinism
hosted by June Waugh
Tuesday, October 19th at 4:30pm ET // 1:30pm PT
Join us to discuss some of the many issues our families had to face: explaining our unusual appearance, learning about vision and sun sensitivity, the impact on siblings and extended family, and the sense of loss. How did all of these issues affect you and your sense of self? Look forward to seeing you soon!
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 and Katy Carroll
Tuesday, October 26th at 8:30pm ET // 5:30pm PT
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!
BIPOC NOAH Connections
hosted by: Torey Alford
Next Call TBD
This gathering is intended for adults with albinism who identify as Black, Indigenous, 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!
Parenting without Pigment NOAH Connections
Next Call TBD
Are you a PWA with kids? This is the perfect group for you!
Join together with fellow parents without pigment to connect, discuss, share, and more! We hope to “see” you at our next gathering.
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
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!
Join NOAH Connections: Canadian PWAs!
NOAH Connections: Canadian Parents
hosted by Katie Bailey & Emily Urquhart
Next Call TBD
Calling all Canadian parents of children with albinism! Please join us for an open discussion led by NOAH parent volunteers Katie Bailey (Alberta) and Emily Urquhart (Ontario) and a chance to connect with other parents of children with albinism across the country. Parents of children of all ages and all parts of the country are welcome.
Sign Up Now!
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!
NOAH Connections: Military Families
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. Do you have tips and tricks to share? How you navigated EFMP, PCSing, Tricare, etc?