Meeting with other children who have albinism or low vision can reassure your child that they are not alone and may also give them the opportunity to learn low vision skills with others who understand. Keep an eye on the websites of the major providers or join their mailing lists for updates on what is on offer. During Covid 19 most are online, but once this is over you will find day or half day sessions for social or learning opportunities and even camps for different ages.
The AFA does not provide recommendations for programs, other than our own, but following is a list of opportunities that have taken place in the past, for you to investigate.
AFA Childrens’ Programs
AFA Biennial Conference
At each biennial AFA Conference we provide programs offering both a social and learning experience, for children with albinism of all ages and their siblings.
In the past we have had a babies and toddlers section run by early childhood educators allowing parents to attend the main program without interruption.
Programs for primary aged students, middle years and older teens have provided excursions (ten pin bowling, goalball, adventure activities, visits to museums or galleries) and in house sessions with information on O&M, low vision issues, sports, self defence and practical activities.
Other AFA Programs
The AFA may offer programs at other times, either nationally or state based. You will be notified of any such prorams via email in our members eNews.
Programs by others
Sports Groups
More information is available in the Childrens’ Health and Lifestyle Section.
- “Blind Sports” Groups in most states run come and try days for both blind sports and adapted sports catering for low vision. Go to Blind Sports Australia for more information and links to state groups.
- Paralympic Sports – go to the individual sports associations (eg goalball) and mainstream sports with Para events (eg. Athletics, swimming, winter sports) to enquire about come and try days and junior development programs for paralympic sports.
- The Australian Paralympic Committee offers support to future Paralympic athletes – particularly in athletics, cycling and swimming.
- Education programs to visit your child’s school and introduce blind sports to all students.
- Paralympics Education Program – led by Jenny Blow, an Australian goalballer with albinism.
- ExSight Sports (Vic) – takes gaolball and blind cricket to mainstream schools.
- Links to low vision sporting organisations and groups (pdf) compiled by AFA – let us know of other groups we missed.
Day and evening programs
The major providers run a series of programs for babies, toddlers, primary aged children and teenagers covering a range of mobility and living activies. Most have an Early Childhood program with get togethers for parents and children. Programs for older children may include cooking, using public transport, assistive technology, orientation and mobility training and social activities, to connect low vision and blind children. During Covid19 most of these have been cancelled, but some sessions are available on line. Check with your local provider, listed under our “Available Support for Children” tab.
Camps for students with low vision or who are legally blind
The following are camps that our members have attended in the past, but are not running in 2020 due to Covid 19 – hopefully will take place in 2021.
- Space Camp – An Australian group attends this annual camp (usually September) with students from around the world. They undergo an exciting program of astronaut training at the U.S. Space and Rocket Centre in Huntsville, Alabama in the United States of America. This program is designed for low vision and blind students and is accessed though your state education systems, who provide chaperones to accompany students. Due to Covid 19, Australians will not be attending the camp in 2020. (Read about Konna’s space camp experience under the next tab “Stories from Children”).
- Guide Dog Camps – these have been run successfully several times a year for many years. Our teens Sammy and Lucy met at a camp and have been close friends ever since.
- National Braille Music Camp – usually held in NSW each year for student musicians who use braille. Some states also have a local camp, accessed through your state education system.
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