The Albinism Fellowship (UKIreland) invite you to our first ever Albinism Ireland Mini-Conference
Saturday 29th September 10am - 5pm in the Fairways Hotel, Dublin Road, Dundalk, Ireland
This is an event for people with albinism, family, friends and professionals.
Albinism is a comparatively rare genetically inherited group of conditions which results in a reduction or complete lack of pigment (colour) in the skin, hair and eyes of people with the condition. This can result in pale skin which burns easily in the sun, virtually white hair, very severe short-sight and photophobia (a severe sensitivity to light).
There are two types of albinism, that which affects the skin, hair and eyes (oculo-cutaneous albinism) and that which affects just the eyes (ocular-albinism). The most common type is oculo-cutaneous albinism. There are a number of distinct types of albinism which are associated with different genes. For further information see
This conference is the first of its kind to take place in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. It is organised by the Albinism Fellowship (UKIreland) and the Royal National Institute of Blind People (NI). It is funded by the Sensory Engagement Project, RNIB Northern Ireland and the Community Foundation for Ireland. The conference has a full information and discussion based programme, a crèche and exhibition area.
Mark Sanderson, Chair of the Albinism Fellowship (UKIreland) said, "In recognition of our growing membership across Ireland, North and South and an increasing awareness and interest in albinism generally, we are delighted to be able to increase our activity through this conference."
Rosaleen Dempsey, Albinism Fellowship Trustee and Contact Person for Northern Ireland said, "This is an exciting opportunity to raise the profile of albinism in both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland and to let people living here learn more about the support and services available to them."
Topics at the conference will include general medical information about the condition and its effect on vision, a panel discussion on parenting and pre school issues and a talk by various professionals on education and employment opportunities and support. The final session will be a panel discussion on living with albinism, led by adults with albinism from disability sport, the arts, campaigning and music backgrounds.
The exhibition area will host services for both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland including RNIB Northern Ireland, The National Council for the Blind of Ireland, specialist schools for children with sight loss, parent support organisations and assistive and adaptive technology companies.
For further information please contact
Rosaleen Dempsey
Albinism Fellowship (UKIreland)
Tel: 028 9033 4116