Teachers can be great allies in keeping your child with albinism safe and successful in school, but you'll need to make sure they have all the knowledge they need to help. Use these suggestions to create a information packet to bring educators up to speed.
Five Things Teachers Need to Know
1. My child may look unusual, but in most ways she's just a "normal" kid. Please look beyond her appearance to see her unique strengths and gifts.
2. Please help your other students to look beyond my child's appearance, too. I'd be happy to help prepare a program explaining his condition if you think that would help.
3. It may help my child to be seated close to the teacher, and out of direct sunlight.
4. My child may need special equipment in order to read in class. If you have any questions or concerns about it, please let me know.
5. Please keep the lines of communication open between our home and the school. My child needs all the adults in her life working together.
Print-Outs to Share with Teachers
Information for Teachers of Students With Albinism
Source: NOAH
Assisting Students With Albinism
Source: NOAH
The Student With Albinism in the Regular Classroom (pdf)
Source: ERIC
Teaching Students With Visual Impairments
Source: Trinity University
Fact Sheet: Albinism
Source: Blind Babies Foundation
