Impact of Covid-19 on Education of newcomer individuals/families with albinism

With the Prime Minister, Justine Trudeau announcing Sept 23, 2020 that Covid-19 infections "already underway" in the 4 biggest Canadian provinces including Ontario, the major concern to the families/individuals with albinism has since been what will happen if we fall into another lockdown.

Online learning to many newcomer children, youth and adults across the world means "a tough task" as described by Viane, a newcomer father with albinism in Quebec. Most people with albinism also have sight issues that most of the time requires regular medical attention.

However, to newcomer individuals with albinism who, for the longest time they have been in refugee camps with no proper medical attention, often have severe sight issues because of not getting early medical interventions.

Addition to the sight issues individuals such as Viane experiences, language barrier also adds to the barriers individuals and families with albinism faces. Because of low visual, navigating online learning tools posses challenges to people with albinism's desire to pursue education.

Viane explains that because his eyes cannot fully concentrate on the computer, he most of the time relies on his phone which is also "very limited in access all the online learning platforms." He often also get help from his first born girl who "also have her own school assignments and homework," adds Viane.

Majority of newcomer parents with children with albinism in Canada have low literacy rate. This means that there is very less or no parent's support to their children education during this difficult times. Unlike other children who are helped by their parents navigate online education platforms, children with albinism are often on their own.

Fiake, (teen on the picture) loves drawing and P.E (Physical Education). His major concern with school closure is lack of access to his classroom and the school gym.

Fiake, the aspired artist/gymnast.