Retinitis Pigmentosa International

Retinitis Pigmentosa International (RPI or RP International) is an international, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that is committed to focusing world attention on eye problems. RP International promotes research, public awareness, education, and human services for victims of degenerative eye diseases.

Vision Awards and Eyes of Christmas

RPI presents the Vision Awards annually from Hollywood. The event raises funds for RP International and is dedicated to honoring individuals and companies who have illustrated exceptional "vision, foresight and insight" in the creative arts, related technologies and medical research. [cite news |first=Spencer |last=Garvey |title=RPI Hands Out Vision Awards |work=Daily News |date=6/14/01 |url=http://www.hollywoodsmasterstorytellers.com/showArticle.aspx?ContentID=978] The event also highlights scientific landmarks in adult stem cell transplants, microchip implants and pharmaceuticals. [ [http://www.visionawards.org/research.cfm Vision Awards ~ Medical Research] ] In 2006, the Vision Awards took special note of adult stem cell research by honoring a patient who was able to regain sight thanks to the LSU technique after more than 20 years of blindness. [cite news |title=Proven Stem Cell Cures Being Thwarted By Politics, Says International Advocate For The Blind |work=Medical News Today |date=10/8/06 |accessdate=2008-09-27|url=http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/56134.php]

The "Eyes of Christmas" is a television program in which the blind and visually impaired people can "watch" holiday shows by hearing descriptive narrations of the shows. The program is aired on a variety of cable networks and independent television stations, and features celebrities presenting holiday music, memories and films over the 12 days leading up to Christmas. [cite news |first=Keith |last=St.Clair |title="Eyes of Christmas" shares joy with the blind |work=The Associated Press |date=12/23/07 |accessdate=2008-09-27|quote= |url=http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2007-12-22-eyes-of-christmas_N.htm?loc=interstitialskip]

TheatreVision

TheatreVision is a program, created by RP International, that makes films accessible to the visually challenged. It allows incoporating a special soundtrack for feature films that runs concurrently with the dialogue of the picture. The track provides a "descriptive narration" of what is being shown on the screen, so that those without sight can still experience the wonderful medium of motion pictures. Forrest Gump was the first film to be completed in this format, making its TheatreVision debut before a visually challenged audience. [cite news |first=Susan|last=King|title=‘Eyes of Christmas’ Provides the Blind a Window to the Season|work=T|date=12/22/98 |accessdate=2008-10-06|quote= |url=http://articles.latimes.com/1998/dec/22/entertainment/ca-56363] These formatted films are being made available to the unsighted through select neighborhood theatres, as well as through libraries, charitable organizations, special screenings and schools for the blind.

About the Founder

Helen Harris is the founder of RPI and also a longtime activist for the blind and vision impaired. Years ago, Helen Harris, then a housewife, painter, and young mother, learned that she was slowly going blind from the degenerative blinding disease, retinitis pigmentosa. She soon learned that two of her three sons had inherited her disease. In 1973, she began RP International to provide support and counsel to those who suffer from retinitis pigmentosa and other degenerative eye diseases, and to find a cure for those diseases. [ [http://www.rpinternational.org/page8.html Helen Harris ~ Founder of RPI] ]

References

ee also

*Retinitis pigmentosa
*Macular degeneration
*Eye disease

External links

* [http://www.rpinternational.org/ RPI Official Website]