Retinitis Pigmentosa International

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RPI's official logo

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 and organizes the Vision Awards annually from Hollywood, which 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.[1] The event also highlights scientific landmarks in adult stem cell transplants, microchip implants and pharmaceuticals.[2] 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.[3]

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.[4]

TheatreVision

TheatreVision is a program, created by RP International, that makes films accessible to the visually challenged. It allows incorporating 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 motion pictures. Forrest Gump was the first film to be completed in this format, making its TheatreVision debut before a visually challenged audience.[5] 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.

Many TheatreVision presentations are audio described by celebrities, often who have a connection to the film. The Disney film Tarzan (1999 film) was described by actor Tony Goldwyn, who also performed the voice of the lead character in the film itself, and Samuel L. Jackson performed the description for Star Wars: The Phantom Menace. TheatreVision has also prepared special presentations for television, often providing live descriptions of the annual Academy Awards, and notably describing the classic film It's a Wonderful Life for NBC's traditional annual broadcast of the film (with the descriptive audio carried on the SAP (Second Audio Program) channel), with the narrative description performed by former president George H. W. Bush.[6]

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.[7]

See also

References

  1. ↑ Garvey, Spencer (2001-06-14). "RPI Hands Out Vision Awards". Daily News. 
  2. ↑ Vision Awards ~ Medical Research
  3. ↑ "Proven Stem Cell Cures Being Thwarted By Politics, Says International Advocate For The Blind". Medical News Today. 10/8/06. Retrieved 2008-09-27. 
  4. ↑ St.Clair, Keith (2007-12-23). ""Eyes of Christmas" shares joy with the blind". The Associated Press. Retrieved 2008-09-27. 
  5. ↑ King, Susan (12/22/98). "‘Eyes of Christmas’ Provides the Blind a Window to the Season". T. Retrieved 2008-10-06. 
  6. ↑ Scott, Tracy L. (2002-12-21). "It's a narrated 'Life' for former president". Los Angeles Times. 
  7. ↑ Helen Harris ~ Founder of RPI

External links

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