• ALBINISM: Anyone with an interest in albinism is invited to the launch of a book on the subject at the National Council for the Blind in Ireland (NCBI) in Dublin, on Saturday, December 10th.
The event runs from 1pm to 4pm, wheReal Lives, a book about 12 people with albinism portrayed by Archie Roy, Robin Spink and Rick Guidotti, will be launched.
In Ireland, about 375 people are registered with albinism. It is a rare genetic condition that causes a difference of appearance. Those with the condition lack the pigment melanin in their skin, hair and eyes. They also have a significant visual impairment, with many registered as blind or partially sighted. The event, which takes place in the NCBI's building on Whitworth Road, Drumcondra, Dublin 9, also includes discussions on the issue. Further details from Treasa O'Callaghan, 49 Broadford Crescent, Ballinteer, Dublin. Tel: 086-3789294.
• ART OF COMMUNICATION: A two-day workshop on communicating effectively will take place on Saturday and Sunday at St Raphaela's Convent, Kilmacud Road, Stillorgan, Dublin. The workshop is based on the process of nonviolent communication developed by international peaceworker Marshall Rosenberg. This approach aims to teach participants how to communicate with respect, compassion and honesty. The workshop will be led by Liz Kingsnorth, a certified trainer with the Centre for Nonviolent Communication. Cost €175. To book tel: 01-2764240. See also www.cnvc.org
• FRUIT AND VEG INTAKE: Only one in five Irish people eat enough fruit and vegetables, according to a recent survey. The average adult intake of fruit and vegetables is three portions a day, rather than the recommended five or more. The average child intake of fruit and vegetables is two portions a day. A group of nutritional scientists suggests there are four stages to improving fruit and vegetable consumption. These are making people realise their consumption is insufficient, giving them ideas on how to incorporate more fruit and/or vegetables into their diet, giving positive feedback and ensuring the new habit becomes part of daily life.
• MENTAL HEALTH LEGISLATION: The necessary legislation in relation to adults with intellectual disabilities, mental illness, dementia or acquired brain injury will be teased out at a conference in Dublin on Friday, December 2nd.
Organised by the Law Reform Commission, the conference, entitled Guardianship: A New Structure for Vulnerable Adults, will be addressed by a panel of national and international experts. The Rt Hon Baroness Hale, co-author of a report on mental incapacity and former judge with the Family Division of the High Court, is the main speaker. Details: tel: 01 6377600 or www.lawreform.ie