“Everyone was like me”: Summer camp as an affinity group for youth with albinism

Albinism is a genetic condition caused by little to no melanin production in the eyes, resulting in visual impairment. Visual impairment is considered a low-incidence disability, and albinism is an even smaller subset of that group. As a result, young people with albinism may not have opportunities to interact with others who have albinism at school. Affinity groups are opportunities for individuals to gather and connect over shared identities. This qualitative research investigated an identity-specific summer camp as an affinity group to promote inclusion and belonging, utilizing questionnaires and interviews. Same needs, looking like others, staff as facilitators of inclusion and belonging, specific activities, and developmental level arose from the data. Shared needs and appearance resulted in feelings of belonging and inclusion for participants. Summer camps that serve a particular disability group may be valuable affinity groups for youth who otherwise lack shared identity in their daily lives.