Retinitis Pigmentosa International (RPI or RP International) is an international,

501(c)(3) A 501(c)(3) organization is a United States corporation, trust, unincorporated association or other type of organization exempt from federal income tax under section 501(c)(3) of Title 26 of the United States Code. It is one of the 29 types of 50 ...

non-profit organization A nonprofit organization (NPO) or non-profit organisation, also known as a non-business entity, not-for-profit organization, or nonprofit institution, is a legal entity organized and operated for a collective, public or social benefit, in co ...

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 This is a partial list of human eye diseases and disorders. The World Health Organization publishes a classification of known diseases and injuries, the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, or ICD-10. ...

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. The event also highlights scientific landmarks in adult stem cell transplants, microchip implants, and pharmaceuticals. 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. 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.

TheatreVision

TheatreVision is an RPI program that makes films accessible to the visually impaired. It incorporates a special soundtrack in films that runs concurrently with the dialogue of the picture. The track provides a "descriptive narration" of what is being shown on the screen. ''

Forrest Gump ''Forrest Gump'' is a 1994 American comedy-drama film directed by Robert Zemeckis and written by Eric Roth. It is based on the 1986 novel of the same name by Winston Groom and stars Tom Hanks, Robin Wright, Gary Sinise, Mykelti Williamson and ...

'' was the first film to be completed in this format, making its TheatreVision debut before a visually challenged audience. These formatted films are made available to the visually impaired through theatres, 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 1999 Disney film ''Tarzan'' was described by actor

Tony Goldwyn Anthony Howard Goldwyn (born May 20, 1960) is an American actor, singer, producer, director, and political activist. He made his debut appearing as Darren in the slasher film '' Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives'' (1986), and had his breakthr ...

, who also performed the voice of the lead character in the film, and

Samuel L. Jackson Samuel Leroy Jackson (born December 21, 1948) is an American actor and producer. One of the most widely recognized actors of his generation, the films in which he has appeared have collectively grossed over $27 billion worldwide, making him ...

performed the description for '' Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace''. TheatreVision has also prepared special presentations for television, often providing live descriptions of the annual

Academy Awards The Academy Awards, better known as the Oscars, are awards for artistic and technical merit for the American and international film industry. The awards are regarded by many as the most prestigious, significant awards in the entertainment ind ...

, and notably describing the classic film ''

It's a Wonderful Life ''It's a Wonderful Life'' is a 1946 American Christmas by medium#Films, Christmas Fantasy film, fantasy drama film produced and directed by Frank Capra, based on the short story and booklet ''The Greatest Gift'', which Philip Van Doren Stern se ...

'' 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 George Herbert Walker BushSince around 2000, he has been usually called George H. W. Bush, Bush Senior, Bush 41 or Bush the Elder to distinguish him from his eldest son, George W. Bush, who served as the 43rd president from 2001 to 2009; pr ...

Founder

Helen Harris is the founder of RPI and a longtime activist for the blind and vision impaired. As a housewife, painter, and young mother, Harris learned that she was slowly going blind from

retinitis pigmentosa Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a genetic disorder of the eyes that causes loss of vision. Symptoms include trouble seeing at night and decreasing peripheral vision (side and upper or lower visual field). As peripheral vision worsens, people may ...

. She then learned that two of her three sons had inherited her disease. In 1973, she began RPI 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.Helen Harris ~ Founder of RPI
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References

External links

RPI Official Website
{{authority control Charities based in California Organizations established in 1973 Organizations based in Los Angeles Ophthalmology organizations

Vision Awards and Eyes of Christmas

TheatreVision

Founder

See also

References

External links