AboutFace

✨ An Exciting Summer Opportunity ✨ Our collaborators at @aboutfacecanada are hosting a summer camp for children with skin conditions and facial differences, including alopecia areata. 📅 July 26–31, 2026 📍 Jacob’s Island, Ontario 💛 Funding is available for children and their siblings with alopecia areata. 📧 To learn more or inquire about funding, email [email protected]

In 1985, Elisabeth Baugh experienced a gap in support for people with facial differences. She knew that a support system was needed. and out of this, AboutFace was founded. It's our 40th anniversary, and we want to hear from you! What is your favourite memory of AboutFace? What kind of program or resource would support you and your family most? We have a lot of exciting announcements coming in the next few months, but we want to make sure that our programming meets the needs of the facial difference community! Drop us a comment or a DM and let us know! Graphic ALT text - A dark blue background image with gold and blue wave-like accents. In the center, large gold balloon-style numbers read "40" with the text "years of AboutFace" beneath it in yellow. At the bottom right corner, the AboutFace logo is displayed, featuring three hexagons in blue, red, and yellow, next to the word "ABOUTFACE" in white capital letters.

"I know that I'm not alone in this." The AboutFace Youth Advisory Council (YAC) has an important message about Camp Trailblazers and what it means to be on the YAC. This video was created by the children and youth of the Council and showcases the importance of inclusive spaces, such as Camp Trailblazers. The YAC, as they’re fondly known, took on this project to create more awareness about the amazing camp experience at Camp Trailblazers camps. They also wanted to convey the importance of being on the YAC, and what it means to them. They created the messaging, gave directions to the editor and producer, chose the best clips, and worked together to create something truly impactful. The kids of the YAC are leaders in their communities and have the goal of making lasting, positive change for the facial difference community. Please watch and share this video, and if you know of any youth with a facial difference that would like to join the YAC, please DM us! Camp registration is still open for all four of our camp partners, and more information can be found at the link in our bio. The bursary application deadline is June 13! #FacialDifference #YouthAdvisoryCouncil

"There have been occasions where I have dined at restaurants with family or friends and the server asks those who I am with what I would like to eat or drink. The response of those I am with is often “why don’t you ask her yourself?” This is embarrassing for me as it implies that the waiter did not think I was capable of ordering for myself. I often find that people who do not know me think that I am developmentally delayed due to my appearance. One of the most memorable experiences I had was in the retail sector. I was at an Indigo bookstore buying some books for school. The lady at the checkout asked if ‘I was wearing my Halloween costume. I was in street clothes. I stated that I had a birthmark, to which she further noted that “it could work either way”. Rather than demonstrating empathy or regret that she made the inappropriate remark, she chose to make me feel even more uncomfortable in my own skin. I have also encountered situations where people feel uncomfortable sharing public spaces with me. This would include such things as people leaving a public hot tub when I get in, or moving away from me in public places. This often comes with a comment or a look of disgust." All week long, we have amplified real stories, such as Jill's. These real life experiences demonstrate a real, crucial need to pay more attention to how people with facial differences are seen, served, and above all, treated. Help us build spaces where everyone belongs. Through your support, you can help ensure that our work to create inclusive spaces can continue. Donate at the link in our bio. #SeenAndServed #FacialDifference @faceequalityint

Being in public can be stressful for someone with a facial difference, as stares and comments may linger around every corner. This Face Equality Week, we are raising critically needed awareness about facial differences, as education is often the key to understanding. "Living with a craniofacial condition has made me deeply aware of what it means to truly feel seen. Sometimes it can feel like people notice your appearance before they notice you as a person. In social situations, I sometimes catch myself overthinking how others may perceive me or feeling pressure to make people comfortable around me first. To me, being “seen and served” means being treated with the same kindness, dignity, and openness as anyone else. Organizations like AboutFace help create a world where people with facial differences feel included, understood, and valued for who they are, not defined by appearance." Face Equality Week is drawing to a close, but Move It runs for the rest of May! This signature fundraiser helps raise critically important funds for AboutFace, but also aims to make recreation spaces more inclusive and welcoming for people with a facial difference. To join Move It, or to donate to help a team meet their goal, please visit the link in our bio. #FaceEqualityWeek @faceequalityint

Every story deserves a seat at the table. This is Parker's, as told by his mom. "Parker was born with Goldenhar syndrome. Parker is now 18 and thriving but when he was younger, I felt it important for have him learn how to advocate for himself. As a family we decided to be direct when dealing with stares, as we never wanted Parker not to have his own power or not to use his own voice. He grew up hearing me ask children who were staring “do you have a question about his funny ear?” We named it his funny ear as a gentle opening and a start to a conversation. Kids would always ask “why does it look that way” and I would go on to explain that when he was in my belly his little body decided to do something different. As Parker grew, he started to advocate for himself. We taught Parker to celebrate his difference because it was a small part of what makes him so special. He has continued to advocate for himself and has grown into an exceptional young man who welcomes everyone into his circle. As a Mom, I wanted to protect him from the stares, but realized stares are often from curiosity, it is simply the other person trying to understand the difference. If we approached others respectfully and with kindness, it opened a conversation up and introduced the other person to embracing people with differences. As Parker explored the job market, his resume was designed to address the difference head on giving him the power. His resume had his picture on it. If he didn’t get an interview based on his appearance, he looked at it as their loss and moved on. He now works part time, is a full time college student and his living his life to the fullest." This Face Equality Week, we’re sharing voices from our community on what it means to be truly seen and served in the places we gather, eat, celebrate, and belong. @faceequalityint

"Our family was out for dinner with friends while we were away on holidays, and when the server came to take our order, they went around the table asking each person what they would like. When it came to my daughter, the server did not look at her or ask her directly. My daughter is fully capable of ordering for herself. She understands the menu, she communicates clearly, and she was excited to be out with everyone else. In that moment, though, she was not seen as someone to speak to directly. As her mother, I felt a wave of protectiveness and sadness. These situations may seem small to others, but they are not small to our children. Being overlooked in everyday interactions sends a quiet but powerful message about belonging and value. Inclusion starts with something simple. Make eye contact. Ask the question directly. Treat the person in front of you with the same respect you would offer anyone else. Moments like this are why Face Equality Week matters so much. Thank you for giving families like ours the opportunity to share our experiences and help create change." Imagine being ignored, refused, or judged just for how you look. For many in our community, this is everyday reality. This Face Equality Week, we’re sharing stories that remind us why everyone deserves to be seen and served with dignity, without exception. #FaceEqualityWeek @faceequalityint

Every story deserves a seat at the table. This Face Equality Week, we’re sharing voices from our community on what it means to be truly seen and served in the places we gather, eat, celebrate, and belong. Dignity isn’t optional. It’s a human right. Be sure to follow along this week as we share stories from our community about being seen and served. #SeenAndServed #FaceEqualityWeek #FacialDifference @faceequalityint

POP QUIZ! What is your favourite fitness activity? It doesn't need to be anything fancy or elaborate, just whatever gets you moving that you actually enjoy! Whatever the activity is, it can make a huge impact in the lives of people with a facial difference. Drop your answer in the comments, and make sure to join Move It at the link in our bio. #FacialDifference #Fitness

Move It 2026 is underway! Meet Donna Jackson. Donna is a dedicated member of AboutFace, sitting on the Board of Directors and co-chairing the Advocacy Committee. Supporting Move It is important to Donna because "Your participation or donation to Move It helps fund essential Aboutface programs and resources. Your participation not only helps spread awareness but is a fun, healthy way to make a big difference in someone’s life!" Move It is a critically important fundraiser for AboutFace. Funds raised will help ensure that we can continue our vital work of building strong communities that will promote equity and opportunity for individuals with facial differences through advocacy, education, and the development of inclusive spaces. You can sign up to participate in Move It, or donate to help someone like Donna achieve their goal. Support Move It at the link in our bio.

Move It 2026 is HERE! All month long, get active your way and make a difference. Walk, run, cycle, roll, hike, dance, or try a new fitness class. Every move counts, and makes a huge impact. Together In Motion, we’re supporting AboutFace and building a more inclusive world. Join us this May and move with purpose. Sign up or support a participant's goal at the link in our bio. #MoveIt2026 #TogetherInMotion #InclusionMatters

Are you a student with a facial difference heading to post-secondary this fall? The 2025 AboutFace Post-Secondary Scholarship is now open for applications! 🎓 As the first scholarship of its kind in Canada, it’s designed to support and empower students in the facial difference community as they pursue their educational goals. 📆 Deadline: June 5, 2026 at 5:00 PM EST 🔗 Apply: Click the link in our bio for eligibility details and the application Any questions? Contact Kelsey at [email protected] #FacialDifference #Scholarship #University