Our mission is to promote and enhance the emotional and mental well-being of individuals with facial differences and their families through social and peer support, information, educational programs and public awareness. To do this, we work with other stakeholders: volunteers; donors; allies in the medical, dental, and social service communities; educators; and others.
While each facial difference is unique and affects each person in various ways, people with facial differences share similar experiences in day-to-day life that can include:
- Being stared at, ridiculed, bullied, or socially excluded
- Encountering stereotypes, discrimination, and barriers to socialization, education, employment, and aspirations.
Without psychosocial support, the impact of these challenges on a person’s mental health and quality of life can be severe and lasting.
AboutFace was founded in 1985 to provide that support to members of the facial difference community across the country and to address barriers and misconceptions by building awareness and acceptance of facial differences. AboutFace is the only charity in Canada supporting individuals of every age, with any type of facial difference and their families.