Short Statured People of Australia - Media Release

Short Statured People of Australia (SSPA)

Media Release

 October has been declared National Dwarfism Awareness Month

October has been declared National Dwarfism Awareness Month. The Short Statured People of Australia (SSPA) is the national support organisation for people with conditions of dwarfism, their families and other interested members of the community. The SSPA is made up of volunteers who aim to educate their members and the community, provide peer and parent support, participate in programs that benefit the dwarfism community and promote the achievements of people with dwarfism.

Dwarfism is a medical condition that is not fully understood by the public at large. In fact dwarfs or people of short stature are often made fun of and are sometimes viewed in an unflattering way. There is a long history of people with dwarfism being treated as spectacles for entertainment. And the portrayal of people with dwarfism in modern movies and entertainment often resorts to stereotypes. However, if environmental barriers are minimised, people born with a condition of dwarfism have the ability to accomplish as much as an average size person, in whatever endeavour they choose.

The 2012 National Convention of the SSPA, 2 – 8 October, Narrabeen, NSW, will see the SSPA officially support and recognise that October is Dwarfism Awareness Month.

Key facts:

Dwarfs or people of short stature:

·         conceive and have children

·         drive a motor vehicle

·         work

·         vote

·         live in your society...

Dwarfism or short stature isn't:

·         a disease – most people with a condition of dwarfism live long, fulfilling lives

·         a reason to assume someone is incapable. People with dwarfism go to school, go to work, find partners and raise children, just like their average-size peers.

Dwarfism is:

·         there are over 200 distinct forms of dwarfism and skeletal dysplasias

·         80% of people with dwarfism have average-height parents and siblings

·         there are estimated to be 651,000 persons internationally with a condition of dwarfism

·         dwarfism affects bone growth, not cognitive abilities.

No-one is to blame for a child born with dwarfism. Often, a gene just mutates and causes a child with dwarfism. In fact approximately 80% of people with achondroplasia are the first ones in their family with it. It results from a spontaneous mutation and can happen in any pregnancy. Males and females are at equal risk. For parents with a form of dwarfism, who have a child – the odds are much greater that their child will have a condition of dwarfism as well.

FAQ’s

What are the biggest challenges facing people with dwarfism?

Acceptance:

For people born with a condition of dwarfism, the challenge is to be accepted and integrated into everyday society.

Lack of knowledge and information:

Generally, there is insufficient knowledge about dwarfism, its causes, complications, challenges and the capabilities of people affected with dwarfism, as well as how society needs to respond. This lack of knowledge has driven misconception and superstition about dwarfism, enabling discrimination.

What is the acceptable way of referring to people with dwarfism?

Some people are happy to be called dwarfs, or little people, some prefer people of short stature. However, “midget” is considered offensive by the majority. Most of all, people like to be called by their names!

Can dwarfs be productive in other professions rather than entertainment and comedy?

People with dwarfism have all sorts of different jobs: teachers, geneticists, therapists, brick layers, lawyers, electricians, gardeners, waiters, doctors, veterinary assistants, kindergarten teachers, as well as actors and entertainers.

Can dwarfs participate in sporting activities?

Sports and activities are good exercise for all people. However, because of orthopaedic problems certain rough contact sports aren’t recommended due to bone and joint issues.

As recently demonstrated in London, people with dwarfism have the opportunity to compete for their country at the Paralympics as well as the World Dwarf Games. Team Australia will compete in Michigan, 2013 at the sixth World Dwarf Games: www.2013worlddwarfgames.org

For more information on the Short Statured People of Australia (SSPA) please visit: www.sspa.org.au