Dwarfism Awareness Month
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Dwarfism Awareness Month is observed every October to raise public awareness about dwarfism, a medical or genetic condition that results in short stature, typically defined as an adult height of 4 feet 10 inches (147 cm) or shorter. There are over 200 different types of dwarfism, with achondroplasia being the most common.[1][2] The month serves as a time to educate the public about the social, physical, and medical challenges people with dwarfism may face, while also promoting respect, societal participation, and accurate representation.[3][4][5]
The campaign aims to challenge stereotypes, reduce stigma, and encourage understanding of the lived experiences of people with dwarfism.[6] It draws attention to issues such as accessibility, discrimination, and the need for fair treatment in education, employment, healthcare, and public life. Awareness efforts also seek to discourage harmful language and media portrayals that contribute to misunderstanding or dehumanization.[7]
Organisations such as Little People of America, Dwarf Sports Association UK, Restricted Growth Association, Little People UK,[8] Child Growth Foundation, Belangenvereniging van Kleine Mensen and Bundesverband Kleinwüchsige Menschen und ihre Familien actively support awareness and advocacy efforts throughout the year, as well as corporations like Biomarin,[9] Ascendis,[10][11][12] Sanofi and BridgeBio.[13]
Dwarfism Awareness Day
[edit]Dwarfism Awareness Day is marked on October 25. The date honors the birthday of Billy Barty (1924–2000), actor and founder of Little People of America, who championed rights and representation for people with short stature.[14][15]
References
[edit]- ^ Sorensen, Nicholas (2024-10-03). "Little people, big month: October is Dwarfism Awareness Month". Erie Times-News. Retrieved 2025-05-03.
- ^ Bahadursingh, Sheetal (2024-11-05). "Raising Voices, Breaking Misconceptions". Caplin News. Retrieved 2025-05-03.
- ^ "NATIONAL DWARFISM AWARENESS MONTH | October". National Day Calendar. Retrieved 2025-05-02.
- ^ Harrison, Sallee Ann (2022-10-21). "This is America: How my son taught me to embrace dwarfism". USA TODAY. Retrieved 2025-05-02.
- ^ "Dwarfism Awareness Month". Days Of The Year. Retrieved 2025-05-02.
- ^ Pagonakis, Joe (2023-10-18). "Parma man with a tall spirit shares his story during Dwarfism Awareness Month". News 5 Cleveland. Retrieved 2025-05-03.
- ^ "Dwarfism Awareness Month". Little People of America. Retrieved 2025-05-03.
- ^ "International Dwarfism Awareness Day!". littlepeopleuk.org. Retrieved 2025-05-02.
- ^ "Patient Advocacy & Engagement | Patient Community". BioMarin Europe & Canada. Retrieved 2025-05-02.
- ^ "TransCon CNP". Ascendis Pharma US. Retrieved 2025-05-02.
- ^ "Ascendis Soars on Encouraging Data From Dwarfism Drug Study". Yahoo Finance. 2024-09-17. Retrieved 2025-05-03.
- ^ Taylor, Nick Paul (2024-09-17). "Ascendis' dwarfism drug hits in phase 3, threatens BioMarin". www.fiercebiotech.com. Retrieved 2025-05-02.
- ^ "In honor of Dwarfism Awareness Month, we heard from Sean, a young man… | BridgeBio". www.linkedin.com. Retrieved 2025-05-02.
- ^ "Billy Barty, 76, Diminutive Actor And an Advocate for Dwarfs". The New York Times. 2000-12-27. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2025-05-03.
- ^ "Billy Barty". Variety. 2000-12-30. Retrieved 2025-05-03.