- Little People of America
Little People of America (LPA) is a
Non-profit organization which provides support and information to those withdwarfism and their families. Membership in LPA is limited to people 4'10" and under, their families, or those who "demonstrate a well-founded interest in issues relating to dwarfism."LPA was started informally when in 1957
Billy Barty called upon people of short stature to join him in a weeklong get-together inReno, Nevada . That original meeting of 21 people grew into Little People of America, a group which as of2005 has more than 6,000 members. They have local chapters which meet regularly as well as an annual weeklong conference. They publish a parenting support newsletter, "Parents Forum", as well as a national newsletter, "LPA Today"Their mission statement states "Little People of America, Inc. (LPA), will assist dwarfs with their physical and developmental concerns resulting from short stature. By providing medical, environmental, educational, vocational, and parental guidance, short-statured individuals and their families may enhance their lives and lifestyles with minimal limitations. Through peer support and personal example, our members will be supportive of all those who reach out to LPA. Lastly, by networking with national and international growth-related and genetic-support groups, LPA will enhance knowledge and support of short-statured individuals."
"LPA is dedicated to improving the quality of life for people with dwarfism throughout their lives while celebrating with great pride Little People’s contribution to social diversity. LPA strives to bring solutions and global awareness to the prominent issues affecting individuals of short stature and their families." [ [http://www.lpaonline.org Little People of America Web site] 6 June, 2008.]
Notes
References
*Little People of America Web site, 2008.
External links
* [http://www.lpaonline.org Little People of America Web site]
* [http://www.lpaonline.org/news.html Dwarfblog] news about LPA online, LPA and "the wide world of dwarfism"
* [http://www.restrictedgrowth.co.uk Restricted Growth Association - UK Group]
* [http://www.2camels.com/little-people-of-america-national-convention.php Little People of America National Convention]
* [http://www.littlepeoplemeet.com LITTLEPeopleMeet.com - The Little People Network (dating website)]
Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.