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The Mission of
L.P.A.
Little People of America, Inc. (L.P.A.), 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 L.P.A. Lastly, by networking with national and international
growth-related and genetic-support groups, L.P.A. will enhance knowledge and
support of short-statured individuals.
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How
Our Organization Began
In 1957, well-known actor Billy Barty made a national
public appeal for all little people in America to join him for a gathering
in Reno, Nevada. Mr. Barty and 20 other little people joined together for a
week of sharing and learning that they were not alone in facing the
challenges of dwarfism. Little People of America was formed!
Today, Little People of America, the largest organization in the world
devoted to people of short stature, has more than 8,000 members and assists
in the formation of related groups throughout the world.
Different Areas of L.P.A.
Dwarfs or other people of short statue (either
proportionate or disproportionate) come from all walks of life and ethnic
backgrounds. Most people with dwarfism are born to average-size parents with
no history of dwarfism in the family.
Although some types of dwarfism may have associated medical complications,
most short-statured individuals have a normal life span and normal
intelligence. In fact, people with dwarfism have achieved the same range of
career paths as average-size persons, including doctors, lawyers, ministers,
teachers, welders, and artists.
Our Parents Group provides valuable information and opportunities for
families. Children meet short-statured adult role models as well as other
children with dwarfism. It is important to know that they are not alone.
Parents exchange ideas and learn about health care, adapting the home and
school, laws that address their children's needs, and everyday community
experiences.
As adolescence can be an especially tough time for young people with
dwarfism, L.P.A. offers support and guidance to teens and young adults on
many issues. L.P.A. also publishes the Parents Forum, a national newsletter
for parents of dwarf children.
L.P.A. offers many services to its members and the entire short-statured
community. L.P.A., Inc., is a 501(c)3 nonprofit, tax-exempt organization.
Hundreds of dedicated L.P.A. volunteers throughout the United States seek to
improve the quality of life for short-statured people everywhere.
L.P.A. offers information on employment, education, disability rights,
adoption of short-statured children, medical issues, clothing, adaptive
devices, and parenting tips. Information is provided through a national
newsletter, L.P.A. Today, and numerous seminars and workshops. L.P.A. also
provides opportunities for social interaction and participation in athletic
events.
Little People of America, Inc., provides educational scholarships,
medical-assistance grants, assistance in adoption, and funds for
publications and other projects.
L.P.A.'s National Web
Site
www.lpaonline.org
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