Benefits of LPA Membership

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Membership is available to individuals with a medical diagnosis of dwarfism or form of short stature, as well as their families, grandparents, relatives, and all medical professionals.   Little People of America (LPA) defines dwarfism as a medical or genetic condition that usually results in an adult height of 4'10" or shorter, among both men and women, although in some cases a person with a dwarfing condition may be slightly taller than that. The average height of an adult with dwarfism is 4’0, but typical heights range from 2’8 to 4’8.

Are you seeking to adopt a child with dwarfism?   Please contact your District Director for your area.

Are you a short person (4'10" - 5'2") but do not have a medical diagnosis of a skeletal dysplasia or identifiable cause of your short stature?  You may be interested in the National Organization of Short Statured Adults, http://www.nossaonline.org.

As of January 1, 2010 dues are $55 per household per year. Lifetime membership is $750. Senior memberships (age 65+) are $20.  International Members and full-time college or vocational students are $35. 

Click here to complete the form online.  

Click here to download the form to print and mail. 

Request a recent LPA Today Magazine, Membership Brochure and "It's A Whole New View" parenting booklet.

Parents Whether you are an average-height parent or a parent with dwarfism, our parents groups are one of our most valuable membership benefits. Parent-to-parent and peer support in invaluable. We have knowledge and energy to share!

Advocates LPA has national advocates working on legislation regarding genetic discrimination, patient healthcare rights, public access and community outreach

Medical Resources LPA is committed to providing access to the most current medical information available. Dedicated and experienced physicians from LPA’s Medical Advisory Board generously volunteer to assist members and their physicians with medical consultations, referrals and critical information. LPA's online Medical Resource Center has an incredible collection of information on various types of dwarfism.

1-888-LPA-2001 Our toll-free line is available 24 hours a day. Our national office can provide local contacts, information and membership registration.

Financial Assistance LPA offers educational scholarships for college and vocational schools, conference travel assistance, adoption assistance and medical assistance funds to qualifying individuals.

Adaptive Equipment Referrals LPA is in touch with a range of products that are useful to the dwarfism community including infant supplies, step stools, chairs, and car pedal extensions. Check our Links page for more current information. Many of the vendors also exhibit at our National Conference.

Adoption Opportunities LPA assists both families who are seeking to adopt a child and children who are put up for adoption by their birth parents. Our Adoption Committee works within the United States and internationally to find healthy, loving families for children with dwarfism.

Networking and Community LPA offers many social and communication exchange opportunities by offering planned events throughout the year and across the nation. These events occur at local Chapter Meetings, Regional District Meetings and at the national conference.

Friendships Members participate in LPA events and meet lifelong friends who share, support and inform.

Workshops Each year, there are many workshops on a wide variety of issues such as genetics, adaptations, work issues, public access, pregnancy, medical workshops, and parenting.

Publications Through our quarterly magazine, the LPA Today, and our web site members are kept abreast of the latest news and information.

Public Relations LPA has media and community outreach programs that strive to raise public awareness and provide education on key issues associated with dwarfism.

National Conference By far, one of the most important membership benefits is the yearly national conference. Each year the conference draws upwards of 2000, including 200 international attendees. Conference locales are planned 2-4 years in advance.

Dwarf Athletic Association of America (DAAA) DAAA is a sister organization to LPA and is dedicated to providing people with dwarfism the chance to compete in athletic events. Their mission is "To encourage people with dwarfism to participate in sports regardless of their level of skills". DAAA events occur throughout the year regionally but their largest events concur with the yearly LPA National Conference. Events include; swimming, track and field, boccia, ping-pong, weight lifting, soccer, and basketball. DAAA also helps train and support paralympic athletes with dwarfism to compete at their world games.