October with LPA: A Month Full of Connection, Learning & Fun
This October, LPA is bringing you a month packed with activities, conversations, and community - all based on the theme and core value Supporting All of Us for Each of Us.
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for daily posts filled with trivia, history spotlights, and a few special surprises. And don’t miss the return of Takeover Tuesdays—each week, a different influencer will step in and share their unique perspective, stories, and experiences.
Click to view other resources available for Dwarfism Awareness Month
Virtual Discussions & Webinars
We’re excited to host a series of thought-provoking virtual discussions on a wide range of topics. See below the list of webinars scheduled in October. Webinars are still be finalized, so check back often. Descriptions and registration links will be updated in the coming weeks. Membership matters - please note that all webinar sessions require an active LPA membership to register. Can’t attend live? Don’t worry! Many of the recordings and materials will be posted here after each session so you won’t miss a thing. Note: due to privacy, some recordings will not be recorded and only available in live format.
Sunday, October 5 - 3:00pm EDT/12:00pm PDT - Discovering Your Roots - Genealogy 101
A genealogy 101 webinar dedicated to exploring the fascinating world of family history. In this webinar, you will learn the fundamentals of genealogy, including how to trace your ancestry, uncover family stories, and connect with your families past -- maybe even uncover if there is a past relative who was born with skeletal dysplasia! Webinar Recording and Handout
Sunday, October 5 - 8:00pm EDT/5:00pm PDT - Making Sense of Program and Policy Changes in Washington Impacting the Disability Community
This webinar will break down recent program and policy changes in Washington and explain what they mean for our community. Topics may include program funding updates, the recent government shutdown and its impact, and updates on programs that affect everyday life. Webinar Recording
Monday, October 6 - 8:00pm EDT/5:00pm PDT - Finding Bro-cial Support: An LPA's Men's Group
Finding Bro-cial Support is a monthly group for men with dwarfism to connect online in a supportive space. Each month we take time to talk about real experiences—navigating challenges, celebrating wins, and exploring ways to build stronger connections and lift each other up. This month’s session will focus on what it means to truly support one another. We’ll talk about the ways we show up for ourselves, for our friends and families, and for the dwarfism community as a whole. Expect honest conversation, practical takeaways, and the chance to both share your perspective and learn from others. This group is created specifically for male-identifying members of the dwarfism community. Whether you talk a lot or just listen in, you’ll be part of a space where our community can connect, reflect, and back each other up.
Tuesday, October 7 - 8:00pm EDT/5:00pm PDT - Let's Talk About It...Dealing with Vulnerability & Self Defense (part 1)
We will review the different ways we can protect our body and personal space both from strangers and people we know both in physical examples and phrases we can say or do to communicate to those around us that this is a violation and unwanted.
Wednesday, October 8 - 8:00pm EDT/5:00pm PDT - How Solidarity Shapes LPA
This workshop explores how solidarity shapes the LPA community at every level, from personal identity to family connections to larger systems like healthcare and policy. Through shared stories and reflection, we’ll discover how unity strengthens our community and helps us move forward together.
Thursday, October 9 - 8:00pm EDT/5:00pm PDT - LPA's Women's Support Group
Join our Membership Director, Rachel Keller, for our second session. At this session the theme this month will be in line with supporting our organizations core value of supporting each other. It is “What is something you would go back in time to tell your younger self?” We will continue to build a space to support and uplift each other. All are welcome—older, younger, non-binary and trans women.
Sunday, October 12 - 2:00pm EDT/11:00am PDT - Sharing Physical Self-Defense Techniques To Keep Us Safe (part 1)
This webinar is focused on empowering LPs with knowledge and skills to protect themselves in other environments and share physical self-defense techniques (i.e. scenarios and exercises) to keep us safe.
Sunday, October 12 - 8:00pm EDT/5:00pm PDT - Next Generation Panel Discussion
The discussion will explore how emerging leaders within the LPA community can build on the advocacy work of past generations while shaping new strategies for equity, inclusion, and visibility. The panelist will talk about the importance of mentorship & representation. Over the past year we have had special guests speakers from the Senior Advocacy Team like Jon Etherton advocating on Capitol Hill. The panel aims to empower advocates with tools, perspectives, and connections to continue advancing social change, & empower the next generation with hopefully getting more participants in the Next Generation Advocacy group. Webinar Recording
Monday, October 13 - 8:00pm EDT/5:00pm PDT - Rainbow Committee Social
This is an opportunity to meet new friends, visit with old friends, and discuss what is important to you. You will have the opportunity to exchange stories, ideas, and helpful advice. We welcome both gay and supportive straight family and friends.
Tuesday, October 14 - 8:00pm EDT/5:00pm PDT - Inclusion Gameshow Edition: A Night of LPA Trivia
Think you know LPA? Join LPA's Inclusion Committee as they proudly present a night of LPA Trivia.
Wednesday, October 15 - 8:00pm EDT/5:00pm PDT - Cómo la Solidaridad Da Forma a Little People of America (Spanish Webinar)
Este taller explora cómo la solidaridad da forma a la comunidad de LPA en todos los niveles,desde la identidad personal hasta las conexiones familiares y los sistemas más amplios como la salud y las políticas públicas. A través de historias compartidas y reflexión, descubriremos cómo la unidad fortalece nuestra comunidad y nos ayuda a avanzar juntos. Grabación de seminarios web
Thursday, October 16 - 8:00pm EDT/5:00pm PDT - U.S. Department of Education Changes: What Families Need to Know
This webinar will provide an overview of recent developments at the Department of Education, including civil rights enforcement, IDEA funding, and grant rescissions. This session will help families and community members understand how these shifts may affect educational access and resources. Click HERE to register.
Sunday, October 19 - 8:00pm EDT/5:00pm PDT - Grief Circle: Life Before and After Major Surgery - When the "After" is Different Than Expected
Living with dwarfism brings unique challenges, and experiencing grief can be especially difficult during certain periods of life—such as when facing major surgery or adapting to changes in our bodies over time, especially after medical procedures. This grief support circle offers a safe and understanding space for members of the LP community to come together to listen and share. Surrounded by others who truly understand the medically complex and unique experiences of living as a little person, you will find compassion, peer connection, and encouragement as we navigate the emotions that come with managing medical issues and adapting to new normals unique to our community. Click HERE to register.
Monday, October 20 - 8:00pm EDT/5:00pm PDT - Let's Talk About It...Dealing with Vulnerability & Self Defense (part 2)
We will review the different ways we can protect our body and personal space both from strangers and people we know both in physical examples and phrases we can say or do to communicate to those around us that this is a violation and unwanted. Click HERE to register.
Tuesday, October 21 - 7:00pm EDT/4:00pm PDT - Your Story to Tell: Learnings from The Tallest Dwarf with Filmmaker Julie Forrest Wyman
What is a story you’ve lived and how do you want to tell it? Filmmaker and LP Julie Forrest Wyman decided to document her own story of finding her LP identity and community and the result is her feature-length documentary that premiered at South by Southwest and has been travelling the film festival circuit this year. In this webinar, Julie shares some behind the scenes stories and insights, and leads exercises that’ll help you surface your own stories and consider how you’d like to tell them. Click HERE to register.
If you’d like to view THE TALLEST DWARF before the webinar, it’ll be available to US viewers from October 9-19 via Heartland International Film Festival’s streaming platform. More info Here.
Tuesday, October 21 - 8:00pm EDT/5:00pm PDT - MAB Panel: Psychosocial and Genetic Topics - A Discussion with Genetic Counselors
This webinar is a safe place to answer any questions pertaining to skeletal dysplasias. Possible topics could include questions regarding appropriate modifications for school, how to help your child answer questions about being little, genetic testing options, or questions about the medications available by prescription (or in clinical trial) for children with achondroplasia. No questions are off limits!. Click HERE to register.
Wednesday, October 22 - 8:00pm EDT/5:00pm PDT - Fully Access Where You Live!
The Americans with Disabilities Act is a civil rights law that was signed into effect in July of 1990. It requires cities, counties, municipalities, and townships be fully accessible! Do you know how to ask for accommodations? Do you know who your ADA Coordinator is? Do you know how to file a Grievance if the place where you live doesn't provide what you asked for? Come join us in this webinar to find out! Click HERE to register.
Thursday, October 23 - 8:00pm EDT/5:00pm PDT - MAB Panel: Bones & Beyond: Pediatric Perspectives on Skeletal Dysplasia
Explore the latest clinical insights and healthcare strategies for pediatric skeletal dysplasias in this webinar led by MAB experts. Come ready to engage—your questions are welcome and encouraged throughout the session. Click HERE to register.
Saturday, October 25 - 4:00pm EDT/1:00pm PDT - Entertainment Industry Roundtable hosted by Mark Povinelli
Come join a round table hosted by Mark Povinelli, about working in the entertainment industry! Also participating are Selene Luna, Simon Minty, Tekki Lomnicki, Matthew Jeffers, Julie Wyman, and Rachel Denning. This should be a very dynamic conversation with a group of folks with a wide variety of experiences and roles in the industry. Don't miss! Click HERE to register.
Sunday, October 26 - 2:00pm EDT/11:00am PDT - Sharing Physical Self-Defense Techniques To Keep Us Safe (part 2)
This webinar is focused on empowering LPs with knowledge and skills to protect themselves in other environments and share physical self-defense techniques (i.e. scenarios and exercises) to keep us safe. Click HERE to register.
Sunday, October 26 - 8:00pm EDT/5:00pm PDT - Manufactured Hysteria: How the Media is Being Used to Keep us Dysregulated, Angry and Separate.
Do you feel like information is coming at you all the time and it's hard to process what's the truth? It's not you. The media system is broken and it wasn't an accident. Come join Cara Reedy, a 19 year veteran of the industry, to talk about what went wrong and how we can move past it. This conversation will be an open and non partisan conversation about the media and its role in breaking our confidence in our country and each other. Click HERE to register.
Monday, October 27 - 8:00pm EDT/5:00pm PDT - Fireside Chat with Eileen Norman
Join us for a special conversation with Eileen Norman, President of Little People of America (LPA), as we dive into the power of advocacy, community, and representation. In this engaging fireside chat, Eileen will share personal insights, the vision for LPA’s future given the current state of the world, and how the organization is driving meaningful change for people with skeletal dysplasia. Click HERE to register.
Tuesday, October 28 - 8:00pm EDT/5:00pm PDT - Fully Access College and Your Workspace!
The Americans with Disabilities Act is a civil rights law that was signed into effect in July of 1990. It requires colleges/universities and your workplace to be fully accessible! Do you know how to ask for accommodations? Do you know who to meet with if you have questions about accommodations? Do you know how to file a Grievance if the place where you go to college or work doesn't provide what you asked for? Come join us in this webinar to find out! Click HERE to register.
Wednesday, October 29 - 8:00pm EDT/5:00pm PDT - Accessing Local Support
As part of the larger disability community, there are numerous local resources available to serve as starting points for finding help with advocacy and accessing services. This includes information on accessibility, school support, adaptive equipment and funding, as well as employment. Join Allison Lourash as she shares these resources along with a handy document covering all these areas. Click HERE to register.
Thursday, October 30 - 7:00pm EDT/4:00pm PDT - Since You Asked...Employment Today
LPA’s Advocacy & Inclusion Committees have joined forces for another edition of our “Since You Asked” series! The “Since You Asked” series is a fact-based, nonpartisan virtual series of workshops on potential policy enforcement changes that may impact the LP community. We previously sent out a survey that identified several priorities members want covered, and each installment of the “Since You Asked” webinar series will address one of those priorities. Please join us for the second in this series of virtual workshops discussing these current and potential policy changes. This second session will focus on answering your questions about DEI initiatives and workplace protections for LPs. Click HERE to register.
Thursday, October 30 - 8:00pm EDT/5:00pm PDT - MAB Panel: Built to Last: Navigating Adulthood with Skeletal Dysplasia
Explore the latest clinical insights and healthcare strategies for adults with dwarfism in this webinar led by MAB experts. Learn how skeletal dysplasias evolve over time, the possible impact of mobility and quality of life, and how to stay as healthy as possible. Got questions? This is the place to ask them. Click HERE to register.
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