Dwarfism Awareness Month (DAM)

Click to read LPA's 2024 Dwarfism Awareness Statement

Mission of LPA

"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."

Hundreds of health-related observances have been declared and are celebrated each year, like Autism Awareness Month (April), Breast Cancer Awareness (October), and the Red Ribbon Campaign (October) along with many lesser known medical conditions.    It is time for LPA to celebrate our community as well!

Click to view other resources available for Dwarfism Awareness Month

2024 Dwarfism Awareness/Pride Month Activities

Throughout the month of October, LPA has a number of activities occurring.  Be sure to follow us on Facebook or Instagram for our daily posts.  There will be trivia, historical posts, and a few surprises throughout the month.  We are excited to again be hosting "Takeover Tuesdays" - follow along as a different social media influencer takes over our accounts for the day. 

We have a series of virtual discussions on a number of topics planned.  Check back often as new webinars are being added.  Missing registration links will be added soon, and all sessions will require a login to register.  We hope you can join us, but if you miss one of them, check back here for a post to the recordings and/or materials shared.  

October 6 - 7:00pm EDT/4:00pm PDT - Empowering Education: Understanding IEP and 504 accommodations for Individuals with Dwarfism
Join members of the Advocacy Committee as they provide insights and practical strategies for navigating the complexities of 504 accommodation requests and Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for individuals with dwarfism.(Recording and Presentation)

October 7 - 8:00pm EDT/5:00pm PDT -  Finding Bro-cial Support: An LPA Men’s Group 
A facilitated discussion group to provide a space for sharing experiences related to being a man with Dwarfism. Each month, members meet to explore how we’ve managed struggles and found successes in our experiences, while also discussing ways to promote positive mental health with our families, partners, friend groups, and wider communities.  This group is reserved for male-identifying members of the dwarfism community. 

October 9 - 8:00pm EDT/5:00pm PDT - HR Insights:  Access to Great Jobs For All.  A NDEAM Panel Discussion
The 2024 National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) theme speaks to the commitment to two equally important issues—expanding the number of employment opportunities for people with disabilities and the quality of those opportunities. Please join us for a panel discussion where members of our LPA community who work in Human Resources roles discuss how we can impact more quality job opportunities for people with dwarfism. (Recording and Handout)

October 10 - 8:00pm EDT/5:00pm PDT - MAB Q & A Virtual Discussion - Pediatric Topics
Join members of LPA's Medical Advisory Board (MAB) as they host a virtual question-and-answer session around pediatric health topics. If you missed the chance to be with us in Baltimore, here’s your chance to have all your medical questions related to pediatric skeletal dysplasia answered.

October 14 - 8:00pm EDT/5:00pm PDT - Grief Circle, as part of our Let's Talk About It series
We live in challenging times. There’s so much grief that can be held by our dwarf bodies at any moment, including but not limited to; grief for pain and surgeries, grief for loss of loved ones in our communities, including our children and the children we were not able to bring home, and of course grief for how the world is not built for or to value us, and how that plays out on a global level. Come join a grief circle facilitated by our Membership Director Rachel Keller, LiCSW, where we will hold space to witness each other and be in community.   

October 16 - 8:00pm EDT/5:00pm PDT - All Things LinkedIn
As part of Disability Employment Awareness Month, LPA's Employment Committee is pleased to offer this session on all things LinkedIn.  Join our presenter from LinkedIn, Katherine Lewis, and learn how to leverage this platform to build networks and promote yourself in the workforce. Katherine is an experienced accessibility advocate as the former Global Partnership Manager for EnableIn, LinkedIn's ERG for mental health and accessibility. She is a global speaker with experience at AxeCon, DisabilityIn, and the Grace Hopper Conference to name a few, and a serious LinkedIn member with over 15 years of experience.   (Recording).

October 17 - 8:00pm EDT/5:00pm PDT - MAB Q & A Virtual Discussion - Adult Health Topics
Join members of LPA's Medical Advisory Board (MAB) as they host a virtual question-and-answer session around adult health topics. If you missed the chance to be with us in Baltimore, here’s your chance to have all your medical questions related to adult skeletal dysplasia answered. (Presentation)  

October 21 - 8:00pm EDT/5:00pm PDT - Do you go to the Doctor? Understanding Changes to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act
Learn about all these recent changes in federal regulations that strengthen your rights and expand protections against discrimination in medical care from providers across the board. Discover what has changed, why it matters, and what to do if you face discrimination. (Recording and Presentation)

October 23 - 8:00pm EDT/5:00pm PDT - Paralympic Athletes Roundtable
Join hosts Sophia Gibb & Lucy Williams as they talk with a number of LP athletes who participated in the 2024 Paralympics in Paris. (Recording)

October 24 - 8:00pm EDT/5:00pm PDT - LPA Presidents Discussion
Join Samantha Rayburn-Trubyk, LPA's Advocacy Director, as she has the honor of bringing together many of LPA's past presidents to discuss their insights of where LPA has been and is going in the future. (Recording)

October 27 - 7:00pm EDT/4:00pm PDT - Creating Inclusive Winter Celebrations: A Guide for LPA Events
Join the LPA Inclusion Committee as we explore strategies for planning equitable, accessible, and welcoming holiday events that respect our diverse membership. Drawing from member feedback and DEI industry insights, we'll discuss how to create meaningful celebrations that go beyond traditional, faith-based customs and venues. This webinar will provide practical tips for event organizers to address various aspects of inclusion, including spirituality, physical accessibility, financial considerations, cultural and religious diversity. Learn how to foster a sense of belonging for all members during the winter season while honoring the unique perspectives within your district. (Recording)

October 30 - 8:00pm EDT/5:00pm PDT - MAB Q & A Virtual Discussion - All Things Neck & Spine
Join members of LPA's Medical Advisory Board (MAB) as they host a virtual question-and-answer session around spinal stenosis and all things related to LP neck and spine health. This is a great opportunity to have some of the top experts on this topic to answer all of your medical questions related to the neck and spine.  Click HERE to register.