Dwarfism Awareness Month Essay Example

The month of October is nationally iconic for Halloween, but it is also Dwarfism Awareness Month, which is not commonly known. Dwarfism has been around for centuries but is never properly addressed or talked about. Ms. Jessica Markbreiter, the Assistant Athletic Trainer and part of the Dwarfism Community, recently did a questionnaire and interview with the Emerald about what Dwarfism is and what Dwarfism Awareness Month is truly about. 

What is Dwarfism? 

According to Ms. Jessica Markbreiter, “Dwarfism is a genetic mutation that affects bone growth in the body.” Those with Dwarfism are considered to be about 4’10” and under. There are myriad kinds of dwarfism, but the most common type is called achondroplasia, which causes disproportionate body parts. Some complications that can occur are bowing of the legs, hunching of the back, and crowded teeth. Dwarfism is rare and usually self-diagnosable, but lab tests or imaging are often required. Although dwarfism isn’t curable, there are different treatments, like medication or surgery, depending on the severity. Medication is normally given to increase hormones and regulate the activity of the organs. 

What words are appropriate and inappropriate to use when talking while referring to someone with Dwarfism? 

Knowing what words terms to use and what not to is very important when referring or talking with a person of short stature as you don't want to offend them or be rude. People with Dwarfism are people with feelings and dignity and deserve to be respected. According to Ms. Markbreiter, it is most preferred to acknowledge a person with dwarfism by their first name. If you don’t know their name, they can be referred to as a Little Person or LP, a dwarf, a person of short stature, or a person with dwarfism. Being aware of what words you use when talking with a little person is very important because 

What is Dwarfism Awareness Month? 

“Dwarfism Awareness Month is a time to be proactive in encouraging public awareness, education, and positive stories of the dwarfism community” (Markbreiter). “The Little People of America is a nonprofit organization that provides support and information to people of short stature and their families” (Little People of America). They work to help improve the life quality for people with dwarfism whilst taking pride in Little People’s contribution to social diversity. 

Why is Dwarfism Awareness Month so important and what are some ways that SHC Students can spread awareness? 

Dwarfism Awareness Month is so important because it not only helps uncover part of the diversity in the world, but it also helps people learn about Dwarfism and become more aware of how they address the situation and little people. For example, if you hear someone using an “inappropriate” term pointed towards a little person, stepping in and publicly correcting them. Taking that moment to take what you’ve learned and put it into action will help others realize what they should and shouldn’t say to a person of short stature.