Make a Proclamation!

After a few calls, I’ve got the proclamation declaring Dwarfism Awareness Month recognized in Rhode Island on the books for approval by mid-October! I borrowed much of this from other states who have recognized the month, but made some edits and wanted to share! It was hard to find the correct wording, but I hope this helps all advocates bring the same proclamation to every state!

WHEREAS, there are over 30,000 persons with dwarfism in the United States, over 650,000 worldwide, occurring in approximately 1 out of every 15,000 to 40,000 births, and

WHEREAS, there are over 200 different types of dwarfism or skeletal dysplasia; the most common type of dwarfism being Achondroplasia; the typical height range of persons with dwarfism is 2 feet 8 to 4 feet 5 inches, and

WHEREAS, an estimated 80 percent of persons with dwarfism have average height parents, siblings and family members, and

WHEREAS, the term “midget” is antiquated and is considered offensive to most people with dwarfism, and

WHEREAS, the preferred terminology for someone with dwarfism is “person of short stature”, “having dwarfism”, or “little person”, and

WHEREAS, persons with dwarfism are protected under the federal Americans with Disabilities Act, and

WHEREAS, the medical prognosis for people with dwarfism varies from condition to condition, and with the severity of that condition in each individual; the majority of persons with dwarfism enjoy average lifespans and reasonably good health; Others will require surgeries or other medical interventions to address complications and maximize mobility, and

WHEREAS, persons with dwarfism are able to function as equally as average-height people, and capable of participating in sports, driving, traveling, having fulfilling careers and families- requiring simple and reasonable accommodations, and

WHEREAS, persons with dwarfism can turn to support organizations such as Little People of America (LPA), the nation’s oldest and largest organization for persons with dwarfism, for guidance on parenting, adoption, education, medical consultation, physical fitness, peer support, community outreach, and advocacy- founded by the late actor Billy Barty, and

WHEREAS, persons with dwarfism contribute to the strength of the economy in Rhode Island by being productive members of the workforce, representing many careers and professions, and

WHEREAS, LPA has declared October as National Dwarfism Awareness Month.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Rhode Island, by decree of the Governor’s Office, designates October as Dwarfism Awareness month in Rhode Island to increase public knowledge about persons with dwarfism.

I do not want credit, but your state does, so please remember to replace your state name and any other relevant state information to apply to you! Thank you for being such a wonderful advocate… whether you write, email, call, or… run!