Groups and Organization

There are few groups and organizations involved to fully support and improve the lives of people with the dwarfism disability. The Billy Barty Foundation was founded by Billy Barty, who also founded Little People of America. Both these foundations are on a mission to guarantee an acceptable and improved quality of life for Little People through education, employment, accessibility and athletic programs. The primary objectives are to eliminate attitudinal barriers, myths and false negative stereotypes of Little People by providing society examples of achievement and inspiration, and to disseminate information to the general public at large as well as to Little People and their families. The Foundation strives to assist people of short stature to live more independently and productively, and is committed to develop unique and necessary accommodations and services. The Dwarf Athletic Association of America was formed in 1985 to develop, promote and provide quality amateur level athletic opportunities for dwarf athletes in the United States. Their mission is "To encourage people with dwarfism to participate in sports regardless of their level of skills". Another group is the Little People's Research Fund (LPRF) is a health organization that supports research for the special medical needs of people affected with skeletal dysplasia. The organization funds research on the orthopedic disabilities associated with dwarfism. LPRF operates the Pierre House, which is located on the campus of Saint Joseph Medical Center. This serves as a home away from home for patients' families. Finally, the MAGIC (Major Aspects of Growth In Children) Foundation is a national non-profit organization providing support and education regarding growth disorders in children and related adult disorders, including Adult Growth Hormone Disorder. It was founded in 1989 by five families of children with growth disorders. MAGIC claims to be the leading organization of growth disorders in the United States, with over 6,000 members in the MAGIC network. MAGIC covers over 100 different types of growth disorders, ten specific divisions, and educational/supportive services worldwide.

... About Dwarfism

I saw this one article on dwarfism and it is by Terrilynn Fox Quillen. Her article was quite interesting and I feel that I can use it as a reliable source. It is from Wayne State's very own database ProQuest. The article presents some interesting information and it was pretty much broken down in two separating the myths from the facts.

MYTH:
Dwarfism is a developmental disorder characterized by mental retardation and shortened life expectancy

FACT:
More than 300 disorders may produce dwarfism, defined as a genetic or medical condition resulting in adult height of 4 feet 10 inches or shorter (typical range: 2 feet 8 inches to 4 feet 8 inches). Although some forms of dwarfism are associated with medical complications, most people have normal intellect and life expectancy, and age normally. However, depending on the type of dwarfism involved, they may require various treatments to address complications and maximize mobility. Dwarfism affects about 30,000 Americans and over 650,000 people worldwide.

MYTH:
Primordial dwarfism is associated with disproportionately short arms and legs.

FACT:
Primordial dwarfism is a diagnostic category that includes many specific syndromes that produce dwarfism—a very small but otherwise normally proportioned physical frame. Achondroplasia accounts for 70% of all cases of dwarfism that result in disproportionately short arms and legs; it's the most common condition associated with genetic skeletal dysplasia.

MYTH:
Dwarfism is quickly identified shortly after birth in neonates with low birth weight.

FACT:
Although dwarfism can sometimes be identified at or even before birth, many patients aren't diagnosed until later in childhood. Many babies with dwarfism have a normal birth weight and begin life with a normal appearance, but don't experience the same rate of growth as other children. Torso abnormalities associated with skeletal dysplasias, if present, may be too slight to be recognized at birth.

MYTH:
Disorders that produce dwarfism are irreversible congenital anomalies.

FACT:
Not all kinds of dwarfism are present at birth, nor are all kinds irreversible. For example, dwarfism caused by endocrine disorders (such as pituitary dwarfism may be reversed during childhood by hormone replacement therapy with injections of human growth hormone (HGH). Adolescent nutritional dwarfism, a precursor to pituitary dwarfism, is caused by iron and zinc deficiency and may be treated with dietary supplements.

She also mentioned hyperphagic short stature in her article, which is formerly known as psychosocial dwarfism, is a chronic traumatic stress–induced syndrome that manifests in abused children, and is characterized by stunted growth and excessive hunger. Although the condition is precipitated by pituitary suppression, generally it doesn't respond to HGH replacement. Instead, placing the child in a nonthreatening and loving environment naturally reverses hypopituitarism, resulting in rapid gains in growth.

Being Politically Correct

An article by Robert Kruse entitled "Narrating intersections of gender and dwarfism in everyday spaces" talks about the intersection between gender and dwarfism through the narratives of four women who are little people. This journal covers various aspects of the four women such as the kind of attention they receive in public spaces, employment opportunities and social and physical mobility are discussed in terms of how dwarfism affects their experiences and identities as women. This journal also focus on the terms uses for those who have the dwarfism as a disability. According to Kruse "A variety of terms are used in reference to human and mythological dwarfs. Most common are 'dwarf and 'midget'. While 'dwarf is generally accepted in medical terminology, it is not the preferred term of the participants in this research. The women in these interviews agree that 'dwarf' emphasises and essentialises their short stature." We have to understand that they are individuals and they would like to be treated the way we want to be treated. This issue goes back to the article when one participant told states that using 'midget' to refer to little people is similar to using the word 'nigger' in reference to people of African descent. She observes: 'Black folks don't like the "n" word . . . (dwarf) would be similar to that, to a degree . . . it's . . . used in a bad way'. The women agreed that 'little people' is rather a matter-of-fact term that neither limits nor stigmatises them. They feel that 'little' is an accurate description of their bodies and 'people' emphasises the characteristics they have in common with other adults of all heights.

My View

The world will continue to struggle correcting this issue of dwarfism misrepresentation. Entertainment business will continue to bloom from their mass production of misguided movies. Viewers will be laughing and would probably not realize what little people are going through in their big world. In addition there are third party such as parents who would rather mock little people rather than explaining the situation they are in. Misrepresentation of little people is hurting not only the little people but also the society. The society creates this perception of their disability such that they are discriminated base on their physical appearance. The society miss the idea that they are human too and their disability is not related to any mental problem. Little people can still think critically and therefore perform their necessary tasks just like normal people. Their intelligence can complementarily compare to that of a normal person. Most of this misrepresentation goes back to the media and the entertainment industry portrayal of little people. The same caused for their tainted profile can as well help decrease the spread of misguided representation. The media and the entertainment should continue to reach out viewers by illustrating scenes that makes viewers not necessarily pity them, rather give them the respect they deserve and eliminate further damage to their dignity.

Medical

These constant reminders that they are different and have a disability of being little, in many cases cause them to be insecure. Medical approaches to dwarfism have traditionally assumed that dwarfism was untreatable. However, advances in medical technology have made possible treatments to increase the height of little people ("Narrating intersections of gender and dwarfism in everyday spaces. "). For example, there are surgical procedures that can 'treat' the condition of 'dwarf' stature with the repeated breaking, extension and healing of leg bones. Though this may all sound interesting and appealing to those who have high hopes, according co-author Michael C. Ain, MD, associate professor, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland “Not only is limb lengthening a huge time commitment for the families involved, but children with achondroplasia are taken out of the environment where they play, interact and have fun to be placed in treatment for several years,” (“Dealing with Dwarfism”).

The Roloffs Lose a Dear Friend

This was a title of an episode in "Little People, Big World". This about Mike Detjen, a family friend involved with the Roloff family as he's ever been: building a new trebuchet, coaching the twins' soccer team, and helping to prepare for a large housewarming party. But when a heart condition suddenly takes Mike's life, the family must face coping with the loss of their friend and partner. This episode showed how much they are just like every normal people. They cry, they feel sad and pain just like we do. Detjen was close to the family due to his involvement and his death caused the whole family to feel as though a bond was broken. Sometimes it slips out of our minds to realize that they are people too. We are quick to prejudge them, possibly due to their portrayal in the media. And I think that creating such a reality show where it illustrates the life of people with dwarfism opens up a whole new meaning to their disability. Though they may be portrayed as these comical, funny character in movies such as "Bad Santa", "Austin Powers", or "Little Man" the media is slowly creating a better image of them with the "Little People, Big World" reality show. The media I believe is slowly fixing this problem by showing scenes that incorporates emotion, struggle, power, and many more.

The Driving Test

Well today I watch an episode of the "Little People, Big World" to get me a sense of idea of what else to add to my paper. The episode that I've watch was when the two brothers were going to take a driving test. Zach and Jeremy were at driving school hoping to pass the exam with 80 points or better. Zach was quite arrogant and felt proud to be smarter than Jeremy, because though Jeremy was a normal height son he was not really smarter than Zach in school. However, Jeremy actually took the time to read the book, while Zach felt confident that he was smart enough that he did not feel the need to read the book. He was mistaken he did not realize that part of the exam were questions that were ambiguous and just vague. Zach did not pass the driving test that day, he had a 64, which was below 80 causing him to fail the exam. Jeremy pass the exam with an 80. This episode shows how someone with a disability may feel superior over someone without the the disability. I understand the fact that little people may feel less appreciated in comparison to someone without the disability specially if it was a comparison to a relative such ones sibling(s). It did not end so well on Zach that day and he had to realize that there are more to just being normal or special. He did not take in to full consideration the other necessary things needed to be fully superior or at least be the best at a specific idea or activity.

Litlle People Portrayal

I think that we are all well aware of how Dwarfism as a disability is being viewed in the current society. I asked around with the topic of Dwarfism and almost everyone have something funny to say. I asked my fellow students and they would have this crazy smile or at least some tries to be positive by stopping themselves to crack a smile. This led me to the conclusion that maybe these individuals (dwarfs) are not being portrayed properly in both the society and the media. It gave me the idea that maybe those who are trying to educate people that people with a disability of Dwarfism are normal people like us are not getting their message across properly. Is it the media? Is it what our parents think of them? No matter the reason, I think that we have seen portrayals of Dwarfism and for someone to laugh or smile just when they hear the word Dwarf or their derogatory name midget. I think that there are more portrayal of them on the negative side, and therefore causes us to have this views against and sometimes results into discrimination against little people.

...

To be honest its hard for me to just visualize myself in a disabled perspective. I think that the only way I can feel and see their views if I injured myself to the point that I am disabled. I have not been to any major accident to where I am sent to the hospital. I've only push my body too far and stop right when I know I cannot no more. I've had my braces off for quite some time now and the first time having them just made me feel vulnerable and made me realize how precious my teeth was. It was hard to eat and the fact that I was limited to certain food. I could only eat soft food, nothing too crunchy or hard. Because if it does not hurt me it damages the braces. I know it is probably not close to someone who lost a leg, arm, or vision etc. However, at those times where some part of me was disabled I felt bad that I could not use them at their full capacity. I began to realize how crucial to have them and how valuable they are. I mean losing something is completely different from being temporarily disabled. Losing something are those that are disabled and that is why they are labeled as someone who has a disability. I feel that I am starting to understand what being disabled truly means. I mean sure it has something to do with being unable to do things and their physical appearance, but that one thing does not make them disabled and it is that one thing that makes them disabled and therefore they have the disability of that one thing.

A Message

So I spent my time watching YouTube trying to get an idea of this project. I came across an old presidential candidate platform on disability. Obama states "We must build a world free of unnecessary barriers, stereotypes, and discrimination .... policies must be developed, attitudes must be shaped, and buildings and organizations must be designed to ensure that everyone has a chance to get the education they need and live independently as full citizens in their communities." He also discuss his views on work place discrimination stating that he would hire more federal employees with disability as well as encouraging everyone to do the same. I feel that his message reach a lot of people because his view gave a whole new meaning on what the world suppose to be. I also saw another video presenting a forum in Ohio to address disability issues arising in the community. I do believe that there should be more involvement on individual who are not related to anyone with disability whether friends or relatives. We can enforce and make other hear our voice to help aide this individuals get the education they need, the respect and their right to live with dignity. Funds should be supported to help this plan in moves into motion.

I'm Lost

I haven't been active lately with this blogs. I feel lazy and just try so hard to avoid doing necessary work. I would constantly kill time by just spacing out. I would feel so unproductive due to lack of discipline and motivation. Sometimes I feel like I'm disabled. I guess this goes to show disable as coming in various forms. I asked "How come I know what to do and yet I lack the capacity to perform such task?" and I was advised that it is a mind over matter. Easier said than done. I tried various approach such as thinking positive and negative about the matter, which I need to perform. I would think positive by understanding how easy it is to accomplish it and how I would feel after I get it done. In the negative side on the other hand I constantly remind myself what it would be like if I do not get it done. None of which are durable enough for me to use as a daily method to get me going. I feel that the ability and motivation will just come and all I can do is wait for it. When it does BOOM I will take every chance I get to take advantage of it. I do not think that I am disabled in that I cannot seem to do what I need to do, because at least I pause and think of a way to solve such matter. Many of those special individual takes advantage of the fact that the society views them as disabled and therefore acts as one.

The Fitted Disabled

I live in Detroit for over eight years now and it never cease to amaze me how much homeless are wondering aimlessly never stopping, wasting their energy. I would often find homeless yelling their lungs out, arguing to themselves. They drown themselves with alcohol, which will later cause disruption. I believe that they are the people more suited to be labeled disabled because of their disability to adjust instead of being stuck with whatever problem they had in the past. I am sure that these homeless people were not homeless right from the start they were probably born just like everybody else but they just failed to make the right decision and therefore living the life they have today. People born with a disability are getting through their lives way better than those alcoholic homeless who created disability for themselves by killing their brain cells with their morning alcohol. I walk home and encounter this type of people and I hate how sometimes I have to lie and say "No, I am sorry I have no change on me." They seem normal to me have all the limbs they need, can talk properly I mean it pisses me off to beg for money looking for pity. There are some who work for money such as play an instrument or at the least play music with some plastic drums and stick. I talked about the event where I encountered a homeless on wheelchair during my presentation in class. I was waiting on bus when this lady on a wheelchair approaches me. She looks so innocent and her eyes and her voice just got the best of me. I thought I would not lie today and go ahead and hand her some change. So she went on her way. I'm still waiting for the bus the next think I know she comes back towards me and she seem to have bought something at that one store across the street. So I was like "Okay..." She pass by me and maybe about five steps away from me she stops. You would not guess what she did. She stopped and stood up and she clearly sees that I can see her. She stood up and stretched and pull out a cigar which appeared to be the one that she bought. Then she sat back down and went with her life. I smiled and laughed inside thinking to myself "wow" I did not go and confront her I gave her the money and she has the right to spend it to whatever she desires. I just felt that she played me. She messed with my head and emotion and on top of that she had the nerve to expose everything next to me. I was stunned and it really changed how I viewed people who seemed homeless and perhaps people with disability.

Courage & Talent

I just saw a video on YouTube titled "The Greatest Video On Earth... Ever". I thought that it was a very courageous moves on the girl post a video of her singing, where she is probably well aware that it will raise some attention. I don't know how to explain her situation or her disability and I would rather have people have looked at the video to see for themselves. I wonder what was going through her mind when she posted the video. Was she thinking that she can do it and she is not shy? Did she do it for recognition? Was she trying to make a point? I guess the next question is how did the audience took this video or message. It was undeniable there were numerous if not all were just pure evil and those who sympathize felt as though they were sympathizing for a the wrong reason. They pity her because it is the right thing, and believe that it is wrong to make fun of her. I do not think that there was any innocent post to where "They go good job! Nice!" without thinking to themselves "WOW!" as in bad wow. People can mask this true response but I don't feel content seeing a fake pity. It's true that by posting her video on YouTube will just raise some immaturity and concerns, but I think that if one is to reply or make a comment about something it is better not mentioning anything. I seriously believe that if the girl who posted the video was trying to make a statement I really think that she failed. I think she needed something more serious and she did not take her audience into consideration. Sure YouTube can have unpredictable viewers but the video itself did not have a focus it was just her singing a No One by Alicia Keys.

Disabled and Disability

I feel that this two words are not necessarily different and that they are just complex. If we were to label someone as disabled does it mean that their whole being or their identity is that their disabled? Does having a disability mean that one is disabled Or one is disabled due to a disability? Right at this moment I am confused.

Oxford English Dictionary
disability
Lack of ability (to discharge any office or function); inability, incapacity; weakness. A physical or mental condition that limits a person's movements, senses, or activities.
disabled
Rendered incapable of action or use; incapacitated; taken out of service.

Those are the definitions. It doesn't quite tell me how their different if anything they seem to mean the same thing. There are many types of disabilities: learning disabilities, health impairments, mental illness or emotional disturbance, blindness and visual impairments, and other disabilities such as dwarfism. One can have the disability of sight or hearing, but this does not really make them disabled because only those specific impairments are disabled. I learned that if one sense fails the rest of the sense heighten. The sense of touch and hearing becomes sensitive. A blind man may be disabled in that they cannot see, however it does not mean that they are totally disabled. Ray Charles and Stevie Wonder can sing, play the piano and stuns a wide range of audience. Can you? Tony Cox a dwarf actor is an inspiration to both little people or not. Sure they are celebrity, but that is now and I can only imagine what they must have gone through to get to where they are today. I have also watched a couple of Maury show where he showed little people and their talent as well as their relationship issues. One of the things the stunned me was their ability to break dance and to do a push up with a woman on top. I mean I can do a little break dance and do push up. However, I feel that what I can do is something not worth bragging about.

These so called "disabled" continues to prove themselves to earn recognition and respect. While I for example prove myself to earn fame. I wish I was friend with someone with a disability if I did I cannot seem to recall. If only I did I could say more. I want to experience or at least have a clear view of their lifestyle, therefore I can learn to appreciate the things I have that they don't.

Ditch the "Dis-" in Disable

Disabled you say? Your not disabled unless you undoubtedly believe that you are one. You, yourself defines your capacity to live. Sky is the limit they say, how true is this depends on you. I live my years not thinking and not appreciating what I have. I was not born with any physical disability and I have never really stop and think how different my life would have been. I think it's natural to say that it could have been worst and that it would have been difficult to get where I am today. I hated when my classmates teased me and called me names. I hated the fact that I was not the best with the sports I want to play. I hated myself for not being smart and talented. I hated a lot of things. Now, I feel that I was just being selfish and did not even consider how those who does not have what I have feel. It is sad that I beat myself from things that seem to be out of my reach where there are those who were born limited. Its true anything is possible but I can't help but to say that being born with a disability just defy this idea of sky is the limit. If the idea of all human being were created equal, then I believe that we all think, have certain preference, goals, dreams, and many more. These are all similarities that we have and these may all be aimed for something else but the function of it all and the capacity to have them. We all have the potential for a specific goal or dream but if we have a limiter then it's something else. I am not saying its impossible it just means that we need to work twice as hard as those who are gifted or were born normal for that sake.
I really think that though it may show that someone has a disability it doesn't mean that they are disabled. Ok so they are different from how we look and they show certain behaviors that we don't have. I really do not know how to label them but I know their not disabled unless they treat or believe that they themselves are disabled. There are many types of "Disability" and I think that these disabilities are just minor set backs to their identity.