National Dwarfism Awareness Month- 2013
Dwarfism is a medical condition that is not fully understood by the public at large. In fact dwarfs or people of short stature are often made fun of and are sometimes viewed in an unflattering way. There is a long history of people with dwarfism being treated as spectacles for entertainment. And the portrayal of people with dwarfism in modern movies and entertainment often resorts to stereotypes. However, if environmental barriers are minimised, people born with a condition of dwarfism have the ability to accomplish as much as an average size person, in whatever endeavour they choose.
Carrying on the back of the Little People of America, who in 2009 recognised October as Dwarfism Awareness Month, the Short Statured People of Australia, along with the support of the Australian Government, have declared October as Dwarfism Awareness Month.With the intention of creating positive awareness around dwarfism, addressing common misconceptions and making life that little bit easier for people with dwarfism to live in society, the SSPA will be working hard to ensure that each October is well recognised throughout Australia.
We encourage our members to get behind the awareness campaign by publicising it on Facebook, Twitter, through their local communities – either via a bbq etc. If you are wanting to organise a public event like a BBQ please contact Carly Myers on the above contact details for assistance with providing information on DWAM and the SSPA which can be handed out at your event or for a ‘Letter of Request’ if you are hoping to host a sausage sizzle in your area and need permission to do so from your local Council, or you want to host a sausage sizzle at your local Bunnings. Carly Myers- contact via e-mail [email protected]
Thank you, SSPA DWAM 2013 Committee
