Briana Blow
10/12/2020
PED 365
Dr. Park
Disability Paper: Dwarfism
Dwarfism is when a person is short in stature because of their genes or a medical reason.
Advocacy groups like Little People of the World Organization (LPOTW) and Little People of
America (LPA) list the adult height of 4 feet 10 inches or under, while other groups extend the
criteria of dwarfism to 5 feet, but the average height of an adult with dwarfism is 4 feet. There
are two main categories of dwarfism: disproportionate and proportionate. Disproportionate being
characterized by an average-size torso and shorter arms and legs, or a shortened trunk with
longer limbs. For proportionate, means the body parts are in proportion but shortened.
According to the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), its major
characteristic is shorter than normal growth of the skeleton and body (2018). Achondroplasia is
the most common type of dwarfism. Which affects 2500 children every year. Like other types of
dwarfism, is characterized by shorter than normal skeletal growth. This shortness is manifested
in the arms and legs or trunk. There are over 300 conditions that cause abnormal skeletal growth
and dwarfism (DHHS, 2018). Dwarfism can be genetic and is usually recognized during the
pregnancy. As a baby or child with Achondroplasia, people around them have to watch out for
different things that can affect the child. These may include breathing difficulties, ear infections,
bowed legs, increased lumbar lordosis, reduced muscle strength, hydrocephalus, and/or narrow
foramen magnum (DHHS, 2018). Usually, even as adults they go through medical problems. The
adulthood issues may include nerve compression, obesity, crowded teeth, and higher risk during
pregnancy. Some characteristic features of the skull, spine, and limbs shared by most forms of
disproportionate dwarfism result in some common problems: Delays in motor skills'
development, such as sitting up, crawling and walking.
Living with dwarfism is not only about being smaller than everyone else. Limitations for
people with dwarfism cannot only be medically by various complications but also by the world
around them built for much larger people. In many everyday life situations, dwarfism people
meet difficulties related to the height of furniture, service counters, ATMs, store shelves, along
with steps in buildings or public transit. They also need help learning how to lower light
switches, turn doorknobs, and other things in their home. They are more likely to get fatigue
from walking long distance, and tend to get mean looks, discriminatory attitudes, constant
prejudice, and sometimes insults. For children with dwarfism, the challenges can be especially
difficult. Teasing, bullying, and even innocent misunderstandings about the condition can be
troublesome.
"In public schools, people with dwarfism are usually eligible for personalized education
programs (Wagonlander, 2009)." According to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
(IDEA), children with disabilities cannot be excluded from public school education. They are
supposed to be given a free and appropriate education based on their personal needs. Their
parents and school officials should determine what they need which will include the
accommodations and services that will help them to be successful in school. In the least
restrictive environment possible, all students should be allowed to teach in ways that work for
them. For people with dwarfism, they may need physical adjustments as well as help with some
tasks required in school settings (Wagonlander, 2009).
In school settings, there is a special chair that can make sitting at a desk easier. There is
also especial equipment for physical education classes. That makes it easier for them to
participate in activities. Some places also have extra steps or stools so that shorter people can
reach things like the toilet and the sink in restrooms. Dwarfism is relatively uncommon, causing
some children to feel outcast and isolated from their peers. The visible difference between
normal-sized children and children with dwarfism causes the average child to associate less with
children with dwarfism. Students with dwarfism are disadvantaged in most sports; however,
there are some sports in which the average truck size and short limbs are advantageousPowerlifting and Gymnastics Other sports included are: Swimming, Track, Bowling, and
Basketball courts set at the standard height, regulation court size, and ball size.
To me, I feel that in classroom students with dwarfism should be able to reach everything
in their classrooms just as it is the same for their classmates. Teachers should also remember to
treat their students with dwarfism according to their age, not their size, because unless the
student has a learning disability, educative expectations should not differ from those of other
students. People with dwarfism often have long, fulfilling lives. The condition doesn’t affect the
ability to go to school or work, have a family, or enjoy any of the other thing’s life can offer.
References
Department of Health & Human Services. (2014, August 31). Dwarfism. Retrieved October 12,
2020, from
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/ConditionsAndTreatments/dwarfism
Wagonlander, L. (2009). School accommodations for students with
dwarfism. Retrieved from
https://www.lpaonline.org/assets/documents/School%20Accommodations%20LPA.ppt
Bhargava, H. (2020, September 08). Dwarfism: Types, Causes, Treatments, and More. Retrieved
October 12, 2020, from https://www.webmd.com/children/dwarfism-causes-treatments