1Recognizing dwarfism.

2WHEREAS, Dwarfism is a rare medical condition, with an
3estimated 30,000 people in the United States and more than
4650,000 people worldwide having some type of dwarfism; and

5WHEREAS, Dwarfism affects bone growth but generally does not
6affect cognitive abilities; and

7WHEREAS, Dwarfism is a recognized condition under the
8Americans with Disabilities Act; and

9WHEREAS, While the medical prognosis for persons with
10dwarfism is highly individualized, the majority of persons with
11dwarfism enjoy normal intelligence, normal life spans and
12reasonably good health; and

13WHEREAS, Other persons with dwarfism will require surgeries
14or other medical interventions to address complications and
15maximize mobility; and

1WHEREAS, The preferred terminology for persons with dwarfism
2includes "persons of short stature," "persons having dwarfism"
3or "little persons"; and

4WHEREAS, "Midget," an antiquated term, may offend persons
5with dwarfism; and

6WHEREAS, Persons with dwarfism can turn to support
7organizations such as the Little People of America, Inc., (LPA)
8for guidance on parenting, adoption, education, medical
9consultation, physical fitness, peer support, community outreach
10and advocacy; and

11WHEREAS, The oldest and largest support organization for
12persons with dwarfism in the United States, LPA is dedicated to
13improving the quality of life for people with dwarfism, while
14celebrating with great pride their contributions to social
15diversity; therefore be it

16RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives recognize
17dwarfism, with the hope of raising positive awareness about
18dwarfism and promoting the welfare of persons with dwarfism in
19this Commonwealth.