October has been declared Dwarfism Awareness Month by the Little People of America (LPA) since 2009. Dwarfism is a form of skeletal dysplasia which leads to short stature. Currently, there are over 400 known types of dwarfism which are caused by varying genetic mutations. Adults with dwarfism average at a height of 4 feet. As someone with the most common type of dwarfism, achondroplasia, I wanted to take this week to highlight individuals who are also little people.
1. Peter Dinklage
Probably the most well known individual with dwarfism, Peter Dinklage is an actor and producer most famous for playing Tyrion Lannister in "Game of Thrones". Winning a Golden Globe and four Emmy awards for this role, the actor has stated how he initially struggled to find worthwhile roles. He has also starred in "Living in Oblivion," "X-Men", and "Avengers: Infinity War" a few off-Broadway projects.
2. Sinead Burke
Though I have only recently heard of her and the work she does, I am so glad I finally have. Sinead Burke is a writer and activist who focuses her efforts on the design industry. She gave a Ted Talk, "Why Design Should Include Everyone" and co-founded the Inclusive Fashion and Design Collective. Most recently, she has been the first little person to attend the Met Gala, and was one of 15 women chosen to appear on the September issue of British Vogue.
3. Jen Arnold
A most personal role model of mine, Dr. Jen Arnold is a neonatologist and medical simulation specialist. The TLC reality show, "The Little Couple", follows her life with her husband, Bill Klein, and their two children, Will and Zoey, all of whom have dwarfism. Her and Klein have also written two books together, "Think Big" and "Life is Short."
4. Isabel Bueso
Isabel Bueso was in the media recently for being one of many immigrants with rare diseases denied DACA extension because of changes in US immigration policy. Born with Maroteaux-Lamy Syndrome, Bueso was invited to participate in a clinical trial when she was 7 and living with a harsh prognosis in Guatemala. Her participation in the clinical trial allowed for her treatment to receive approval from the FDA, a treatment she is still receiving to this day at 24 years old. Thankfully, the government withdrew the petition and she is now able to stay in the country.
5. Paul Miller
Miller served as an advisor to Presidents Clinton, Bush, and Obama for disability and anti-discrimation law. He was major player in seeing the completion of the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act. A decorated leader and scholar, Miller died in 2010.
As with any minority group, representation in the media, along with other professions is greatly decreased. I wanted to take this chance to spotlight individuals who may or may not be well known, but have made a prominent impact not only in their line of work, but in the dwarfism community. Researching these impressive people was exciting and I hope you all enjoy reading about them as well. Though, there is a whole list of little people I know of but didn't get to include, the community is celebrating them as well during this special month.
