Little People of America—September 13, 2012
Since 2009, LPA has been recognizing October as Dwarfism Awareness Month with the intention of raising positive awareness around dwarfism, addressing common misconceptions and increasing opportunities for people with dwarfism around the country. In the spirit of such awareness, LPA has had a Public Service Announcement airing on the CBS “Super Screen” positioned at 42nd St. between 7th and 8th Ave. in the heart of the Times Square Plaza. LPA’s 15-second video celebrates the diversity of people with dwarfism in the United States and the contributions they make to our communities. More than 1.500,000 people pass through Times Square each day. The news conference will promote the PSA and celebrate New York State for its recent recognition of October as Dwarfism Awareness Month.
Currently six states (Delaware, New York, Missouri, Indiana, New York and Oklahoma) and Puerto Rico have declared October as National Dwarfism Awareness Month. Earlier this year, New York Assembly woman Nancy Calhoun added the State of New York to that list by sponsoring a state resolution that recognizes October as National Dwarfism Awareness Month. Assemblywoman Calhoun will be participating in the news conference. LPA is expecting Illinois, California and New Jersey to issue resolutions this year as well.
“We are very excited about this year’s Dwarfism Awareness Month and are thrilled to launch this year in New York, which has officially proclaimed October Dwarfism Awareness Month,” says Gary Arnold, LPA President. “We hope you will join us in celebration as we promote positive awareness around dwarfism. We are expecting more than 75 LPA members to celebrate the event with us.”
Shortly after the news conference, there will be a photo opportunity under the CBS “Super Screen” in Times Square. Little People of America is excited to be joining forces with nine other dwarfism-support organizations in collaboration of this event. They include: Steven and Alexandra Cohen Children’s Medical Center New York; the Dwarf Athletic Association of America (DAAA) and the 2013 World Dwarf Games; Alfred I. DuPont Hospital for Children, Orthopedics; the Greenberg Center for Skeletal Dysplasia at Johns Hopkins Hospital Baltimore; Growing Stronger, (Growing Stronger News Release); The Kathryn O. and Alan C. Greenberg Center for Skeletal Dysplasias at Hospital for Special Surgery New York; Little People UK – a brand new organization founded by actor Warwick Davis; The Potentials Foundation - LPA members and stars of TLC’s Big Tiny; and Understanding Dwarfism – who received a new house and center courtesy of ABC’s Extreme Makeover Home Edition in 2011.
Little People of America (LPA) is a national support organization for people with dwarfism and their families. LPA provides peer, parent and medical support for the dwarfism community. For more information, contact Leah Smith at 806-239-5582, leah.smith@ttu.edu, or Joanna Campbell at 714-862-4247, joanna.lpa@earthlink.net.
Read the full story at lpaonline.com.
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