LPA started in 1957 by actor Billy Barty with 20 people in Reno, Nevada.

Billy was an actor on TV. People saw him on the TV shows and wrote him letters. Billy kept every letter he ever received.

Today we about 7000 members - 50% are little people (people with dwarfism) and 50% are family members

What do we do? LPA provides peer, parent and medical

support to people with dwarfism and their families through a system of local, regional and national meetings and, as well as online and by phone. We also provide scholarship money, adoption assistance, medical grants, and advocacy for the dwarfism community. We are the worlds oldest and largest dwarfism support organization.

LPA is divided into a system of chapters and districts. We have 13 districts and 73 chapters.

About Dwarfism There are over 400 distinct types of

dwarfism. Over 80% of people with dwarfism have

average-height parents and siblings. Skeletal Dysplasias affect bone growth,

but generally do not affect cognitive abilities.

People with dwarfism are generally not taller than 4' 10" at adult height. The typical height range is 2'8" to 4'5".

The Growth of LPA 1957 – Membership began with 20 people 1961 – LPA began assisting individuals

wishing to adopt children with dwarfism 1965 – Membership was at 736 1967 – LPA hosted the first national

conference in Hollywood, CA with 300 in attendance

1968 – The Medical Advisory Board was formally established, thanks largely to a doctor and parent, Dr. Leonard Langer, orthopedist

1975 – Membership at 2200 1984 – Members appear on popular

national talk shows – the Phil Donohue Show and Oprah

The Growth of LPA (slide 2) 1988 – LPA delegates participate in

government meetings in Washington DC regarding laws and access

1990 – Dwarf tossing outlawed in Florida thanks to the efforts of local LPA members.

1995 – membership at 5345 1998 – first paid employee is hired.

Volunteers continue to provide the backbone of LPA support locally.

2002 to current – the popularity of shows about people with dwarfism propel the growth of LPA and help dispel myths about people with dwarfism

2011 national conference attendance exceeds 2700 and members from 25 countries

LPA offers information and support on: Employment Education Disability Rights Advocacy Adoption Medical Issues Clothing Adaptive Products Educational Scholarships Parenting a short statured child

Our website

Programs LPA functions on membership dues, personal

donations, an occasional bequest, and small family foundation grants.

LPA does not receive any money from the government.

LPA provides $20,000 worth of support yearly to members attending their first national conference.

In 2016 we gave away $30,000 worth of college scholarships and helped 10 families with adoption expenses.

LPA advocates on behalf of the dwarfism community with the government entities.

LPA declared October National Dwarfism Awareness Month. We use this opportunity to educate in put positive exposure in the media.

LPA Today MagazinePublished 4 times a year, mailed to all current members

Our National Conference We have one national conference per year, in July Changes location each year – 2016 Boston, 2017

Denver Colorado, 2018 Orlando Florida, 2019 – San Francisco, California, 2020 – Austin, Texas.

Draws 2200+ people One week long Workshops, medical appointments with our Medical

Advisory Board, dances every night, fashion show, talent show, banquet, age-appropriate rooms and events for kids, teens and adults.

DAAA (Dwarf Athletic Organization of America) offers sporting events – basketball, boccia, soccer, track and field, swimming.

Thank You!