HR1234 97TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR1234 LRB097 21515 GRL 69618 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, There are an estimated 3,500 people with dwarfism residing in the State of Illinois, averaging one per every 10,000 births, over 30,000 people in the United States, and over 650,000 in the world; and

WHEREAS, There are over 200 distinct types of dwarfism or skeletal dysplasia; the most common type of dwarfism, achondroplasia, restricts the growth of the arms and legs; and

WHEREAS, Over 80% of people with dwarfism have average-height parents, siblings, and children; and

WHEREAS, It is very rare to have any type of mental impairment associated with dwarfism; and

WHEREAS, People with dwarfism contribute to the strength of the economy in Illinois by being productive members of the workforce, representing all careers and professions; and

WHEREAS, People with dwarfism are able to function as well in society as average-height people and are perfectly capable of riding bikes, playing sports, driving cars, traveling, and having fulfilling careers and families - all with simple and reasonable accommodations; and

WHEREAS, The preferred terminology for someone with dwarfism is "short stature", "having dwarfism", "little person", or "dwarf"; and

WHEREAS, The term "midget" is antiquated and is considered offensive to most people with dwarfism; and

WHEREAS, The Little People of America (LPA) is the nation's oldest and largest organization for people with dwarfism; the organization is celebrating its 55th anniversary year in 2012 and is headquartered in Tustin, California; and

WHEREAS, LPA was founded by the late actor Billy Barty, who during his over 70-year career appeared in more than 100 films and television shows, and was a long time resident of Burbank, California; and

WHEREAS, LPA is dedicated to improving the quality of life for people with dwarfism throughout their lives, while celebrating with great pride their contribution to social diversity; and

WHEREAS, LPA provides support on numerous issues, including parenting, adoption assistance, educational scholarships, medical knowledge and access to specialists in dwarfism, peer support, community outreach, and issues advocacy; and

WHEREAS, The need and support that LPA provides to people with dwarfism is demonstrated by LPA's rapid growth from 20 members in 1957 to more than 6,500 members in 2012; and

WHEREAS, LPA is the only dwarfism support organization that represents all 200 forms of dwarfism and welcomes family members and people with dwarfism alike; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we designate the month of October of 2012 as "Dwarfism Awareness Month" in the State of Illinois in order to raise public awareness about people with dwarfism and the contributions of Little People of America and in recognition of the organization's 55 years of service to the State of Illinois and the world at large; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Little People of America as a symbol of our respect and esteem.