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Referred to as “dwarfs” in everyday
language, little people often raise surprise, embarrassment,
superstitious anxiety, or even mockery. Dwarfism, however, is a serious
disability with a major impact, from birth, on an individual’s physical
health, daily life, and social involvement.
There are 500 forms of dwarfism in
the world with approximately 100 of them present in Quebec. Although
each of these conditions differs in its consequences, all forms of
dwarfism share a point in common: to live in a smaller body and grow in
a world designed to serve a population of a average size.
The exact number of people with
dwarfism in Quebec is unknown, but it
may be around 3,500 to 5,000 people. Created in 1976 by little people,
the Association québécoise des personnes de petite taille (Quebec
Association of Little People) brings together people with dwarfism and
their families. The Association informs, supports, assists, and
protects children and adults affected by dwarfism so as to promote
development and social, academic, and professional integration of
little people.
Dwarfism: to understand it is to grow.
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