• Use the term "little person" when referring to a person with dwarfism. Never use the term "midget" as this is highly offensive. 

  • Example: Sarah is a little person. She has a form of dwarfism called achondroplasia.​

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• Switch out the word "normal" for the word "average"

  • Example: Zach is a little person born to average height parents. Not normal height.

  • Example: Emily's head is larger than the average baby’s head. Not a normal baby’s head.

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• When it comes to using the term "dwarf", ask the person with dwarfism how they feel about the word.

  • Example Conversation:

    • "Hi Carl, do you mind when people refer to you as a dwarf?"​​​

    • "Thanks for asking but I prefer to be called a little person"

  • If the person cannot vocalize their preference, it is best not to use this term when referring to them.

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• Use people first language.

  • Incorrect: Laura is a dwarf and she has very short legs.​

  • Correct: Laura has dwarfism and short legs are a characteristic of her dwarfism. 

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• When in doubt, refer to a person with dwarfism by their name!

  • Example: Nora has dwarfism but Nora is Nora!​

 

 

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