Hi, my name is Val46!

Val46

I have achondroplasia, which is the most common form of dwarfism. I am happy to speak to anyone, but particularly people with dwarfism, or parents of a dwarf child.

bam

Hello @Val46 welcome to the community. I hope you find it as much fun as I do. My name is Bam.

Val46

Hi Bam, thanks for the welcome, where do you live? I am in Essex

Alex

Hi Val46, welcome to the community. 

I don't think we have many people here with achondroplasia, so it's great to have you onboard!

We had a great blog from Francesca Mills last year, who has achondroplasia - https://blog.scope.org.uk/2016/06/08/a-goal-without-a-plan-is-just-a-wish-francesca-the-theatre-star/  She talks a lot about attitudes towards dwarfism - what are your experiences? 

Val46

Oh yes, she is a friend of mine on FB, but I havnt met her. Great actress. Will look at the link. Can I ask why you are on here, or do you have a disability. Don't worry if you would rather not say, I understand. 

bam

Hello val46 LOL you will laugh at me but I don't live in Great Britain. I live across the pond in America. I live in the state of California. I visited Great Britain when I was a small kid and have just loved it ever since

Val46

Oh right, well that doesnt make any difference to me, we can still chat cant we? Is there many on here from across the pond?

Sam_Alumni

Hi @Val46 welcome to the community! We are mainly all UK based members but @bam is one of our American buddies! 

Hope you enjoy it here 

Val46

Thanks Sam, just trying to find my way around.  By the way loved the recent advert with the guy with dwarfism in. Makes a change to see someone with my condition seen like that, and peoples attitudes.

Sam_Alumni

I love the End the awkward films as well as the ones about ridiculous things people say to disabled people.

Val46

Oh yes. The restricted growth association members have a complaint going at present. Someone called John Bercow in the House of Commons a stupid dwarf, and showed him being thrown out, looking small like a dwarf. Years ago we had problems with dwarf throwing over here. I know people were stupid to volunteer,  but it is very dangerous, as we suffer with back problems (both my eldest son and I do!) Bit ironic, the first small person to take part died a few years ago at a very young age. Not sure what of, but dont think his participation in dwarf throwing could have helped.

Sam_Alumni

I have no idea what 'dwarf throwing' is but it sounds horrific and medieval! 

Val46

Well it was a sport bought over here from another country, wont say which one, for fear of offending someone. Average height men take it in turns to see how far they can throw a person with dwarfism. They do land on a mattress or something similar. It is horrific and medievil, and dangerous.

Sam_Alumni