Hi, my name is Val46!

Val46 · February 2017

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 · February 2017

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

Val46 · February 2017

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

Alex · February 2017

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 · February 2017

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 · February 2017

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 · February 2017

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 · February 2017

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 · February 2017

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 · February 2017

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

Val46 · February 2017

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 · February 2017

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

Val46 · February 2017

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 · February 2017

Hi, my name is Val46!

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