Did you know that approximately one in every 15,000 children is born with dwarfism, also known as skeletal dysplasia? And that 80 percent of those children have average-height parents? Neither did I.
To raise awareness around this condition and to change perceptions of those individuals with dwarfism, Seattle Children’s, Little People of America’s (LPA) Puget Sound chapter and Caffe Ladro launched the “Stand Tall for Little People” campaign on Sept. 30, 2011, to kick off National Dwarfism Awareness Month. October was first declared as National Dwarfism Awareness Month in 2012 by the LPA, a national non-profit organization that provides support for people with dwarfism.
Through Communiqué PR’s ongoing work with Seattle Children’s, we learned more about this condition, which takes place when bones are not able to grow to average length. Recognized as one of the leading institutions in the Pacific Northwest and nation, Seattle Children’s, Skeletal Dysplasia Clinic provides world-class, comprehensive care for people of all ages – children and adults – diagnosed with skeletal dysplasia and other rare bone conditions.
As an active LPA partner and supporter, Seattle Children’s and LPA of Puget Sound approached Caffe Ladro to participate in the Stand Tall for Little People campaign and create the signature campaign cups. Throughout the month of October, Caffe Ladro will shrink its distinctive “tall man” logo on its cups at all 13 Puget Sound locations to represent and raise awareness for our community members with dwarfism.
Communiqué PR’s scope of work included working with all three organizations to develop key press materials and coordinate a media event to help raise awareness around the campaign and educate the broader Seattle-area community about people with skeletal dysplasia.
As a result of our efforts, the Stand Tall for Little People campaign was featured in local media outlets including Q13 Fox, SeattlePI.com, The Fremocentrist, Seattle Pulp and Patch.com.
While working with Julie Matsuoka, president of LPA’s Puget Sound chapter, on the development of this campaign, we learned a lot about what to do and not to do when meeting an individual with dwarfism, and how certain language is offensive to individuals with dwarfism. She reminded us that these individuals are just like everyone else and are capable of doing anything an average height person can do.
It was an honor to have the opportunity to support Seattle Children’s Skeletal Dysplasia Clinic, LPA and Caffe Ladro on the launch of this campaign. We hope the campaign continues to be a success throughout the month, and that it will continue to have impact on perceptions in the years ahead.