We can’t act like it’s over.

 

Dwarfism Awareness Month falls on one month. 31 days we get trending. But then like most things, it falls under the surface again… but how many of you, who have shared our photos, retweeted our hashtags… or even brought my book. How many of you have a plan. A plan on what to do next. What to do when tomorrow comes, and everyone else has forgotten what we spent October fighting for. How many of you, have used this awareness month to really become aware?

 

Aware of how you could help to reach something off a shelf next time you see us in a shop. Aware how the language you use can help reform the opinions others form on us…. how you could help educate someone else… by sharing what you know… that’s if you really listened. Aware of how by starting a conversation you could have a ripple effect. 

 

Are you aware of how much you’re needed. Needed, to make any of what we did this month really matter at all. 

Dwarfism Awareness Month is over. But for 7,000 of us in the UK, it’s October every day in our world- everyday that we come across someone who’s never seen one of us before. Every day we enter a building we know is out of our reach. Every day that we live in a world where science hasn’t figured us out yet- and society still loves to laugh and joke.

 

Until there’s a day, where October isn’t needed- that’s how long we need you. 

 

So…. What’s your plan. 

Dwarfism- a whatever fits style; Collab with Chamiah Dewey Fashion

Since I can remember, clothing has always been one of the hardest things I associate with my condition, and something which in my teen years especially, was a pinpoint to my insecurities. Being 22 years old, in a body built for a 6-year-old, it's fair to say I am past the days of flashing trainers and pink tights. 

 

But to find something out of that range without going down the root of tailor-made items, which I think my student bank account would be mortified at- is well.... hard. As is the feeling that you're missing out. Girlie shopping days don't have the same feeling when you know you can't just pick something off a shelf. 

 

My condition is Achondroplasia- the most common form of Dwarfism. Achondroplasia affects bone growth- particularly in limbs. Meaning we have short arms and legs (particularly short upper arms and thighs), that being said, my torso is as near to average, so t-shirts, hoodies etc... whilst often looking very oversized, can sometimes be gotten away with... that is if they don't have sleeves. 

 

Sleeves are a no go.