What is LPA?

Little People of America, Inc., is a national nonprofit organization that provides support and information to people of short stature and their families.   

Short stature is generally caused by one of more than 300 medical conditions known as dwarfism. LPA welcomes all forms of dwarfism.  

LPA has more than 7500 members across the United States and internationally. We have 13 districts and 70 chapters.  

LPA provides social interaction, parent and peer support, medical support and education, scholarships and grants.  Our members range from newborns to senior citizens, both little people and average height.   Dwarfism spans all religions, ethnicities, and economic levels. All are welcome!

Where We Began

In 1957, well-known actor Billy Barty made a national public appeal for all little people in America to join him for a gathering in Reno, Nevada. Mr. Barty and 20 other little people joined together and Little People of America was formed!

Click here to read a wonderful article on LPA's first 50 years - 1957-2007.

What We Do

LPA offers information on employment, education, disability rights, adoption, medical issues, clothing, adaptive products, and the many stages of parenting a short-statured child - from birth to adult. Information is provided through a national newsletter, the LPA Today, and numerous seminars and workshops which occur locally at chapter events, regionally at District Meetings, and nationally at our yearly national conference. 

LPA also provides opportunities for social interaction as well as participation in athletic events through our sister organization, the Dwarf Athletic Association of America (DAAA).

Little People of America is a primarily all-volunteer organization for persons and families involved with the condition of dwarfism. We do not diagnose, treat, or provide genetic counseling. We are involved in peer and parent support, medical resources and referrals, scholarships, and programs that benefit the dwarfism community, while promoting education, community outreach, personal and family strength, and life achievements.

LPA's Core Values

LPA’s core values are fundamental beliefs or principles that guide our organization's work and decision-making. As our organization continues to grow and evolve, these values help us to define what we stand for, and give a framework for how staff, volunteers, and stakeholders interact and collaborate while serving the organization’s mission.

  • Supporting all of us for each of us
  • Don't deny. Embrace
  • Act with strategic resilience
  • Pay it forward

To read more about how each of these core values, and how they show up in the work that LPA does, visit our Core Values page.