83R13135 JWI-D
By: Lewis H.R. No. 1417
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The Little People of America, the nation's oldest
and largest organization for people with dwarfism, is celebrating
its 56th anniversary in 2013; and
WHEREAS, Founded in 1957 by the well-known actor Billy Barty,
the LPA is the only organization that supports people with any of
the more than 200 forms of dwarfism; the LPA assists members and
their families with such issues as parenting and adoption and
provides medical resources and referrals and information about
educational scholarships; moreover, the LPA is involved in a range
of community outreach initiatives; and
WHEREAS, Since its inception with some 20 members, the LPA
has grown to include a national membership of more than 6,500; its
goal is to empower people with dwarfism to achieve their full
potential and to advocate for communities in which people with
dwarfism can pursue educational, employment, and social
opportunities on an equal playing field; and
WHEREAS, The dwarfism community includes over 650,000 people
worldwide, including an estimated 2,600 people in Texas; and
WHEREAS, The Lone Star State celebrates the many
contributions that individuals with dwarfism have made to society,
including as productive members of the workforce, and it is indeed
fitting to recognize the LPA and its dedication to improving the
quality of life for many people; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 83rd Texas
Legislature hereby recognize October 2013 as Dwarfism Awareness
Month and congratulate the members of Little People of America on
the organization's 56th anniversary.