Q: Is dwarfism considered a disability?

A: Dwarfism is a recognized condition under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Opinions vary within the dwarfism community about whether or not this term applies to us. Certainly many short-statured people could be considered disabled as a result of conditions, mainly orthopedic, related to their type of dwarfism. In addition, access issues and problems exist even for healthy people with dwarfism. Consider, for example, the simple fact that most adults with dwarfism cannot reach an automated teller machine, some gas pumps, pay phones, and ATMs. These issues, along with others, can become more complicated for people with dwarfism who rely on mobility aids such as scooters, wheelchairs, crutches, and walkers.