Teachers can be great allies in keeping your child with dwarfism safe and successful in school, but you'll need to make sure they have all the knowledge they need to help. Use these suggestions to create a information packet to bring educators up to speed.
Five Things Teachers Need to Know
1. My child may have trouble with certain types of desks. A separate desk and chair will work best for him, and he may need a footrest.
2. My child may not be able to reach lab tables, door handles, and high lockers. Please anticipate these problems and work out accommodations before they're needed.
3. It's okay to let my child's classmates know about her differences as long as it is done in an appropriate way; I'd be happy to help prepare a program.
4. My child may look younger, and smaller, and cuter than her peers, but please try to treat her as just another kid.
5. Please keep the lines of communication open between our home and the school. My child needs all the adults in her life working together.
Information to Share with Teachers
LP School Issues
Source: Little People of Ireland
Physical Education Fact Sheet: Dwarfism
Source: Tahperd
What Is Dwarfism?
Source: PBS
Skeletal Dysplasia Fact Sheets
Source: Nemours Foundation
Dwarfism
Source: Better Health Channel
