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Dwarfism
Haleema Humayun Awan
University of the People
EDUC 5710 Understanding Barriers to Learning
Instructor name: Abhishek Mahajan
February 9, 2022
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In most circumstances, dwarfism is classified as a disability, although I don't believe it is. They
are persons that are able-bodied and capable of doing all a regular person can do, but with the
limitations that come with their height. "The medical term for dwarfism is restricted growth,
defined by short stature and several additional symptoms, depending on the etiology of disease,"
explains Mandal, A. (n.d.). These are the circumstances that may cause children to struggle in the
classroom. Though they look to be normal, and we try to accept them as such, they are not. They
confront certain difficulties as a result of their dwarfism. Teachers, on the other hand, should
treat them the same as the rest of the class. Here, we'll look at the issues they experience in the
classroom and how a teacher can assist them fit in with the rest of the class.
Bullying:
The most difficult difficulty will be being bullied, which causes kids to lose confidence, be
afraid, and feel out of place. Bullies exist in schools, and anyone can be tormented, but these
students are in a more vulnerable position. "Students with dwarfism may be at risk for teasing or
bullying," according to Connecticut Children's (n.d.).
Dwarfism education for yourself and your pupils can help to reduce bullying and boost
self-confidence in students with dwarfism." Other students need to be reminded that they are just
like everyone else and that they may do whatever they choose. They must eliminate
microaggressions in the classroom, as they contribute to bullying both verbally and physically.
A. Lindwasser (2017) agrees that offensive terms, such as "freaks," are occasionally used. The
teacher must teach suitable language to the class and guarantee that it is used in the classroom.
Body Size:
Students with dwarfism may experience anxiety, depression, or embarrassment as a result of
their small stature.
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(n.d., Connecticut Children's). The teacher's job is to educate the other students, to make them
aware that they live in the same world as us and that they deserve to be treated as such. They
must be treated equally to the rest of the class and should not be judged solely on the basis of
their physical size, but rather on the basis of their age.
The majority of schools are not designed with these children in mind. This presents a problem
because they will be using the same facilities as the average individual. Everything is too high
for them, including door handles, washbasins, tables/desks that are too large, and cabinets.
"Because door handles are situated within easy arm's reach for most adults, which is not the case
with little people, accessibility becomes an issue," according to Lindwasser, A. (2017). The
teacher can help by placing a step stool at the door so that they can open it themselves. The same
is true in restrooms and other areas, and the school would have to make an effort as well. If
possible, classmates and friends can also help. Connecticut Children's(n.d.) acknowledges that
further accommodations, such as step stools for toilets, drinking fountains, classrooms, and
around the school, are needed.
Time Management:
Little people may experience difficulties in completing schoolwork on time.
Dwarfism has no effect on their cognition, but it does impede their movement, necessitating the
need to allow them a little extra time to complete assignments or tests than the rest of the class.
They have limited joint flexibility and arthritis, low muscle tone, and delayed motor skill
development, according to Children's (n.d.). As a result, if manual dexterity is a problem, they
will need more time to go to class and on tests. They should also be encouraged to engage in
physical activity.
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Finally, when there are occurrences of dwarfism in the classroom, the PBS POV Documentary
Series (n.d.) recommends the following exercises for teachers:
● Treat them the same way you treat everyone else.
● Concentrate on classroom management to avoid actions that make kids feel like outcasts.
● Include them in all school activities unless they are unable to participate.
● Educate the class on how to utilize suitable terminology.
● Keep in mind how the classroom is set up and how it will affect the kids.
● Include the little ones in group projects with the rest of the classmates.
● Allow students to take control of their work and empower them; over-accommodating
them can backfire.
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Reference:
1. PBS POV Documentary Series (n.d.) Social Challenges in Education: Dwarfism. Retrieved
from https://tch210socialchallenges.weebly.com/classroomstrategy.html
2.Connecticut Children’s(n.d) Health Information For Parents: Dwarfism Factsheet (for
schools).Retrievedfrom
https://www.connecticutchildrens.org/healthlibrary/en/parents/dwarfism-factsheet/
3. Lindwasser, A. (2017) 14 Challenges You Never Realized Little People have To Deal With.
Retrievedfrom https://m.ranker.com/list/problems-little-people-haveto-deal-with/anna-lindwasser
4. Mandal, A.(n.d) What is dwarfism? Retrieved from
https://www.newsmedical.net/amp/health/What-is-Dwafism.aspx
