Re: A School for Dwarf Children...

[Guest guest]

I don't post here as often as I'd like, but I'd just like to say that a school

for just dwarf children is such a horrible idea on so many different levels that

frankly I'm ashamed that someone even seriously thought about it. It's

segregation on a level that's just as bad (and perhaps even worse) than schools

for different races of people.

Mike S.

Rapert <rrapert@...> wrote:

Someone from Ohio who will remain anonymous (Matt would know who they are,

but it's irrelevant to what I'm about to say) had these suggestions (she

didn't even know about LPA which surprised me kind of for being this

advocating for it...you'd think she would have checked out dwarfism.org or

LPA Online on Google?) for what she personally wanted to do (she is not an

LP nor related to one- she doesn't even know one personally from my

understanding):

" fundraisers for research or administrative costs....speaking engagements in

the local schools here....educational packets.....or actually open an

educational center for dwarf children that meets their needs "

While I don't disagree these are important, I'm kind of wondering if she

wanted to compete with LPA or how she saw LPA with those (considering it's

my understanding we do three of those four things). It's the last one I'm

specifically wondering about: Do we really want a dwarf only school? Is it

just me, or is that the mentality we used when the circus was still in town

(I'm not getting overreactive or emotional, I'm making a point)? Can you

imagine the ramifications of that? I'm not at all saying we can be treated

exactly like our 5'-6' peer, but come on...how many of us would honestly

want to send ourselves, our relatives, or our friends (or anyone for that

matter) to that kind of school? We're trying to break down social barriers

(both ways), not just build them up again...right?

Getting off the soapbox...

[Guest guest]

Matt (and all),

First of all, I do apologize for the tone that was there, but I may need to

further clarify the context and what was actually meant:

I had emailed her privately (no list, no anything) in an attempt to

introduce her to LPA and what it was about. She then proceeded to tell me

that if I didn't share her opinion, then she didn't want to continue the

conversation- that was the end of it. I will agree my reaction may not have

been appropriate on list (and I apologize for that), but I'm also not sure

what I'm really supposed to do when she takes no interest in knowing

anything about LPA (I asked her if she knew or wanted to know about it in

both emails I sent to her). By sharing her opinion, I mean agreeing with

all of her ideas and how she wanted to promote them. She wanted no

feedback, even though I tried to be positive throughout the entire email

" conversation " .

I don't take offense to many things (your feedback included), but I'm

honestly not sure how I made her out to be a criminal when she's the one

that wanted nothing to do about learning much about LPA? I even tried

inviting her to a chapter meeting (we're having a parent forum actually as

our next meeting, so that would have worked). Maybe she got the wrong

impression about LPA, I'm not sure. But I don't think, and I'll apologize

again if I'm wrong on this, she even took the time to look at LPA's website

or dwarfism.org.

So again, I apologize for the tone I took on this response I made, but I'm

not sure what else I could have done to improve it. Again, I asked her if I

could make a suggestion (positive- connecting to LPA) after what she said,

and she said she didn't want to hear it.

Matt- I do understand you've been swamped with emails because of the show-

and I hope/think they've been genuine and sincere, and I do appreciate the

forward because she was in Ohio, and would welcome another opportunity.

This one just seemed to not work on either end.

Rapert

On 4/30/06, Matt Roloff <mattroloff@...> wrote:

>

>

> , I'm a bit disappointed in the handling of this situation.

>

> As I tried to explain to you in my email -- we (The Roloff family) are

> getting over 400 emails each, every day, 7 days a week for the past

> several months. It's impossible for us to sort through them all. We

> often just forward emails to others that we think might be able to

> respond productively.

>

> We do try to scan/read each email and when we get one that *seems* to

> have a genuine interest in LP's and possibly helping our (LPA) causes

> we don't have the time to investigate their true intentions. As Dee

> and many other Lp's in LPA will attest to -- We simply try to

> forward these inquires to someone in the area (geographic or otherwise)

> that *might* be able to help.

>

> As I said in my email to you. If you can't... Or.. are not interested

> ..then just ignore the email. I'm disappointed that you would

> grand-stand and send such a cynical email to such a broad audience. I

> had you pegged a bit differently. Hence why I sent that email to you.

> I have absolutely no idea who this person is other than the email she

> sent to me that I forwarded to you. Instead of pointing out how naive

> she seems it was my intention that you might help educate her in a much

> more nurturing way. Again--If you don't have the time or inclination...

> Fine-- just ignore it. Don't further alienate the poor woman.

>

> I'm making no judgment of whether this woman's intentions are pure or

> naïve or?? She simply seemed to have a genuine interest in learning

> more and since she stated she was an honor student and from Ohio...

> Someone in LPA might reach out to her and see what it was she was

> looking to accomplish... And possibly *gently* steer her in the right

> direction. I never intended for you to make her feel like a criminal.

>

>

> The Roloff family is receiving many, many different types of requests

> and inquiries-- If there is any one out there that would like to be a

> productive conduit to our organization, please let me know.

>

> Best,

> Matt Roloff

>

>

>

>

> A School for Dwarf Children...

>

>

> Someone from Ohio who will remain anonymous (Matt would know who they

> are, but it's irrelevant to what I'm about to say) had these suggestions

> (she didn't even know about LPA which surprised me kind of for being

> this advocating for it...you'd think she would have checked out

> dwarfism.org or LPA Online on Google?) for what she personally wanted to

> do (she is not an LP nor related to one- she doesn't even know one

> personally from my

> understanding):

>

> " fundraisers for research or administrative costs....speaking

> engagements in the local schools here....educational packets.....or

> actually open an educational center for dwarf children that meets their

> needs "

>

> While I don't disagree these are important, I'm kind of wondering if she

> wanted to compete with LPA or how she saw LPA with those (considering

> it's my understanding we do three of those four things). It's the last

> one I'm specifically wondering about: Do we really want a dwarf only

> school? Is it just me, or is that the mentality we used when the circus

> was still in town (I'm not getting overreactive or emotional, I'm making

> a point)? Can you imagine the ramifications of that? I'm not at all

> saying we can be treated exactly like our 5'-6' peer, but come on...how

> many of us would honestly want to send ourselves, our relatives, or our

> friends (or anyone for that

> matter) to that kind of school? We're trying to break down social

> barriers (both ways), not just build them up again...right?

>

> Getting off the soapbox...

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Re: A School for Dwarf Children...

I don't post here as often as I'd like, but I'd just like to say that a

school for just dwarf children is such a horrible idea on so many different

levels that frankly I'm ashamed that someone even seriously thought about

it. It's segregation on a level that's just as bad (and perhaps even worse)

than schools for different races of people.

Mike S.

...... and I would just like to say, I totally disagree with you. I think it

is a brilliant, yes, a BRILLIANT idea!

You have obviously lost sight of the huge benefits of such a school. Think

about it:-

1. No need for a second set of books!

2. No need for SPECIAL toilets, cloak areas, desks, chairs, stools, steps,

etc etc etc!

3. No need to have those school assemblies where parents/children/teacher

explains/justifies a child's existance in the school.

4. All a child's peers at the same height (roughly) to himself/herself.

Thus, no bullying, no struggle for survival in the mad stampedes inherent in

a school.

5. The ability to join in ALL physical education, ALL games etc! AND have

a legitimate chance of WINNING!

6. AND!!!! AND!!!!!!! Think of the wonderful opportunities for us dwarf

teachers!!!!!!! We would be in HUGE demand!!!!!

Oh yes, I'm right behind this idea.

Of course, the only drawback, is when the school bell goes at the end of the

day. Having to enter, once more, the world of reality! THAT would be a

million more times more traumatic, since of course, no child would have had

the experiences of dealing with these negative scenarios! Come to that, no

child would want to leave the protective environment of such a school.

But, but , but then, what happens when they reach school leaving age????????

Ah yes, of course! They move to a purposefully built town, JUST for dwarf

children!

The world would no longer have to put up with us in their society!

Trouble is, it sorta sucks for those average size parents, cos of course,

they would be banned for life!

Still, think of all those benefits:-)

Oh yes, lets have mini schools, mini towns!!!!!!! Where do we sign up?

Fred, dreaming:-)

[Guest guest]

I agree with both Fred and Mike on this issue. I myself am not Dwarfed but my

husband and my daughter are. Why would you subject your children to such

horrific conditions. Just because there is a physical handicap does not mean

there is something wrong with them mentally so why treat them like that. You

segregate them by putting them in a school were there are only children there

size or close to it. You shelter them from society and the real world. They need

to learn early on that life itself is not fair and this was the hand they were

dealt and learn how to deal with it in the most positive way possible. I want to

shelter my daughter (being only nine months old) but I can't and I won't do that

to her. My husband is a very functional adult, father, and husband, but had his

parents sheltered him he would not be were he is today. We should educate not

only our children about what they have but the WORLD in general and hope that

one day they will not have to face such

horrible atrocities in school and in life itself. So again, I agree that such a

school as was suggested is such an insult to the dwarf community itself:o)

Thank You,

Just because I am physically disabled doesn't mean I am mentally disabled, so

don't treat me like I am .........LA

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------\

-------------------------------------------------------

For ALL have sinned and come short of the glory of God.......Romans 3:23

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------\

--------

disABILITY Awareness is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for people

with disabilities through housing, education, employment, & media........Not

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[Guest guest]

Er, , I agree with Mike too:-))))))) I was just, as we say over

here, " taking the piss " . :-)))))

Re: A School for Dwarf Children...

I agree with both Fred and Mike on this issue. I myself am not Dwarfed but my

husband and my daughter are. Why would you subject your children to such

horrific conditions. Just because there is a physical handicap does not mean

there is something wrong with them mentally so why treat them like that. You

segregate them by putting them in a school were there are only children there

size or close to it. You shelter them from society and the real world. They need

to learn early on that life itself is not fair and this was the hand they were

dealt and learn how to deal with it in the most positive way possible. I want to

shelter my daughter (being only nine months old) but I can't and I won't do that

to her. My husband is a very functional adult, father, and husband, but had his

parents sheltered him he would not be were he is today. We should educate not

only our children about what they have but the WORLD in general and hope that

one day they will not have to face such

horrible atrocities in school and in life itself. So again, I agree that such

a school as was suggested is such an insult to the dwarf community itself:o)

Thank You,

Just because I am physically disabled doesn't mean I am mentally disabled, so

don't treat me like I am .........LA

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------\

-------------------------------------------------------

For ALL have sinned and come short of the glory of God.......Romans 3:23

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------\

--------

disABILITY Awareness is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for people

with disabilities through housing, education, employment, & media........Not

know

---------------------------------

New Messenger with Voice. Call regular phones from your PC and save

big.

[Guest guest]

> 4. All a child's peers at the same height (roughly) to

himself/herself.

> Thus, no bullying, no struggle for survival in the mad stampedes

inherent in a school.

Fred --

I'm not sure if you are being serious or tongue-in-cheek with this.

But as for your reason #4, I totally disagree. To assume that the

only bullying dwarf children face is height-based is incorrect.

There will always be bullying and the reasons behind it are wide &

varied. The things you find in the average world are in our world as

well. Take a look at an LPA conference and see what you'll find:

Friendships, romances, break-ups, cliques, leaders, followers, out-

casts and the list goes on. We spend a week in " our " world and still

manage to get on each other's nerves. Why would kids be different?

Yes, one aspect of bullying will be removed but not all of them.

Rose

[Guest guest]

Hello all,

I wanted to add my experience, kind of similar but not

really lol.

I went to a segregated high school. It was a Catholic

all girl school.

After attending public school my whole life, my fam

and I decided I needed a change. I absolutely LOVED

not having guys in my school. Middle school was

absolute hell with guys, they were the ones that

picked on my profusely, so instead of learning, my

days were spent picking gum out of my hair or trying

to be invisible so they won't pick on me (even during

class it happened but me blending in never worked).

All I learned in middle school was how to be defensive

and stand-offish while my school work was suffering.

Going from that environment to this one was absolutely

amazing!

I can tell you that never once did I hear the M-word

through out my four years, never once was I beat up,

made fun of, or had to pick gum out of my hair. I was

judged on who I was as a person, not as a dwarf. I

came from Middle school as a low C student and

graduated with mostly A's and a few B's. I learned the

meaning of true friendship and respect while gaining

the self-confidence I needed. Because of that when I

went to college dealing with guys was no issue for me,

I could careless what they thought, my classes were

not a fashion show for me, they were strictly for

learning. Because of the education I got at an all

girl school, I was one of the few girls that ever

raised her hand in a male dominated philosophy class

in college. I did not care what they thought of me or

my answers, I only cared what the professor had to

say.

I loved my high school because we learned how to be

strong educated women. Again, it was not a fashion

show, no acting like a ditz in front of guys because

there weren't any lol. I compare that to my cousin's

education she is receiving currently at her high

school. Her days are spent trying to figure out what

guys like her, classes come second. Her happiness is

based on if a guy she liked in school talked to her.

Um sorry but I see something wrong with that.

So as far as an all LP school I don't agree with that,

however not all segregation is bad. Yes we had

dances, yes we had homecoming, lol

-

www.dsha.info check it out!

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

As ever Rose, part tongue in cheek, but part very serious, and in this case,

from experience.

I wasn't being short sighted in thinking it ONLY happens in split level

situations, I was speaking from the relatively limited experience I have ever

had, and that has only been IN split level situations.

I know it sounds weird, but I forget at times, that we ARE human:-) That

because we are human we have the same sociological problems as everyone else,

and thus, fight, scratch each others eyes out etc etc etc. Hell, no need to go

to a conference to witness it, just keep reading the lists:-)

And yes, I find it very sad that these negative scenario's DO go on even at the

annual weekly retreat, where, to me, the whole thing should be akin to heaven!

BUT, then I take solace in the fact it is witness to the fact that yes, we are

actually as normal as everyone else:-)

Cheers

Fred, the epitome of serenitude:-))))

Re: A School for Dwarf Children...

> 4. All a child's peers at the same height (roughly) to

himself/herself.

> Thus, no bullying, no struggle for survival in the mad stampedes

inherent in a school.

Fred --

I'm not sure if you are being serious or tongue-in-cheek with this.

But as for your reason #4, I totally disagree. To assume that the

only bullying dwarf children face is height-based is incorrect.

There will always be bullying and the reasons behind it are wide &

varied. The things you find in the average world are in our world as

well. Take a look at an LPA conference and see what you'll find:

Friendships, romances, break-ups, cliques, leaders, followers, out-

casts and the list goes on. We spend a week in " our " world and still

manage to get on each other's nerves. Why would kids be different?

Yes, one aspect of bullying will be removed but not all of them.

Rose

===

[Guest guest]

A School for Dwarf Children?

NEVER!

well, ok, one exception, only if the average sized female siblings of

the lps were still allowed to visit us at recess to remind me of how

much i miss dating them! lol j/k;)

oh, on a serious note tho, it wouldn't be good, i feel. because i think

then all the lp's within that school of just lps, and remember we're

not all one type ourselves in as much as we're not all the same in the

bigger ap world in which live right now, would then further segregate

itself internally, by excluding, isolating, ignoring, and/or bully

those lp's within the segregated school for lps because of their

individual and unique differences. why, because lps are no different

than aps, we do it to each other too. we're all human, it's just we

just don't admit it!

assimilation not segregation, i feel.

[Guest guest]

Yes, yes, of course! We NEED those average size females! ESPECIALLY as

teachers! Hell, I'd sure miss the view down the valley if my female teachers

didn't have to bend forward to speak to me!

And no Rose, I am not joking:-)))))

Fred, deadly serious!

Re: A School for Dwarf Children...

A School for Dwarf Children?

NEVER!

well, ok, one exception, only if the average sized female siblings of

the lps were still allowed to visit us at recess to remind me of how

much i miss dating them! lol j/k;)

oh, on a serious note tho, it wouldn't be good, i feel. because i think

then all the lp's within that school of just lps, and remember we're

not all one type ourselves in as much as we're not all the same in the

bigger ap world in which live right now, would then further segregate

itself internally, by excluding, isolating, ignoring, and/or bully

those lp's within the segregated school for lps because of their

individual and unique differences. why, because lps are no different

than aps, we do it to each other too. we're all human, it's just we

just don't admit it!

assimilation not segregation, i feel.

===

[Guest guest]

I am not a family member, parent, or friend of someone with dwarfism,

and I am only 16. Myself, being a teenager, is going to tell you what

I think about the subject about you letting your child out to face the

oustide world. You have to be very confident about it. You cannot

fear it, the more you fear it, the longer it will take you to get over

that. I understand what you mean when you say " Children by nature

are curious and can be rather evil when they get a little power " But,

if you do not let your child experience this for him/herself they are

going to be terrified of other people because they might make fun of

them for being they way that they are. I see people doing this day in

and day out. I however, do not think that people should be treated

differently because of how they look, what they do, etc... You as a

parent have to get your child more prepared to go out into the outside

world.

Feel free to e-mail or message me about any other questions.

--

>

> My only major concern

[Guest guest]

Are you sure you're only 16? You had written some powerful words! I

agree with your statements here!

Very nicely written, !

a

> >

> > My only major concern

>