Bill Text: NJ AJR72 | 2012-2013 | Regular Session | Chaptered
Bill Title: Designates October of each year as "National Dwarfism Awareness Month."
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 3-0)
Status: (Passed) 2013-08-09 - Approved P.L.2013, JR-11. [AJR72 Detail]
Download: New_Jersey-2012-AJR72-Chaptered.html
§§1,2 -
C.36:2-215 &
36:2-216
A Joint Resolution designating October of each year as "National Dwarfism Awareness Month" in New Jersey.
Whereas, Dwarfism is short stature resulting from a genetic or medical condition and is generally defined as an adult height of 4 feet 10 inches or less; and
Whereas, Heights of people with dwarfism typically range from 2 feet 8 inches to 4 feet 5 inches; and
Whereas, There are an estimated 30,000 people in the United States and 650,000 people across the world with a type of dwarfism; and
Whereas, Dwarfism is also known by the medical term "skeletal dysplasia," which encompasses over 200 distinct conditions that involve atypical bone and cartilage development; and
Whereas, Cases of dwarfism are generally subdivided into two broad categories: proportionate dwarfism, where the body is normally proportioned but much smaller than a normal-sized adult, and disproportionate dwarfism, where one or more body parts are disproportionate when compared to a normal-sized adult; and
Whereas, About 70 percent of all dwarfism is caused by achondroplasia, a genetic condition which affects childhood bone development within the long bones of the arms and legs, resulting in disproportionate dwarfism; and
Whereas, Dwarfism can also be caused by growth hormone deficiency, a medical condition where the body's pituitary gland does not produce adequate growth hormone during childhood, resulting in proportionate dwarfism; and
Whereas, Contrary to some public misconceptions, dwarfism does not normally affect cognitive abilities or lifespan, although the atypical bone growth associated with disproportionate dwarfism can lead to complications such as delayed motor development, hearing loss, bowed legs, hunching or swaying of the back, limb pain resulting from increased joint and spinal pressure, sleep apnea, and arthritis, and proportionate dwarfism can also lead to complications such as poorly-developed organs and heart problems; and
Whereas, Because dwarfism is relatively uncommon, people with dwarfism often encounter discrimination and the portrayal of people with dwarfism in the media often resorts to stereotypes; and
Whereas, Children with dwarfism may be particularly vulnerable to teasing and ridicule from classmates, resulting in feelings of isolation from their peers; and
Whereas, Organizations representing people with dwarfism are leading efforts to fight discrimination and negative portrayals and to promote preferable terminology such as "little person" rather than "midget" or other inappropriate and offensive language; and
Whereas, Family support, social networks, adaptive products and modifications, and improved public awareness also enable people with dwarfism to address discrimination and overcome other challenges in educational, work, and social settings; and
Whereas, People with dwarfism contribute to the strength of the New Jersey economy by representing all professions and trades, being productive members of the workforce, and making significant accomplishments in many fields; and
Whereas, People with dwarfism also contribute to the rich cultural and social diversity that is one of New Jersey's greatest assets, and it is appropriate for all citizens of this State to join them in celebrating their contributions, and promoting activities to address the unique challenges that they face; now, therefore,
Be It Resolved by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:
1. The month of October of each year shall be designated as "National Dwarfism Awareness Month" to promote public understanding of dwarfism, to improve efforts to support people with dwarfism and end discrimination towards them, and to celebrate their contributions to New Jersey's economic strength and social diversity.
2. The Governor shall annually issue a proclamation recognizing October as "National Dwarfism Awareness Month" in New Jersey and shall call upon public officials and the citizens of this State to observe the month with appropriate activities and programs.
3. This joint resolution shall take effect immediately.
STATEMENT
This joint resolution would designate October of each year as "National Dwarfism Awareness Month" in New Jersey to promote public understanding of dwarfism, to improve efforts to support people with dwarfism and end the discrimination that they may experience, and to celebrate their contributions to New Jersey's economy and social diversity.
Dwarfism is short stature resulting from a genetic or medical condition and is generally defined as an adult height of 4 feet 10 inches or less. Dwarfism involves the atypical growth of bones and connective tissues, but normally does not affect cognitive abilities or lifespan, contrary to some public perceptions. Dwarfism encompasses 200 distinct conditions subdivided into two broad categories: disproportionate dwarfism and proportionate dwarfism. Due to atypical bone growth, people with disproportionate dwarfism can sometimes experience health complications such as delayed motor development, hearing loss, limb pain resulting from joint and spinal pressure, sleep apnea, and arthritis. People with proportionate dwarfism can experience other health complications, such as poor organ development.
Dwarfism affects approximately 30,000 people in the United States. Because dwarfism is relatively uncommon, people with dwarfism often contend with social challenges, including discrimination, negative portrayals in the media, and inappropriate and offensive language. Public understanding of dwarfism can help end such discrimination, can encourage activities to address health complications and other challenges associated with dwarfism, and can promote broader public awareness that people with dwarfism often live normal and fulfilling lives like their average-height peers.
Designates October of each year as "National Dwarfism Awareness Month."
