From the Macomb [Michigan] Daily:

The Little People of America convention is coming up soon in Detroit, with more than 2,000 people expected from all over the country. Officials are hoping to raise public awareness about issues involving dwarfism, and demonstrate the value and contributions that little people bring to society. More than 80 percent of children of short stature are born to average-size parents with no history of dwarfism in the family.

Anita Atallah, 43, said social acceptance for little people has improved a lot in recent years, in part thanks to the program “Little People Big World.” “People are more aware now that there are people who may look different but are basically the same as everyone else,” said Atallah, who has achondroplasia.

From the Tri-City (Washington) Herald:

A bill making its way through Congress brings a rare chance for both sides of the abortion debate to come together in a humane way.

The bill, backed by Sens. Sam Brownback, R-Kan., and Ted Kennedy, D-Mass., would create a national registry for families willing to adopt babies born with Down syndrome, spina bifida, cystic fibrosis or dwarfism. It would cost about $5 million.

… this is an effort well worth the time and money it will take to set it up.

… A national registry would give pregnant women who might not carry their babies to term another option: A warm and accepting home with parents who are willing to accept the extra responsibilities such children represent.

Actor Peter Dinklage, who memorably starred in “The Station Agent,” is profiled in Newsday in connection with his role in the just-released “Penelope.” The comic fantasy’s lead character is a girl with the nose of a pig who is seeking unconditional love. Dinklage plays a repugnant tabloid reporter who tries to profit from Penelope’s difficulties.

As the world’s most famous dwarf actor, Dinklage’s appearance may suggest to an audience a certain irony, or whimsy, although that seems to be changing. There’s nothing about Lemon that makes him specifically altitude-challenged. What he represents is someone who’s different, persecuting someone else because of her difference. “Penelope’s” message is about love, but the politics are hard to avoid.

… “I suppose that people with disabilities have become more political, and as a result the focus has become more about the person than their differences,” he said. “Which is nice. If I’ve helped that at all, I’m pleased. But it was never my first intention.”

… “I used to be more concerned with it,” he said of his dwarfism (caused by a condition called achondroplasia). “But I’m 38, and much happier now; I’ve taken the pressure off myself. I’m like any other actor, I like telling a great story …”

See earlier post:  In ‘Penelope,’ Christina Ricci explores facial deformity

The headline on a story by Rob Hotakainen in the Wichita Eagle describes the Prenatally and Postnally Diagnosed Conditions Awareness Act as an “abortion bill.” The measure, co-sponsored by Sens. Sam Brownback (R-Kansas), at left, and Edward Kennedy (D-Massachusetts), would provide for accurate medical information to be offered to parents who receive a diagnosis of a disability either before birth or up to a year after the birth of a child.

Hotakainen describes the bill as one that “aims to reduce the number of abortions tied to genetic disorders.” He says Brownback views the bill as part of his campaign for “the culture of life,” and describes Brownback as saying that “children with special needs are viewed as being specially touched by God” in some cultures. Kennedy’s office declined to comment on the legislation, which passed a Senate committee recently. An excerpt:

“We’re just saying, instead of killing the children, let them live,” Brownback said … Currently, Brownback said, 90 percent of pregnancies are aborted when a genetic test shows that a fetus will develop into a child with Down syndrome, spina bifida, cystic fibrosis or dwarfism.

… “I’d like to see it come way down,” Brownback said. “I think these children are beautiful and sacred children, and they should be allowed the chance to live.”

(more…)

From the Boston Globe, a feature about three 10-year-old girls who will be attending an upcoming regional conference of Little People of America, a national organization for short-statured people.

The girls are described as assertive and outgoing, good students and comfortable with their size. They don’t think of themselves as disabled or different, and their parents report that their schools have made accommodations that allow them to navigate successfully.

“Nobody thinks anything of” Jessie’s size, said Bob Adams, describing his daughter’s school life. “They’ve all known her forever.”

Pianist Julius Drake with singers Ian Bostridge, Thomas Quasthoff and Dorothea Roschmann

From the New York Times, a favorable review of a Carnegie Hall recital of works by Schubert honoring Goethe. Among the featured singers was the internationally celebrated German bass-baritone Thomas Quasthoff.

Here’s a recent video of Quasthoff singing Schubert, on Youtube.

Lisa Hammond in a recent production of ‘The Hanging Man’

At four feet tall, playing a fairytale heroine is a big challenge, Lisa Hammond tells critic. Not that that will stop her …

By Brian Logan in the [London] Times:

Lisa Hammond, considered one of the best and funniest actresses in England, is also one of the smallest. Her career has been dedicated to flouting expectations of the roles an actor her size might play. She’s now playing an unconventional Beauty in a stage production of Beauty and the Beast.

In an interview with the Times critic, Hammond talks about challenging expectations, the use of stereotypes in theater, and her rejection of roles in which she would portray “a height and not a character. To some people, you’re not a human and you aren’t an actor. You’re just a height. I’m not prepared to be that.”

Hammond is painted as an “idealist” who

continues the fight because “disabled actors are still where black and Asian actors were ten years ago. And for smallness, we are 20 years behind.”

See related post.