Dwarfism: Life as a Little Person

Wisdom Shared with Carole Blueweiss

EPISODE SUMMARY

Jillian Curwin, an advocate for dwarfism and disability awareness, is the host of the podcast, “Always Looking Up." She was born with achondroplasia—a form of dwarfism. On the previous episode of Wisdom Shared, I spoke with her mother, Audrey. You can listen to that episode here: https://wisdom-shared.simplecast.com/episodes/audrey.

In this episode, Jillian talks about what it’s like navigating this world that is primarily designed for average-height people when she herself is a little person. Her commentary on films and TV is eye-opening as she shares her frustrations, solutions, and creative visions. All these ideas can go a long way toward accessibility and inclusion if we as a society change our own perspectives and see life from other points of view.

I learned a lot from speaking with Jillian for this episode, and from speaking with her mom Audrey in my last episode. Most of us take our average height for granted. Jillian helps expand our understanding with humor, intelligence, and most of all, first-hand experience as a little person.

FROM THIS EPISODE
Achondroplasia
Achondroplasia is a form of short-limbed dwarfism. The word achondroplasia literally means "without cartilage formation." https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/condition/achondroplasia/

Jillian’s Disney Project (includes photos)
https://cripplemedia.com/waiting-for-my-disney-princess/

Thinking Big: The Story of a Young Dwarf Children’s Book
https://www.amazon.com/Thinking-Big-Story-Young-Dwarf/dp/0688058264

Little People, Big World TV Show
https://go.tlc.com/show/little-people-big-world-tlc

Nancy Volpe Beringer: Fashion Design for Sustainability and Adaptability
https://www.nancyvolpeberinger.com

Little People of America
https://www.lpaonline.org

American Association of People with Disabilities
https://www.aapd.com

Rebecca Cokely, Ford Foundation Program Officer, U.S. Disability Rights
https://www.fordfoundation.org/about/people/rebecca-cokley/

Maria Town, American Association of People with Disabilities, President and CEO
https://www.aapd.com/about/maria-town/

Wigs and Wishes
https://www.wigsandwishes.org

FOLLOW AND CONTACT JILLIAN

Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/always-looking-up/id1567615385

Instagram:
@jill_ilana, @alwayslookingup.podcast

Website:
https://www.jillianilana.com

Email:
[e-mail]

Find and Follow Carole and Wisdom Shared:

• https://www.caroleblueweiss.com/
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The Wisdom Shared Team

• Audio Engineering by Steve Heatherington of Good Podcasting Works
• Co-Producer and Marketing Coordinator: Kayla Nelson
• Production Assistant: Becki Leigh