LITTLE PEOPLE OF ONTARIO / L P O

Started in 1965 and operated entirely by volunteers the Little People of Ontario (LPO) is a provincial registered charitable organization that provides life-long fellowship support and information to people of short stature their families and friends in Ontario. Through peer support and personal example our members are supportive of all those who reach out to LPO by providing medical environmental educational vocational and parental guidance. LPO provides a Medical Conference with peer-to-peer support programming for persons of short stature (dwarfism) and parents with children of short stature. Our peer-support Holiday Gathering is a cornerstone event that enables the LP community to reunite forge new friendships and experience the unparalleled support and camaraderie that define LPO. LPO also facilitates a super fun overnight summer camp experience for children of short stature and their siblings. LPO maintains an up-to-date website with regular email communication ('eBlasts') a semi-occasional newsletter and a resource library for its members and families to be informed of matters related to dwarfism. Information on available Mental Health Resources LP Tax Benefits and a School Rules Guide has been popular for our LP community. LPO continues to support the Bursary program for families in financial need who would like to participate in the Conference and other events. LPO works with senior members to be 'Ambassadors' and 'Mentors' for new members and enhance its peer-to-peer self-help programs. LPO's Strategy Committee is committed to addressing the changing and unmet needs of its members and community. Collaborative work with the Dwarf Athletic Association of Canada (DAAC) continues to enhance the health and well-being of our LP community through sports. To help diminish stereotypes and negative misconceptions about people with dwarfism LPO also continues to work with the Little People of Canada (LPC) and other provincial LP organizations for increased official national recognition of October as Dwarfism Awareness and Acceptance Month. LPO is dedicated to raising awareness and educating the general public about dwarfism showing them that Little People are unique capable and Incredible in Every Way?.

The Little People of Ontario (LPO) continues to improve and develop new programs & events that can be held virtually and in person. Further updates to the New Family Welcome Package from experts at the Hospital for Sick Children continue to be added and are available on our website. Responding to the financial challenges many families face we introduced the Medical & Mobility Aids Bursary Fund (MMABF). This initiative eases financial burdens by reimbursing specified medical and mobility devices promoting independent living and self-sufficiency and improving the overall quality of life for its beneficiaries. LPO launched the 'How to Host an LPO Event' program to empower members to organize gatherings in their communities. Together we will continue to pave the way for a more inclusive and accepting society improving the quality of life for people with dwarfism.