Welcome!
Little People of America (LPA) is a nonprofit organization that provides support and information to people of short stature and to their families. The organization was created in 1957 by Billy Barty and friends.
The national organization is divided into regional districts and local chapters. District 12 covers the local LPA chapters in the region of California and Nevada. Each local chapter is a group of families, friends, acquaintances, and professionals who are connected by experience with short stature.
On this site you will find information about our district, national organization, local chapters, contacts for more information about dwarfism, available resources, and how you can participate with us. You are welcome to contact us for more information, for support, or to join with everyone at the regional activities we hold during Spring and Autumn every year.
Our Mission
LPA is dedicated to improving the quality of life for people with dwarfism throughout their lives while celebrating with great pride Little People’s contribution to social diversity. LPA strives to bring solutions and global awareness to the prominent issues affecting individuals of short stature and their families.
The Painted Turtle Camp for Kids
The Painted Turtle is a year-round medical specialty camp for children who have serious medical conditions. All campers attend free of charge. Each summer, one session is for children with skeletal dysplasias. Stay tuned for a link to the 2019 Calendar.
Campers will find a cabin village, equestrian center with a horse barn and trail rides, fishing and boating on a private lake, archery field, gymnasium, Shamu-shaped pool, rock-climbing wall, adventure ropes course (wheelchair accessible!), woodshop center, organic farm, and new friends who understand their experiences of serious illness.
Painted Turtle Camp website
17000 Elizabeth Lake Road
P.O. Box 455
Lake Hughes, CA 93532 map
Phone Number: (661) 724-1550
Fax Number: (661) 724-1340
To learn about the Painted Turtle camp and find out camper requirements, please see the FAQ and the application information webpages. The 2017 camper application will be available in early February. You may apply online or request a paper copy to be sent to you by contacting the Camper Admissions Office.
Our Next National Events
National LPA Conference
The 2018 LPA National Conference will be held in Orlando, FL, during the week of July 6-12, at the Hyatt Regency Orlando. A full conference description and registration forms will be mailed to LPA members during Spring 2018.
The Conference Management Committee and District 4 is working on all of the details, but Family Fun Night and Speakers Nights are back, workshops, medical consultations, Talent Show, Fashion show and DAAA events too.
The Hyatt Regency Orlando is an exciting hotel with lots of entertainment options, just stops away on International Drive. The hotel also has two pools, a water slide, a waterfall and outdoor kids play area. Be sure to mark your calendars for March 1, 2018, when LPA registration and hotel reservations open to all LPA attendees.
For further information or to volunteer, please contact Sandy Taylor by e-mail.
DAAA National Games
The Dwarf Athletic Association of America (DAAA) will host a National Games in 2018 in Orlando, FL, nearby the National Conference.
Stay tuned for more information on the DAAA website.
An Author in Our Midst!
The Magical Mask Storybook
The Magical Mask is an illustrated book for children about the use of CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) mask. The new storybook is based on a story by Keren Stronach, vice president of the San Francisco Bay Area Chapter 4. Keren originally wrote a story called The Magic Mask for her daughter, Talia, who was diagnosed with sleep apnea at the age of two. The story had an immediate effect on Talia, who requested that the story be read to her several times before agreeing to wear her mask.
After speaking to other parents who had trouble helping their kids adjust to therapy, Keren wanted to write a story that would help children feel more comfortable about wearing a mask. Keren hopes that the story will help to ease the process of introducing the mask to young children.
Copies of the book are available for free by calling ResMed: 1-800-424-0737 option 1. Thanks to Keren and ResMed, the story (illustrated by William Ross) is also available online.
