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.
Our Next Regional Events
The 2020 District 12 Spring Regional is right around the corner and everyone is welcome! It's taking place on March 27-29 in Las Vegas, NV. We have a full schedule of workshops, medical appointments, bocce, games, dances, and a banquet.
- We are expecting 200+ attendees
- Inexpensive flights from all over the country
- The Palace Station Hotel is just half a mile from the strip
- $119/night plus taxes and fees
- Countless attractions & events for all ages located close by
The Palace Station Hotel and Casino
- Room rate $119 plus taxes and fees
- Free shuttle buses to and from McCarran International Airport & The Strip
- The airport is just 15 minutes away and The Strip is even closer
- All buses are ADA accessible with space for 3 scooters on each
- The hotel features swimming pools, a casino, and attached movie theaters; plus 10 unique dining options on-premises
For further information, check out the links on this website. Remember, you need to be registered for the conference before you can take advantage of the special LPA hotel room rates which are available until 1 March.
Conference Schedule and General Information
Online Registration
Note that when you register online, you may choose to pay by credit card or by personal check made out to LPA District 12 Spring Regional and mailed to the District 12 office. Once your check clears, you may qualify for the special LPA hotel room rates. (Remember, special room rates are available until 1 March).
District 12 Spring Regional
Little People of America
617 Broadway #518
Sonoma, CA 95476
If you would like to volunteer or if you have questions, please contact Lee Uniake by phone at (415) 235-2640 or by email.
--------------------------------------
A Note from our District Director about the 2019 D12 Fall Regional Conference:
Since District 12 hosted the 2018 Fall Trifecta Regional as well as the 2019 National Conference in June/July, we will not have a D12 Fall Regional. Instead, members are encouraged to attend a Fall Regional Conference in another region or to save up to attend future conferences.
There will be a D12 Spring Regional in 2020. The dates and hotel location will be announced when plans are confirmed.
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.
