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DWARFISM

Dwarfism is short stature that results from a genetic or medical condition. Dwarfism is generally defined as an adult height of 4 feet 10 inches (147 centimetres) or less. The average adult height among people with dwarfism is 4 feet (122 cm).

It is categorised in to 2 broad categories. Proportionate dwarfism and disproportionate dwarfism.

 

Disproportionate dwarfism is characterized by an average-size torso and shorter arms and legs or a shortened trunk with longer limbs. In proportionate dwarfism, the body parts are in proportion but shortened.

 

Under RPwD ACT 2016:

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Dwarfism is a growth disorder, also known as short stature and a person or organism with the condition is referred to as a dwarf. When the size of an adult man or woman is less than 147 centimeters- 4 feet 10 inches, dwarfism is the cause.

It is included under locomotor disability group. For more information please read RPwD Act 2016 under ask T.I.N.A.

Symptoms of Disproportionate Dwarfism:

  • Adults typically are about 4 feet tall

  • Average-size torso and very short limbs, especially in the upper halves of arms and legs

  • Short fingers

  • Wide spaces between the middle and ring fingers

  • Limited elbow mobility

  • Disproportionately large head

  • Prominent forehead

  • Flattened bridge of the nose

  • Bowing of legs that progressively worsens over time

  • Swaying of the back that progressively worsens over                                                                 time

  • Very short trunk

  • Short neck, arms, and legs, but average-size hands and feet

  • Broad chest

  • Flattened cheekbones

  • Cleft palate or an opening in the roof of the mouth

  • Unstable neck bones

  • Deformed hips where the thigh bones turn inward 

  • Twisted feet

  • Hunched upper back that progressively worsens

  • Swayed lower back that progressively worsens

  • Arthritis

  • Joint mobility problems

  • Impaired vision or hearing

 

Symptoms of proportionate dwarfism include a smaller head, arms, and legs. But all are in proportion with each other. Organ systems may be smaller too.

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Other signs of proportionate dwarfism in children are:

  • Slower growth rate than expected for their age

  • Height lower than the third percentile on standard charts for age

  • Delayed or no sexual development during the teen years

Reasonable adjustments:

  • Lifts or smaller steps.

  • Disabled bathrooms with lower sinks and toilet.

  • Lower cabinets and drawers.

  • Stools to reach higher places in the kitchen and office.

Assistive technology:

  • Scooters and bicycles — Kids who deal with dwarfism might struggle with feelings of frustration over not being able to keep up with friends. For some children, bicycles and scooters are the perfect assistive solution for getting around easier.

  • Stools: Individuals can use stools to help them get into bed, turn off lights, and reach cabinets

Accommodation Ideas














 

Accommodation Ideas

By Limitation

By Limitation of: Grasping

1. Grasping

  • Accessible Software for Webbing Adjustable Drafting Tables

  • Adjustable Massage Tables Aide/Assistant/Attendant

  • Alternative Spray Can Holders/Guns Anti-vibration Gloves

  • Anti-vibration Tool Wraps      Auto-dialers

  • Automated Filing Systems Book Holders

  • Breath and Mouth Controlled Alternative Computer Input Devices Cake Decorating and Baking Equipment

  • Compact Material Handling Deburring Tools

  • Dental and Surgical Instruments Door Knob Grips and Handles Electric Scissors

  • Electric Stapler

  • Electronic Organizers

  • Ergonomic and Pneumatic Tools Ergonomic Knives

  • Ergonomic Scissors File Carousels

  • Filing Trays

  • Graphics Design Software Grip Aids

  • Hair Scissors

  • Handheld Computers (General) Hands-free Telephones

  • Headsets

  • Height Adjustable Table Legs

  • Left Hand-Dominant Keyboards Light Switch Extension Handles Lightweight Lead Aprons

  • Manhole Cover Lifts

  • Money Handling Products Mop Buckets

  • Mops and Mop Handles Motorized Carts

  • Multi-Purpose Carts

  • One-Handed Keyboards Page Turners

  • Pipettes

  • Professional Organizers Reachers

  • Scribe/Notetaker

  • Shoulder Rests for Telephone Handsets Steering Grips

  • Talking Bar Code Scanner/Reader

  • Talking Money Identifier

  • Test Tube Holders

  • Tool Balancers

  • Touch less Faucets

  • Van Conversion

  • Wheelchair Trays

  • Writing Aids

By Limitation of: Reaching

2. Reaching

  • Adjustable Massage Tables

  • Adjustable Workstations for Industrial Settings

  • Adjustable Workstations for Office Settings Aerial Lifts

  • Convex Mirrors Deburring Tools

  • Ergonomic and Pneumatic Tools Ergonomic Assessments

  • Ergonomic Equipment Folding Steps

  • Height Adjustable Table Legs Independent Living Aids

  • Large-Rated Small Step Ladders Lift Tables

  • Long-Handled Mirrors Low Task Chair

  • Mechanic's Seats and Creepers Periodic Rest Breaks

  • Power Lift IV Stands Reachers

  • Rolling Safety Ladders Stair Assists

  • Step Stools

  • Vacuum Pickup Tools Wheelchair Trays

  • Work Platforms

By Limitation of: Handling / Fingering

3. Handling

  • Accessible Software for Webbing Adjustable Drafting Tables

  • Adjustable Massage Tables Aide/Assistant/Attendant 

  • Alternative Input Devices Alternative Keyboards

  • Alternative Mice

  • Alternative Spray Can Holders/Guns Anti-vibration Gloves

  • Anti-vibration Tool Wraps

  • Articulating Keyboard Trays Automated Filing Systems Book Holders

  • Breath and Mouth Controlled Alternative Computer Input Devices Cake Decorating and Baking Equipment

  • Compact Material Handling Deburring Tools

  • Electric Scissors Electric Stapler

  • Electronic Organizers

  • Ergonomic and Pneumatic Tools Ergonomic Equipment

  • Expanded Keyboards Extra Grip Gloves

  • Forearm Supports

  • Graphics Design Software Grip Aids

  • Hair Scissors

  • Handheld Computers (General) Height Adjustable Table Legs Key guards

  • Light Switch Extension Handles Miniature Keyboards

  • Money Handling Products On-Screen Keyboards

  • One-Handed Keyboards Page Turners

  • Periodic Rest Breaks Pipettes

  • Professional Organizers Scribe/Notetaker

  • Speech Recognition Software

  • Talking Bar Code Scanner/Reader Talking Money Identifier

  • Test Tube Holders Touch less Faucets

  • Typing / Keyboarding Aids Vacuum Pickup Tools

  • Van Conversion

  • Wheelchair Trays

  • Writing Aids

By Limitation of: Toilet / Grooming Issue

4. Toilet

  • Accessible Toilets and Toilet Seats Aide/Assistant/Attendant

  • Flexible Schedule 

  • Grab Bars - Toilet Hinged Arm Support Grooming and Dressing Aids

  • Independent Living Aids Modified Break Schedule Swing Away Grab Bars

  • Telework, Work from Home, Working Remotely Toileting Aids

  • Transfer Aids Transfer Sheets

  • Worksite Redesign / Modified Workspace

By Work-Related Function

Parking
5. Parking

  • Accessible Parking Space

  • Flexible Schedule

  •  Telework

  • Work from Home

  • Working Remotely

  • Wheelchairs

Safety Standards
6. Safety

  • Additional Training Time / Training Refreshers Aerial Lifts

  • Alerting Devices Body Protection Custom Shoes

  • Cut and Puncture Resistant Gloves and Sleeves Designated Responders

  • Ergonomic Assessments Ergonomic Equipment Escape Hoods

  • Established Routes of Travel for Heavy Equipment/Vehicles Evacuation Devices

  • Fall Protection

  • Machine Guards and Shields

  • Personal Safety and Fall Alert Devices Plan of Action 

  • Roadwork Assistance Rolling Safety Ladders

  • Safety-Related Equipment for Little People Seat Belts & Seat Belt Extenders

  • Steel Toe Shoes & Toe Guards Vehicle Rear Vision System

  • Workplace Safety

Work Site Access
7. WorkSite

  • Accessible Toilets and Toilet Seats Accessories for Scooters

  • Adjustable Workstations for Industrial Settings Adjustable Workstations for Office Settings

  • All-Terrain Scooters Anti-fatigue Matting

  • Automatic Door Openers Boat Access

  • Braille and/or ADA Signage

  • Door Knob Grips and Handles

  • Examination and Procedures Chair Flexible Schedule

  • Head Support for Wheelchairs

  • High Visibility Floor Tape and Paint Low Task Chair

  • Portable Ramps

  •  Scooters

  • Service Animal

  • Smart Locks/Keyless Entry Locks Stair Assists

  •  Stair Tread/Textured Tape Support Animal

  •  Telework, Work from Home, Working Remotely

  • Van Conversion Walkers

  •  Wearable Anti-fatigue Matting Wheelchair Accessible Scales Wheelchair Carts/Trailers

  •  Wheelchair Lifts

  •  Wheelchair Mounts Wheelchairs

  •  Worksite Redesign / Modified Workspace

Work Station Access
8. Work Station

  • ​Adjustable and Ergonomic School Desks and Equipment Adjustable Desk Top Workstations for Office Settings

  • Adjustable Workstations for Industrial Settings Anti-fatigue Matting

  • Articulating Keyboard Trays Assist Lift Cushions

  • Chair Mats

  • Chairs for Little People

  • Dual Monitors

  • Elevating Lift and Office Chairs

  •  Ergonomic and Adjustable Office Chairs Ergonomic Equipment

  •  Expanded Keyboards Forearm Supports

  •  Forward Leaning Chairs Monitor Mirrors

  •  Monitor Risers

  •  Mousing Surfaces Stand-lean Stools

  •  Supine Workstations Work Platforms

  •  Zero Gravity (reclining) Chairs

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