If you don’t have dwarfism, you probably don’t think about how much of the world is designed for people of average height. But for people who are shorter than average, a lot of everyday tasks are just harder to accomplish.
Whether it’s at school, in the workplace, or at any other public-facing service, there are some simple ways to design a space that are more inclusive of people with dwarfism.
Here we’ll take a look at some key accommodations and adaptive equipment for little people.
What to Know About Dwarfism
First, it might be helpful to know a little bit more about dwarfism.
Dwarfism is a medical term for short stature, and is generally characterized by an adult height of 4 feet 10 inches or shorter. Hundreds of medical and genetic conditions can cause dwarfism, with achondroplasia being the most common.
Although short stature is the defining characteristic of dwarfism, people with dwarfism can face other complications as well. These include joint problems, hearing issues, and pain from spinal compression. These can further limit their mobility.
Although not all people with dwarfism identify as being disabled, dwarfism is a recognized condition under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). As a result, people with dwarfism are protected against discrimination.
This also means that they are entitled to reasonable accommodations in workplaces, public spaces, and other areas. This ensures that barriers in these places are removed or mitigated. When that happens as it should, little people can move through life much like everyone else.
Dwarfism Accommodations: Determining What’s Needed
There’s no single way to accommodate someone with dwarfism. It’s a matter of determining what conditions limit the person and what can be done to make things equally usable for them. This can happen at a regulatory level, but it’s also something that can be considered when designing a space.
For example, a survey by the American Standards Institute (ANSI) found that the highest most people with dwarfism could reach was 48 inches. At the time, ATMs were set at a height of 54 inches, which was reachable by most people in wheelchairs, but not people with dwarfism. Now, ATMs are set at a maximum height of 48 inches.
This is in line with what’s called universal design, a design philosophy that aims to make spaces more usable for everyone. After all, people of average height probably don’t even notice a slightly lower ATM - but it makes all the difference for people of short stature!
In general, each person with dwarfism will have unique needs. In both schools and workplaces, having an open dialog with anyone who may need these accommodations can help ensure they get those specific needs met.
Common Adaptive Equipment for Dwarfism
Once you have a sense of the accommodations a person with dwarfism may need or want, it’s time to make some changes to your space.
Note that many of these accommodations can be made anyway. It never hurts to make a space more accommodating to shorter people and young children, whether they have dwarfism or not!
Accommodations for Dwarfism in Schools
Children with dwarfism should be able to reach everything their classmates can reach. In schools, there are a few key areas where they may need adaptive equipment.
- Step-stools for bathrooms, water fountains, classrooms, and other areas they can’t reach. (In bathrooms, we recommend Step ‘n Wash! It’s designed to help people of short stature reach the sink independently.)
- Lower versions of items like hooks, towels, and soap dispensers. Latches on bathroom stalls often need to be lower as well!
- A smaller/lower chair and desk.
- More time to travel between classes.
- More rest or extra time for tests if manual dexterity/hand fatigue are an issue.
Little People of America has detailed information about school accommodations for people with dwarfism.
Accommodations for Dwarfism in the Workplace
Accommodating people with dwarfism in the workplace is similar to accommodating them in schools.
The key difference is that employers will have to consider what tasks the employee will need to perform, and whether they are set up to perform them as easily as their average-height colleagues. Here are a few key areas to look at.
- Adjustable workstations, including the desk, chair, and computer monitor.
- Accessible office equipment, whether by lowering its height or providing a stool.
- Modified restroom facilities, whether sinks, mirrors, handles, latches, and light switches are at accessible heights or otherwise accessible. (Step ‘n Wash is designed to help people of short stature reach the sink. It’s easy to clean around and gently retracts when it’s not in use.)
- Flexible working hours or additional breaks as needed to accommodate medical appointments and physical strain.
Remember that it’s the law to accommodate people with dwarfism in a way that will help them do their job. Major corporations have been sued for failing to provide accommodation.
Plus, denying what is often a simple and reasonable request doesn’t paint a company in the best light, either with employees or the public at large.
Final Thoughts on Accommodations
Providing accommodations is not only about removing physical barriers, but also about fostering a sense of belonging and respect. Creating inclusive spaces can help people with dwarfism feel fully integrated into their schools, workplaces, and communities, promoting a culture of equality. (Another common way you can make your bathrooms more accessible, is to make them family friendly.)
At Step ‘n Wash, we believe in creating more inclusive spaces. Our floor mounted, self-retracting step stool helps people of shorter stature reach the sink and wash their hands independently. Consider it one small step to a more inclusive public restroom design!
