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As the guest editor for the July edition of Accessible Journey’s magazine, I am honoured to delve into the crucial topic of accessibility within the travel industry, particularly focusing on the experiences of individuals with dwarfism. My son and I were born with achondroplasia, the most common form of dwarfism. Prior to us, there is no history of dwarfism in my family. Little People of America defines dwarfism as a medical or genetic condition that typically results in an adult height of 4’10” or shorter in both men and women. There are over 400 types of dwarfism, with the most common being achondroplasia (1 in 40,000 births), spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia congenita (SEDc) (1 in 95,000 births), and diastrophic dysplasia (1 in 110,000 births). It is important to note that dwarfism is recognized as a disability.
I am passionate about advocacy for little people and all disabilities. I hold a master’s degree in Disability Studies from the University of Manitoba and am on a mission to ensure that every child born with dwarfism believes they can achieve anything they aspire to be AND that they are perfect, just the way they are.
I enjoy travelling and have explored much of the U.S. through my involvement with Little People of America (LPA), a nonprofit organization that provides support and information to people of short stature and their families. Having been a member my entire life, I recall my parents travelling with me to the annual convention every year. Now, serving as the Advocacy Director on the board for LPA. In addition, I serve as the President of Little People of Manitoba, Canada.
I am excited to share insights from well-seasoned travellers in our community. Through engaging interviews with Jesse Nichols, Marie Trottier, Maria McClellan, Jim Teneycke and Kai Rivas, we have gained profound insights into the barriers and triumphs faced by individuals with unique mobility needs when travelling. Each interviewee exemplified the theme of self-advocacy and confidence, showcasing the importance of advocating for one’s needs and navigating travel with resilience and determination.
LPA’s 2024 conference welcomed 2,000 attendees, the majority of whom are born with dwarfism, and the focus on accessibility and inclusivity in travel was paramount. The experiences and perspectives shared by Jesse, Marie, Maria, Jim, and Kai serve as a reminder of the barriers and unique needs faced by individuals with dwarfism when travelling. By fostering a culture of inclusivity and understanding, we can create a more welcoming and accommodating travel environment for all individuals, ensuring that everyone can embark on their travel adventures with dignity and independence.
No matter what, we all deserve respect while travelling and the ability to travel without frustration. Ensuring that the needs of all travellers are met is crucial. By acknowledging and addressing these needs, we can help make travel a more enjoyable and hassle-free experience for everyone.
The annual conference provides an opportunity for attendees to come together, share experiences and advocate for greater accessibility in the travel industry. By acknowledging the diverse needs and perspectives of individuals with dwarfism, we can work towards creating a more inclusive and empowering travel landscape for all travellers.
I hope that you enjoy reading about some of the wonderful people who I am lucky enough to call my friends, and their various experiences.
Samantha Rayburn-Trubyk