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Kristen DeAndrade is the embodiment of perseverance and advocacy, relentlessly pushing boundaries to break stereotypes surrounding dwarfism and disability. Born with achondroplasia, the most common form of dwarfism, Kristen channels her lived experiences into changing the narrative around disability and differences. She is the published author of Little Legs, Big Heart: One Girl’s Journey of Acceptance, Perseverance, and Growth, a memoir that invites readers to confront the insecurities and vulnerabilities we all face.
In 2024, Kristen took a monumental step by founding The Little Legs Big Heart Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to inclusion, community, and support for individuals with skeletal dysplasia and their families. Through the Foundation’s initiatives like the Little Legs Lifeline Fund, which offers financial assistance for medical treatments, Kristen is creating a lifeline for those navigating life with skeletal dysplasia.
Currently residing in West Palm Beach, FL, Kristen is a mover, dancer, and lover of all things creative—especially in the kitchen and by the ocean. An advocate for vulnerability and inclusion, locally Kristen is deeply connected with both The Paley Orthopedic & Spine Institute and The Quantum House, supporting patients and their families. She has also made waves on the TEDx stage and across media outlets such as The Learning Channel, NY Post, Insider, Refinery29, Women’s Health, Huffington Post, The Female Lead and more.
Kristen’s mission is clear: to shine a light on adversity, celebrate the power of connection, and inspire others to embrace their scars as stories worth sharing.
Can you share some of your most memorable travel experiences?
Oh boy, where to even start! There have been so many memorable travel moments. As a kid, our road trips from Massachusetts to our camp in Maine were like the highlight of my life. The second we crossed the New Hampshire-Maine border, I was practically buzzing with excitement. To this day, I still get giddy driving that route or landing at Portland airport. I did a lot of growing up in Maine—found peace in nature, realized I could actually be athletic on the water and slopes and Maine became more of a home to me than Massachusetts ever was.
College, though? That was a whole different vibe. I was on the rowing team and we’d cram as many rowers as humanly possible into my tiny 5-passenger Jeep after practice. One time, I had 14 sweaty rowers in there (yes, 14!), and of course, I got pulled over. Somehow, I managed to convince the officer that they were way safer jammed into my car like sardines than trying to walk or bike back downtown. Not my proudest moment, but it worked! Another time, my car broke down in the middle of nowhere, South Carolina, and while we waited for a tow, we used the broken fan belt as a jump rope and pretended to be deer running through the woods. The cops were not impressed, but we laughed so hard.
Then there was my first solo flight—just a tiny plane to Colorado. I started feeling nauseous and, of course, my timing was off. I reached for the bag too late, and let’s just say it wasn’t pretty. I’m still cringing at the thought of it, but at 12 or 13, I don’t think I’d ever been that embarrassed in my life.
From getting lost in Costa Rica trying to find my hostel to losing my luggage in Portugal, my travels are never without a good story. Bottom line: life is never dull when I’m on the move!
Today, I’ll jump at any chance to go anywhere. The thrill, the excitement, and the confidence that comes from knowing these little legs can take on anything—it’s what makes my heart feel SO BIG. Every adventure, whether smooth or chaotic, just fuels that fire to keep exploring, pushing boundaries, and embracing whatever comes my way.
What is one destination you’ve visited that holds a special place in your heart?
Uganda holds an even deeper meaning for me, especially living with achondroplasia. Over there, people view disabilities so differently—it’s not seen with pity or awkwardness like it sometimes is here. Instead, there’s a quiet acceptance, a simplicity in how they treat everyone, no matter their differences. It gave me such a unique perspective on life with achondroplasia. I was able to connect with people on a human level, not defined by my stature. Living with dwarfism offers me a different lens on the world, and in Uganda, that lens became even clearer. People live with so little, yet their gratitude is immense, and that’s something that’s stuck with me ever since.
It was my first mission trip where I truly found the meaning of gratitude. I realized how far “a little” can go, and the people there? They’re incredible—especially the kids, who seem to have endless energy. There’s something magical about that orange dirt, the simplicity of life, and the lack of technology and constant personal connectivity. This past December, I went back for the first time since 2014, and we FINALLY saw lions! It’s truly a different world over there, one that continues to leave a mark on me.
Are there any travel destinations that you find particularly accessible?
Spain, but one thing that surprised me was travelling to Spain—while the country itself is quite accessible, the carry-on overhead bins on Iberia flights are basically made for humans who are 7 feet tall. And let’s just say, the flight attendants weren’t exactly rushing to help either, at least in my experience. Add in my horrific Spanish and the whole experience was a real treat. Honestly though, it was a bit of a mismatch considering how accessible Spain is overall. And that is really the only issue I have ever come across.
Travelling as someone with dwarfism, especially after undergoing limb lengthening, has really shifted my perspective. I’ve learned that the key is to ask for help when you need it. Where there’s a will, there’s a way! Every time I board a plane and can comfortably sit with both feet on the floor, I feel a wave of gratitude toward my 12-year-old self for committing to limb lengthening back in the day. It’s made a world of difference in how I navigate life.
Everything from getting my own luggage overhead, renting a car, or accessing public facilities has become much easier. It’s not just about physical height; it’s about the confidence and independence that come with it. Traveling now feels more like an adventure than a challenge, and that’s something I cherish deeply.
What advice would you give to other Little People who are hesitant to travel due to accessibility concerns?
Here’s my heartfelt advice: we, as humans, are capable of so much—especially when we work together! It’s completely normal to feel hesitant, but don’t let those worries hold you back.
Airlines and hotels have become increasingly accessible, and there are more resources than ever to help you navigate the journey. Yes, asking for help can be daunting—I know it was one of the hardest things for me to do for a long time. But you have to push through that discomfort. Life is too short, and the world is filled with incredible experiences waiting for you.
Sure, it may take a little more time and effort to navigate some challenges, but the freedom and joy that come from travelling are absolutely worth it. So, take that leap! Reach out, ask for what you need, and embrace every moment. You’ll be amazed at the connections you make and the adventures that await. Don’t let anything keep you from exploring this beautiful world!
Are there any instances where you had to advocate for better accessibility related to travel?
One thing that really stands out for me when it comes to travel advocacy is raising awareness about designated handicapped seating on trains, in airports and beyond. Almost every time I travel, I find myself advocating for someone who is disabled or elderly, standing and waiting while able-bodied individuals take up the handicapped seating—or worse, hogging multiple spaces with their bags.
I’m not afraid to speak up about it. Being born and raised just outside of Boston, I’m loud and make my point known when needed! It’s important for people to understand that these spaces and amenities are not for the general public’s convenience, they’re essential for those who truly need them.
One instance that really stands out in my travel advocacy happened when I saw a woman idling in a handicapped spot in her Tesla, waiting for her friend. I knocked on her window, and she looked confused until I pointed out my two friends on crutches making their way down the sidewalk after we had come around the corner. It was clear that her use of the handicapped spot was impacting them directly.
People can often get so caught up in their own little worlds that they’re completely unaware of how their actions affect others. This woman initially made excuses, but once she realized I wasn’t advocating for myself, but rather for my friends who genuinely needed that spot, she finally moved. It was a powerful moment that reminded me how important it is to speak up, even when it feels uncomfortable. By raising awareness in these situations, we can help foster a greater understanding of accessibility issues and the impact of our choices on those around us.
How do you prepare for a trip to ensure it will be as smooth as possible?
Preparing for a trip can feel like planning a military operation—except I’m usually the one who waits until the last minute to pack and inevitably forgets something crucial. It’s like my personal travel motto: “Why do today what you can put off until the night before?” Spoiler alert: it never ends well!
Then there’s packing. I might throw everything into my suitcase at the last minute, but I do have a system! I try to roll my clothes (because who doesn’t love a good space-saving hack?) and pack essentials in an easily accessible pouch. But let’s be real, I’ll probably just end up wearing the same outfit three days in a row anyway.
The key to smooth travels? Embrace the chaos! I’ve learned that flexibility is vital; things won’t always go as planned, and that’s okay. I keep a sense of humor about it all because, honestly, there’s never a dull moment over here! So, whether I’m fumbling with my luggage or having a mini meltdown over missing my favorite shirt, I just remind myself that every adventure is part of the journey.
Have you noticed any improvements in travel accessibility over the years?
I’ve noticed some serious upgrades in travel accessibility—though it’s still far from a first-class experience for someone with dwarfism. But hey, baby steps, right?
Airlines have become more accommodating (thankfully!), with better options for seating and extra assistance getting on and off the plane. Although, those overhead bins? Still designed for giants. I mean, at this point, I think they expect people under 5 ft to sprout wings and fly up there with their carry-on.
Hotels have also started stepping up their game, offering lower counters and better bathroom setups. But there’s still the occasional situation where those with dwarfism have to channel their inner ninja just to reach the soap dispenser or switch the light on.
That being said, it is amazing to see how much more aware people have become of accessibility in general. You see stools and lowered accommodations in places and there’s more sensitivity toward different needs, which is refreshing. Of course, there’s still work to be done—forwards ever, backwards never!
The travel industry and their role in improving accessibility
The travel industry has a huge role to play in improving accessibility for those with dwarfism and anyone living with disabilities. And honestly, it’s time they really step up their game! Let’s start with the obvious: why are accommodations and “extras” always more expensive? I mean, why should we have to pay more just because we live with a disability? It’s like they’re penalizing us for needing a little extra room to move or some specialized assistance. Seriously, last time I checked, it wasn’t a luxury to be able to reach the bathroom sink without a step stool.
It’s baffling that accessible rooms or seats come with a higher price tag when, in reality, they should be standard options. Accessibility is a basic right, not an “add-on.” Whether it’s booking a hotel with roll-in showers, requesting extra legroom on a plane, being able to transport your very expensive wheelchair without the constant fear of people mishandling and breaking it or finding transportation that doesn’t require a Herculean effort to get into, it shouldn’t come with an extra charge. If anything, the travel industry should be incentivizing accessible options to make travel easier for everyone.
What I’d love to see is for the industry to embrace universal design principles—making everything accessible by default, not as an afterthought. And let’s not stop at Little People; there are so many diverse needs across the disability spectrum that deserve attention. It’s about creating inclusive spaces and experiences where everyone can travel freely and comfortably, without paying more for the privilege of existing.
In short: stop treating accessibility like an upsell. Travel should be accessible for all, no hidden fees attached!
How can fellow travellers contribute to a more inclusive and accessible travel environment?
It all starts with the individual. Fellow travelers can contribute to a more inclusive and accessible environment simply by being kind and aware of the people around them. A little kindness and compassion go a long way, whether that’s offering a smile, stepping aside to give someone extra space, or lending a hand with something as simple as getting a bag into the overhead bin. Honestly, those small gestures make the world of difference.
And for the love of all things travel-related, don’t use handicapped-accessible accommodations unless you actually need them! Whether it’s an accessible bathroom stall, parking space, or priority seating on public transport, they exist for a reason—to help those of us who need them the most. Taking up these spaces when you don’t need them is just inconsiderate.
A little awareness goes a long way. Instead of rushing through your trip thinking only about your destination, take a moment to consider how your actions could impact others. You never know when a simple act of kindness will make someone else’s day—or their entire journey—better. Travel is about the journey and the people we meet along the way, so let’s make it a positive one for everyone!
How has experiencing different cultures impacted your views on disability and inclusion?
In oh so many ways. Travelling has definitely made me more sensitive, aware and cautious when it comes to disability and inclusion. I’ve seen firsthand how different cultures view disability—sometimes in ways that make me take a step back and think about how much I take for granted.
Living in the face of adversity is no picnic, but it’s opened so many doors for me that others might not even realize exist. In some places, the sense of community is strong, and people will go out of their way to help without even being asked. Then there are places where disability isn’t as visible or acknowledged, which makes me more grateful for the progress we’ve made here—while also reminding me how far we still have to go.
Despite the challenges, I’ve had experiences that people only dream about. And honestly, if it weren’t for those challenges, I wouldn’t have the unique perspective or opportunities I’ve had. Each culture, each experience has added a layer of understanding to how I view myself, disability, and inclusion, and it’s something I carry with me every day.
Any upcoming projects or travels that you’re excited about?
Taking the Little Legs Big Heart Foundation overseas is definitely on the horizon. I’m particularly excited about Spain for ALPE’s International Congress in 2025—it’s going to be a huge opportunity to expand the foundation’s reach and connect with more international communities. Fingers crossed for Italy, too! Travelling with a purpose and advocating on a global scale feels like the next natural step. Plus, I get to combine my love for adventure with my passion for advocacy, so it’s really a win-win!
One fun thing about yourself
Just one fun thing? Oh, come on, you’re making me choose? Alright… I’m obsessed with glitter. And I don’t mean “Oh, I like glitter,” I mean I carry it with me everywhere. There’s always a little vial of glitter in my bag, just waiting for the right moment. Whether I’m at the beach, in a meeting, or even at the airport—life just looks better with a bit of sparkle. It’s my way of saying, “Don’t take life so seriously; throw some glitter on it!” Plus, who doesn’t love a little shimmer to brighten up their day? You know I’m all about a glitter bomb! Actually – I have only ever been kicked out of an establishment once. It was for glitter-bombing the dance floor. When I tried to go back a year later, I was denied entry. My friends will never let me live that one down!
Finally . . .
If there’s one thing I want readers to take away, it’s this: Don’t let fear or doubt hold you back. Whether it’s advocating for yourself or packing a bag and exploring the world, you are capable of more than you think. We only get one shot at this life, and while living with a disability comes with its own set of challenges, it shouldn’t stop you from going after what you want.
The world is much more accessible than it used to be, and with a little preparation (and sometimes a lot of patience), you can experience all the beauty it has to offer. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, either! There’s no shame in it, and honestly, the more we raise awareness by advocating in those moments, the better it will be for the next traveler who might need that same support.
So, whether you’re advocating for change or taking that dream trip—do it unapologetically. The world is out there waiting, and it’s time to take up the space we deserve!
Website: Little Legs Big Heart Foundation
Facebook: Little Legs Big Heart
Instagram: Little Legs Big Heart
LinkedIn: Kristen DeAndrade