Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!bonnie.concordia.ca!nstn.ns.ca!news.cs.indiana.edu!know!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!think.com!yale!bunker!hcap!hnews!Gary.Rapert From: Gary.Rapert@hnews.fidonet.org (Gary Rapert) Newsgroups: misc.handicap Subject: Re: NEW TO ECHO Message-ID: <17102@bunker.UUCP> Date: 22 Jan 91 21:50:31 GMT Sender: wtm@bunker.UUCP Reply-To: Gary.Rapert@hnews.fidonet.org Distribution: misc Organization: The Handicap News, Shelton CT (203) 337-1607 Lines: 39 Approved: wtm@bunker.UUCP Index Number: 13113 We try to instill in Ryan a positive self-image and help him build his self-esteem as much as possible, because eventually, he will have to deal with taunts and teasing and stares. If he feels good about himself, then he may realize that what, ignorant, intollerant people feel about him doesn't much matter. As far as the stares now, we ignore them. Ryan usually says something to break the ice, or people will see us treating him in an age-approriate way and realize that he is just shorter that "average" children his age. If people persist and ask "What's wrong with him?", we say "nothing." We them them that he has achondroplasia, and if they are intellegent enough to know what that means, then the conversation drifts away from curiosity to compliments. If persons don't know what achondroplasia is, they usually say nothing else. They are just curious, and I figure that by telling them what he has, their curiosity is satisfied. Well, this certainly has been a cathartic experience! We were beginning to feel much as you do. We live in Columbus, OH, are members of LPA, do not have a local chapter, and have had little success in networking with other parents of short-statured children. We've got lots of information on the Dwarf Athletic Association of America, books that will give many hints about coping with achondroplasia as parents, and other organizations I've run across in my lone search for a support group. I look forward to a reply from you after you absorb all of this. If you would like to talk more, please write to us at this address: Gary, Deb & Ryan Rapert 5107 Justin Road Columbus, OH 43227 You can also call us if you like at (614)864-7475. (Just remember we are 3 hours ahead of you here in Ohio!) I'll tell you about the specially adapted tricycle that was built for Ryan, and about his "zapper" that he uses to turn wall light switches on and off. Good luck as you all learn together! -- Uucp: ..!{decvax,oliveb}!bunker!hcap!hnews!Gary.Rapert Internet: Gary.Rapert@hnews.fidonet.org