The Only 'Treatment' We Need for Dwarfism

I have been reading some articles written by genetic drug companies concerning the new vosoritide treatment. This is a new medical treatment that could potentially reverse all effects of achondroplasia, my form of dwarfism. The goal is to create a world in which dwarfism is “cured” and people no longer “suffer.” As a disability rights activist with achondroplasia, I feel almost as if I am being edited out of the world.

The problem is not physical disability, the problem is the world’s lack of ability to be OK with it. People fear what they do not understand. I wish the people who are celebrating this new drug could hear me say that I am so thankful I was born with achondroplasia. I most likely would not be an activist or an artist if it was not a part of my identity. The only problems I ever encounter are environmental ones, which can be so easily fixed! All that is needed is education.

Education is the lifeblood of acceptance and normalcy. Architects educated in physical disability will create accessible buildings. Teachers educated in physical disability will teach their students the importance of difference. Politicians educated in physical disability will keep all people in mind when creating new laws. It is a domino effect that could be beneficial for all people.

So instead of implementing this “cure” for achondroplasia, maybe the world should take a step back and analyze why this is happening. Acknowledge the fear we have of people that we do not know or understand and treat that fear with education.