National Short Person Day
Tuesday, December 22, 2026
Advocacy and legal milestones. Organized advocacy for shorter-statured individuals began in 1957, when actor. Billy Bartyfounded Little People of America after gathering 21 people in Reno, Nevada. The organization grew into a national network with over 7,500 members, advocating for accessibility, medical resources, and equal treatment. In 1976, Michigan passed the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act, one of the first state laws in the country to explicitly ban discrimination based on height and weight, covering employment, housing, education, and public accommodations
History
Advocacy and legal milestones. Organized advocacy for shorter-statured individuals began in 1957, when actor. Billy Bartyfounded Little People of America after gathering 21 people in Reno, Nevada. The organization grew into a national network with over 7,500 members, advocating for accessibility, medical resources, and equal treatment. In 1976, Michigan passed the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act, one of the first state laws in the country to explicitly ban discrimination based on height and weight, covering employment, housing, education, and public accommodations
How It's Celebrated
National Short Person Day is observed by recognizing the importance of the day, learning about its background and significance, and sharing awareness with others through conversation and social media. Many people take time to reflect on the meaning of the observance and participate in relevant activities or community events.