Debra Keenahan is an academic and artist whose dwarfism looms large in her work. She opens up to Jane Hutcheon about being different, dealing with insults and paving the way for a more accepting world.

She opens up to Jane Hutcheon about being different, dealing with insults and paving the way for a more accepting world. #OnePlusOne

http://www.abc.net.au/news/programs/one-plus-one/2017-10-19/one-plus-one:-debra-keenahan/9067004

SSPA MEMBERSHIPS ARE NOW DUE FOR RENEWAL

To become a member of the SSPA or to renew your membership for 2017/18, the following link will take you to our online membership form:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SSPA_Membership_Form

Membership of the SSPA is open to people of short stature, their family & friends or indeed anyone with a genuine interest in short stature.

Details of our current membership categories are as follows:

• SSI (Short Statured Individual) – Any person of short stature over the age of 18. Entitled to one vote.
• P/G (Parent Guardian) – a parent/guardian of a person of short stature who is under 18, or a dependant student under 25. Entitled to one vote.
• Family membership – two parent/guardians of a person of short stature who is under 18, or a dependant student under 25. Entitled to two votes.
• Associate membership – any interested person who has a relative or friend of short stature or who has a valid interest in short stature. Entitled to one vote.
• Corporate membership – not entitled to vote.
• Life membership – awarded to a long serving member of the SSPA . Determined by the membership. Entitled to one vote.

As of 1^st August 2017 members may take advantage of advanced payment memberships of 3 or 5 years. See the table of fees below:

 

TABLE OF FEES

 

	1 Year	3 Years	5 Years
SSI (Short Statured Individual) entitled to 1 vote   P/G (Parent Guardian) entitled to 1 vote   Associate member entitled to 1 vote   Corporate member Not entitled to vote	$40       $40     $40     $40	$114       $114     $114     $114	$185       $185     $185     $185
New members receive 10% discount	$36	$104	$165
FAMILY entitled to 2 votes	$70	$200	$330
New members receive 10% discount	$63	$180	$300

Membership benefits

Membership benefits include:

• Six issues of the National S.S.P.A. Journal (either print or electronic version) per year.
• Travel subsidies for short-statured people to attend the annual National Conventions (when funds are available).
• Discounts on National Convention registration fees
• Access to the S.S.P.A. Library.
• Access to the Careers and Vocational Guidance Fund: The S.S.P.A.’s Careers & Vocational Guidance Fund was established to assist people of short stature, whether it be in education, their careers or personal circumstances.  Assistance is given at the discretion of the trustees.
• Access to the expertise of medical specialists and geneticists on the S.S.P.A. Professional Advisory Board.
• Opportunities to attend Short Stature symposiums.
• Opportunities to participate in competitive sporting opportunities with those of a similar stature

Don’t miss out, put in your renewal or new membership today

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SSPA_Membership_Form

 

 

In less than 3 weeks, The SSPA will be flying over to Canada for their 3^rd World Dwarf Games. This past weekend the team completed their final training and celebrated at the SSPA Annual Gala the unveiling of the final team.

The World Dwarf Games are a unique opportunity for individuals with dwarfism to compete against athletes from around the world on an even playing field. Sports contested include Basketball, Soccer, Track & Field, Swimming, Boccia, Badminton, Table Tennis, and Powerlifting. The games are held every four years, and represent the pinnacle of Short Statured Sport.

In the prior 2 World Dwarf games Australia proved formidable competition to the world bringing home dozens of medals. The 2017 team of 30 athletes including Paralympians and international competitors is hoping to repeat the outstanding success. The team has been training rigorously for over 12 months, preparing for the elite level of dwarf sport. This past weekend’s training was a final session to cement the team’s performance.

At the Gala Dinner on Saturday, we were treated to an interview with Paralympic champion Ellie Simmonds. This was followed by the revealing of the final team of athletes and coaches. The Gala was an outstanding success helping to send the team to Canada.

The Australian Team will be departing Australia on the 2^nd August for the week-long competition in Canada beginning on the 5^th August. Like the team page on Facebook to keep up to date with performance and results of the team. Any support you can give would be greatly appreciated https://www.gofundme.com/7qqvqsys

We wish the team the best of success!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 24TH – SATURDAY 30TH SEPTEMBER 2017

The key annual activity of the SSPA is the National Convention. This year we are celebrating the convention’s 50th Anniversary in the Hunter Valley. The convention is devoted to supporting short statured people and their families; with a focus on empowering short statured people for the betterment of both the individual and society. All short statured individuals do ‘look different’, not only do they have to navigate in a world built for 6 foot individuals, they have to contend on a daily basis with a society that places great emphasis on appearance. The National Convention gives short statured people and their families an opportunity so socialise, learn and develop themselves. With the 50^th anniversary of our first convention, this year is going to be a big celebration and is one not to be missed.

 

Program

SUNDAY 24TH SEPTEMBER to SATURDAY 30TH SEPTEMBER

Myuna Bay Recreational Centre

Sunday 24th Afternoon Arrival

Monday 25th Day Tour Hunter Valley (Winery Tour OR Hunter Valley Zoo) Evening Disco – Back to the 60’s

Tuesday 26th AGM 10.00 am

FREE AFTERNOON Or National Council meeting for those elected

After dinner “A trip down memory Lane with foundation members”

Wednesday 27th Port Stephens Day Tour (options: Dolphin Cruise OR Kayaking/SUP OR lazing around having a coffee at one of the many café’s OR playing on the water’s edge.

FREE EVENING

Thursday 28th Sports Day

Short Arts Evening

Friday 29th Medical Day

Dinner Dance (Club Macquarie) 7pm to 11pm

Saturday 30th Good Byes

Please find attached convention registration forms. Completed registration forms can be emailed to [email protected] or mailed to the address found on the form.

2017 SSPA CONVENTION REG FORM

Please forward registration form/s and min $100 deposit per person NO LATER THAN FRIDAY, 31st July 2017 

The Short Statured People of Australia (SSPA), are sending their 3rd Australian Team to the World Dwarf Games being held in Canada 2017. These games are a unique opportunity for individuals with dwarfism to compete against athletes from around the world on an even playing field. Sports contested include Basketball, Soccer, Track & Field, Swimming, Boccia, Badminton, Table Tennis, and Powerlifting. The games are held every four years, and represent the pinnacle of Short Statured Sport.

Team Australia made its debut at the 2009 Games (Belfast) with 15 athletes and 2013 Games (Michigan) with 33 Athletes.

 

In 2017 we hope to send a team of 30 Athletes over to Canada. However we need your help, your funding can assist us getting over to Canada (Flights), Uniforms, Accommodation, Event Registration and much more.

We appreciate any support you can give us and will be incredibly thankful for assisting us with our journey; it will go a long way in ensuring we can send the best team over to represent Australia at the 2017 World Dwarf Games.

Support us by:

Donating at https://www.gofundme.com/7qqvqsys

and Purchasing an entertainment book here: https://www.entertainmentbook.com.au/orderbooks/9m38208

 

2017 50TH ANNUAL NATIONAL CONVENTION OF THE SHORT STATURED PEOPLE OF AUSTRALIA INC. SUNDAY

24TH – SATURDAY 30TH SEPTEMBER 2017

The most constructive way to deal with the complex mix of medical, functional and social issues for individuals with short stature has been the creation and successful conduct of the SSPA. The SSPA undertakes a number of core functions but its key annual activity is the conduct of a National Convention. Each year the Convention is hosted by a different state branch of the SSPA to enable attendance from all areas across Australia. All short statured individuals do ‘look different’, not only do they have to navigate in a world built for 6 foot individuals, they have to contend on a daily basis with a society that places great emphasis on appearance. Short stature is not merely about size! The entire program of the conference is devoted to supporting short statured people and their families; with a focus on empowering short statured people for the betterment of both the individual and society.
Dear Members, We are currently finalising details and costings for this year’s SSPA 50th Anniversary Convention. You can help the organiser’s by completing an Expression of Interest form, which will give us some idea in regard to who is coming and where from. Please note, this is NOT a registration form.

https://goo.gl/forms/PBGAX7fTtDua7X2i2

Enquiries can be made by contacting Alicia Jenkins via email: [email protected] You can also like the Convention Facebook page:

www.facebook.com/2017CONVENTION/ 2017 Convention Committee
PROGRAM SUNDAY 24TH – SATURDAY 30TH SEPTEMBER 2017
Sunday: Afternoon Arrival Evening: Meet & Greet

Monday: Day Tour of the Hunter Valley – 3 options: Winery Tour, Hunter Valley Zoo or Hunter Valley Gardens  Hunter Valley Zoo: www.huntervalleyzoo.com.au
Hunter Valley Gardens: www.huntervalleygardens.com.au Evening: Disco

Tuesday: Free Morning or optional tour to Newcastle or Warners Bay Foreshore 2.30pm: AGM After dinner: “A trip down memory lane with foundation members”.

Wednesday: Port Stephens Day Tour

Thursday: Sports Day Evening: Short Arts

Friday: Medical Day (9am to 4pm) Evening: Formal Dinner Dance (Club Macquarie) 7.00pm to 11.00pm

Saturday: Good Byes

The SSPA National Sports Weekend began back in 1995 purely to provide another
opportunity for the State of Origin basketball clash to take place between NSW and Victoria.
Since 1996, the weekend has evolved into the second largest event on the SSPA’s annual
national calendar, with numbers of attendance in the 100’s. Today, this weekend aims to
provide competitive sporting opportunity as well as fun social opportunities for all ages and
abilities.
Reasons to Attend:
• Opportunity to play sport against short statured individuals of all ages and
abilities.
• A great weekend to make new friends and to catch up with old ones.
• A once a year opportunity filled with fun, sport and social opportunities for the
whole family.
Sports on Offer:
• Tag Rugby, Soccer, Lazer Tag, Games & Fun, T-Ball etc
• State of Origin Basketball
• Competitive Badminton & Boccia
• Inaugural Indoor Athletics Competition
When & Where:
• Queen’s Birthday Weekend: 9th – 12th June 2017
• Albury, NSW
• Majority stay @ Lake Hume Resort. Book now, as availability is low!
Registration and Payment:
The accuracy of the registration process is vital to the success of the weekend, therefore
please ensure that the details you provide in the online registration form is accurate and
true. If you are not aware of your attendance at all events at this stage, please refrain from
filling out the registration form until you do. The online registration form can be accessed via
this weblink:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2017nationalsportsweekend

Please note that registrations are not confirmed until full payment is received into the
Victorian branch bank account – details are provided below.
There are a range of events across the National Sports Weekend which require pre-payment.
Therefore, the following expenses must be paid into the SSPA Victorian Bank account via
online banking by: Friday 19 May 2017. The receipt of your payment confirms your
registration for the events you have registered for – unfortunately, without payment by
Friday 20 May, you will not be able to register for this event
.
• Sports participation: $10.00 per person.
• Saturday night evening dinner dance: $49.00 per adult, $12.50 per child (12 and
under)
• Sunday night dinner: $10.00 per adult, children free (12 and under).
Please ensure that you include your name and indicate your payment is for the Albury Sports
Weekend when you transfer, e.g. Example: Young x 3 Albury Bendigo Bank:
BSB: 633-000
Account No: 111096202
Account Name: SHORT STATURED PEOPLE OF AUSTRALIA INCORPORATED
SSPA Membership: For insurance purposes, any person/s wanting to participate or compete
in the range of sports across the National Sports Weekend, must be a financial member of
the SSPA. Membership has to be received prior to the commencement of the weekend. To
join, see ‘Membership’ on the National SSPA Website. SSPA Members are bound by the SSPA
Constitution and the SSPA Code of Ethics, which among other things, defines the
responsibilities, expected of them when they are attending or participating in an SSPA event.
Checkout last years event in action (Youtube Video):
https://youtu.be/skUY_EmIZ84
or Youtube: SSPA Sports Weekend 2016

Notice is hereby given that the 49th Annual General Meeting of the Short Statured People of Australia (SSPA) will take place on Wednesday 28th September 2016 at the Phillip Island Adventure Resort Cowes Victoria at 9.30am.

Members may nominate a person/s for election to National Council. The following positions must be filled: President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, Journal Editor, Overseas Liaison Officer, Membership Secretary, Sports Coordinator and a minimum of six National Council members.

It is suggested that the following is thought of when electing National Council members:

# All active states are represented;
# Male and female representation is equally spread;
# Detailed knowledge of and experience within the SSPA.

To enable members to decide whether they or someone they know would be suitable for a National Council position, please refer to the summary of the responsibilities and obligations of National Councillors that appears here.

Last night, the ABC aired an episode of their series “You Can’t Ask That”, based around Short Stature. The show has the aim of breaking down social stereotypes of marginalised Australian communities. We welcome the discussion that will begin with the individuals featured on the show and no doubt grow from there, hopefully making a positive change through better understanding and education.

The show can be viewed on ABC on demand at http://iview.abc.net.au/pro…/you-cant-ask-that/LE1517H001S00