DSAuk General Information
Everything you want to know about DSAuk with information about the birth of the association, regions and their activities, national events and the vast support network available throughout the UK.
Research
DSAuk are connected, either directly or indirectly, with a variety of research studies leading to better provision to the dwarf community
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Dwarfism and Restricted Growth Conditions
Information about Dwarfism, what it is, the main categories of dwarfism, the conditions that cause dwarfism and restricted growth and a link to access a wide library listing of dwarf conditions.
Schools Information
It can be a difficult time for a child with dwarfism and their family wondering how they will manage the physical activity and games sessions at either primary school or the transition into secondary school and beyond. DSAuk have written an information booklet “At Every Stage” to help children, parents, teachers and schools make provision to ensure the activity and games sessions are fully inclusive for children with dwarfism and how their wellbeing can benefit from pre-planning.
Exercise Programs and Videos
How easy is it to be active at home? Using DSAuk’s series of home exercise sessions, the answer is – very easy. From beginners’ programs, through seated programs for the less mobile up to advanced programs for the more active and videos demonstrating how to do it, DSAuk show you can improve your health at home through simple exercise without having to pay a fortune on equipment or gym membership.
Mental Health and Wellbeing
Mental Health is defined by the charity Mind as: “a state of well-being in which every individual realizes his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to her or his community.” And says that “Mental wellbeing doesn’t have one set meaning. We might use it to talk about how we feel, how well we’re coping with daily life or what feels possible at the moment. Good mental wellbeing doesn’t mean you’re always happy or unaffected by your experiences. But poor mental wellbeing can make it more difficult to cope with daily life.”
DSAuk have produced a series of six articles, each one covering an aspect of Mental Health and Wellbeing.
Coaching
DSAuk believes sport and activity is important for participants’ development and integration with their peers. Many people with dwarfism enjoy a wide spectrum of different sports and activity and regular exercise can make a big difference to the lifestyle and well-being of a person with a dwarf condition.
There are a few skeletal and potential joint-stability problems sports coaches should bear in mind when working with participants with a dwarf condition:
- Many people with achondroplasia have a kyphosis or scoliosis of their spine. Constant shock to the back can cause damage to this area.
- Participants may have a spinal stenosis, which is a pinching of the spinal column caused by having restricted room within the vertebrae for the spinal column to pass through.
- People with restricted growth can have quite lax joints, and their elbows, hips and knees, especially, can be unstable. This is usually seen in the joints being extremely flexible. Many dwarf athletes can have a bowing of the legs, which may result in problems with their ankles.
- The more involved in regular exercise individuals are, the better the muscle tone around problem areas is maintained, and, therefore, the more stable these joints become.
- Weight can be an issue for some people with restricted growth. Keeping weight off and regular exercise can prevent and delay the need for invasive surgery to stabilise back and joint problems.
Several articles are available relating to specific sports and activities
Reachout
The DSAuk’s own magazine with news and photos from around the regions, national events, hints and tips on how to be active and lots of interesting articles featuring DSAuk members as they enjoy sports and activity throughout the UK.
Videos
A comprehensive selection of videos showing the work of DSAuk, how it makes sport accessible to people with dwarfism and the vast array of opportunities on offer to all members including the National Games, World Dwarf Games, sports, leisure and social activities and home fitness programs.
Have a look, you will be amazed at what you can do.