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Belangenvereniging van Kleine Mensen
The Belangenvereniging van Kleine Mensen (BVKM) (English: Interest Association of Little People) is the Dutch Patients' Organization for little people and patients with skeletal dysplasia.[1][2] The association focuses on individuals with one or more of the two hundred medical conditions falling under the category of dwarfism.[3] Most members have a demonstrable growth disorder and are shorter than 155 cm (61 in).[4][5] Volunteers are responsible for the organization. EstablishmentThe BVKM was founded in December 1973 by Lenie Voorn (née Matton),[6] as a Dutch organization providing support and information to people of short stature and their families. Within a year and a half of its establishment, 500 little people had become members, and the association now had a social worker and a psychologist. It became clear that the challenges for little people were much larger than initially thought. Housing, clothing, public transportation, and job applications turned out to lead to many mental and practical problems.[7] GoalsThe main goal of the association is to provide support to little people so that they can take a full and equal place in society.[8][9][10] Other goals of the association include:[8]
ActivitiesMembers and directly involved individuals can receive information, get to know each other, and share experiences, with the association playing a supportive role.[13][14] The Sports Committee organizes events in collaboration with entities such as the Dirk Kuyt Foundation and De Hoogstraat Rehabilitation.[17] CollaborationsThe association, as a patient organization for skeletal dysplasia, maintains close contact with institutions such as Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, UMCU, MUMC+, and LUMC.[18] PartnersThe BVKM collaborates with external parties, including:
Sister associations
Sports associations
References
External linksInformation related to Belangenvereniging van Kleine Mensen |
