Janae and Austin Oller of Yuba City, pictured with their two children, serve as leaders of the San Joaquin chapter of Little People of America. The couple is working to raise awareness and build community during Dwarfism Awareness Month this October and beyond. Photo courtesy of Janae Oller

YUBA-SUTTER, CA (MPG) - October is Dwarfism Awareness Month, a time set aside to highlight the lives and stories of people with dwarfism while breaking down stereotypes. In Yuba-Sutter, that awareness has two local champions: Janae and Austin Oller of Yuba City.

The married couple serves as president and vice president of the San Joaquin chapter of Little People of America (LPA), which covers a wide stretch of Northern and Central California from Redding to Fresno and Vacaville to Reno. Their work is centered on creating community, providing education, and empowering people born with dwarfism.

Both Janae and Austin grew up in Little People of America. Supported by parents who wanted them to have connections and role models, they attended events and built friendships with other little people. As young adults, they stepped away from the organization, especially after having children of average height. But when their son was just three weeks old, they found themselves back at a chapter meeting and realized how much the community still mattered.

“It wasn’t just about us anymore,” Janae explained. “Our kids were going to grow up with parents who are different. They needed a support system just like we did.”

Today, they are not only raising a family in Yuba City but also leading efforts to ensure that others have the same kind of support. Their chapter of Little People of America offers connection for families, advocacy on issues of language and representation and education for schools and community groups. Part of that work means addressing misconceptions. There are more than 200 types of dwarfism, and while achondroplasia — the most common type — affects about one in every 25,000 people, not all short stature is caused by dwarfism. Janae and Austin are quick to point out that dwarfism is a genetic condition, not simply a matter of height.

Members of the San Joaquin chapter of Little People of America enjoy a recent outing together. The chapter, led locally by Janae and Austin Oller, provides connection, advocacy, and support for families and people with Dwarfism across Northern and Central California. Photo courtesy of Janae Oller

“You don't know what you don't know,” said Austin “ We’ve learned  after years and years of doing this that if a kid comes up to us and talks to us and we give them the answers, our differences start to vanish because now we’re just people having a conversation.“

Conversations like this matter in Yuba-Sutter where roughly ten students with dwarfism are enrolled in local schools. For the Ollers, it underscores the importance of teaching peers, parents and teachers what dwarfism is — and what it isn’t. Education is central to their approach, especially when it comes to harmful stereotypes or outdated terms.

Earlier this year, for example, local “midget wrestling” promotions sparked painful reminders of how little people have historically been treated as spectacle entertainment. Instead of confrontation, the Ollers chose to respond with outreach and education, encouraging dialogue about why the word is harmful and how representation matters.

“For us this is not a cancel culture kind of thing, we were not trying to cancel this event or go after people's jobs - it's really about education and educating people on the use of this word,” said Janae.

The couple’s leadership and genetic condition comes with daily visibility. Janae, a lifelong Yuba-Sutter resident, and Austin, originally from Georgia, are often recognized in public. They admit it can feel like carrying the weight of being representatives for all little people, but they also see it as an opportunity to show their neighbors what inclusion looks like.

“We are part of this community and it’s a diverse community,” said Austin. “We want to be included in that diversity too.”

This October, the Ollers and their LPA chapter are marking Dwarfism Awareness Month with a special event. On Oct. 25 — recognized both as Dwarfism Awareness Day and the birthday of Little People of America founder Billy Barty — they will host a Bocce Ball gathering in Lincoln Hills. The event will bring together local members, families, and allies in a spirit of connection and celebration.

For more information about Little People of America and its local programs, visit lpaonline.org, or contact [email protected].