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Chantell Butler is a busy woman.
She’s focused on growing her business and building the future she wants for herself. It’s a future that includes marriage and, hopefully, a house full of kids. She’s ambitious, forward-thinking and has no lack of plans for what comes next.
Butler was born with achondroplasia, a genetic condition that causes dwarfism. While it’s one part of her story, she said it doesn’t define the person she is or the life she hopes to lead.
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This October, in recognition of Dwarfism Awareness Month, 650 CKOM’s Brittany Caffet spoke with Butler about the misconceptions she encounters, the realities of navigating a world that isn’t always designed with her in mind, and how greater awareness can help change perspectives about dwarfism.
The following questions and answers have been edited for length and clarity.
BRITTANY CAFFET: What do you wish more people understood about dwarfism?
CHANTELL BUTLER: We’re just like everybody else. We can do practically all the same things. Treat us normally. Don’t tease us, don’t call us names and don’t take pictures of us without permission. Why would you think that’s OK?
What are some common misconceptions people have about people with dwarfism, or things they assume you can’t do?
BUTLER: People assume I can’t have a baby, either medically or that I wouldn’t be able to take care of a baby or a child through all their different stages. That’s just not true.
People also assume we can’t drive or live on our own.
One misconception that’s huge for me is that no one will fall in love with me and that I’ll be alone. Luckily, life keeps proving to me that that won’t be the case.
How do you feel about people asking questions about dwarfism?
BUTLER: Bring it on! Honestly, if you’re curious. And sometimes parents, especially, feel ashamed to ask questions. If I catch wind of people whispering as I’m walking by, I’ll step in. I’ve done that a few times. I’ll say, “Oh yeah, did you guys have a question? Did your daughter have a question?”
What is the appropriate terminology to use when talking about people with dwarfism? Are there terms people should avoid?
BUTLER: As I always say, I love my name. Call me my name. I am Chantell. I am a human being. It’s simple. What would you like to be called? Do you want to be called a tall person? When you reverse it, it sounds ridiculous. You just want to be called Joe or whatever, right?
One word you should never use is the M-word. It’s a very derogatory term. That’s what we call it: the M-word.
Butler says that while it may be tempting to help her reach items on the top shelf, she always prefers it when people ask her if she needs help. (Brittany Caffet/650 CKOM)
What’s the best way for someone to offer help?
BUTLER: Ask. Always ask. Don’t just do something for me without asking first. Some people just do it and think, “Oh, I helped this person.” No, now I’m really mad at you!
What kinds of adaptations have you made in your home or vehicle to make everyday tasks easier?
BUTLER: I have a lot of stools! Nowadays, I have at least one on every floor of my home. Sometimes two or three.
For driving, I use pedal extensions. They’re contraptions that attach to the actual gas and brake pedals. In my last car, which had really deep bucket seats, I also used a raised, flat, square cushion on the seat. It depends on your vehicle and the height of the person with dwarfism, because everyone’s different.
How tall are you?
BUTLER: At my tallest, I was 3 feet, 11.5 inches. I went to the doctor for a routine checkup last year, and when they checked my height and weight, she said, “Yep, you’re 3 feet, 8 inches.”
What would you want parents to know if they’ve just learned their child has dwarfism or are expecting a baby with dwarfism?
BUTLER: Your child is fine. Raise them well. Raise them healthy in all aspects, just like you would a baby of average height.
When you think about your life 10 years from now, what do you hope it looks like?
BUTLER: Oh, I’d love to be a mom with a bunch of kids. Marriage, a great job — which I already have — and continuing to expand my business. I have so many ideas and ways to expand, thrive, flourish, and keep growing.
