The National Organization of Short Statured Adults (NOSSA) was an American non-profit advocacy group for adults of short stature. The organization defines "short stature" to be men 170 cm (5'7") or below and women 157 cm (5'2") or below in height. The group advocates on behalf of short people and hopes to foster greater acceptance of short people within society. NOSSA is opposed to the prejudice known as heightism. The group defines heightism as, "a prejudiced attitude about human height that often results in discrimination. It is based on the belief that short stature is an inferior trait and therefore undesirable." The organization runs a series of public education programs, sponsors height-related research, acts as a media "watch-dog" group, provides legal assistance for those affected by heightism, hosts online discussion groups, and invites members to gather once a year for an annual convention.
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