James Chapman, a 21-year-old from Newcastle, has turned his perceived limitation into a powerful life of purpose and advocacy. Born with pseudoachondroplasia, a rare form of dwarfism affecting one in a million people, Chapman has faced a lifetime of being told what he cannot do.
Overcoming Early Limitations
As a child, doctors and others often placed restrictions on him due to his appearance. "Doctors would say don't do this, don't do that, it's not safe or smart," Mr Chapman recalled. "I was scared of everything. Even with surfing or skating, people would say you're disabled, you can't do that."
He realised that these external limitations were like "putting a roof over a tree. I couldn't grow into my full potential." This realisation sparked his mission to break stereotypes and prove people wrong.
Embracing His Difference
In his early teens, Chapman struggled with being different. "I was annoyed at being different," he said. But a shift in perspective changed everything. "I came to the conclusion that I could have a bigger impact being short-statured than I ever could being average height. I owned it."
Chapman now has a large social media following, which he attributes to his positive outlook. "In a world that is scary and has a lot of negativity, people like positivity and fun," he explained. "I also think people like seeing things that are different. It intrigues them."
Advocacy and Ambassadorship
Chapman serves as an ambassador for the Hunter Disability Expo, which begins on Friday at the Newcastle Entertainment Centre. The event will feature hundreds of disability service providers, support organisations, and community groups.
"Living with a disability doesn't mean you can't do things," Chapman emphasised. "It means you can do things in different ways." He aims to reduce stigma and encourage others to embrace their uniqueness. "I put on a pedestal what's different in me in the hope that other people can share what's different in them. Hopefully it brings awareness so it makes it easier for other short-statured people."
Sports and Community
In high school, Chapman began riding scooters, loving the adrenaline and the chance to prove people wrong. He also took up skateboarding, surfing, and soccer. "Having a lower centre of gravity is a bit of an advantage in some sports," he noted. He played soccer for Australia at the World Dwarf Games in Germany in 2023, reaching the quarter-finals.
Beyond sports, Chapman works as a youth pastor at The Grainery Church in Mayfield West. Initially invited by a friend, he felt welcomed and loved. "My family is not religious, but I went to St Philip's [the Christian college in Waratah]. That made a big impact on my life." He believes he was created with purpose. "The Bible talks about how we're all created by design. I was like all right, God hasn't made a mistake with me."
Expo Details
The Hunter Disability Expo will be held at the Newcastle Entertainment Centre from 9am to 3pm on Friday and Saturday. Entry is free.
