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NORTH ATTLEBORO - Five-year-old Maia Kraskouskas may be shorter than her friends, but her dreams are just as big.

"She's an average girl, who happens to be shorter," John Kraskouskas said of his daughter, who has achondroplasia, one of the most common forms of dwarfism, a medical condition that results in short stature.

With Maia enrolled in kindergarten at Community School this year, her parents John and Kristen Kraskouskas were searching for way to help promote understanding about dwarfism amongst her friends, as well as teach the importance of celebrating differences.

"Sometimes, you get one of those looks and sometimes people are afraid to ask how old Maia is," Kristen Kraskouskas said. "Since Maia was starting kindergarten at Community School, I really wanted to find a way to educate her peers so they know she is just like them.

"So, I decided that I would just shoot Amy Roloff an e-mail. We ended up starting a little bit of a correspondence and she agreed to come and speak." For those who aren't familiar, Roloff is a reality TV star on the Discovery Channel show "Little People, Big World."

Roloff and her husband Matt were both born with dwarfism, as was one of the couple's four children. The Roloff family lives on a farm in Portland, Ore., where visitors can pick their own pumpkins.

Roloff will talk about overcoming obstacles and celebrating diversity, as well as sharing her own personal story during two presentations scheduled for March 16.

Kraskouskas said the "Little People, Big World" show itself has helped give viewers an inside look at life with dwarfism - which is pretty typical, aside from the occasional height challenges.

Little People of America, a nonprofit organization, also provides information on dwarfism, which Maia's parents said they both found helpful since the condition does not run in either of their families.

Maia, who turns 6 in two weeks, is comfortable with her shorter stature.

"When Maia asks why she's different, we tell her that's what makes her special. She really takes it in stride," Kristen said. "I hope it never gets in the way of her spirit. She has a positive attitude."

Kraskouskas recently started "Little People, Big Strides," which is raising money to pay for Roloff's visit and speaking fee. The Roloff speaking event is sponsored by the Hockomock Area YMCA, Urban Collaborative Accelerated Program, the Community School Parent Teacher Organization and the North Attleboro Early Learning Center Parent Teacher Organization.

Roloff will speak to students, parents and staff at Community School during the day on March 16 and then at an event open to the general public that evening.

The general public can hear Roloff speak at Wheaton College's Cole Memorial Chapel. Doors open for the event at 6 p.m., with the presentation to start at 7 p.m. Tickets for the event are $10 each and can be purchased at the Hockomock Area YMCA on Elm Street beginning Monday.