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A young girl chasing her dream. I say good luck to her.
Any negatives apart from the hazards of modelling for the young and innocent?
Any negatives apart from the hazards of modelling for the young and innocent?
This Aussie teen is challenging how we see disability and beauty
May 18, 2015
- (29)
Madeline Stuart hopes modelling will change how society sees people with Down syndrome. Photo: Facebook
Brisbane 18-year-old Madeline Stuart is on a mission to change how society sees people with Down syndrome.
On the young aspiring model's Facebook page, she has written that her decision to take up modelling is to "help change societies [sic] view of people with Down Syndrome," adding "exposure will help to create acceptance in life."
Madeline's mum Roseanne told Buzzfeed her daughter struggled with weight growing up but has recently improved her fitness through dance, swimming and cheerleading - and that doing so has given her the confidence to chase her modelling dream.
"I think it is time people realised that people with Down syndrome can be sexy and beautiful and should be celebrated," Roseanne said.
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She also said that things have changed a lot since Madeline was a baby.
"Things were a lot different 18 years ago. I remember having her in a [stroller] when she was a baby and small-minded people telling me she should not be out in public." Even her doctors said Madeline would "never achieve anything."
"But things are changing every day and people are more accepting of what they don't understand yet," Roseanne said.
Roseanne said she hopes Madeline's modelling project will remind people to keep an open mind, and not underestimate anyone who has Down syndrome.
"People with Down syndrome can do anything. They just do it at their own pace," she said. "Give them a chance and you will be rewarded beyond your greatest expectations."
