Meet Asher Nash, a toddler from Georgia, U.S.A. who has landed major modelling jobs this Christmas season despite being afflicted with Down Syndrome.
At first overlooked by a talent agency because of his disability, Asher is now capturing the hearts of people who have seen his ads in OshKosh B'Gosh and several other major brands, according to CBN News.
None of this would have happened if not for the persistence of Asher's mother, Meagan Richter Nash.
When Meagan learned that an Atlanta talent agency was holding an open casting call for OshKosh, a subsidiary of Carter's clothing, she immediately submitted Asher's pictures.
The agency later told Meagan that they withheld Asher's pictures to OshKosh because the company did not specify they wanted children with special needs.
Meagan argued that people with disability should still be considered for work even when a company doesn't specifically ask for special needs applicants. She then made a direct appeal to OshKosh and other companies to consider Asher in their ads.
Meagan cited three reasons why people with disabilities should be considered as talents in advertisements just like other people.
"The first reason is inclusion. People with disabilities want to be included amongst their peers in life in general, and being seen in advertisement is a part of that," she said.
"The second reason, which is very near and dear to my heart, is acceptance. Without truly accepting my son and others with special needs, there can be no inclusion for them in the future," she continued.
The last reason, Meagan said, is respect. "Using people with special needs shows the world that these people have value and worth just like any typical person does," she said.
Meagan succeeded in her appeal. After seeing Asher's pictures, OshKosh agreed to use her son in their ads. Other major brands followed.
Meagan said she was just trying to raise awareness that people with Down Syndrome can still live productive and happy lives, according to CBN News.
"Asher seeks out and finds the joy and happiness in everything. He tends to always have a smile on his face," she said, adding, "I knew when Asher was born he was destined to be great and do great things. So I am very proud to share his beauty with the world."
Down Syndrome is a congenital disorder caused by having an extra 21st chromosome, resulting in some mental and physical disabilities. For every 10 pregnant mothers who are told their baby has Down syndrome, eight choose to abort that child, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, adding that mothers give birth to about 6,000 babies with Down Syndrome annually.
