Kid Gets Rejected From Ad Campaign “Because He Has Down’s Syndrome”, Mom Fights Back
49Kviews
When Megan Nash was sending photos of son Asher, who has Down Syndrom, to a local model agency, she was told by the owner of the agency that her son’s photos were not submitted to the company because it “didn’t specify special needs.” That’s when Nash knew she had to do something.
She and her son set off on a mission to change the advertising world by making it more inclusive. “My first thought was how in the world does she know they don’t want a child with a disability if they haven’t even seen his picture?” Nash told HuffPost. Since then, Nash has been pushing for her son’s representation in ads even harder.
Megan posted three photos of her adorably photogenic son to Facebook, hoping it would get OshKosh B’Gosh’s attention. “I was hoping by posting the picture and calling out OshKosh … that it just might get enough attention to change the world’s view on people with disabilities and spread awareness about this issue,” Nash said. “I want people to know they are not just a trend that comes and goes in advertisement, they are here to stay.” The photos have gone viral since, as they’ve been posted by other Facebook pages, including Kids with Down Syndrome, where they’ve been shared over 111k times.
More info: Facebook (h/t: huffingtonpost)
Megan Nash’s son with Down Syndrom, Asher, got rejected by a model agency because he had “special needs”
So Nash set off on a mission to make the advertising world more inclusive
“My first thought was how in the world does she know they don’t want a child with a disability if they haven’t even seen his picture?”
She posted her son’s photos to FB hoping to get OshKosh B’Gosh’s attention, and they went crazy viral reaching 111K+ shares
“People need to realize that babies, children and adults with disabilities deserve to be in advertisements just as much as a typical person does”
“I want people to know they are not just a trend that comes and goes in advertisement, they are here to stay”
Let’s hope it will be enough to change their minds!
49Kviews
Share on Facebook
In other words, they want to cash in on the kid... discrimination my ass... just read these comments... "deserve".. "not a trend, here to stay"... not even a professional model can be certain she/he'll have a job next year, but this mom sure wants to be sure... entitlement much? Gazzillion dislikes, not to the kid, he's adorable, but to his mother... Also, noninvasive prenatal... just saying.
i agree wiith you. it's all about money.
@AJ lol, that escalated quickly, now I'm Hitler... you're hillarious, keep it coming, I need new material... not sure how I'll cope, but I guess I'll have to live with the shame :P
Nah you're not Hitler....you're just a douchebag...
When did it become non-invasive? When I was pregnant, the likelihood of irreversable side effects was just as high as ever, and that was only 3 years ago. Not to mention if you are RH negative like me, it is no longer a small risk, but an extreme one.
This comment is hidden. Click here to view.
Good thing your mothers prenatal didn't check for heartlessness. She could have gotten rid of you--just sayin.
At that point I was an unconscious clump of meat, but had I known that I had a condition that would make me less then all I can be, then I'd rather not be at all. Also my heart is in the right place, it's your own moral and ethical gauge that you've been implanted with by the society that brought you up, that prevents you from seeing the reality for what it is. I decline to get into an argument with you over abortion, right to life etc. this is a personal issue everyone should be able to decide for themselves.
Not about abortion. You respect choice yet you mock hers. Your gauge goes along w/ Hitler's master race plan. Keep believing your delusion.
I know she can see everywhere discrimination, but always somebody is not submitted. No matter how cute is etc. Stop looking everywhere discrimination. Women, people with disability, people of other religions, other races, other orientations can be excluded as well. And it's not always a discrimination.
This comment is hidden. Click here to view.
They say that one of the main reason's the Trump is so popular is because he appeals to a population that is feeling marginalized and discriminated against, and forgotten. But something tells me that you are a lot more compassionate with that population. Am I right?
This comment is hidden. Click here to view.
It is always a discrimination. Ads only represent less than 1% of the population. Do you see those people in ads on the street?
This comment is hidden. Click here to view.
That's true, but in this case it was about disability wasn't it.
no, it was about opportunity
This comment is hidden. Click here to view.
Oh shut the hell up. Any time something like that happens, it's ALWAYS about discrimination. The only reason why you don't see it that way is because you're a man, who is probably white and straight. As a privileged person, you will never understand what it's like to be oppressed or what it's like to live in a world that is still deeply misogynist, racist, homophobic, pro-able bodied, etc. Don't try to tell people what they can be offended about. They probably understand the situation WAY more than you do.
I've a bit of a belly. Where can I ask for my pictures being included in a model agency's catalogue? They only seem to accept skinny people...
Poor child with this overengaged mom. It might have been rejected because of his disabilities, but this feels as if she tries to get famous and money on his behalf
Hey, I work for Target, and a focal model point for the boys department in our local store is 3 different boys of different ethnicities, including a boy with special needs ( I.e. Down Syndrome) . There are stores and model agencies that care, the tide is changing, but this whole article struck a negative with me. I can submit a million pictures of my photogenic nephew with autism to my local agency, but unless that's what they want nothing will go forward. Its not discrimination. It's what they as an agency are advertising for.... And is there any comparison between her boy, and another boy who has down syndrome really?What's really the motivator here? He's just a kid. What am I supposed to be judging on, or against?? What cute factor is she measuring on?? What is she fighting on here??? This whole article is a joke.
yes, yes, inclusion......................KA-Ching!!!!
I love how people want to force their ideas. This mom should take care of her son and stop being dumb. We don't want this baby in the advertisement.
This comment is hidden. Click here to view.
Shut the fuck up, pilipe. For God's sake.
If these companies want babies and children in their ads that are relatable to most people, how would having a baby who represents a tiny percent of the population do that.
He is beautiful
And so are you, don' let anyone tell you otherwise! Some of the most beautiful ideas, images, you name it come out of "Abstractions"!!!!!!!!
This is not about discrimination. Its a greed for money.
He is adorable. I say lets not ignore the elephant in the room and pretend his being left out is about anything but our "perfect body" driven culture. f it were not an issue we would not have so many people spending so much money getting plastic surgery, face lifts and reconstruction, tummy tucks, liposuction and died hair. Anorexia, bulimia, a billion dollar diet & gym industry. One would have to be pretty out of touch to not connect the child having the face of Down Syndrome and the company not choosing him. We still have countries, western countries - Russian - where children with DS are kept hidden in their homes.
That kid is so good he can sell oil to the Russians! :)
I really don't understand why people are so eager to put their babies into modelling business. I have been in advertising for so many years, it is soul crushing for kids. The auditions, competition and exhausting hours of work. I really believe it creates serious self esteem issues in the future. Also i have seen how ambitious moms get as well. The way they treat other moms in the set, if their kid is lead and the others are extra, the way they treat their kids when they can't reach to the expectation. Well now, this kid has special needs. it is gonna be much much harder for him. Why put your child in a position like this? Is this fighting again discrimination or just ambition? I don't want to be judgemental but i really can't tell.
He's a precious kid. Having worked at a creative agency and helped cast and set up kids photo sessions for ad work, I can tell you, lots of kids his age are difficult to work with. They may look the part--but at the end of the day you feel like you've been through the ringer. And because you can only work with a child this age for two hours, temperament is key. (This is also why twins have an advantage for kids under twelve.). I have a second cousin with Downs who was a cool character at this age 90% of the time and cute as a button, too. I'm a fan, of diversity as are many of my clients so, don't give up. Just know there's a smaller market for him. She should get his pics to a kids agency with a good reputation. He might not have been right for that particular job, or, yes he might have been discriminated against. In a sense, modeling and casting often seems that way because you are looking for a very particular set of looks, skills, size, etc. It's not easy for anyone.
Everyone deserves the right to be treated equal but this is not always a given and alot of people with or without special needs find this out the hard way!! He's an adorabl;e little boy though :)
Beautiful child who belongs in this world! Mom may or may not have right motivation, but variety in representation is spot on.
Awww such a cute kid!
Is this the kid in the new Fisher Price commercial? Thought he was cute when I first saw it& was so happy to see kids ofall abilities shown!
OMG! SO ADORABLE I THINK I MIGHT FAINT! *faints*
LoL
Aw!!!! Those pictures are super cute! I hope that this doesn't continue to happen/
How can you not love him? Look at him, look at this lovely adorable creature!
I agree with comments that the mother is using the child to get attention for her own sake rather than really trying to fight discrimination. What I really wonder though is... why would you want to (and fight so hard) to have your child in an advertising campaign? Adults can make their own choices, children cannot. The parents should not have the right to sell the child's image. Regardless of its race, age, body shape and health.
WOW!!!!!!! Not only am I disgusted with the modeling agency... some of the comments are deplorable- shame on you, GO MOM!!!!!!!
Not all children get picked..Modeling jobs are tough to get for ANYONE.it isn't discrimination it is the world you are trying to get your son into.where a size 5 model can be " too fat".that woman wasn't being mean she was being HONEST, GET a THICK skin or just let your cute little guy grow up a normal kid
They can reject you for various reasons: not being tall/short enough, not being big/small enough, not being redhead/blonde etc... There are commercials where - let's say - extra-size models are needed, older people are needed or kids with down syndrome are needed. Why does it always be the discrimination? Why don't they get to choose whos right for their ad?
The truth is that 99.9% of ads don't represent real people we see every day. This mom just wants to raise awareness, not exploit her son.
I agree with you Meaghan
Oh hes so cute wanna hug him :-)
I think this mother is doing an injustice to people who are truly discriminated against. Throwing the word around loosely in hopes of making money off of her child. "Surely my claim of discrimination against my handicapped child will get him a modeling job". When your child is denyed his "rights" in life due to his condition , then you can claim discrimination. Modeling jobs are not a right my dear. Spend your time helping your child thrive instead of going on witch hunts for a wrong that has not yet happened.
My ass is so far I can use it as a coffee table. If no one hires me to model, by God I will sue!
Mother needs a reality check. Wake up lady!
Sorry, he is sweet etc. But I hate when parents do money on their kids. Health kids or kids with disabilities - I don't care. Its all about the money. Get a job mother.
Goes to show that behind all activism there's someone waiting to cash in.
What a beautiful little boy! Asher, you BUSTED down the door to my heart. I just can't stop smiling. You are just such a handsome littlle boy and if anyone says different, know that there is a special place for them. You rock, Asher. My heart over flows with love for you. May you achieve all your dreams.
Knew this was going to trigger some people, it's basically a debate here in the comments xD
I think modeling is a difficult job and a very boring one for very young children. Some children will always be rejected depending on what an agency is looking for, if they are wanting a blond 4 year old girl a brunette 7 year old boy isn't going to do, that's not discrimination thats fulfilling a requirement, if they want a little boy with downs syndrome they are not going to want a little indian girl etc. This parent is using her sons condition to get him attention which is wrong, shame on her even if she doesn't realise what she has done !
but OshKosh had no answer so is not the agency fault, is the company that dont want certain subjects to represent their brand.. is fashion is not new a mean remember when abercrombie CEO said the brand was created for skinny people????!!!
This comment is hidden. Click here to view.
MEssage to his mother - accept what it is. Your son is NOT good for modeling, first of all coz HE CAN'T evenmake his choices in life. You are crazy. No is NO! No need to prove that that ugly smile can bring some bucks.
Really!!?!! What is wrong with you? Are you the poster child of perfection?
Ivan, what a horrible thing to say. He's just a child! You wouldn't like that if someone was to say that to one of your kids, if they had any form of disability? Disabled does not mean ugly, it just means what it means. He is still a tiny human being. He does not judge. You do!
This comment is hidden. Click here to view.
a
In other words, they want to cash in on the kid... discrimination my ass... just read these comments... "deserve".. "not a trend, here to stay"... not even a professional model can be certain she/he'll have a job next year, but this mom sure wants to be sure... entitlement much? Gazzillion dislikes, not to the kid, he's adorable, but to his mother... Also, noninvasive prenatal... just saying.
i agree wiith you. it's all about money.
@AJ lol, that escalated quickly, now I'm Hitler... you're hillarious, keep it coming, I need new material... not sure how I'll cope, but I guess I'll have to live with the shame :P
Nah you're not Hitler....you're just a douchebag...
When did it become non-invasive? When I was pregnant, the likelihood of irreversable side effects was just as high as ever, and that was only 3 years ago. Not to mention if you are RH negative like me, it is no longer a small risk, but an extreme one.
This comment is hidden. Click here to view.
Good thing your mothers prenatal didn't check for heartlessness. She could have gotten rid of you--just sayin.
At that point I was an unconscious clump of meat, but had I known that I had a condition that would make me less then all I can be, then I'd rather not be at all. Also my heart is in the right place, it's your own moral and ethical gauge that you've been implanted with by the society that brought you up, that prevents you from seeing the reality for what it is. I decline to get into an argument with you over abortion, right to life etc. this is a personal issue everyone should be able to decide for themselves.
Not about abortion. You respect choice yet you mock hers. Your gauge goes along w/ Hitler's master race plan. Keep believing your delusion.
I know she can see everywhere discrimination, but always somebody is not submitted. No matter how cute is etc. Stop looking everywhere discrimination. Women, people with disability, people of other religions, other races, other orientations can be excluded as well. And it's not always a discrimination.
This comment is hidden. Click here to view.
They say that one of the main reason's the Trump is so popular is because he appeals to a population that is feeling marginalized and discriminated against, and forgotten. But something tells me that you are a lot more compassionate with that population. Am I right?
This comment is hidden. Click here to view.
It is always a discrimination. Ads only represent less than 1% of the population. Do you see those people in ads on the street?
This comment is hidden. Click here to view.
That's true, but in this case it was about disability wasn't it.
no, it was about opportunity
This comment is hidden. Click here to view.
Oh shut the hell up. Any time something like that happens, it's ALWAYS about discrimination. The only reason why you don't see it that way is because you're a man, who is probably white and straight. As a privileged person, you will never understand what it's like to be oppressed or what it's like to live in a world that is still deeply misogynist, racist, homophobic, pro-able bodied, etc. Don't try to tell people what they can be offended about. They probably understand the situation WAY more than you do.
I've a bit of a belly. Where can I ask for my pictures being included in a model agency's catalogue? They only seem to accept skinny people...
Poor child with this overengaged mom. It might have been rejected because of his disabilities, but this feels as if she tries to get famous and money on his behalf
Hey, I work for Target, and a focal model point for the boys department in our local store is 3 different boys of different ethnicities, including a boy with special needs ( I.e. Down Syndrome) . There are stores and model agencies that care, the tide is changing, but this whole article struck a negative with me. I can submit a million pictures of my photogenic nephew with autism to my local agency, but unless that's what they want nothing will go forward. Its not discrimination. It's what they as an agency are advertising for.... And is there any comparison between her boy, and another boy who has down syndrome really?What's really the motivator here? He's just a kid. What am I supposed to be judging on, or against?? What cute factor is she measuring on?? What is she fighting on here??? This whole article is a joke.
yes, yes, inclusion......................KA-Ching!!!!
I love how people want to force their ideas. This mom should take care of her son and stop being dumb. We don't want this baby in the advertisement.
This comment is hidden. Click here to view.
Shut the fuck up, pilipe. For God's sake.
If these companies want babies and children in their ads that are relatable to most people, how would having a baby who represents a tiny percent of the population do that.
He is beautiful
And so are you, don' let anyone tell you otherwise! Some of the most beautiful ideas, images, you name it come out of "Abstractions"!!!!!!!!
This is not about discrimination. Its a greed for money.
He is adorable. I say lets not ignore the elephant in the room and pretend his being left out is about anything but our "perfect body" driven culture. f it were not an issue we would not have so many people spending so much money getting plastic surgery, face lifts and reconstruction, tummy tucks, liposuction and died hair. Anorexia, bulimia, a billion dollar diet & gym industry. One would have to be pretty out of touch to not connect the child having the face of Down Syndrome and the company not choosing him. We still have countries, western countries - Russian - where children with DS are kept hidden in their homes.
That kid is so good he can sell oil to the Russians! :)
I really don't understand why people are so eager to put their babies into modelling business. I have been in advertising for so many years, it is soul crushing for kids. The auditions, competition and exhausting hours of work. I really believe it creates serious self esteem issues in the future. Also i have seen how ambitious moms get as well. The way they treat other moms in the set, if their kid is lead and the others are extra, the way they treat their kids when they can't reach to the expectation. Well now, this kid has special needs. it is gonna be much much harder for him. Why put your child in a position like this? Is this fighting again discrimination or just ambition? I don't want to be judgemental but i really can't tell.
He's a precious kid. Having worked at a creative agency and helped cast and set up kids photo sessions for ad work, I can tell you, lots of kids his age are difficult to work with. They may look the part--but at the end of the day you feel like you've been through the ringer. And because you can only work with a child this age for two hours, temperament is key. (This is also why twins have an advantage for kids under twelve.). I have a second cousin with Downs who was a cool character at this age 90% of the time and cute as a button, too. I'm a fan, of diversity as are many of my clients so, don't give up. Just know there's a smaller market for him. She should get his pics to a kids agency with a good reputation. He might not have been right for that particular job, or, yes he might have been discriminated against. In a sense, modeling and casting often seems that way because you are looking for a very particular set of looks, skills, size, etc. It's not easy for anyone.
Everyone deserves the right to be treated equal but this is not always a given and alot of people with or without special needs find this out the hard way!! He's an adorabl;e little boy though :)
Beautiful child who belongs in this world! Mom may or may not have right motivation, but variety in representation is spot on.
Awww such a cute kid!
Is this the kid in the new Fisher Price commercial? Thought he was cute when I first saw it& was so happy to see kids ofall abilities shown!
OMG! SO ADORABLE I THINK I MIGHT FAINT! *faints*
LoL
Aw!!!! Those pictures are super cute! I hope that this doesn't continue to happen/
How can you not love him? Look at him, look at this lovely adorable creature!
I agree with comments that the mother is using the child to get attention for her own sake rather than really trying to fight discrimination. What I really wonder though is... why would you want to (and fight so hard) to have your child in an advertising campaign? Adults can make their own choices, children cannot. The parents should not have the right to sell the child's image. Regardless of its race, age, body shape and health.
WOW!!!!!!! Not only am I disgusted with the modeling agency... some of the comments are deplorable- shame on you, GO MOM!!!!!!!
Not all children get picked..Modeling jobs are tough to get for ANYONE.it isn't discrimination it is the world you are trying to get your son into.where a size 5 model can be " too fat".that woman wasn't being mean she was being HONEST, GET a THICK skin or just let your cute little guy grow up a normal kid
They can reject you for various reasons: not being tall/short enough, not being big/small enough, not being redhead/blonde etc... There are commercials where - let's say - extra-size models are needed, older people are needed or kids with down syndrome are needed. Why does it always be the discrimination? Why don't they get to choose whos right for their ad?
The truth is that 99.9% of ads don't represent real people we see every day. This mom just wants to raise awareness, not exploit her son.
I agree with you Meaghan
Oh hes so cute wanna hug him :-)
I think this mother is doing an injustice to people who are truly discriminated against. Throwing the word around loosely in hopes of making money off of her child. "Surely my claim of discrimination against my handicapped child will get him a modeling job". When your child is denyed his "rights" in life due to his condition , then you can claim discrimination. Modeling jobs are not a right my dear. Spend your time helping your child thrive instead of going on witch hunts for a wrong that has not yet happened.
My ass is so far I can use it as a coffee table. If no one hires me to model, by God I will sue!
Mother needs a reality check. Wake up lady!
Sorry, he is sweet etc. But I hate when parents do money on their kids. Health kids or kids with disabilities - I don't care. Its all about the money. Get a job mother.
Goes to show that behind all activism there's someone waiting to cash in.
What a beautiful little boy! Asher, you BUSTED down the door to my heart. I just can't stop smiling. You are just such a handsome littlle boy and if anyone says different, know that there is a special place for them. You rock, Asher. My heart over flows with love for you. May you achieve all your dreams.
Knew this was going to trigger some people, it's basically a debate here in the comments xD
I think modeling is a difficult job and a very boring one for very young children. Some children will always be rejected depending on what an agency is looking for, if they are wanting a blond 4 year old girl a brunette 7 year old boy isn't going to do, that's not discrimination thats fulfilling a requirement, if they want a little boy with downs syndrome they are not going to want a little indian girl etc. This parent is using her sons condition to get him attention which is wrong, shame on her even if she doesn't realise what she has done !
but OshKosh had no answer so is not the agency fault, is the company that dont want certain subjects to represent their brand.. is fashion is not new a mean remember when abercrombie CEO said the brand was created for skinny people????!!!
This comment is hidden. Click here to view.
MEssage to his mother - accept what it is. Your son is NOT good for modeling, first of all coz HE CAN'T evenmake his choices in life. You are crazy. No is NO! No need to prove that that ugly smile can bring some bucks.
Really!!?!! What is wrong with you? Are you the poster child of perfection?
Ivan, what a horrible thing to say. He's just a child! You wouldn't like that if someone was to say that to one of your kids, if they had any form of disability? Disabled does not mean ugly, it just means what it means. He is still a tiny human being. He does not judge. You do!
This comment is hidden. Click here to view.
a