Target, Nordstrom Praised for Ads With Ryan, a Child Model With Down Syndrome
By Cavan Sieczkowski
Saturday, January 7, 2012 12:12 PM EST
Target and Nordstrom are receiving praise for their newest child model -- adorable six-year-old Ryan, who has floppy blonde hair, bright blue eyes, and Down syndrome.
Ryan appears in Target's newest childrenswear ad, posing cheekily in an orange-and-brown striped T-shirt and brown pants. The youngster also appeared in an ad for Nordstrom several months ago looking like a little rebel in a leather jacket and jeans.
However, neither store made a big to-do about the boy's inclusion. No attention surrounded the editorials until a "Daddyblogger" posted the Target ad on the blog Noah's Dad, a forum for parents who have children with Down syndrome.
"If you were browsing through this week's Target ad, you may have passed right over the adorable little boy in the bright orange shirt smiling at you on page 9! And if so, I'm glad!" read the post. "The reason I'm glad? Well, that stylish young man in the orange shirt is Ryan. Ryan just so happened to have been born with Down syndrome, and I'm glad that Target included a model with down syndrome in their typical ad!
"This wasn't a 'Special Clothing For Special People' catalog. There wasn't a call out somewhere on the page proudly proclaiming that 'Target's proud to feature a model with Down syndrome in this week's ad!' And they didn't even ask him to model a shirt with the phrase, 'We Aren't All Angels' printed on the front," the blogger continued.
"In other words, they didn't make a big deal out of it. I like that."
Ryan's proud mother also commented: "We are very pleased that Nordstrom placed Ryan in their catalog. The whole process of modeling is an extreme confidence booster for him. He received so much warmth and caring from the Nordstrom crew that he thought they were there just for him! We are honored that Ryan is making the Down Syndrome community proud. He is a beautiful boy inside and out. He makes us better parents, and a better family."
The inclusion of the adorable six-year-old boy is a nod to the ideals of fairness and equality. "It's time for organizations to be intentional about seeking creative ways to help promote inclusion, not exclusion. It's no accident that Target used a model with Down syndrome in this ad; it was an intentional decision," said the father.
"Companies don't have to call attention to the fact that they choose to be inclusive in order for people to notice their support for people with disabilities. In fact, by not making a big deal out of it they are doing a better job of showing their support for the special needs community."
Down syndrome is caused by a chromosomal abnormality of the 21st chromosome. Symptoms typically include distinct facial characteristics and intellectual disability. But, with support, many graduate high school and have steady jobs.
Earlier this year, another child with Down syndrome made a mark on the modeling world. Taya Kennedy, who is just 16 months old, signed with a UK agency. Her bubbly personality already has major firms wanting to book her, reports The Daily Mail.
Lauren Potter, 19, was cast as Becky Jackson, a cheerleader (or Cheerio), on FOX's hit show "Glee." Potter has Down syndrome and beat out 13 other girls for the role. She has appeared in 22 episodes. Now, the young actress splits her time between acting and attending life skills programs.
http://www.ibtimes.com/articles/278155/20120107/target-nordstrom-praised-ads-ryan-child-model.htm
Ryan appears in Target's newest childrenswear ad, posing cheekily in an orange-and-brown striped T-shirt and brown pants. The youngster also appeared in an ad for Nordstrom several months ago looking like a little rebel in a leather jacket and jeans.
However, neither store made a big to-do about the boy's inclusion. No attention surrounded the editorials until a "Daddyblogger" posted the Target ad on the blog Noah's Dad, a forum for parents who have children with Down syndrome.
"If you were browsing through this week's Target ad, you may have passed right over the adorable little boy in the bright orange shirt smiling at you on page 9! And if so, I'm glad!" read the post. "The reason I'm glad? Well, that stylish young man in the orange shirt is Ryan. Ryan just so happened to have been born with Down syndrome, and I'm glad that Target included a model with down syndrome in their typical ad!
"This wasn't a 'Special Clothing For Special People' catalog. There wasn't a call out somewhere on the page proudly proclaiming that 'Target's proud to feature a model with Down syndrome in this week's ad!' And they didn't even ask him to model a shirt with the phrase, 'We Aren't All Angels' printed on the front," the blogger continued.
"In other words, they didn't make a big deal out of it. I like that."
Ryan's proud mother also commented: "We are very pleased that Nordstrom placed Ryan in their catalog. The whole process of modeling is an extreme confidence booster for him. He received so much warmth and caring from the Nordstrom crew that he thought they were there just for him! We are honored that Ryan is making the Down Syndrome community proud. He is a beautiful boy inside and out. He makes us better parents, and a better family."
The inclusion of the adorable six-year-old boy is a nod to the ideals of fairness and equality. "It's time for organizations to be intentional about seeking creative ways to help promote inclusion, not exclusion. It's no accident that Target used a model with Down syndrome in this ad; it was an intentional decision," said the father.
"Companies don't have to call attention to the fact that they choose to be inclusive in order for people to notice their support for people with disabilities. In fact, by not making a big deal out of it they are doing a better job of showing their support for the special needs community."
Down syndrome is caused by a chromosomal abnormality of the 21st chromosome. Symptoms typically include distinct facial characteristics and intellectual disability. But, with support, many graduate high school and have steady jobs.
Earlier this year, another child with Down syndrome made a mark on the modeling world. Taya Kennedy, who is just 16 months old, signed with a UK agency. Her bubbly personality already has major firms wanting to book her, reports The Daily Mail.
Lauren Potter, 19, was cast as Becky Jackson, a cheerleader (or Cheerio), on FOX's hit show "Glee." Potter has Down syndrome and beat out 13 other girls for the role. She has appeared in 22 episodes. Now, the young actress splits her time between acting and attending life skills programs.
http://www.ibtimes.com/articles/278155/20120107/target-nordstrom-praised-ads-ryan-child-model.htm
Kent State Trumbull-Summer Stock
"EVERY 1's INCLUDED" at Abilities Unlimited We would like to thank Michelle Maple and Jenny Blazek from Kent State University, Trumbull Campus for the immense effort and dedication in writing and directing the play "Every1's Included". The play, written for PDF and those with Down syndrome, to expose the evils of bullying and showcase the advantages of inclusion was featured as a part of KSU's Summer Stock performances this season. With the support of Dr. Daniel Nadon, the endeavor was a great benefit in furthering acceptance and inclusion in the hearts of all who attended.
Thank You to the cast, crew, parents, and all who gave so much of their time to make this possible. ***SPECIAL BLESSINGS CALENDAR***
 Our calendar featuring the beautiful faces of those touched by Down syndrome will once again be available for purchase at the Buddy Walk- The 5th Anniversary. Please consider sharing this calendar to promote acceptance and inclusion.
Reasons to Celebrate
Introducing the new website for The Down Syndrome Footprint Foundation. Visit their site to learn more about the organization. Visit their on-line store where 100% Authentic Down Syndrome Footprint Products are items that are guaranteed to employ people with Down Syndrome. Every item in the Down Syndrome Footprint Store is touched by an individual with Down syndrome. Many places sell awareness products, but the Down Syndrome Footprint Store is the only awareness store that can guarantee you that they are directly and 100% raising awareness, empowering, and employing individuals with Down syndrome. THE FOUNDATION FOR A BETTER LIFE: PASS IT ON VIDEO - The story of Shellie Eyre is of a life lived with courage, determination and unrestricted love for everyone she meets. She was born in 1979 with Down syndrome and is the second child of a family. On September 25, 2010 when we hold our 4th Annual Buddy Walk, we will be hosting a very special guest. Bernadette Resha is not only an accomplished artist, but an actress, model, violinist, and magician. We are honored to have her display her award winning artwork at our Buddy Walk and look forward to her exhibit at the Trumbull Art Gallery in downtown Warren, Ohio. Bernadette, now 31 years old, was born in Nashville, Tennessee with Down syndrome. Despite what people may or may not expect of an individual with Down syndrome, she has become an accomplished artist who is well known in the art community worldwide. Her exposure to the art world and culture started as a child attending as many art galleries, museums, concert halls and plays as possible. From an early age she was encouraged to draw and color in her own style as a form of expression and therapy. This has resulted in a body of work which documents an artist developing a unique style entirely her own. With an artist grandmother and a mother fully committed to allowing her to use this medium of self expression for as far as she would care to take it, Bernadette has exhibited and sold her works in galleries, art shows and conventions throughout the United States. She has won many top awards in various art competitions and her artwork has been featured in several magazines and on special Diet Pepsi cans. Besides art, Bernadette has studied violin, magic, dance, acting, public speaking, and gymnastics. She also enjoys swimming, bowling, ice skating, track, and roller skating. Her acting credits include commercials, the film "Gummo", and a music video with Barbara Mandrell. She is an accomplished, amazing woman who transcends any pre-conceived ideas about what a person with Down syndrome is capable of. She is truly an inspiration! To view her artwork or order some of Bernadettes merchandise, please visit her website at: http://www.bernadetteresha.com/enter.htm | A-Z MUSIC
 Our friend and neighbor, Ferrel Nottingham, at A-Z Music has very generously supported Putting Downs First this past year by raising funds through his monthly Blue Grass Concerts at our offices on Parkman Rd (Rt. 422) in Southington. We have had such a wonderful time and can't thank him, his musicians, family, and guests enough. They are all so generous and truly a blessing to us. Please join us on February 18th for the next scheduled concert. Bring the family for a fun night of music, food, and friendship! HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE.
 The Lana Eisenbraun Enrichment ScholarshipThe Lana Eisenbraun Scholarship is for $100 with annaul application. Any individual touched by Down syndrome may apply to assisst in attending any activty that he or she finds enriching to their life. You may download the PDF file here. Please take advantage of this opportunity! After completion of the scholarship application, please mail to:
Patrice James
2102 Foley Dr. Arlington, Texas 76103 Information from Days of Our Past
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