This 4-Year-Old Model With Down Syndrome Is Diversifying Back-to-School Ads

Photographer Katie Driscoll was frustrated with ads promoting the end-of-the-Summer ritual that weren't representative of children with disabilities, particularly her daughter, who has Down syndrome. So she created her own fashion campaign in partnership with Changing the Face of Beauty, a nonprofit she cofounded. She began #ImGoingBackToSchoolToo, starring 4-year-old Cora Slocum, who has Down syndrome, and other adorable models with disabilities.

"The ultimate goal of the #ImGoingBackToSchoolToo campaign is to eliminate the need for this type of campaign by consistently including children that represent the diversity of our community in our advertising," Allison Charvat, marketing and communications manager, told The Huffington Post. "All people deserve to see a reflection of themselves in everyday media."

In response, 104 retailers across the US, UK, and Australia have joined the fight for inclusivity, including children's footwear company Livie & Luca. The brand launched its collaboration on July 28, with adorable photos ahead.

The fashion industry is witnessing a growing number of changes, including the first Down syndrome model to be signed to a beauty label and IMG Models' newest recruit, who has muscular dystrophy. A more diverse pool of models has been long overdue, and we commend Driscoll for spearheading this much-needed movement for kids.