Disabled Models Who Are Making Change

Fashion is evolving to embrace inclusivity and representation, turning runways and ads into platforms for social change. Celebrating diversity, the industry now highlights unique stories and talents of models who challenge conventional standards. These trailblazers redefine beauty and advocate for a more inclusive world. Here are six groundbreaking models making waves in the fashion industry and beyond, proving that beauty comes in all forms:

Jillian Mercado

Mercado is more than just a model. She has been pushed into the role of activist as a result of her visible disability and her job as a public figure. Being pushed into the role of activist hasn't stopped her from modeling with brands like Glamour, Nordstrom, and even on Beyoncés website.

Madeline Stuart

 Stuart is groundbreaking as the first supermodel with down syndrome and autism. She walked in shows across the world and continues to carve a path for people like her every day.

Viktoria Modesta

Modesta uses her disability as part of her craft. She has found her niche in futuristic fashion and changes her prosthetic leg based on the shoot.

Nyle DiMarco

DiMarco is something of a household name these days, rocketing to fame after winning America's Next Top Model. He has even written a best-selling book about his life as a deaf person.

Kaitlin Sommer

Sommer first rose to attention when she was part of the Selkie SS24 Collection At New York Fashion Week. The brand has been ahead of the curve with representation for a while and having a wheelchair-bound model was another example of their progressive views on models.

Mama Cax

Mama Cax is an icon first, and a model second. She is a Woman of the Year award winner, she is an activist, and she is gorgeous. She has also been a cover girl for Teen Vogue.