Twenty-two-year-old Madeline Stuart is changing the world’s perception of people with disability. Recently named ambassador for the Brisbane Disability Expo on November 1st & 2nd, the world famous supermodel with Down syndrome uses her prominence to promote acceptance and inclusion.
Madeline has worked hard for her dreams. In early 2014, she began her journey to get healthy and fit, so that she could pursue her dance dreams. After attending a fashion show later in the same year, Madeline was struck with a new passion – this time for fashion modelling. A photo of Madeline went viral, being viewed over 6.8 million times. Her largest audience is young women between the ages of 18 and 44. Over the following week, Madeline hit headlines around the globe and this opened the door for her modelling career.
The Brisbane redhead has now walked in iconic fashion events multiple times, including New York, London, Dubai and Paris fashion weeks. She has been featured in leading publications, including Forbes, Vogue, Cosmopolitan, Woman’s Day, New York Times, Elle, Marie Claire and Cleo and, in 2017, launched her very own fashion label 21 Reasons Why.
“Changing people’s perceptions of disability, and reminding retailers, quite crucially, that anyone and everyone can love and shop for fashion, Madeline’s work is really breaking boundaries in an industry that can brand anyone without a thigh gap as ‘imperfect’,” wrote Marie Claire magazine in 2016.
Madeline has a broad range of other interests, besides fashion. She competes in the Special Olympics in multiple sports, has participated in the Noosa Triathlon, oversees her Brisbane dance school InsideOutside Dance and makes special appearances at not for profits events, including Multi Cap Foundation, Endeavour Foundation Australia, Silver Linings Project, and now the Brisbane Disability Expo.
Madeline will be accompanied by her mother Rosanne to the Brisbane Disability Expo in November, where they will share their message of hope about breaking down barriers for people with disability.
The two-day expo encourages attendees to challenge the limits. With the emphasis on ‘choice’, over 100 providers will exhibit cutting-edge equipment, assistive technology, mobility aids, medical, health and support services, long term care options, and a variety of financial, travel, lifestyle and sport options for people of all abilities. Click here to view the full Expo Guide, including exhibitor list, floor plan, schedules, parking, accommodation options and more.
During the two days, enjoy insightful presentations from keynote speakers, including the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIS). Professionals will host workshops and discuss a range of disability topics related to travel, leisure, healthy living, accessibility, advocacy and special needs management advice. There will be something for everyone, with all-ages entertainment, live stage performances, fully catered cafes and plenty of seating for attendees to socialise and chat about which exhibitions, talks, workshops or which entertainment to see next.
Entry is Free and doors open for the massive two-day event from 9:00am to 3:00pm on Friday and Saturday, November 1 and 2. The Opening Ceremony commences at 11am on Friday and features Madeline Stuart and local delegates. Click here to register your group for free tickets.