18-Year-Old With Down's Syndrome To Walk Down The Ramp At The New York Fashion Week

Setting an example for others to change their perception about “beauty,” 18-year-old Madeline Stuart is ready to walk down the ramp in the New York Fashion Week, or NYFW. Stuart suffers from Down's syndrome, a genetic disorder, which occurs when an individual possesses an extra part or an entire copy of the 21st chromosome.

The information about Stuart participating in one of the most prestigious fashion events around the world came right from her Instagram account. Stuart will model for FTL Moda, who featured amputees and disables models for a fashion event earlier in 2015. FTL Moda, on the other hand, confirmed that they will be be featuring Stuart at the upcoming NYFW event scheduled to be held on Sept. 13, 2015.

“It is with the utmost joy and pride that we announce Madeline Stuart’s participation in #FTLModa #NYFW #SS2016 presentation. Beautiful Madeline will brighten up the runway at the #VanderbiltHall on September 13th 2015. Stay tuned and RSVP!,” stated the brand's Facebook post.

Stuart's photos went viral online earlier in 2015 after her mother, Rosanne launched a Facebook campaign to fetch her daughter a modelling contract. Stuart, on the other hand, wanted to change how people see the beauty around them, and the stereotype associated with the disabled.

“She wanted this and she worked hard for it," Rosanne, said in a statement. "I've done everything I can on the business end to get her to this stage. Now it's just her work her charm.”

Soon, Stuart started to have a huge fan following. She signed two professional modelling gig contract with Manifesta, an American fitness-brand and everMaya, a lifestyle label. The Brisbane-born teenager will be the second person with Down's syndrome to walk down the ramp after Jamie Brewer, who appeared on a Fashion week ramp in February, this year.

In people with Down's syndrome, the physical development is delayed and their intellectual ability if affected. The average IQ of an individual with the genetic disorder in same as that of an 8-year-old child, however, it might vary from person to person.