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!
The reason I’m glad? Well, that stylish young man in the orange shirt is Ryan Langston. 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.
In other words, they didn’t make a big deal out of it. I like that.
Even though Target didn’t make a big deal out of the fact they used a boy with Down syndrome as a model in their ad, they said plenty. They said the same things that Nordstrom said when they used Ryan as a model in their catalog this past summer. I could list a hundred things Target said by running this ad, let me give you 5 that immediately come to mind:
The future is bright for people like my son!
(Our son’s pretty cute, huh?) 🙂
One of the reasons I started this site was to give the world an opportunity to see first hand what it’s like raising a child born with Down syndrome. I had this crazy idea that if I could give the world a window into the life of a family raising a child with special needs it would help them see that people like my son are much more typical than they may think.
I believe the story we are telling by posting a daily one minute video of our son’s story is doing just that.
I also have this crazy dream that together we can use social media to help spread the message that children born with disabilities deserve love, not pity. But I can’t do it alone. I need your help. Would you please help spread that message by clicking the ‘like” button that appears right below this post, tweeting this post out to your twitter followers, and posting it on your Facebook wall? Please be sure to leave your email in the box below and stay up to date on all of our newest posts.
The story we are telling is one that we believe needs to be shared. Will you help us share it?
I’ve never been more excited about the future of individuals born with disabilities. The possibilities are endless, and the future looks bright!
To Target:
As a father of a son born with a disability I want to sincerely thank you. I hope that more companies choose to follow the great example that you guys have set. By choosing to embrace the exciting future and limitless opportunities for people like my son, organizations like yours are leading the way in showing the world that our world isn’t forced to live in the past.
Thank you Target. By not saying anything, you said a lot.
What do you think about companies who understand the importance of including people born with special needs? When companies do this correctly, like Target and Nordstrom have, does it influence your decision to shop with them more?
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I love it when people/companies look at our kids as what they are: kids! period. I applaud Target and Nordstrom for doing that and would definitely be influenced to shop more in their stores because of that fact.
@Lila,
Exactly! When I see companies like Target include kids like ours, it makes me think highly of them...and certainly influences my shopping decisions.
I know that Babies R Us has a 'differently abled" catalog and I think it's great that they are being inclusive, and I agree it's helpful to have a catalog to help people learn how different toys help different "developmental areas." What I don't like is having two catalogs...a "differently abled kid" toy catalog, and a "typical kid" catalog. As I said in our Christmas gift idea post (http://noahsdad.com/gift-ideas-down-syndrome/)....our kids like toys, period.
I'd like them to find a way to make one catalog and maybe have some type of call out or index that explains how what toys help to develop different areas. It's not like kids without a disability don't need to develop also. I don't think it's necessary to have two catalogs.
That's just my personal preference, I still applaud babies r us for being considerate towards our kids.
I think it is awesome!!!! My beautiful 7 month old son Timmy has DS. I would love to get him into modeling. My wish for him is to be excepted by everyone. I hope that people will see him through my eyes, a beautiful, sweet, loving baby boy! I try to be an advocate for him and other children with DS whenever I can. My 16 yr. old niece did a speach on DS and asked me to bring Timmy to her class. Timmy went to her school to cheer her on, we are so proud of her. I also entered him in a pagaent, he won!!! ( he was the only boy in his age group) He acts no different than any other baby and he looks no different to our family. We are so thankful that he is healthy, other than getting a lot of colds. God blessed us with our little Timmy and we couldn't love him an ounce more!
Leah, how can anyone NOT Love any Baby? The best part is watching & interacting with them as they grow!!!
"There's only one beautiful Baby in the World... and every Mother has it"!!! oh & eh, far be it from me to preach, i don't go there (i wouldn't know how) but i just had to say where that quote originated & if i may, put it in it's original form. Here goes... "He hath made every thing beautiful in His time" Ecclesiastes 3:11 i'm pretty sure every "thing" also means every "one"........................... Laura*
A separate catalog for kids with disabilities is not inclusionary. The very nature of inclusion is that our kids are not set apart from others, but treated as one the crowd. I often think how little, and yet how much, has changed for people with disabilities. In many ways, I think ability is the last frontier in breaking down barriers for individuals who are not in the majority. And yet, when my daughter was born in 1977, states had just been given a mandate to provide education for people with disabilities. Imagine, 35 years ago, our kids could be denied the right to public education! How much has changed... How much more must be changed.
Hi Noah's Dad,
I have 2 kids with hearing loss and they have been in the Toys R Us "differently able" catalog. Toys R Us actually uses some of the kids that they feature in the differently able catalog in the regular weekly ads. Many of the kids that are featured in the Toys R Us ads/catalogs are from the NJ area where the company is based. Some are like my kids who are chosen from independent applications and some are from modeling agencies. To be inclusive they need more parents willing to have children be models or actors or musicians. So Ryan needs friends in the modeling world and Becky (on Glee) needs friends. Get Noah an agent or check out Toys R Us corporate page to find a way to get him in the regular ads. He is very photogenic and would be a great model.
Karen - I'm sorry, but your comments imply that you've completely missed the point that Noah's dad was making... why should Down's Syndrome kiddies have their "own" catalogue - they don't wear different clothes?
She did not miss the point...she just stated that in addition to having them in a separate catalogue they ALSO feature those same children in the regular weekly ads...which means they are inclusionary...they have just created a catalogue that focuses on developmental impacts that are perfect for those buying for a child with a special need...they are doing their best to help buyers but also not ruin their business by only focusing on toys that help development (think of all the hot toys that do not aid in development). If they tried to do some type of coding to show how specific toys were "better" developmentally they may see a decrease in sales for other toys...I applaud toys r us for attempting to provide additional insight while shopping for toys especially since age ranges on toys are based on developmental factors...now if a clothing store did that it wouldnt make any sense since everyone wears the same things...guess its all about the product...
Walmart also does extensive work for the disabled as well as hires them to work in their stores!
Keep walking the talk, we are all truly alike ...just different. Target's ad walks that talk!Applaud any one who is trying.
One catalog-
This is amazing how people with Down Syndrome have come to be accepted as part of everything. My brother, Brian will be 50 this year. When he was a child, maybe 7 or 8 a "modeling" company did one of their solicitation calls to our house. They said they wanted Brian to be a model because they saw what a good model he was through the pictures that were taken at the local photography place( probably a department store). My mother exclaimed how happy she was that they would include Down Syndrome people in the profession. She got silence on the other end of the phone, with a reply, "Oh, I am sorry maam, their must be a mistake!" Well, now I can see that their will never be this type of "mistake" again! My mother and father were really pioneers in the 1960's to help with acceptance of people with disabilities.
I am the mother of a son, Louis, with DS, who is 22 years old and further evidence that Target "walks the walk" about valuing diversity is that they hired my son as a Sales Team Member in Hard Line (hard line is what you use; soft line is what you wear) this past October. Unfortunately, none of the Target stores in our area kept any of their seasonal hires b/c their revenue was not as high as they needed it to be during the holidays. So Louis got layed off like everyone else, but it was a great experience for him and a good job while it lasted. I attended the new employee orientation with Louis before he started working and was VERY impressed with the videos they show employees about how to provide shopping assistance to people in wheelchairs, who are blind or hearing impaired -- it was quite amazing - neutral, sensitive, appropriate and effective training.
You know, a lot of kiddos with disabilities actually require some different toys for their appropriate stimulation. They are designed for specific needs for these children. I haven't seen the catalog, but just a thought.
And what a wonderful story!
I couldn't agree with Lila more! It is so comforting to know that society, as a whole, is progressively becoming more accepting and inclusive of our kiddos.
@Dianne,
I'm with you! By the way do you have a child with Down syndrome (or another disability?)
How old is he/she...please share. :)
Hello...yes...my son Timmy has DS...he's 13 months old! I follow your blog on FB and must say, Noah is absolutely adorable! I applaud you and your wife for sharing your story with everyone and being a "one stop shop" for everything Down Syndrome! I'm in the process of setting up a blog to tell Timmy's story, but haven't have much spare time, as Timmy is, shall I say, "high maintenance." In addition to, or shall I say, because of his DS, Timmy has several of the "Downsy problems" (per his developental pediatrician...whom by the way "wrote the book" on Down Syndrome treatment...Marilyn Bull, MD. Sorry, just had to brag a little on her. We are so blessed to have her on our team! Anyway, his hypotonia is moderate to severe which has directly caused...this long list of issues: severe dysphagia, bronchomalasia, chronic microaspiration leading to chronic lung disease, GERD (he used to aspirate his stomach acid), and moderate GI motility issues. Additionally, he had a large PDA, and moderate ASD, which were both fixed surgically...ligation and Catheterization. Needless to say, my poor little guy has spent a great deal of time in the hospital. We've almost lost him to respiratory failure and RSV complications. The last year has been a blur. By the grace of God, and thanks to the awesome team of docs he has (and he has ALOT!), Timmy is well on his way to being healthy. Again...I apologize for the rambeling
Diane,
Hi. My son Ross is 14 months old and has DS and also we are suspecting bronchiomalasia. We go for a sleep study on the 10th. He always sounds horrible after his bottle. Constantly suctioning him and the coughs are very mucousy and residule formula. Yuck! I just do the best I can to keep him clear. What is the chronic microaspirations you mentioned. is this something that I should worry about with his brochiomalasia?
Your experience and thoughts would be welcomed.
Thanks,
Shawn
I also have a son with DownSyndrome. He is going to be 14 years old on Jan 29. We went through the respiratory issues and RSV complications. In and out of the hospitals, T&A, sleep study, potty trained at 6 years old, and we currently have an eating issue (he refuses to eat solid foods). It could be that he choked on something or he is controlling the situation (his father and I got divorced) However, he is growing and is healthy, active, and included in a typical middle school setting as well as a daycare. They have all accepted him and love being around him. These kids need inclusion to learn how to behave "normally" and interact with others. He is such a joy. I find that as they get older, it gets easier. I also see that Giant Eagle has children with disabilities working for them in all types of capacities, kudos to them as well. They are no different than someone who is typical, just a little slower, and they need to be able to contribute to society as well, and learn grow and eventually venture out into this world on their own.
I am so pleased to see this progress in our society. but I am not surprised that Target is one of the company's involved. I have a brother with down syndrome. He is now 53 years old. Target hired him back in the 80's as a cart attendant. The company could not have been more fabulous to him! I have always been loyal to them, but this is a reaffirmation of my decision! Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for inspiring me. I wrote Target an I love you email from our Noah (5-DS). So wonderful to hear GOOD news about corporate America.
In this day and age of Corporate unfriendliness and bad press, it's nice to see something so positive...Kudos Target.
My neice posted the link on FB. When I read it and looked at the picture, I had to post it. This is great.
And your son is abolutely adorable. Pat
I am in total agreement. I plan on shopping more at Target to bring them new business, and give them my complete support. I want them to know that because of what they did, is the reason they will gain me as a customer. Children are an incredible gift from God. My 15 year old grandson was diagnosed with Asperger syndrome, and my friend Aaron Shust youngest son was born with Down Syndrome, and he is the sweetest baby ever. Thank you, Noah's Dad you are an awesome father.
I have no idea how this large photo of my Emma ended up on here. If you can delete the photo Rick please do. Thank you, William
This is awesome. I have so much more respect for Target now. Yay! :)
Thanks Brian. Same here!
And here! Love this!
Thank you Target!!! I have always loved shopping at Target and now I do even more. It makes me so happy to see that great companies are choosing to do the right thing- without asking for credit for it or calling attention to it- and giving our kids the chance to shine like other typical kids. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!!
@Tara,
I agree. Traget earned about 10 million cool points in my book when I saw that ad. I hope other companies follow the lead of classy companies doing the right thing like Target, and Nordstrom.
This post just proves you don't also have to go around telling others of your "good deeds" to be noticed by a community of people Actions speak louder than words, and Target's actions spoke here.
Thanks for your comment!
Ive seen that little guy in ads before. Too cute. One time he was in a leather bomber jacket. A.dor.able! Love it!
A picture is worth a thousand words!
Exactly!
Your right! I believe that was in the Nordstrom ad that I linked to. :)
Definitely would have more respect for any such company and it would definitely encourage me to shop in their store - well done Target!
@Alison,
Thanks for your comment, I agree with you. I hope more companies pay attention to this! (But at the same time don't just start putting children with disabilities in their ads in order to get sales. I don't think this is what Target was trying to do at all. And I like it!)
It is so wonderful to see kids like ours getting treated like all others.
@Ashley,
I TOTALLY agree! :)
Hooray for you,this is a wonderful ad, I have a 16 year old daughter with Down Syndrome she is remarkable and an ad like this shows that everyone should be treated equally that is our goal as parents with children with special needs that they are treated equally! God Bless you and your family.I will continue to shop at Target now I love this store even more than I did before! Alleuia
Everyone who has a child with special needs should write to companies like this every time they see something like this and encourage and thank them. I do. Thanks for bringing this one to my attention; I missed it!
Joe Rinaldo
@Joesph,
I hope you guys are doing well!
I agree...I think everyone should visit target's twitter page (http://facebook.com/target) and tell them how much they appreciate them doing what they are supposed to do! :)
Howe you guys had a great News Years!
I agree in writing them to let them know we saw it and we appreciate it! I actually am a photographer and I have a daughter with Down Syndrome. I started a blog dedicated to special needs models I photograph and will have some new models up soon! I've been contemplating for a while now, and finally decided to do it after I published my book. I have been silently following this blog for a long time, first time commenter! I LOVE YOUR BLOG!
Here is the modeling blog if you're interested in checkin it out!
http://www.downrightperfect.blogspot.com
Keep these awesome posts coming!
I may be the lone wolf on this one. I am not excited by this post. I kind of feel like it's the type of situation where everyone applauds a dad for well being a dad. They think it's great when they see a father change his kid's diaper and take them to the park. That's what they're supposed to do.
In this case, I don't see anything extremely exciting about including "a special needs" child in the ad. Because for me, it's no different than a typical child. I guess I do see that they didn't HAVE to use a child that wasn't "normal", but I don't know, I don't see anything praise-worthy about it. I've seen lots of other companies that have used all different types of babies in their ads, such as Sears (just one that I can think of off the top of my head). I bet, it's something that you just didn't pay attention to before now. Don't get me wrong, I think it's a good thing, just not something worth praising :) This should be the norm.
Michelle, it SHOULD be the norm, but sadly it isn't, and as the parent of a daughter with Down, I believe it's only by encouraging, recognizing, and thanking stores that do this, that we can make people understand that there are lots of different kinds of people in the world, and they don't all look alike!
Joe Rinaldo
@Mychelle,
Thanks for sharing (even at the risk of being the lone wolf!) :) I totally agree with you...sort of. I'm not endorsing Chris Rock, but he says: "You should get credit for [stuff] you're SUPPOSED to do!" ...and I (somewhat) agree with his (and your) feeling. Let me explain:
I'm a little torn on how best to approach situations such as this. As an advocate of people with disabilities one of my passions is helping the world see that all people have great value and worth, and deserve to be treated with dignity and respect.
I like to think of myself of being able to find creative ways to do this, but the only way I know how to be an advocate is to....advocate. I want companies (and individuals) to know that their efforts to not be like the main stream ("main stream" being those who often treat our children differently and EXCLUDE them as result of their disability) ...instead they choose to see our children as the "same" as other children and INCLUDE them.
The tension I have is the very thing you just mentioned. On one hand I like the fact that a child born with Down syndrome can be included in 'typical' ad, and not made into a PR thing. As I said at the start of this post, I like the fact that many people probably passed right by the model in this ad and not even notice he had Down syndrome. I like the fact that it's low key.
On the other hand by writing this post (and the one I wrote about Nordstrom (http://noahsdad.com/nordstrom) I am bringing attention to the very thing I was glad no one brought attention to...if that makes any sense. :)
I guess I want to be the one that draws attention to it...not the company . I almost want them NOT to want people to know they doing it. I want to include children with disabilities because it's important to them...not because people like me will write a blog post about it. It want their motivation to be love...not marketing. I want to 'catch' them doing the right thing if that makes sense?
On last thing...I'm not sure I 100% agree with the comment I posted before. I think celebrating small steps is important. Noah should be crawling by now...and he is (sort of!) and when he does I cheer like he just won the world series. I celebrate 'small steps,' so to speak. I make a HUGE deal out of him when he does the "right thing."
I've worked with parents for a long time and they almost always seem to have no problem catching their kids doing bad. I like to encourage them to 'catch their kids being good!" To celebrate them doing 'the right thing." I think encouring positive steps (no matter how big, or small) is powerful thing. I wrote a post that talks about this (http://noahsdad.com/wins).
However, I want to CATCH Noah doing good..I don't want Noah to be the one to always tell me when he's doing good, lest he does 'good" just to get attention, and not because he genuinely wants to do good. If that makes sense.
After all of that rambling, I guess that's how I feel about things like this. I want companies to do "the right thing" and I want to give them "credit" for doing the right thing...I just don't want them telling me they are the ones doing the right thing (call outs, pr, 'special catalogs', etc...). I think that by celebrating "little steps" like this, it helps companies take bigger steeps towards helping the world change their view about people born with disabilites.
In other words, I want to catch them doing good.
Hope that make at least a little sense.... :)
I totally agree with everything you said! I do not have a special needs child, but I have worked with one for 7 years. We have a very strong bond! In the beginning he had just turned 11 and we had a hard time. He was angry and I didn't understand him. I don't know who was more stubborn but we stuck it out with each other and after a few months were able to communicate (a little) with each other. The communication started when I clapped and cheered for something GOOD that he did. It was all it took for him to give me a chance. Even though he is nonverbal, he has words and thoughts in his head. He knows what he wants and needs to make us know........
I could go on for ever.....but the bottom line is:
I think you are doing a wonderful thing. Your blog will help many people. (and I do cheer for you being a wonderful dad)
I think the "exciting" part is that Target didn't ask for any recognition--they included him in the add with the other children and many people (me included) didn't notice that he was any different from the others!! It should be the norm, but because it isn't I think this was a great accomplishment.
I love it! Yes, I think it does make me want to shop with them. If they take a stand..without saying a thing...it shows what they think of everyone's differences. We are all different, and that's just fine. :)
@Tim and Lori
"We are all different...and that's just fine!"
Wow, I couldn't have said it any better than that. I hope you don't find if I borrow that phrase! :)
By all means! Borrow away! :)
Great post, glad our DS group linked to it! This is actually the second time that I have seen Target use a model with Down syndrome (earlier this fall they had a little girl model in the toys)!