WASHINGTON – In his photos, 15-month-old Asher Nash is full of smiles and laughter. He has Down syndrome, loves his big sister and is anything but camera shy, posing in colorful bow ties and adorable ensembles.
“Anytime the camera is around he always gets a big grin on his face like he knows it’s time to smile!” Asher’s mother, Meagan Nash, wrote in an email to WTOP.
The Georgia mother is pushing for inclusive advertising after a local agency failed to submit Asher’s photos for a Carter’s, Inc. casting, “because the criteria didn’t specify they were looking for a baby with special needs.”
When she questioned the agency, Meagan was told that Carter’s hadn’t specified either way and that Asher’s photo would be submitted for future opportunities.
Meagan shared the experience with a group called Changing the Face of Beauty, aiming to have Asher included in an OshKosh B’Gosh campaign – and their story took off.
“People with disabilities want to be included amongst [sic] their peers in life in general and being seen in advertisement is a part of that,” Meagan wrote. “Using people with special needs shows the world that these people have value and worth just like any typical person does.”
Meagan said she chose to target OshKosh because their corporate headquarters are in Atlanta, and the family lives nearby. She said her intentions have never been to bash a clothing brand or portray them negatively, but rather to spread awareness and encourage inclusiveness. She said their family recently had a meeting with OshKosh, and they are waiting to see what the outcome will be.
Meanwhile, Asher is keeping plenty busy playing with his 8-year-old sister, Addison. Meagan says Addison is Asher’s best friend and biggest advocate.
To keep up with Asher’s adventures, check out his Facebook page.
