【Leading the Down Syndrome Revolution · Empowering People with Disabilities】
If you don’t believe you can succeed, how can you expect others to believe in you?

 

The world's first down syndrome model
    Madeline Stuart, an Australian Down syndrome model with over a million followers, is a professional model and the first person with a disability to obtain a U.S. work visa. She not only owns her own fashion brand, 21 Reasons why, but is also the founder, director, and ambassador of the InsideOutside Dance disability dance school.
 
    Madeline was diagnosed with Down syndrome at birth, with a mental age of no more than seven years old, and was told she might never achieve anything in life. At eight weeks old, she underwent her first heart surgery.
 
    In 2015, a local fashion show in Australia sparked Madeline's passion for fashion.
 
    Madeline has achieved remarkable success in the fashion industry. She became the first model with Down syndrome to walk the runways of fashion weeks in London, Paris, China, Dubai, Los Angeles, and Birmingham. She has also participated in events for major brands such as Diesel, Aldo Group, and Weetbix.
 
    Madeline was named the first “Fashion Industry Trailblazer” by Forbes Magazine and featured in prominent publications such as Vogue, Marie Claire, Cosmopolitan, The New York Times, and The Washington Post.
 
    Since entering the fashion industry, Madeline has participated in over 103 fashion shows worldwide, including six seasons of New York Fashion Week. In 2015, she won the Model of the Year award at the San Francisco International Fashion Show. In 2016, she was named Model of the Year by the global fashion media and nominated for the Australian Pride Awards and was nominated for the Australian Young Achiever Award for three consecutive years. In 2017, she received the Quincy Jones Outstanding Advocacy Award from the Global Down Syndrome Foundation. In 2018, she was awarded the Australian 25 Influential Award. In 2019, she ranked second in the Social Impact and Change category of the Global Social Awards.
 
    Madeline's social media platforms have over a million followers, with her primary audience being women aged 18–44. She firmly believes that her extraordinary achievements and inspiration can benefit countless women. Her goal is not only to transform the fashion industry but to change society's perception of people with disabilities—she is dedicated to fostering societal acceptance of individuals with disabilities, recognizing their achievements, and valuing their contributions to society.
 
    Madeline bravely breaks the barriers imposed by her disability—the limitations and discrimination it brings—unafraid of others' judgmental glances. She defies societal norms to enter the fashion industry, showing the world that the impossible can become possible. She has become an important role model for breaking societal rules.
 
    As a result, Madeline courageously takes on impossible challenges, leveraging her strengths to prove to the world that people with disabilities can find employment, achieve self-fulfillment, making life shine brightly and embodying the motto “Every talent has its use.” As the world's first Down syndrome model, she truly deserves the title of “Australia's down syndrome model.” She stood out among 2,893 candidates recommended from around the globe for the “2021 24th Global Love for Life Award” by the Zhou Da Guan Cultural and Educational Foundation in Taiwan.
 
    Our organization warmly welcomes recommendations from all corners of the world for individuals who embody effort, kindness, courage, and achievement as life warriors. (Taiwan Chou Ta-Kuan Cultural and Educational Foundation Global Award for Love of Life Nomination Hotline: 886-2-29178770, Fax: 886-2-29178768, Address: 3rd Floor, No. 52 Mingde Road, Xindian District, New Taipei City 231, Taiwan, Website: http://www.ta.org.tw, e-mail: ta88ms17@gmail.com
 
The Power of Motherly Love
    Before Madeleine was born, her mother, Roshan, knew nothing about Down syndrome. When the doctor diagnosed Madeleine with Down syndrome, he told Roshan, “Madeleine's mental age will only reach seven years old, and she may never achieve anything in her life.” All the doctors' diagnoses were negative, which dealt a heavy blow to Roshan, as she didn't know what to expect for Madeleine…
 
    All the conclusions were preparing Roshan for a life of decline for Madeleine, and even Roshan's father refused to take his granddaughter home. As a father, Roshan's dad cared deeply about his daughter's happiness and hoped she wouldn't have to bear such a heavy burden…
 
    However, Roshan had no choice. Out of love for her daughter, she refused to give up on Madeline. Despite the doctors' and her father's objections, Roshan insisted on raising Madeline and did everything in her power to give her a good life.
 
    Shortly after Madeline's birth, she had to undergo major heart surgery. Although the surgery was successful, Madeline would need to undergo the same procedure again when she was older.
 
    The days spent in the hospital were extremely difficult for Roshan, as Madeline frequently fell ill, and her heart condition remained a constant concern.
 
    Apart from her heart condition, Madeline had a relatively carefree childhood. She loved school and sports and had many wonderful friends.
 
    Before Madeline became famous, Roshan and she often traveled around the world together. They were the best of mother and daughter and also the best of friends. Roshan was also Madeline's agent, and they lived together and faced the world together.
 
    Shaking the world with runway shows
 
    Madeline's career began in late 2015 when she and her mother participated in a local fashion show in Australia. This was Madeline's first time walking the runway, and she fell in love with modeling. Madeline believed that models exuded confidence, beauty, and radiance, and this experience inspired her to tell her mother she wanted to be a model.
 
    Rosanne always gives Madeleine the best of everything and does her best to fulfill her daughter's wishes. Rosanne understands Madeleine's aspirations and knows she may simply enjoy the spotlight. A few weeks later, Rosanne arranged a professional photo shoot for Madeleine, helping her fulfill her dream of becoming a model.
 
    On the day of the shoot, 18-year-old Madeline refused to let her mother accompany her into the studio. When they received the photos, they were all amazed—because the photos not only showcased Madeline's beauty but also captured her most elegant and enchanting moments.
 
    People with disabilities are rarely seen as healthy or attractive, and Madeleine, who has Down syndrome, was no exception. Like many people with Down syndrome, Madeleine had to work hard to manage her weight.
 
    To improve her heart health, Madeline decided to lose weight. She started eating healthier, reducing her portion sizes, and attending weekly fitness classes. She dedicated a lot of effort and training to her health, which helped her lose over 20 kilograms.
 
    Madeline's weight loss journey was an incredible transformation. She began to experience activities she had never been able to do before.
 
    Madeline has not only improved in dance but has also become more agile and healthier. She hopes to inspire more families with Down syndrome to live healthy and long lives by sharing her experience.
 
    Madeline believes that people should not judge those with Down syndrome through a biased lens and assume they need to lose weight.
 
    Instead, she wants to encourage everyone to lose weight for the sake of their health, from the heart.
 
    Therefore, Rosanne posted Madeleine's weight loss comparison photos on social media. She hopes that people will see Madeleine and other people with disabilities from a different perspective and convey the message that even people with disabilities can be healthier and live longer!
 
     After the photos were posted, Madeline's social media following quickly grew to over 100,000, with over 6.8 million views. She became headline news in Iceland, Germany, the United States, and the United Kingdom, with people around the world discussing Madeline. Soon after, Madeline received a call inviting her to New York to work as a model.
 
    In 2016, Madeline walked the runway at New York Fashion Week, once again making headlines in the news media. Madeline's achievements have sparked a trend in the fashion industry, and she has become a symbol of Down syndrome thriving in society. This is not only a moment of confidence, emotion, and excitement, but it has also shaken the entire world!
 
Fashion Icon
    Madeline's achievements in the fashion industry are not only remarkable, but since entering the industry, she has participated in over 103 fashion shows worldwide, including six seasons of New York Fashion Week. Additionally, she is the first model with Down syndrome to walk the runway at fashion weeks in London, Paris, China, Dubai, Los Angeles, and Birmingham. She has also participated in events for major brands such as Dior, Aldo Group, and Australian Whole Grain Film. She was named the first pioneer of change in the fashion industry by Forbes Magazine and featured in renowned publications such as Vogue, Beauty, Cosmopolitan, The New York Times, and The Washington Post.
 
    Madeline's presence has brought about significant and diverse changes to the fashion industry's continued growth and development year after year.
 
    As the world's first Down syndrome model, she has broken down numerous barriers and challenged traditional notions of beauty, opening doors to success for others facing similar challenges and increasing acceptance of diversity within the fashion industry and society at large.
 
The “Down Syndrome” Phenomenon
    Madeline is the founder, director, and ambassador of a dance school for people with disabilities. This nonprofit organization is the largest dance school in Queensland.
 
    At the school, students not only maintain their health but also learn essential life skills, including confidence, social skills, communication, teamwork, leadership, and self-awareness.
 
    Over the past two years, the dance school has performed at various events, including the Special Olympics Gala Dinner, the Australian Hervey Bay All-Around Games, the Australian Bendigo All-Around Games, and the Royal Ballet Company, and was even shortlisted for the 2016 Longman Business Achievement Award.
 
    The dance school provides educational and performance opportunities, creating a vibrant and dynamic work environment for performers, teachers, and students, while offering the most comprehensive practice and performance experiences globally.
 
    The school's goal is to collaborate with the community to maintain positive and inclusive activities, enabling all members of the community to achieve a common objective—enjoying dance.
 
    In addition, Madeline has founded her own clothing brand—21 Reasons. The brand's name is inspired by Madeline herself, who is passionate about becoming a better version of herself—living more inclusively and healthily. She believes that we should all be proud of our lives, even if her 21st chromosome is abnormal, as this should not prevent us from celebrating the beauty in our lives!
 
    Madeline's mission is to continuously spread her belief that age, size, race, height, or disability should not be barriers to fashion.
 
    In both her personal life and career, Madeline has achieved numerous notable accomplishments, but one of the most well-known is obtaining a U.S. work visa, making her the first person with a disability to do so.
 
    For Madeline, this was an incredible milestone because she proved not only to herself but also to everyone who supported her that people with disabilities are capable!
 
    In the workplace, one of Madeline's biggest challenges is that her work environment sometimes does not view her as a professional.
 
    Companies and organizations often discriminate, and Madeline does not receive the same compensation as other professional models.
 
    Madeline is equally dedicated to her work and strives for perfection, yet she has not received the compensation she deserves.
 
    The stereotype that people with disabilities are unable to work has led to Madeline sometimes working without pay. Therefore, Madeline’s ability to obtain a U.S. work visa is indeed a significant career achievement and a powerful voice for people with disabilities!
 
    This is one of the biggest obstacles Madeline has overcome, and for those who aspire to the same goals, Madeline has undoubtedly taken the first step toward changing the fashion industry and society.
 
    In 2015, Madeline won the Model of the Year award at the San Francisco International Fashion Show. In 2016, she was named Model of the Year by the World Fashion Media and nominated for the Australian Pride Awards and was nominated for the Australian Young Person of the Year Award for three consecutive years. In 2017, she received the Quincy Jones Outstanding Advocate Award from the Global Down Syndrome Foundation. In 2018, she was awarded the Australian 25 Most Influential Award. In 2019, she won second place in the Social Impact and Change category at the Global Social Awards.
 
Love knows no bounds.
    Madeline is not only a recipient of numerous awards but also supports dozens of nonprofit organizations and charitable institutions, including Multicap Foundation, Endeavour Foundation Australia, Silver Linings Project, Vets Intl, The DisABILITY Museum, Melbourne City Mission, The Carol Galvin Foundation, Kulture City, Embrace Kulture, FUB Sweden, I Can, I Will Australia, Buddy Walk NYC, and Special Olympics of New York, among others.
 
    In 2016, Madeline visited Entebbe, Uganda, to participate in activities organized by Embrace Kulture, an organization dedicated to serving children with disabilities.
 
    Madeline and her mother, Rosanne, met with several schools and parent groups to share their experiences and insights on the challenges and opportunities of educating children with Down syndrome. In Uganda, children with autism or Down syndrome are often referred to as “kasiru,” which means “idiot.”
 
    Many children are forced to live in isolation, locked in their homes, and unable to attend school...
 
    In Uganda, they met a disabled girl who had been the target of three attempted murders by villagers. When Madeline heard about the plight of children in Uganda, she immediately stepped forward to serve these disabled children.
 
    Roshan collaborated with a Ugandan charity organization to assist the girl, sending her to a safe boarding school and introducing Madeline to the local community.
 
    Madeline also participated in the annual “Trust and Awareness Day for Children with Special Needs,” joining other children in a fashion show hosted by Miss Uganda and attending events with local politicians.
 
    Madeline and Roshan stayed in the area for about ten days. Before learning about Down syndrome, nearly fifty families had hidden their children, some of whom had never seen the light of day.
 
    Madeline placed great importance on these families and dedicated more of her time to these communities in need. She believed she could provide education and inspiration to help them develop knowledge about disabilities.
 
Surviving Heart Failure
    In December 2018, Madeline was admitted to Prince Charles Hospital due to advanced heart failure.
 
    Doctors informed Rosanne that as Madeline aged, the heart surgery she underwent shortly after birth would need to be repeated, as her heart had enlarged to a point requiring repair.
 
    Although the surgery was successful, post-operative complications required Madeline to spend some time in the intensive care unit.
 
    It seemed like the road to recovery was smooth, but unexpectedly, Madeline's heart rate spiked overnight, leaving the doctors helpless. She was rushed back to the intensive care unit until her condition stabilized.
 
    Doctors attempted to use a defibrillator to lower her heart rate but were unsuccessful. Madeline could onlysurvive with the help of a pacemaker.
 
    The doctor told Roshan that Madeline's heartbeat might recover, but in the worst case, she would have to live with a pacemaker for the rest of her life.
 
    Over the next few weeks, Madeline remained in the intensive care unit under close monitoring. Although her heart rate stabilized and decreased, it continued to beat irregularly.
 
    Twenty-six days after the surgery, Madeline was discharged from the hospital and returned home. She was thrilled and excited to return to her normal life, as she could once again attend her fitness classes and dance school.
 
Advocating for people with disabilities
    Madeline and Roshan embarked on a speaking tour, traveling across Australia to participate in business and charitable events, sharing her story with international audiences. They discussed Madeline's early life, career, challenges, and even issues related to disability, employment, and discrimination.
 
    Madeline’s journey has had its low points, but her strong will and unwavering determination set her apart. She not only fights for her own rights but also for human rights, opening new pathways for people with disabilities to receive the compensation they deserve in the fashion industry and other professions. She has normalized Down syndrome and is driving society toward greater inclusivity and diversity.
 
    Madeline's career is no longer just that of a professional stylist, advocate, inspiration, idol, and educator. She is also a source of positivity for many lives, a beacon of hope and daily inspiration across all industries. In the future, Madeline will continue to spread love around the world and do her utmost to make it a better place!

 

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