A mother’s heartfelt request to include her son with Down syndrome in a major ad campaign is capturing attention online. In a matter of days, a photo of little Leo Carter, just 15 months old, garnered over 59,000 likes and 79,000 shares on social media. His mother, Emily Carter, is now reaching out to the kids’ clothing brand OshKosh B’Gosh, hoping they will feature him in an upcoming advertising initiative.
“I want OshKosh to see what we see in Leo,” Emily shared. “This isn’t just about the buzz we’ve created online; it’s about genuinely recognizing his potential and the value he brings to their brand. Children with Down syndrome and other disabilities are extraordinary individuals, and we hope OshKosh will help shift the narrative around them.”
The Need for Inclusive Advertising
While brands like Target and Tommy Hilfiger have embraced more inclusive advertising strategies, individuals with disabilities remain largely underrepresented in the media landscape. “With over 157 million businesses worldwide, only a small fraction have incorporated disabled consumers into their marketing,” noted Claire Foster, founder of Inclusive Futures. “Brands can play a pivotal role in empowering the disability community by acknowledging them as valued consumers.” This point is underscored by the fact that one in five families includes someone with a disability, representing a significant portion of the population that brands such as OshKosh are currently overlooking.
Emily, residing in Georgia, is hopeful that Carter’s, Inc., the parent company of OshKosh B’Gosh, will heed her call and include children with disabilities in their advertising campaigns. “Real inclusion begins with acknowledging my son and others with special needs,” she emphasized. “They aren’t just a passing trend in marketing; they’re an important part of our society.”
Awareness and Action
The Mighty has reached out to OshKosh B’Gosh through their parent company but has yet to receive a response. October is recognized as Down Syndrome Awareness Month, making it an opportune time to learn about and celebrate the unique abilities of individuals with Down syndrome.
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Conclusion
In summary, Emily Carter’s plea to OshKosh B’Gosh to feature her son Leo in their advertising is a powerful reminder of the importance of inclusion for children with disabilities. As brands begin to recognize the value of representing diverse populations, the hope is that more companies will follow suit.