Expert: Kitty Kavey - 3/3/2009

Question
My name is Jemimah and i am physically challenged i walk with aid of two crutches and a caliper on my right leg. my disability has not hindered me from breaking the barrier and becoming a model. i was the first physically challenged girl to hit the catwalk with able bodied persons in Kenya.

My humble request is i am looking for somebody or an agency which can help me realise my dream in advertising products. i strongly believe i have all it takes to be a model.

I will be happy to hear from you.

Regards
Jemimah

Answer
There are a few agencies who specialize in representing disabled models, but generally it is usually more convenient to locate the commercial print modeling agencies closest to you and see if they are interested in representing you.

I have never been represented by a specialty agency, always as a model, actress or voiceover artist by a regular agency.  Most of the time my agents knew about my disabilities, and it didn't make any difference to them.  When I needed special accommodations, they were happy to work with me to make sure I was okay.

Hopefully, you'll find the same in your area with the "regular" agencies.  If not, you may have to look further outside of your area for one of the specialty agencies.  The UK and the US both have a lot of resources for disabled models and talent, but you would need to be in that area (Britain, NYC or Los Angeles most likely).

But first I would look around your area for the regular modeling agencies and submit your information to them.  If you can use your status as the first physically challenged model to hit the catwalk in Kenya, and parlay that into articles or media interviews, be sure to mention to the reporter or interviewer that you are looking to become one of the first physically challenged models in a regular agency there.  

Notoriety, celebrity, press, can all help change the stereotypes or (negative) images one might have about disabled models, and at the same time help make you a more well-known and marketable advertising face.

Good luck to you,
~Kitty