Directory

Access tools

News

16 Dec 99

WANTED: DISABLED MODELS FOR VisABLE CHALLENGE

People with disabilities are being asked to take part in modelling competition as part of a new national campaign.

Launched by Education and Employment Secretary David Blunkett, Leonard Cheshire Foundation, in conjunction with The Grand Design have set up the VisABLE project.

The project aims to challenge retailers and ad agencies to use disabled people as models in their advertising and reflect more accurately the social make-up of target audiences.

Disabled people form 14% of the population but are hugely under-represented in all forms of advertising.

Companies such as BT, B&Q, Marks and Spencers, The Co-operative Bank and McDonalds have already signed up to the campaign and committed themselves to using disabled people in their adverts over the next twelve months.

As well as a high profile poster campaign and extensive media work, VisABLE will also feature a nation wide competition to find and recruit disabled models. To enter, you must be over the age of 16. Winners will receive modelling training and go on to help change the face of British advertising. The closing date is 31st October 1999.

Anyone interested can contact Charlotte Farrant on tel: (0171) 802 8200 or e-mail on: C.Farrant@London.Leonard-Cheshire.org.uk

kelvin trevett - tel. 01202 261121