You would think that being a model with disabilities would bring its challenges. This is true, as life isn’t always straightforward. Some difficulties that people with disabilities might face in the modelling world are: Limited chances of being booked Accessibility concerns Possibility of tokenism What we do to help As a modelling agency that is […]
Published 25th June 2025
You would think that being a model with disabilities would bring its challenges. This is true, as life isn’t always straightforward. Some difficulties that people with disabilities might face in the modelling world are:
Limited chances of being booked
Accessibility concerns
Possibility of tokenism
What we do to help
As a modelling agency that is in front of other contending agencies, we intend to break these barriers.
Models Direct counteracts the limited chances disabled models may face of being booked for assignments. Our clients are open and inclusive and request for disabled models to star in their campaigns helping to build their societal representation.
When it comes to accessibility issues, if our models are hired, we ensure that all their needs are met and fulfilled making the experience wholesome and smooth. This step is vital towards making models feel satisfied with our service and their needs catered for appropriately.
Our team communicates directly with clients to see their marketing vision through their eyes. We ensure that clients aren’t just hiring our disabled models only to project the appearance of diversity and inclusivity. Models Direct ensures that they’re genuine with their diverse and inclusive goals.
The positive role we play in the disabled modelling division
Although there’s an element of lack of representation at play, models with disabilities have also seen the positive side of the modelling industry. Models Direct is always trying to break stereotypical barriers and increase social equality.
Here are reasons why individuals with disabilities should consider the modelling profession, particularly with our agency, Models Direct.
Our specialist team helps disabled models take centre stage and change the perception of modelling proving that it is for anyone who chooses to embrace it and showcase their uniqueness.
We have reputable clients (we do our background security checks to make sure they say who they are and that their assignment is genuine) who approach us for real work with a genuine desire to help move disability towards inclusivity.
MD provides a clear brief to our selected disabled models so that they can visually see the logistics of their modelling assignment – the location, duration/time scale, dress code, hair and makeup requirements (if any), the nature of the assignment and how much they’ll get paid are all included. If our models have any queries or questions, our modelling coordinators are available to advise.
We’ve lined up some of our models who have got on with their assignments:
Heathrow Airport hired our male model, Alex. Here’s the amazing feedback he left us with:
“Hi, I have just had a fabulous experience on my first assignment with Models Direct, courtesy of Molly at Talent Management and working with Ingenious on behalf of Heathrow Airport.
Natalie met me on arrival, such a lovely lady, offering refreshments and keeping me posted on the time frame and set up status of equipment etc. We started promptly at noon, Steve and Magnus, the team responsible for the shots, were great and made me feel relaxed and confident. We had an initial chat then onto some shots before an informal interview whilst being pictured.
The whole experience was simple from start to finish, everywhere was of course accessible, parking was easy, directions and contact info were all provided, just very, very easy. I thoroughly enjoyed my experience, and hope to promote diversity and inclusion as a wheelchair user in more campaigns such as this in the future. Many thanks to everyone involved in the selection process, it’s been a privilege.
Thank you very much.”
Jeanette had the chance to work with the Business Disability Forum. Here’s a glimpse of how her day went:
“The first time I went to a modelling shoot with the assignment today. I’m a deaf client. Can be hard, still managing. It went well without an interpreter. It’s a good experience for me to enjoy once in my life. Such lovely people. Thank you, Gemma. She contacted me via email and text so there was no barrier.”
Business Disability Forum hired our male model, Darren. Here’s a recount from his wife:
“Respectful and Amazing…
My husband went on a shoot with Models Direct today. He had the time of his life!! Bearing in mind, he has a disability that makes it hard to walk, he met his liaison this morning and it was plain sailing from there!! All (disabled) models were treated with the utmost respect, all needs were met and a fun but exhausting time was had by all. Communication has been brilliant throughout and even though the shoot was at an airport, everything was organised so well, there was no time for nerves. Would TOTALLY recommend Models Direct to all ages/abilities! Thank you!!”
If you’re thinking you could be walking the catwalk with famous models such as Rebekah Marine, Ellie Goldstein and Jillian Mercado, then you’re at the right place.
We encourage anyone reading this who may have a disability to apply as a model with Models Direct. We’ll represent you and push your portfolio forward whenever a client calls for your look. Our team is looking forward to hearing from you!