‘Hope’ is something paraplegic model Darin has always held on to, throughout incredibly challenging times his positive mental attitude and a belief that nothing is impossible has been key to his success.
Darin recently had the opportunity to fly to Valencia for a three day photo-shoot, modelling a new state-of-the-art wheelchair, how exciting! The Models Direct team couldn’t wait to hear how he got on, his excitement, enthusiasm and determination about this assignment was inspirational. Darin’s passion for diversity in the modelling industry is contagious and as he explained, seeing people with disabilities on magazine covers, on social and in the media can, and will, change lives.
Thank you to Darin for this account of his recent assignment experience, he hopes it encourages and gives hope to other disabled models who maybe in a similar situation to himself:
“During a fateful incident in 1998 my life was forever changed when a spinal cord injury left me paralysed from the waist down. I went through a very difficult time. However, one thing as a paraplegic I have never let go of is hope. I always think to keep my hopes high. I believe nothing is impossible. Just stay positive because staying positive is the key to success.
I did sign up with Models Direct Agency last year, after a period of time I was picked up by Invacare to do an assignment in Valencia in Spain. I was excited and the opportunity was truly wonderful. Everything went smoothly; the shooting was fun and also very professional. I must say that Models Direct Agency offered me the challenge to express myself in different mediums areas such as acting and photo shoots.
The film crew and photographers were great and treated me amazingly well, also they made me feel very comfortable throughout the shoot. The travel plan such as booking flights and transport arrangements were well organised by Invacare group and Models Direct, there was nothing for me to be worried about.
Receiving positive feedback from the Invacare group and the other wonderful models I have worked with has inspired me to want to continue this as a future career. I have a passion for fashion and modelling. It’s rewarding, and a dynamic career that I wish to be apart of.
I think it is important like other types of representation, to see disabled models in magazines, on covers, and elsewhere, it can and will change people’s lives.
Thank you very much to Models Direct and Invacare for the opportunity.”
Darin Yad
At Models Direct we believe all models are to be offered the same opportunities whether they have a disability or not, diversity in the fashion and commercial modelling industry is incredibly important and we were delighted that Darin was selected for this incredible assignment.
To read more stories from the Models Direct blog like Darin’s see links below:
http://www.modelsdirect.org.uk/models-direct-supports-diversity/
http://www.modelsdirect.org.uk/disability-isnt-focus-models-direct/
