Ad Campaign Casting Call for Infantino and Step 2

from Parents by Jessica Hester:
Everybody plays. That’s the motto of a campaign from kids’ gear companies Infantino and Step 2. Infantino brand manager Colette Cosky became committed to celebrating the awesome uniqueness of every child after giving birth to her son Dexter, who has Down syndrome. It’s also a message that we take to heart at Parents: we’re proud that our stories and photos feature kids of all abilities and appearances. (Check out the sweet sibling story “Dake” from our recent August issue.)
That’s why we’re so excited that Infantino is hosting an open casting call for kids of all shapes, sizes, and needs to star in an upcoming ad campaign. Even better: the photos will be shot by our friend Kelle Hampton, a mega-popular mom blogger and author whose second daughter, Nella, was also born with Down syndrome. (Kelle shared Nella’s birth story with us—it’s a tear-jerker!) Kelle shot this cute photo for last year’s campaign.
Is your child ready for her close-up? Kids must be 5 years or younger, live in Southern California, and not be represented by a modeling agency. If your tot fits the bill, send her name, age, date of birth, and a recent close-up and full-body snapshot to castingcall@infantino.com. Submit your kid’s photo by 09/10/12 for a chance to be considered.

iPad for kids with Down syndrome

From wfmj.com:

Marina Donadio isn't even in kindergarten yet, but the five-year-old is already learning to spell and read. Her mom, Kelly Donadio, says it's all because of apps on an iPad. "It's mind blowing to me that she's able to do that."

And since children with Down Syndrome often face challenges with fine motor skills, the iPad's touch screen makes activities more accessible.

Donadio says, "Holding a pencil is a chore sometimes for children with Down Syndrome because of the low tone in their hands. Eventually they do that, but this is a great way to help it not be such a challenge."

Now, other children like Marina will have the same opportunities to improve their education and communication skills. Recently, the Down Syndrome Association of the Valley gave away 21 iPads to member families.

DSAV Board Member, Chris Donadio says, "The iPad is a pretty big deal. It's being used in a lot of special education settings around the country, and right here in the Valley, we're on the cutting edge."

Parents say they expect the teaching tool will be useful both at home and at school.

The iPads were purchased with grant money from Ronald McDonald charities, as well as money raised from DSAV's annual Buddy Walk.