Growing up I thought all models looked the same.

I thought the criteria to be a model was that you had to be: as tall as a skyscraper, as skinny as uncooked spaghetti, as tan as an Oompa Loompa and as blonde as bleach could make you.

I didn’t realize that models could look different. I didn’t realize that models could be role models, so I didn’t know models should look different.

I thought these things about models because magazines, advertising and runways showed me that to be as beautiful as one, you had to look a certain way. I didn’t realize this wasn’t the case until I started to see diversity in the media.

Changing the Face of Beauty is a non-profit organization with a goal of providing equal representation for people with disabilities in the media.

It not only highlights those with disabilities, but diversity to show that everyone is beautiful inside and out, and that beauty doesn’t mean looking like a cookie-cutter model.

The organization hosts headshot clinics throughout the country. This gives kids and teens with special needs a day of professional hair styling, makeup and photographs. This gives those wanting to model or act or be in the media a chance to get their names and faces out there.

The organization really is living up to its name and changing the face of beauty.

This is an outstanding effort by such a strong group of people. We look forward to seeing more of this ASAP.