Qld teen challenges views of Down syndrome

A Brisbane teen with Down syndrome is determined to forge a modelling career to change how society perceives beauty and people with disabilities - and she's fast gaining support from all over the globe.

Madeline Stuart is like any typical 18-year-old girl - she loves selfies, sport, cheerleading, drama and dancing.

But what Madeline would love even more is for the public to be more accepting of people with Down syndrome.

The aspiring model is being promoted on social media and her mother Rosanne said she set up the accounts as it was the only way to get the modelling world to take notice.

"This is unfortunate but true and she really wants to change the way people discriminate against disability," Mrs Stuart said.

"She wants people to know that Down syndrome is a blessing, something to be celebrated."

Madeline's Facebook page, `Madeline getting Downs to modelling', already has more than 145,000 likes and comments from users as far away as Canada and the Netherlands.

Mrs Stuart said her daughter had struggled with her weight for most of her life but had recently lost almost 20kg, and was feeling great and determined to model.

Madeline's dream of a career in front of the camera is already starting to come true - she has her first modelling job booked with a clothing line on Wednesday.

Her story is also making headlines in the UK and US, which should help gain attention from the modelling industry.

In any case, Madeline has already achieved a lot more than many people thought possible.

"I remember having her in a pram when she was a baby and small-minded people telling me she should not be out in public," Mrs Stuart said.

"Her doctors told me she would never achieve anything."

It was now time for people to realise that those with Down syndrome can be "sexy and beautiful", she said.