First-Ever Model in Wheelchair Featured at New York Fashion Week

Dr. Danielle Sheypuk made history last week, becoming the first model in a wheelchair to grace a New York Fashion Week runway.

Dr. Sheypuk, profiled in the Huffington Post, was also Ms. Wheelchair New York 2012. She participated in Carrie Hammer’s show.

Carrie Hammer decided to shake things up and feature Sheypuk as the first person to “walk” the runway in a wheelchair.

“I made the decision to cast ‘role models not runway models,'” Hammer
said in an email interview. “It is so important to me that women have
positive body image and are empowered in work and their life. My line
makes dresses to fit women. We don’t make dresses that women need to fit
into.”

Sheypuk, who has used a wheel chair since age 2, said she
has a longstanding interest in designer clothing. But there was always
something missing: enough role models. “People with disabilities need to
see it. It’s a confidence booster. It’s like, ‘if she’s doing it, I can
do it. Who cares about my wheelchair?'”

Dr. Sheypuk said she felt just like another runway model, working her fierceness down the runway.

If you want to see more of her, check out the Raw Beauty Project,
which she’s also participating in, or her website here.