A fashion show, dubbed Runway of Change and centered on disability inclusion and accessibility, will take place on June 21 at the Columbus Refectory in Chicago.
Presented by The Stay Up Foundation and Limitless Free and United Inc., the show will take place at 5701 W. Jackson Blvd. It will feature adults and youth with disabilities modeling adaptive and sports-inspired fashion designed to highlight confidence, creativity and representation.
The event is being organized by Azalia Mallory, founder of Limitless Free and United, a community-based organization focused on empowerment and support initiatives; and Jamaal Johnson, the founder of the Stay Up Foundation, which empowers individuals with disabilities by promoting inclusion, mental health and confidence.
The foundation, according to Jamaal Johnson, its chief executive officer, promotes disability pride, inclusion and adaptive awareness through advocacy, community engagement and fashion-focused events.
Mallory said that Runway of Change is meant to stand apart from traditional exclusive fashion shows. Instead of simply providing clothing for people with disabilities to wear, the event uses the runway format to emphasize expanded opportunities for participants.
“The Runway of Change would be different from any exclusive fashion show because we’re not just going to give people with disabilities clothing to wear. No, it’s more than that. It’s giving them awards, resources and opportunities. That’s what makes this fashion show different from others and it’s what inspired us,” Mallory said.
For Johnson, inclusion is more than representation on a runway; it is a recognition of the dignity, independence and everyday experiences of people with disabilities. He stressed that members of the disabled community work, live independently and deserve the same opportunities and respect as anyone else.
“When I was first injured in a car accident in 2014, my life changed completely. Inclusion was very important because otherwise I wouldn’t be doing the things I’m doing now. I earned my bachelor’s degree, work full time, have a foundation and have hosted events. These are important accomplishments that deserve the recognition they should receive,” Johnson said.
Rather than treating disability as a brief moment of visibility, Runway of Change celebrates the full range of experiences and achievements within the disability community. Participants will take the stage not only as models but also as business owners, speakers and innovators, highlighting their impact.
“It doesn’t matter what disability someone has. They could be a quadriplegic and only be able to move their head, but they’re going to move their head the best they can. Our selection process focuses on people who want to be models and who want the opportunity to show the world, ‘Hey, I can do this too.’ There’s no specific look or set criteria for our models, just a willingness to show up and demonstrate what they’re capable of,” Mallory said.
Runway of Change has generated significant enthusiasm from both the disability community and local supporters, according to Mallory and hope it will inspire people across Illinois and foster greater awareness and inclusion among diverse communities.
Tickets are required to attend and can be purchased on the Eventbrite Runway of Change page.