First Model with Down Syndrome Walks in New York Fashion Week

American Horror Story actress Jamie Brewer has made history by becoming the first-ever model with Down Syndrome to appear on a catwalk during New York Fashion Week.

The 30-year-old actress graced the catwalk in fashion designer Carrie Hammer’s show Thursday morning, as part of the “Role Models Not Runway Models” campaign, wearing clothing inspired by her roles on the FX horror series.

“Young girls and even young women…[see me] and say ‘hey, if she can do it so can I,'” Brewer, who has also worked to advocate for people with intellectual disabilities, told TODAY.

“It’s a true inspiration being a role model for any young women to [encourage them] in being who they are and showing who they are,” she finished.

Hammer reportedly found success when she was asked to show her line at last year’s Fashion Week.

The designer wants to represent women who have bought her designs, and for her first show, invited a wheelchair bound friend, Dr. Danielle Sheypuk, to be a model.

After Dr Sheypuk became the first woman to walk a runway in a wheelchair, Hammer was contacted by hundreds of people looking to thank her, including campaigner Katie Driscoll, who heads a nonprofit organization which advocates for the inclusion of people with disabilities in media, according to the Daily Mail.

“I called up my existing clients who were all incredible women and one of them happened to be a doctor and a sex therapist who happened to be in a wheelchair,” Hammer told TODAY. “It was never intended to be this incredible statement.”