Cora Rose's Super Bowl Commercial Debut
Notably, Miss Cora Rose, a TalkTools® client since an infant, will be featured in a 60-second Super Bowl commercial tomorrow night! Furthermore, she has been modeling for a shoe company called Livie and Luca under the "Changing the Face of Beauty" movement.
A Win for Inclusion and People with Disabilities
Additionally, she is now featured in a SunTrust commercial "Hold Your Breath." This kicks off a movement to help millions of Americans move from financial stress to financial confidence. It's a huge win for people with disabilities.
The Down Syndrome Connection of the Bay Area
Accordingly, Cora, her family, and her TalkTools® therapist Heather (Peterson) Vukelich are part of an organization called the Down Syndrome Connection of the Bay Area. Heather works inside the organization. Cora and her family are members.
For this reason, the organization's mission is "to empower, inspire and support people with Down syndrome, their families and the community that serves them, while fostering awareness and acceptance in all areas of life."
Heather Vukelich's Perspective on Cora's Journey
The Joy of Working with Cora
Read her story in her mom and therapist's words: "I'm thrilled to be able to be a part of Cora's ride. She and her mother Kerri are truly a blessing to me. They have taught me SO much. That's the best part of a job as a therapist.
You start out thinking you are helping others. In reality, it's the children and families that teach us the most about ourselves and life. Cora is a 4 year old little girl. She constantly breaks the mold. Moreover, she dives deep into the hearts of the people around her.
Early Intervention with TalkTools
Cora started TalkTools® when she was an infant. She had the support of her mother, Kerri. It's Kerri's consistency and tenacity that has made all the difference for Cora. This applies to her speech and facial development through the years.
Starting TalkTools® at such a young age has helped to facilitate more normalized speech and feeding development. It has also ensured that million dollar smile of hers! Both Cora and Kerri have worked hard. They achieved all the sounds in her repertoire. They developed her oral movements to support those sounds.
Cora's Progress and Impact
The most beautiful reward of all is hearing Cora's little voice. She uses funny phrases to amuse the people around her. Some of Cora's favorite phrases these days are "Hi Honey!" (thanks to grandma), "Have a good day!," "Not a good idea!," and "Oh boys!" Cora is an absolute blessing to those around her. She unexpectedly broadens her reach to SO many. This happens through the "Changing the Face of Beauty" movement, the Livie and Luca shoe company, and now Suntrust Bank.
As with all people with differing abilities, Cora continues to teach us joy, acceptance, the benefits of hard work, and of course what life is really about: LOVE!" - Heather (Peterson) Vukelich, MS SLP-CCC (Danville, CA)
Kerri Slocum's Story and Advocacy
Cora's Modeling Journey
"Two years ago, Cora was part of a promotional campaign for Easter Seals of the Bay Area. She was receiving early intervention services through them at the time. The photographer commented that she was a natural with the camera. He suggested I look into modeling.
My main motivation for pursuing this with her was to hopefully change common misconceptions about what it looks like to have Down syndrome. I feel like the more exposure people have to individuals of all abilities, the more accepting they will be.
Some companies have committed to be more inclusive in their advertising. This is shown by Cora's catalog work for the children's shoe company Livie & Luca. Not only have they included children of all abilities. They have supported organizations that assist children with disabilities.
The Super Bowl Audition and Success
As far as the Super Bowl commercial, Cora went on an audition through her modeling agency. She won them over! On set, the crew was enamored with her. They were impressed at how quickly they got the shot.
She has a very agreeable nature. Additionally, she seems to enjoy having her picture taken. She follows directions really well. Furthermore, she has a natural ability to connect with people.
Her joy is contagious! I applaud SunTrust for the inclusive nature of their ad. I applaud them for recognizing the beauty and value of every individual." - Kerri Slocum
Hopefully, Cora's story will inspire other parents to advocate for their child the way Kerri does. It will inspire companies to keep including individuals with disabilities.