3-year-old cover model doesn't let disability define her

NEW YORK -- 3-year-old Emily Keicher brings lots of joy to her parents, and now little Emily is gracing the cover of Parents Magazine.

What you may first notice is Emily's big smile or blonde hair, and then you may notice Emily's leg braces and her walker. A child with disabilities on the cover is a first for the magazine.

"Emily really popped out as someone who was really engaging and couldn't take a bad picture," said Editor Dana Points.

That is why Points chose Emily. In fact, there is no story about Emily's disabilities, or any information for that matter about her Spina Bifida.

"That was really important to have a child like Emily knit into the fabric of our content," added Points, "not reserve talking about children with disabilities for stories about children with disabilities."

The magazine has actually been photographing more children with disabilities over the past year  some of those disabilities are not as apparent as Emily's. Emily's pictures throughout the magazine are not about her disability, they are just pictures of a child who is crafting  that is what appealed to the Keicher family, who were not looking to photograph in relation to special needs.

Emily, who is a wiz with her walker and a sparkler with her smile knows that the cover is something to be excited about.

"I'm a model!" said Emily.

Being a model is one of the many things Emily enjoys. While Emily has Spina Bifida, it doesn't define her. She sets the tone for what she is going to do.

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lifestyle & fun, lauren glassberg

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