Target has found itself receiving some good karma and positive press after a Halloween ad containing an image of a special needs child went viral.  In the ad a young girl with braces and arm crutches is pictured rocking out in a Queen Elsa costume amidst a slew of other young girls, and her inclusion has been praised for normalizing children with special needs.

One particular woman’s post praising the ad went viral, as it so perfectly summed up feelings towards the inclusive ad.  Jen Spickenagel Kroll thanked Target for giving her daughter someone to connect with when shopping at the popular retailer:  “Including children with special needs into advertising makes them less of a spectacle to the general public when they venture out into the real world” Kroll explained in her heartfelt post.

The Buddy Project, a non-profit company dedicated to offering aid to anyone facing depression, also retweeted the ad.  “Thank you Target for having representation of disabilities,” they commented under the photo.

Target has thanked fans for their kind words after the ad went viral, stating that “Target is committed to diversity and inclusion in every aspect of our business.”  They went on to state that they make it their goal to “feature people that represent the diversity of communities across the country” in every ad campaign they create.

Earlier this year, the retailer claimed a bit more good karma by utilizing a more gender-neutral approach to their toy displays.  In August it was revealed that some stores would be doing away with gendered aisles, a motion that was met with respect by some, but disdain by others.

As naysayers flocked to Target’s Facebook wall to bemoan political correctness, one creative Target shopper made headlines by returning the shade in his own creative way.  The unknown entity created a fake Target Customer Service account and proceeded to wreak havoc in the comments section.  Acting as an avenging angel, Ask ForHelp put naysayers in their place in a creative and effective manner.

What do you think about Target’s newest positive announcement?  Let us know!