This viral ad is smashing assumptions from every angle about people with Down syndrome

A new advertisement released in celebration of World Down Syndrome Day (March 21) challenges stereotypes by showcasing the capabilities of individuals with Down syndrome.

It encourages viewers to reconsider their assumptions and has received positive feedback on social media for its empowering message.

The ad, produced by CoorDown and Small New York with support from the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) and other organizations, showcases Madison Tevlin, a 22-year-old model and actress with Down syndrome, engaging in conversation with a bartender.

In the video, Tevlin challenges stereotypes, addressing the assumption that she cannot drink a margarita and thus isn’t served one, highlighting how such assumptions become reality.

She then confronts another misconception, addressing parents who assume she cannot live on her own and therefore do not encourage her to do so.

CoorDown, leading the “Assume That I Can” campaign for World Down Syndrome Day, is an organization based in Italy, according to TODAY.

Marta Sodano, an Italian woman with Down syndrome, partly inspired their campaign.

She spoke at the World Down Syndrome Day Conference at the United Nations, as stated in a press release by the NDSS.

Marta highlighted a concept in psychology called the “self-fulfilling prophecy.”

She explained that if a teacher believes a student can’t understand, they might not teach them properly, which becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy.

Marta believes there’s always a simple way to explain things and feels frustrated by things not being taught to her.

Kandi Pickard, president and CEO of NDSS, highlights the impact of the World Down Syndrome Day ad, noting discussions about changing perspectives.

The video aims to debunk stereotypes, particularly regarding the misconception that individuals with disabilities cannot care for themselves or make decisions.

It emphasizes the diversity and shared desires of the Down syndrome community, sparking vital conversations that reveal their beauty and capabilities to the public.

“This is what we do as an organization day in and day out. We want to shift the public perception of Down syndrome,” she said.

The story of Tommy and Maryanne Pilling illustrates how stereotypes can hinder individuals with Down syndrome from realizing their potential.

Despite facing criticism for their love and marriage three decades ago, they received support from Maryanne’s family.

Their 25-year marriage, until Tommy’s passing in 2020, was a testament to their love and resilience.

Lindi Newman, Maryanne’s sister, emphasized the importance of unconditional support and the right to marry without discrimination, as shared with TODAY.com in 2017.

Breaking stereotypes played a significant role in Chris Nikic’s achievement as the first person with Down syndrome to complete an Ironman race.

Despite initially facing negativity about his abilities, Chris and his father, Nik Nikic, remained determined.

Nik emphasized the prevailing narrative of limitations surrounding Down syndrome but expressed his confidence in Chris’s capabilities, stating to TODAY.com in 2020, “Chris is going to prove if he can do an Ironman and he can do anything else.”

Nik highlighted that Chris’s historic accomplishment not only opens doors for him but also challenges societal perceptions of people with Down syndrome.

The Global Down Syndrome Foundation says more adults with Down syndrome in the U.S. are living on their own with little help from family or the government.

Some can even live alone, though it’s a small number.

Since the launch of the “Assume That I Can” video, many people on social media have expressed gratitude for how it inspired them to challenge their prejudices about Down syndrome.

A person commented on Instagram: “Being an older sister of a DS person. I am guilty of treating my sister this way sometimes. But don’t worry, she sets me straight.”

Another Instagram user wrote: “I just posted something today regarding doubting my son’s capabilities sometimes, and this is such a great way to redirect our way of thinking, even as parents. Thank you for such a wonderful video.”

CEO Kandi reported that most of the feedback was positive, emphasizing that activities like swearing, drinking, and sex are normal parts of life for many people.

“They’re going to be going to college, and there’s an opportunity to go to the bar and have a drink. They want to live on their own. They want to do these things,” she added.

As a mother of three, including a 12-year-old with Down syndrome, Kandi acknowledged the challenges some families face in seeing beyond the disability to recognize the opportunities available to individuals with Down syndrome.

Watch Madison Tevlin at the “Assume That I Can” campaign ad for World Down Syndrome Day below:

 

 

 

 

 

 

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