A brand new commercial launched in celebration of World Down Syndrome Day (March 21) challenges stereotypes by showcasing the capabilities of people with Down syndrome.
It encourages viewers to rethink their assumptions and has acquired optimistic suggestions on social media for its empowering message.
The advert, produced by CoorDown and Small New York with help from the Nationwide Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) and different organizations, showcases Madison Tevlin, a 22-year-old mannequin and actress with Down syndrome, participating in dialog with a bartender.
Within the video, Tevlin challenges stereotypes, addressing the idea that she can’t drink a margarita and thus isn’t served one, highlighting how such assumptions turn into actuality.
She then confronts one other false impression, addressing mother and father who assume she can’t reside on her personal and subsequently don’t encourage her to take action.
CoorDown, main the “Assume That I Can” marketing campaign for World Down Syndrome Day, is a corporation primarily based in Italy, in accordance with TODAY.
Marta Sodano, an Italian girl with Down syndrome, partly impressed their marketing campaign.
She spoke on the World Down Syndrome Day Convention on the United Nations, as said in a press launch by the NDSS.
Marta highlighted an idea in psychology referred to as the “self-fulfilling prophecy.”
She defined that if a instructor believes a scholar can’t perceive, they may not train them correctly, which turns into a self-fulfilling prophecy.
Marta believes there’s all the time a easy method to clarify issues and feels pissed off by issues not being taught to her.
Kandi Pickard, president and CEO of NDSS, highlights the affect of the World Down Syndrome Day advert, noting discussions about altering views.
The video goals to debunk stereotypes, significantly relating to the misunderstanding that people with disabilities can’t look after themselves or make choices.
It emphasizes the range and shared wishes of the Down syndrome group, sparking very important conversations that reveal their magnificence and capabilities to the general public.
“That is what we do as a company day in and time out. We need to shift the general public notion of Down syndrome,” she mentioned.
The story of Tommy and Maryanne Pilling illustrates how stereotypes can hinder people with Down syndrome from realizing their potential.
Regardless of dealing with criticism for his or her love and marriage three a long time in the past, they acquired help from Maryanne’s household.
Their 25-year marriage, till Tommy’s passing in 2020, was a testomony to their love and resilience.
Lindi Newman, Maryanne’s sister, emphasised the significance of unconditional help and the appropriate to marry with out discrimination, as shared with TODAY.com in 2017.
Breaking stereotypes performed a big function in Chris Nikic’s achievement as the primary individual with Down syndrome to finish an Ironman race.
Regardless of initially dealing with negativity about his skills, Chris and his father, Nik Nikic, remained decided.
Nik emphasised the prevailing narrative of limitations surrounding Down syndrome however expressed his confidence in Chris’s capabilities, stating to TODAY.com in 2020, “Chris goes to show if he can do an Ironman and he can do the rest.”
Nik highlighted that Chris’s historic accomplishment not solely opens doorways for him but in addition challenges societal perceptions of individuals with Down syndrome.
The International Down Syndrome Basis says extra adults with Down syndrome within the U.S. reside on their very own with little assist from household or the federal government.
Some may even reside alone, although it’s a small quantity.
For the reason that launch of the “Assume That I Can” video, many individuals on social media have expressed gratitude for the way it impressed them to problem their prejudices about Down syndrome.
An individual commented on Instagram: “Being an older sister of a DS individual. I’m responsible of treating my sister this fashion generally. However don’t fear, she units me straight.”
One other Instagram person wrote: “I simply posted one thing right this moment relating to doubting my son’s capabilities generally, and that is such an effective way to redirect our mind-set, at the same time as mother and father. Thanks for such a beautiful video.”
CEO Kandi reported that a lot of the suggestions was optimistic, emphasizing that actions like swearing, consuming, and intercourse are regular components of life for many individuals.
“They’re going to be going to school, and there’s a chance to go to the bar and have a drink. They need to reside on their very own. They need to do these items,” she added.
As a mom of three, together with a 12-year-old with Down syndrome, Kandi acknowledged the challenges some households face in seeing past the incapacity to acknowledge the alternatives accessible to people with Down syndrome.
Watch Madison Tevlin on the “Assume That I Can” marketing campaign advert for World Down Syndrome Day beneath:
