On World Down Syndrome Day, March 21, 2024, CoorDown – National Coordination of Associations of People with Down Syndrome – launches the international awareness campaign “Assume I am capable”.
The goal is to challenge everyone to put an end to prejudice and support the concrete potential of each person with Down Syndrome.
Stereotypes, prejudices and low expectations strongly affect all aspects of the lives of people with intellectual disabilities. They represent an often insurmountable barrier that limits their ambitions and opportunities in school, work, sport, their communities, friendships and romantic relationships.
The Self-Fulfilling Prophecy
Marta Sodano, a 29-year-old Italian woman with Down Syndrome, shared during the UN World Down Syndrome Day Conference how the concept of “self-fulfilling prophecy” affected his school experience. This sociological and psychological concept, first described in 1948 by American sociologist Robert K. Merton, shows how people's assumptions and expectations affect events in such a way that the initial prophecy comes true.
It's that story: be careful what you imagine, because your brain believes it.
O comercial “Presuma que sou capaz”
Inspired by these ideas, the film “Assume I Can” presents a young woman with Down Syndrome defying the low expectations of others and proposing a reversal of perspective. The film invites the viewer and society to think outside the box and use the self-fulfilling prophecy in a positive way.
The Importance of Belief and Support
If a teacher believes their students can learn and finds the right strategies to teach, they are likely to learn. If an employer or co-worker believes that a colleague with Down Syndrome can perform a task that may seem complicated and creates the right environment for teaching and learning, then perhaps they will master it.
The International Campaign
The campaign started with CoorDown in Italy, but has the contribution of several international associations that are releasing the film around the world. The real experiences of people with Down Syndrome and their families are being shared on social media, challenging stereotypes and prejudices.
Madison Tevlin: An Example of Overcoming
Madison Tevlin, a young woman from Toronto, Canada, is an example of someone who challenges misunderstandings by presenting her own story as a person with passions and goals, capable of much more than people expect of her.
World Down Syndrome Day
World Down Syndrome Day is an international awareness day, officially declared by the UN General Assembly in December 2022. This year's theme is “End stereotypes!”.
Datasheet
Agency: SMALL Executive Creative Directors: Luca Pannese, Luca Lorenzini Creative Director: Paolo Montanari General Director: Alberto Scorticati Account Manager: Chiara Guadagnini PRODUCTION COMPANY Production Company: Indiana Production SpA Director: Rich Lee DP: Christopher Probst, ASC Executive Producer : Karim Bartoletti Senior Producer: Silvia Bergamaschi Assistant Producer: Luca Bettinetti 1st AD: Andrew Coffing Editor: Luca Angeleri Original Music: Alessandro Cristofori and Diego Perugini for Stabbiolo Music Colorist: Danilo Vittori Post Audio Production: Bravagente Senior Post Producer: Alga Pastorelli Post Video Production: 22 Dogs SERVICES COMPANY SPAIN Services Company: Vivi Film Executive Producer: Carlos Soms Production Coordinator: Nerea Soms Art Director: John Blud Stylist: Cris Urso
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