CoorDown Challenges Down Syndrome Misconceptions in New Viral Ad

CoorDown, an organization that aims to raise awareness around Down syndrome, launched a new campaign video titled “Assume That I Can”. The video was released on Global World Down Syndrome Day (March 21) and sheds light on the effects of infantilizing individuals who live with the condition.

The viral campaign video features a young woman who lives with Down Syndrome. In the video, she asks people to push her to learn more in school and to challenge her when it comes to athletics. Additionally, she asks people to treat her with respect when it comes to living the “typical” life of a young woman. This includes, for example, people allowing her to legally drink and normalizing it for her to swear. Watch below for insight into the organization’s latest effort to combat misconceptions about people who are living with Down Syndrome.

As we can see, the CoorDown campaign emphasizes that through assuming that people with down syndrome are incapable of doing day-to-day activities, we are limiting them as a society.

The National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) defines the condition as an intellectual or cognitive disability. Most importantly, living with the condition is not a universal experience. According to the NDSS, there are different types of Down Syndrome. However, that is not to say that each variation has a specific set of limitations. Living with Down Syndrome can range from mild to severe symptoms. Every March 21, people across the world acknowledge Global World Down Syndrome Day, a day that the United Nations has celebrated since 2012.

All in all, as we continue to integrate people with Down Syndrome into society, this year’s CoorDown campaign challenges people to reflect on how they understand the condition. This campaign urges us as a society to accept those living with Down Syndrome. Additionally, it pushes for more awareness that will enable people living with the condition to live their most fulfilling lives.