ASSUME THAT I CAN | World Down Syndrome Day 2024

Our negative assumptions about people with Down syndrome can lead us to treat them in such a way that these assumptions become reality. In sociology, this is called a ‘self-fulfilling prophecy’. Why not reverse our perspectives? If we have positive assumptions about people with Down syndrome, we'll give them more opportunities in their schools, workplaces, relationships and activities. And maybe these positive assumptions will become reality.
#AssumeThatICan #WDSD24 #WorldDownSyndromeDay #EndTheStereotypes

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[JasonOulman]

My little boy is 10 and has Down Syndrome. I love him with all my heart. This ad cuts me to my core, because I don't champion what he is capable of enough. Instead, I worry about protecting him and shielding him from all the evil in the world. He deserves the opportunity to flourish without me limiting his possibilities and he is entitled to more than I have been allowing him to experience. Consider my eyes opened. ❤

[summerskull]

This message hit hard for me. I don’t have Down’s syndrome, but I did have very overprotective parents. They assumed I couldn’t adult so they never taught me how, and now I’m struggling.

[dtennant]

Nailed it! Let's get beyond thinking it's great that people with developmental disabilities are "invited to the table" and support a paradigm where they are the host of that table.

[gilletje]

I have down syndrome and this is very inspiring to me.

[Cookfromjacob]

Same feeling right here.
I am Autistic spectrum disorder & I’m a 30 year old guy, & everyone must understand that we Do Not need to be treated like a high schooler in society. We are adults Not Kids. We Belong with typical people & we must have people focus on our interests & characteristics, not a disability. I will say it Louder & make sure it is heard, Period.

[covingtoncourtney]

Such a powerful statement! Let's normalize NOT assuming, because doing so can create unwanted narratives that affect peoples lives, adversely.

[paigegreene]

The best campaign I’ve seen in a longggg time. So powerful!! Beautifully executed

[crazyknitter]

The problem in our society is making assumptions based on ignorance. Same as in autism, people with Down syndrome are all different. Some need help, others don't and can live perfectly on their own, have a job, a partner and live happily ever after. We should value people by what they can do, not can't do. And the same is true for autism.

[skamithi]

it is important to teach children "life skills", like how to manage a house, finances, and deal with other human beings respectfully, whether they want to learn it or not.

[daynadavis]

I’m at an self advocacy conference in Oregon and they introduced me to your video and I have C.P. I just want to thank you for speaking the truth. about how the disability community feels .Keep speaking truth to power!!

[EMKEN]

Stigma! We have to get over the thinking of the past where they used to institutionalize children born with disabilities! Lots of people still have that in DNA! It’s I’m opportunity to start educating people. These are great PSA’s! Please, more more more bravo bravo.🎉❤

[zegh]

This is so good, I've always wondered this! I remember a show with downs people living together in a municipal program, and I remember while most of them seemed okay with the situation, one in particular was just constantly frustrated, often mean and lashing out verbally - and i always thought, well of course - his personality doesn't fit there, his mother was brushing his teeth - and I always felt only marginally more prepared for independent life than he seemed (I have autism) - but I was still encouraged to! It's difficult, sure - I require government assistance, sure - but that's life! There's even autists who fare wayyy better than me, all on their own, and good for them!
I love seeing this ad, I hope it encourages parents of downs kids to at least try to raise them for independence.

[Geekaloompa]

This video hit home for me right out of the ball park! I don't have Down Syndrome but I'm on the spectrum. This video had helped me understand what was happening in my world as I grew up. Because of this I now have confidence in myself, thank you.

[efeoqgf]

This is the campaign we need! EXCELLENT!

[Arab]

Great message, outstanding video👍❤
Don't let the boundaries of other people be yours!

[templenature]

As a former instructor with women and men having Down Syndrome, I applaud this wonderful expression of personal independence. Excellent!

[NinaShugh]

Hey! This. Is. Awesome! France, please take example on this campaign! THIS is how we defeat ableism 👊🏾💫

[shyjvlu]

Wonderful, powerful, transformational video. Needs to be shared far and wide. Well done !!

[tarajane]

this goes hard, give this lead actress a show shes so cool. My uncle has down syndrome and people never encouraged him like this and always assumed. Way to break the stereotype and excellent note for psa and ad makers.

[therealsimdan]

What’s sad is that the assumptions that Down syndrome people can’t often starts before they are born.

I’m a father of a 2 year old Down syndrome girl and she brings my family much joy.