Over the past few months, with the help of associations from all over the world, CoorDown has been asking people with Down syndrome and their families, what excuses they have heard for being excluded from education, sports, jobs, and other opportunities. Some of these excuses were so incredibly ridiculous that they deserved to be brought to life and properly celebrated with a film.
Philosophy
In a world increasingly focused on inclusion, there are still those who roll out ridiculous excuses not to be inclusive. On World Down Syndrome Day, March 21 2023, CoorDown – the National Coordination of Associations of People with Down Syndrome – is launching the international awareness campaign "RIDICULOUS EXCUSES NOT TO BE INCLUSIVE," to affirm the right to full participation in society and inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities, free from all forms of discrimination and ableism.
The advertisement highlights the absurd excuses that people with Down syndrome and their families hear, preventing their inclusion in everyday activities. The ad uses a mix of typographic messages and scenes depicting real-life situations where individuals face exclusion, such as a child being told they can't join a field trip, or a justification for exclusion from a summer camp because they 'already have one of those kids.' The narrative is accompanied by a backdrop of a globe and stars, emphasizing the global need for inclusivity. Strong emotional appeal and calls for empathy underscore the campaign's aim for social change and advocacy, using a blend of realism and earnest dialogues.