Viral ad campaign challenges perceptions of people with Down syndrome [Video]

People with Down syndrome have a message for the world: “Assume that I can.” An international awareness campaign, launched ahead of World Down Syndrome Day on Thursday, challenges negative biases that people with Down syndrome can face.

A young woman, played by Canadian actress Madison Tevlin, discusses the low expectations others have for people like her — whether it be going out to bars, education or even dating with a disability.

“Your assumption becomes reality,” she says in the video. “But hey, if your assumptions become reality, then assume that I can.”

The video then shows Tevlin’s character drinking at a bar, learning Shakespeare and living on her own.

“The message really says a lot,” Tevlin told CBS News. “It’s impactful and powerful to so many people out there in the world.”

Italy’s CoorDownpartnered with the National Down Syndrome Society in the U.S., the Canadian Down Syndrome Society and other organizations around the world. Since …