Assume that I can
Madison Tevlin shares some of the highlights of appearing in the international CoorDown awareness campaign “Assume that I Can.”
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“I discovered that in psychology there is a concept called “self-fulfilling prophecy”, whereby a teacher who thinks that a student cannot understand would just act accordingly and therefore they would not teach the student. And there you go: the prophecy self-fulfills.
But in my opinion, there are no difficult or easy concepts, there is always a simple way to explain things. If I think of all the things that were not explained and taught to me, well I really get angry.”
These are the words delivered by Marta Sodano, a 29-year-old Italian woman with Down syndrome, during the World Down Syndrome Day Conference at the United Nations to describe the hurdles she had to overcome in her school experience.
On World Down Syndrome Day, CoorDown – Italy’s National Coordination of Associations of People with Down Syndrome – launched the international awareness campaign “Assume that I Can.”
It calls for an end to the stereotypes, biases and low expectations that limit the potential of people with Down syndrome.
Inspired by the words of Marta Sodano (above), the video campaign sees the lead character – a young woman with Down syndrome played by Canadian actress Madison Tevlin – challenge the low expectations others have of her and offers a different perspective.
She challenges people who believe that she cannot drink a cocktail, be a boxer, study Shakespeare, live alone, achieve important goals.
Halfway through the film there’s a twist: the character invites us to think outside the box and use the self-fulfilling prophecy positively: if you believe in me, if you trust in me, you can have a positive impact, and then, maybe, I will achieve goals, even unexpected ones.
You can find the video on the CoorDown YouTube channel – it’s fantastic. We spoke with the lead actress, Madison Tevlin.
We loved the Coordown campaign! What were some of your highlights filming it?
I was so excited to be part of this campaign, but I had no idea what to expect! We shot in Barcelona and that was amazing. The crew and everyone on set were so encouraging and so nice. I had no idea that I was going to be the main star for the whole ad!
Shooting the “bar” scene was my favourite because I love going out dancing. The response has been overwhelming, in the best way, and seeing the impact it’s made on so many people, has been incredible. We still have a lot of work to do for people with disabilities, but this was a big step in the right direction!
Why is “assume that I can” such an important message in your opinion?
When some people look at me, all they see is Down syndrome. I want people to know that I am so much more than that. Down syndrome is the least interesting thing about me.
Every person is unique and shouldn’t be judged on just one thing.
We are all made up of so many different things and that’s what makes us special. This campaign started a conversation about not judging people based on assumptions.
What barriers have you personally had to overcome to build your career as an actor, presenter and model?
I think the biggest thing is exactly what the campaign was all about. People assuming that I can’t do certain things, or putting limitations on me before I even get a chance to try.
Sometimes I get treated like a little kid, but I’m 22 years old! Proving people wrong is really fun though, so I’m always up for the challenge!
In what ways do you challenge people’s misconceptions about having Down syndrome?
By going after my dreams! I put myself out there and I try new things. Sometimes it’s scary and sometimes it doesn’t turn out the way I hoped, but I’m always proud for trying.
I also just want people to see me living a ‘regular’ life, like everyone else. Some people are surprised at the things I do – just because I have Down syndrome, and I think it’s important to show the ordinary as well as the extraordinary.
What’s been your career highlight so far?
I’m so lucky, there have been so many. Shooting “Champions” is definitely at the top of the list. Meeting and interviewing Ryan Reynolds was a dream come true. Being honoured with the Quincy Jones Advocacy Award last year and being the first person with Down syndrome to be nominated for a Canadian Screen Award was so special. If I have to choose one, I’d say hosting my own TV show is my career highlight so far!
What are you working on now and what are you excited about in the future?
I just won 3 Webby Awards and was in New York for their awards ceremony! It was so exciting to walk the red carpet and be on stage. I am grateful to have been part of it. I’m really hoping to shoot a second season of my show, WHO DO YOU THINK I AM? I’m also doing lots of talks at schools and different events. You can follow everything I’m up to at @madisontevlin on IG and TT and at my website madisontevlin.com.
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