CoorDown’s new musical offers a rallying cry for people with disabilities: ‘No decision without us’

People with disabilities should be in the room where it happens. That’s the message of CoorDown’s latest film for World Down Syndrome Day. The mini-musical—which follows last year’s brilliant “Assume That I Can” film—calls for all people with disabilities to have a say in issues that impact their lives, from personal choices to social and civic issues. “No Decision Without Us,” created by New York agency Small, features Mia Noelle Rodriguez, a 16-year-old actress and singer with Down syndrome, in a starring role. The cast also includes Caterina Scorsone of “Grey’s Anatomy” (who has a daughter with Down syndrome and is a spokesperson for the Global Down Syndrome Foundation) as well as performers with disabilities including Blake Stadnik, Jahmai Davis, Annika Nadine Hutsler, Ali Chapman, Danny Gomez, Cole Sibus and Domonique Brown. Also read: ‘Assume That I Can,’ says CoorDown campaign supporting people with Down syndrome The film was produced by Indiana Production and directed by Rich Lee, with cinematography by Christopher Probst. The music was composed and performed by Stabbiolo Music. The project arrives as the rights of people with disabilities are being challenged anew, at work, at school, in sports and in society. The campaign’s goal is to firmly push back against this regression with an inclusive rallying cry. “We all know the weight of having decisions made by others, without being able to express our voice. The fact is that people with disabilities experience this frustration every day,” said Martina Fuga, CoorDown’s president. “After years of slow but significant progress toward a more inclusive world, today we are facing a worrying setback. With this campaign, we join our voice with all people with disabilities, launching a call to action that transcends every division and barrier.” More Creativity coverage from Ad Age: Sign up for our daily Creativity newsletter to see the best stories of the day.

CoorDown’s new musical offers a rallying cry for people with disabilities: ‘No decision without us’

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