This year for World Down Syndrome Day, Italian Down syndrome charity CoorDown plays on the comedic style of American sitcoms with its film, “Ridiculous Excuses Not to Be Inclusive.”

The film illustrates, in five scenes, episodes of everyday ableism, from being excluded from class trips, in the workplace, at school, playing sports, and at summer camps. Some of the excuses heard in the skits include: “It’s not your fault, we’re the ones who are not prepared to take you on the field trip!” and “We don't have enough chairs to invite you to the meeting.”

"With this global campaign we touch on an issue that concerns each of us: naming and making visible a phenomenon that people with Down syndrome and their parents, brothers, sisters and caregivers experience on a daily basis. They may seem like small events, but in reality, they are real discriminations often done with a smile of circumstance or unawareness that nevertheless mark the lives and hearts of those who suffer them,” said Antonella Falugiani, president of CoorDown ODV. “The time has come to break down this wall as well and expose the false ‘good intentions’ of those who out of laziness or lack of understanding still exclude people with intellectual disabilities. 

The spot is characterized by a catchy jingle, composed and produced by Stabbiolo Music, that underlines and mocks the ridiculous excuses people say.

In the coming days, until March 21, CoorDown's TikTok channel will feature real testimonials from people who have Down syndrome and their families from all over the world and the ridiculous excuses they have had to hear. TikTok users can add their stories inspired by the campaign’s jingle and a specially created sticker, as well as the official hashtag #RidiculousExcuses. The “Ridiculous Excuses” film will be available exclusively on CoorDown's TikTok channel and spread across all the organization's platforms. 

The work was made by creative agency Small New York and produced by Indiana Production and Tinygiant. Last March, CoorDown released a film, “Just the Two of Us,” focusing on the lack of privacy in romantic relationships.

This year's international campaign was again produced with contributions from several international associations, including Down's Syndrome Association (UK), Down Syndrome Australia, Global Down Syndrome Foundation, New Zealand Down Syndrome Association, Best Buddies International, National Down Syndrome Society, Karachi Down Syndrome Program and under the patronage of Down Syndrome International.

"We have often experienced how the creators of our community, through their originality manage to overcome language, cultural and social barriers, creating awareness and stances on issues that are taboo, niche, or not particularly ‘cool,” said Giacomo Lev Mannheimer, head of government relations and public policy Southern Europe at TikTok, in a statement. “Their success demonstrates how authenticity can be an incredible vehicle for awareness campaigns: a global megaphone as well as a catalyst for engaging and making millions of people think about socially indispensable issues.”