Changing the Perception of Down Syndrome with Matthew Schwab | Helping the World Better Understand What Makes You Tick | Heroes with Mental and Developmental Disabilities

Today Devin had the opportunity to speak with Matthew Schwab, who is a 25 year old North Carolina native that has Down Syndrome. What makes Matthew tick is advocacy in general because everyone needs it, but those who really need it are individuals with disabilities. He is just one voice, but wants to help change the perception of how people view these individuals and their lives. A perception that is prevalent in the professional world is that people with disabilities aren’t very capable, but Matthew is on a mission to change that perception and show that people with disabilities often can do a lot more than what they get credit for.

What perception Matthew’s trying to change 1:00
The new narrative 2:31
Some of his hacks and tips for finding success with Down Syndrome 3:34
Have you ever been jealous or wish you didn’t have Down Syndrome? 8:00
Stereotypes that aren’t reality 10:39
What Matthew has done to develop emotional awareness 13:47
The TED organization 16:41
Public speaking engagements 20:56
Gigi’s Playhouse 29:27

“I want this narrative to be completely different. More accepting, more welcoming, while individuals with disabilities are ready for the world, but it proves that the world is not ready for us. And that’s what I want to do. I want it to be an equal balance between us being ready for the world and the world being ready for us.” 2:32