"DJ"

21 October 2016

60s

Change the tune.

Past and present attitudes collide in this thought-provoking Mencap ad. The voice of a 'leading academic' claims that those with Down's syndrome do not merit a human response. That was in 1968; it's now 2016, and DJ Casey Rochell thinks it's time for a long overdue remix.

Rochell produces a progressive beat in more ways than one. His rapid-fire touch morphs "Down's is not a person" into "Down's is a person". Behind his mixing deck, Rochell controls the message. In another age, he would have been "put away" - now, he has an audience.

The charity wants learning disabilities like Down's syndrome and autism to be embraced rather than shunned. Rochell's audio trickery and director Ed Morris's stark visuals ensure this is a distinctive rallying call.

It's well-timed, too. Actress Sally Phillips recently attracted both support and criticism for her views on Down's syndrome, and subsequent media coverage means the conversation is all around us. Much has changed for the better since 1968, but the charity believes there are still perceptions that need to be challenged.

UK

Charities