Down Syndrome International (DSi): Kami

Down Syndrome International (DSi) has teamed up with creative agency Forsman & Bodenfors Singapore (F&B) and global digital modelling agency The Diigitals to create the world's first virtual influencer with Down syndrome. Despite being a more connected society, the digital world is yet to fully embrace diversity. Avatars that allow us to choose an “ideal” face and body lead to the heavy under representation and the reduced visibility of people with disabilities. Down Syndrome InternationaI (DSi), F&B Singapore and The Diigitals saw an opportunity to revolutionise the digital space by creating the world’s first virtual influencer with Down syndrome. Her name is Kami, which is short for the name Kamilah. It means perfection, and that is how they want the world to see her. By intentionally giving Down syndrome to someone who is universally known as ‘perfect’ in the social sphere, Kami will be a powerful representation that Down syndrome is not a flaw, or a mistake, and that she does not need ‘fixing’. The conceptual idea of Kami is from F&B Singapore, who wanted to fulfil DSi’s ambition of bringing inclusion into the daily life of people with Down syndrome. Kami represented a revolutionary agent for change in an otherwise inaccessible space. Kami’s mission starts with a pledge: Inviting the world’s most forward-thinking communities and brands to help her change the digital space for the better and make it a more friendly and inclusive place for people living with Down Syndrome.