Meet Ian & Lisa
Ian, an energetic 20-year-old with Down syndrome, and his mom, Lisa, bring their story of love, growth, and possibility to schools, businesses, and organizations. With humor, honesty, and a genuine connection to their audiences, they invite people to look beyond a diagnosis and see the whole person—their strengths, interests, dreams, and contributions.
Together, Ian and Lisa share the joys and challenges of navigating school, work, friendships, and community life. Their candid mother-and-son perspective challenges assumptions and encourages audiences to consider what meaningful inclusion looks like—not just inviting someone into a space, but making sure they have opportunities to participate, contribute, and belong.
For their family, Ian’s extra chromosome is a “superpower”—one part of the person he is, never the whole story. Their message is simple: see the person, recognize the possibilities, and make room for everyone.
Our Mission
To increase awareness, challenge assumptions, and inspire meaningful inclusion by helping people recognize each individual’s strengths, embrace differences, and create opportunities for genuine belonging.
What We Hope You Take Away
- See people as individuals, not labels.
- Recognize strengths without overlooking support needs.
- Replace assumptions with curiosity and connection.
- Turn good intentions into everyday actions that foster inclusion.
Bring the Conversation to Your Community
Invite Ian and Lisa to share their story with your school, workplace, or organization—and start a conversation about how everyone can help build a community where people are known, valued, and included.
Recent Speaking Engagements
Augsburg College, Minneapolis, MN
Since Ian was just one year old, he and his family have returned to Augsburg each year to share their story with college students preparing to work with children and adults with disabilities.
During their hour-long presentation, Ian and Lisa offer an honest, personal look at how Down syndrome has shaped their family’s life—from early experiences and school years to friendships, employment, and growing independence. With humor and candid conversation, they connect classroom learning to lived experience, inviting future educators and advocates to see the person beyond the diagnosis.
Tailored to the students’ coursework, each visit highlights the importance of high expectations, family partnerships, student voice, and meaningful inclusion. Their goal is to help future professionals recognize individual strengths, challenge assumptions, and create opportunities for people with disabilities to participate, contribute, and belong.
Testimonial
“The Witt family presentations over the past double digit years to the Introduction to Developmental/Adapted Physical Education class at Augsburg University were beyond phenomenal! Their presentation was informational, educational, interactive, entertaining (humor is injected where appropriate), but most importantly, candid. Any and all questions and/or comments were highly encouraged. They were very comfortable sharing the triumphs and challenges of raising a child with Down Syndrome. The experiences shared by the Witts, highlighted that one should never assume what a student’s/person’s abilities and/or limitations are. Their presentation is truly an open book.
A common student theme in response to the Witt family presenting to Augsburg physical education majors was, “Favorite day of the course!” Students frequently commented on the presentation making an impact on them not only as future educators but also on a personal level. The addition of Ian showcasing his life experiences via PowerPoint has made the presentation even more real. One student commented, “Regardless of disability he is your typical teenager. Never experienced this so close so was ignorant” And a final comment from an Augsburg student, “Lisa, Chad and Ian have been some of the most memorable guest speakers that I’ve had a chance to interact with” (Augsburg University Emerita Health and Physical Education Faculty)
New Richmond Middle School, New Richmond, WI
Ian spent a full day connecting with 130 seventh-grade students, sharing his story across five of his mom Lisa’s literature classes. His visit extended beyond the presentations: he joined students at lunch, walked with them to their classes, and showed off his moves in a lively dance-off.
Through conversation, laughter, and shared experiences, Ian brought the message of inclusion to life—giving students an opportunity to get to know him as a person, not simply a diagnosis.
Testimonials
“Ian and Mrs. Witt’s presentation teaches students about Down syndrome in a more fun, personalized manner that wouldn’t be found anywhere else. It’s unlikely anybody here would experience anything similar any time soon. Education on people different from “normal people” can also reduce bullying and bigotry towards people in marginalized groups because it teaches people about what it is and what it means.” (7th Grade Student)
“Thank you so much for sharing your son with the students. When I picked him up Tuesday, he started telling me about Literature class and your son being there and he talked about it the whole way home! It was amazing to hear him talk like this, and be so enthusiastic about something. Also, a huge Thank you to Ian for being brave enough to talk and present in front of all those kids. It’s a great message and was truly an inspiring experience for them.” (Father of a middle school student)
E P Rock Elementary, Hudson, WI
Ian spent an action-packed hour sharing his story with three fourth-grade classes in their media center. The visit wrapped up with questions and answers and, of course, a bottle-flip contest! Students cheered on Ian and their classmates with enthusiastic applause and a spirited chant—a joyful celebration of connection, encouragement, and inclusion.
Testimonial
“I liked how the presentation was relatable for the kids to see how Ian is just like them. Ian did a great job asking questions to them to keep their engagement. Having the kids hold up two fingers and then three for the chromosomes was a great visual for the students. Showing Ian’s jobs was a great slide to share with the students.” (4th Grade teacher)
Hudson Daybreak Rotary Hudson WI
Ian and Lisa were honored to share their story with Hudson Rotarians—community members who give generously of their time and energy to make Hudson a wonderful place to live.
Lisa began with an introduction to Down syndrome before turning the spotlight over to Ian. He shared highlights from his life and reflected on how the Hudson community had embraced him over the past 18 years. From Respect Choir and Rhinestone Raiders, inclusive groups at his high school, to local employers offering opportunities to build skills and earn a paycheck, Ian’s experiences brought the meaning of inclusion to life.
After the presentation, Ian made his way around the room, shaking hands and personally thanking attendees for the invitation—a heartfelt ending to a conversation about opportunity, connection, and belonging.
Testimonial
“Lisa and Ian gave a wonderful presentation highlighting Ian’s charming personality, educating the audience on Ian’s ‘superpowers’, all woven together with a lot of humor! It was a delightful presentation and they were given a standing ovation!” (Rotary Member)
What We Share
Through personal stories and candid conversation, Ian and Lisa explore:
- A brief, accessible introduction to chromosomes and Down syndrome.
- Ian’s perspective on his life, interests, accomplishments, and dreams.
- The ways Ian participates and contributes at school, at work, at home, and in his community.
- The joys, challenges, and lessons of raising Ian, from Lisa’s perspective.
- The importance of creating meaningful opportunities for people with disabilities to learn, work, connect, and belong.
- Why words matter—and how language can shape the way we see and treat one another.[wittfitt]
- World Down Syndrome Day and opportunities to celebrate differences and promote inclusion.
Meet-and-greet time with Ian is available before or after the presentation.
Our Objectives
Through our presentations, we aim to:
- See the person beyond the diagnosis by recognizing the individual strengths, interests, talents, and dreams of people with Down syndrome.
- Highlight possibilities for fulfilling lives through Ian’s experiences in sports, school, employment, friendships, and community life.
- Build understanding of Down syndrome while recognizing that each person’s abilities, challenges, and support needs are unique.
- Introduce career paths that support and partner with people with intellectual, learning, and physical disabilities.
- Create a welcoming space for connection where audiences can meet Ian, ask thoughtful questions, and become more comfortable engaging with people whose experiences differ from their own.
- Encourage respectful, inclusive language that honors each person’s dignity and challenges limiting assumptions.
- Inspire everyday inclusion by encouraging audiences to create opportunities for others to participate, contribute, and belong.
COMING SOON!
Video: Lisa sharing about Down syndrome
Video: Ian in action!
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*We would be happy to create a personal presentation tailored to the needs of your audience, budget and timeframe.
