BYD invites João Vitor de Paiva to visit China

After getting his driver’s license and buying a brand-new car with his own earnings, one of the leading voices for the inclusion of people with Down syndrome prepares for an immersion in the Asian country.

The story of João Vitor de Paiva Bittencourt is filled with achievements. He became a phenomenon, establishing himself as one of the most powerful voices in Brazil in defending the rights of people with Down syndrome (T21) and combating ableism.

I met João Vitor during the production of “Buddies and the Heir” (Colegas e o Herdeiro), a feature film that will soon premiere in theaters and in which he is one of the protagonists. I am an associate producer of the movie and had the opportunity to work directly with him during script studies, in rehearsals and behind the scenes. I am a fan and a witness to his extraordinary journey.

One of João Vitor’s recent updates is his trip to China at the invitation of BYD: “BYD believed in this story and now I am going to see all of this up close”, he celebrated in a video posted on Instagram. “I bought my first car, a shiny new BYD, with money from my lectures, projects and digital work”, he shared. He also gifted another BYD to his mother, psychologist Márcia Regina.

A pioneer, he was also the first person with Down syndrome to obtain a National Driver’s License (CNH) in the state of Goias.

Who is João Vitor de Paiva

📢 Digital influencer and activist: João uses his social media platforms to be an active voice in the fight for inclusion and against prejudice and ableism. Currently, he has over 1.1 million followers across Instagram and TikTok.

🏆 Two-time iBest Award winner: Elected by popular vote as the Best Digital Influencer of 2024 in Brazil under the Diversity and Inclusion category. One year later, he repeated the feat and won again in the 2025 edition, establishing his position as the top national reference in the field.

Two-time iBest winner in the “Diversity and Inclusion” category

🎓 Historic academic background: He became the first student with Down syndrome to graduate with a degree in Physical Education from PUC Goiás (Pontifical Catholic University of Goias).

📚 Scientific thesis: He dedicated his final graduation thesis to the topic “Resistance Training and Down Syndrome”, addressing the benefits of strength training for the quality of life of people with T21.

Physical Education degree successfully completed

🌍 UNICEF Advisor: He was appointed as the first young advisor with T21 for UNICEF Brazil, where he actively works to defend the rights of children and youth with disabilities.

🎬 Movie star: He is one of the protagonists of the feature film “Buddies and the Heir” (Colegas e o Herdeiro), directed by filmmaker Marcelo Galvão. The movie is a fun adventure that will premiere in theaters across Brazil on August 13, 2026.

João Vitor behind the scenes of the feature film “Buddies and the Heir”

🎭 Artistic career: He acted in the SBT soap opera “E agora, quem vai ficar com a mamãe?” and participated in other film projects.

🗣️ Speaker and TEDx Speaker: In his events, João highlights the importance of early stimulation, family and inclusive education, while also provoking reflections on prejudice, ignorance, ableism and social barriers.

Speaker at the TEDx event

Interview with João Vitor: “Inclusion transforms lives”

How did this opportunity with BYD to visit China come about? What went through your mind when you got the invitation?

It all came down to my history with BYD and getting my driver’s license. They followed my entire journey with so much affection. When the invitation came in, I was incredibly happy and deeply moved. Visiting China has always been a huge dream of mine.

Scene of João Vitor taking his girlfriend Rafa Fonta for a drive in his BYD. Click to check out the video on his Instagram.

You bought your first car — a BYD — with your own money. How is the experience of driving the vehicle and gaining your independence?

Buying my first car with my own money was a massive milestone for me. After that, I got my driver’s license. And I gave a brand-new car to my mother. I am very happy driving my BYD and living with more independence every day. It is a feeling of freedom and responsibility.

When are you scheduled to take off?

The trip is set for the coming months. We are currently mapping out the entire itinerary to make it something truly special.

What are your main plans for the itinerary? What places do you plan to visit?

I want to tour the BYD factory, immerse myself in Chinese culture, visit the major landmarks and just live this experience to the fullest. It is going to be a unique learning opportunity.

What does it mean to you to represent Brazil and the cause of inclusion in China?

Representing Brazil and the inclusion movement in China is a massive honor. I want to show the world that people with Down syndrome can make their mark – that we can achieve our dreams and inspire others to do the same.

Beyond the China trip, what other professional projects do you have on the horizon?

I have new film projects coming up, advertising campaigns and a lot of work ahead in inclusion and tourism areas. I am very excited about everything that lies ahead.

What are your expectations for the release of “Buddies and the Heir”?

The expectations for the premiere of “Buddies and the Heir” (trailer below) are sky-high. This movie is incredibly special to me and I am sure the audience is going to fall in love with it.

You are living proof that inclusion is not only possible but transformative. With so many achievements in your history, what message would you like to share with everyone?

I never gave up on my dreams. If there is one thing I want people to take away from my story, it is to believe in themselves. When you have the right opportunities, support and dedication, absolutely anything is possible. Inclusion transforms lives.