It's World Down Syndrome Day!

March 21st (3/21) is World Down Syndrome Day. Why? Because people with Down syndrome sport 3 copies of the 21st chromosome. Clever, no?

Down syndrome blogger wrangler Meriah suggested a writing prompt for us today: One Fact, One Fallacy, One Photo (or is it Foto?). Mine are from the EEOC document "Questions & Answers About Persons with Intellectual Disabilities in the Workplace and the Americans with Disabilities Act"

Fact:
Persons with intellectual disabilities successfully perform a wide range of jobs, and can be dependable workers. Yet, many employers still exclude persons with intellectual disabilities from the workplace because of persistent, but unfounded myths, fears, and stereotypes.

Fallacy:
Some employers believe that workers with intellectual disabilities will have a higher absentee rate than employees without disabilities. Studies show that this is not true and that workers with intellectual disabilities are absent no more than other workers. Another popular misconception is that employing people with intellectual disabilities will cause insurance costs to skyrocket. Studies show, however, that employing workers with intellectual disabilities will not lead to higher insurance rates or more workers' compensation claims.

My photo is actually a video: an international tour of people with Down syndrome in the workplace, brought to you by Down Syndrome International. 

Happy World Down Syndrome Day!