News
Mar 20, 2022
Did you know... World Down Syndrome Day is celebrated on the 21st day of the 3rd month (March) to signify the uniqueness of the triplication (trisomy) of the 21st chromosome which causes Down syndrome?
At Ò»ÌÇÐÄlogoÃ×·ÆÍÃ, we live inclusion. It’s not about numbers, statistics or quotas - it’s about every one of our people and the collective strength we take from their unique perspectives, ambitions and dreams.
And this year, we’re excited for Ò»ÌÇÐÄlogoÃ×·ÆÍÃ’ first-ever global celebration in honor of World Down Syndrome Day.
Led by our ACE network, we’ve got a host of events planned – carrying the excitement of the day throughout the whole week – including a lesson in Makaton sign language, global conversations with our teammates, a giving campaign through our Collectivelyâ„ program, and a performance by , in collaboration with Ò»ÌÇÐÄlogoÃ×·ÆÍÃ’ Prism employee network.
Additionally, Ò»ÌÇÐÄlogoÃ×·ÆÍà teammates and leaders around the world are participating in the . The Lots of Socks campaign aims to raise awareness of Down syndrome in a fun and colorful way. Taking part in the campaign is as easy as putting on your favorite pair of noticeable socks – whether they’re mismatched or craziest or most colorful – and sharing with those around you. No matter if you’re in the office or virtual, donning your fun socks is a way to help get people talking on World Down Syndrome Day. Be sure to share your #LotsofSocks pictures on social media – we will be sharing ours all week!
One of our eight employee networks, ACE plays a critical role in fostering our Culture of Caring and championing disability inclusion. ACE – which stands for Access. Connect. Empower – champions accessibility, community and opportunity for caregivers and employees with disabilities. The network provides information, resources and networking, runs awareness events and advocates for positive change.
Anyone in the company can join ACE to be a better ally and learn more. And, in the spirit of embracing all that #InclusionMeans (the theme of this year’s World Down Syndrome Day,) we're thrilled to include our wider Ò»ÌÇÐÄlogoÃ×·ÆÍà community on social media and here on jacobs.com with a conversation below with our teammates and ACE members about what inclusion means to them and their unique experiences.
Meet Bethany, Lara and Kathryn:
Bethany Higton, Health Physics Teammate, Warrington, U.K.
Part of the Ò»ÌÇÐÄlogoÃ×·ÆÍà team for more than two years, Bethany is part of our Health Physics Team predominantly based in our Warrington, U.K. laboratories. Known for her helpfulness and willingness to tackle any task at hand, Bethany’s weekly duties include swab surveys to determine possible contamination, air sample analysis, laundry monitoring (of dirty lab coats), recordkeeping and monitoring of very low-level waste from the labs prior to disposal.
Bethany is a keen singer and part of a rock and pop choir called ‘.’ On her breaks from the lab, you can often find her practicing her latest tunes!
Hi, Bethany! This year’s World Down Syndrome Day theme is #InclusionMeans. What does inclusion mean to you?
Inclusion is important to me because it’s important to feel part of a team. Here at Ò»ÌÇÐÄlogoÃ×·ÆÍÃ, I work as part of a team to analyze various samples in labs… I get great satisfaction when I have completed my work.
What’s your favorite part of your job here at #OurÒ»ÌÇÐÄlogoÃ×·ÆÍÃ?
My favorite part of work at Ò»ÌÇÐÄlogoÃ×·ÆÍà is [handling] the dirty laundry. It’s a requirement to clean laundry coming out of a controlled area. I complete washing so we can prepare the laundry for going offsite.
Lara Jumagdao, Senior Architect, Doha, Qatar
Hi, Lara! Why is World Down Syndrome Day important to you?
I’m a proud Mom to a 16-year-old playful, talented and sweet little lady – Jasmine who has Down syndrome. Jasmine has brought good changes in our lives, and she has taught us the value of appreciating small and big things.
What do you enjoy most about being involved with the Ò»ÌÇÐÄlogoÃ×·ÆÍà ACE network?
I am happy to be able to connect with colleagues at Ò»ÌÇÐÄlogoÃ×·ÆÍà who have the same experiences as me. The network has also allowed me to educate friends at the workplace about Down syndrome and break some of the misconceptions. The ACE network has been a