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1
SENATE RESOLUTION

 
2    WHEREAS, Down syndrome is a chromosomal anomaly that occurs
3in one out of every 700 to 1,000 births; and
 
4    WHEREAS, Down syndrome affects all races and ethnicities in
5all parts of the world; and
 
6    WHEREAS, According to the Center for Disease Control and
7Prevention, the number of babies born with Down syndrome has
8increased by 30 percent over the past 40 years; and
 
9    WHEREAS, Down syndrome occurs when an individual has a full
10or partial extra copy of chromosome 21; this additional genetic
11material alters the course of development and causes the
12characteristics associated with Down syndrome; and
 
13    WHEREAS, Adequate access to health care, early
14intervention programs, and inclusive education, as well as
15appropriate research, are vital to the growth and development
16of individuals with Down syndrome; and
 
17    WHEREAS, The inherent dignity, worth, and valuable
18contributions of persons with Down syndrome as promoters of
19well-being and diversity of their communities, and the
20importance of their individual autonomy and independence,

 

 

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1including the freedom to make their own choices should be
2recognized; and
 
3    WHEREAS, Individuals with Down syndrome attend school,
4work, participate in decisions that affect them, have
5meaningful relationships, vote, and contribute to society in
6many wonderful ways; and
 
7    WHEREAS, This inclusiveness facilitates the participation
8of individuals with Down syndrome in society and helps them
9fulfill their personal potential; and
 
10    WHEREAS, The National Buddy Walk Program helps raise
11awareness and funds for programs that benefit people with Down
12syndrome and their families, and the Special Olympics raises
13awareness and allows individuals with Down syndrome, and other
14intellectual disabilities, to discover new strengths and
15abilities, skills, and success; and
 
16    WHEREAS, In 2011, the United Nations General Assembly
17declared March 21 as World Down Syndrome Day to be observed
18every year beginning in 2012 and invited all to observe World
19Down Syndrome Day in order to raise public awareness of Down
20syndrome; and
 
21    WHEREAS, The 21st day of the third month was selected to

 

 

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1signify the uniqueness of the triplication of the 21st
2chromosome which causes Down syndrome; and
 
3    WHEREAS, The observation of World Down Syndrome Day is
4important in raising public awareness of Down syndrome,
5creating a single voice of avocation of rights, inclusion, and
6well-being; therefore, be it
 
7    RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED FIRST GENERAL
8ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we declare March 21,
92019 as Illinois Down Syndrome Day; and be it further
 
10    RESOLVED, That all Illinoisans are encouraged to support
11and participate in related activities; and be it further
 
12    RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be
13presented to Down Syndrome International.