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HOUSE RESOLUTION

 
2    WHEREAS, Persons with disabilities should enjoy a full and
3decent life, in conditions that ensure dignity, promote
4self-reliance, facilitate active participation in the
5community, and allow the full enjoyment of all human rights and
6fundamental freedoms on an equal basis with other persons; and
 
7    WHEREAS, Down syndrome is a naturally occurring
8chromosomal arrangement that has always been a part of the
9human condition; this additional genetic material alters the
10course of development and causes the characteristics
11associated with Down syndrome; and
 
12    WHEREAS, Down syndrome is the most commonly occurring
13chromosomal condition; one in every 691 babies in the United
14States is born with Down syndrome; there are three types of
15Down syndrome: trisomy 21 (nondisjunction) accounts for 95% of
16cases, while translocation accounts for about 4% and mosaicism
17accounts for about 1%; and
 
18    WHEREAS, Down syndrome occurs in people of all races and
19economic levels; there are currently more than 400,000 people
20living with Down syndrome in the United States; and
 
21    WHEREAS, People with Down syndrome have an increased risk

 

 

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1for certain medical conditions, such as congenital heart
2defects, respiratory and hearing problems, Alzheimer's
3disease, childhood leukemia, and thyroid conditions; many of
4these conditions are now treatable, so most people with Down
5syndrome lead healthy lives; and
 
6    WHEREAS, Life expectancy for people with Down syndrome has
7increased dramatically in recent decades - from 25 in 1983 to
860 today; people with Down syndrome attend school, work,
9participate in decisions that affect them, and contribute to
10society in many wonderful ways; and
 
11    WHEREAS, All people with Down syndrome experience
12cognitive delays, but the effect is usually mild to moderate
13and is not indicative of the many strengths and talents that
14each individual possesses; and
 
15    WHEREAS, Quality educational programs, a stimulating home
16environment, good health care, and positive support from
17family, friends, and the community enable people with Down
18syndrome to develop their full potential and lead fulfilling
19lives; and
 
20    WHEREAS, March 21, 2013 marks the seventh annual World Down
21Syndrome Day, the second official date since it was recognized
22by the United Nations in 2012; people with Down syndrome, their

 

 

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1families, friends, teachers, coworkers and supporters will
2celebrate across the globe; celebrated on the 21st day of the
3third month of the year, the date is symbolic of the third copy
4of the 21st chromosome that characterizes Down syndrome;
5therefore, be it
 
6    RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE
7NINETY-EIGHTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that
8we show our support for and join in the celebration of World
9Down Syndrome Day on March 21, 2013 to raise awareness,
10support, and recognition of the dignity, rights, and well-being
11of people with Down syndrome throughout the State; and be it
12further
 
13    RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be
14presented to Gigi's Playhouse, an Illinois organization active
15in Down syndrome advocacy.