HR0915 98TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0915 LRB098 20491 GRL 56446 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Persons with disabilities should enjoy a full and decent life, in conditions that ensure dignity, promote self-reliance, facilitate active participation in the community, and allow the full enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms on an equal basis with other persons; and

WHEREAS, Down syndrome is a naturally occurring chromosomal arrangement that has always been a part of the human condition; this additional genetic material alters the course of development and causes the characteristics associated with Down syndrome; and

WHEREAS, Down syndrome is the most commonly occurring chromosomal condition; one in every 691 babies in the United States is born with Down syndrome; there are three types of Down syndrome: trisomy 21 (nondisjunction) accounts for 95% of cases, while translocation accounts for about 4% and mosaicism accounts for about 1%; and

WHEREAS, Down syndrome occurs in people of all races and economic levels; there are currently more than 400,000 people living with Down syndrome in the United States; and

WHEREAS, People with Down syndrome have an increased risk for certain medical conditions, such as congenital heart defects, respiratory and hearing problems, Alzheimer's disease, childhood leukemia, and thyroid conditions; many of these conditions are now treatable, so most people with Down syndrome lead healthy lives; and

WHEREAS, Life expectancy for people with Down syndrome has increased dramatically in recent decades - from 25 in 1983 to 60 today; people with Down syndrome attend school, work, participate in decisions that affect them, and contribute to society in many wonderful ways; and

WHEREAS, All people with Down syndrome experience cognitive delays, but the effect is usually mild to moderate and is not indicative of the many strengths and talents that each individual possesses; and

WHEREAS, Quality educational programs, a stimulating home environment, good health care, and positive support from family, friends, and the community enable people with Down syndrome to develop their full potential and lead fulfilling lives; and

WHEREAS, March 21, 2014 marks the 9th annual World Down Syndrome Day; people with Down syndrome, their families, friends, teachers, coworkers and supporters will celebrate across the globe; celebrated on the 21st day of the third month of the year, the date is symbolic of the third copy of the 21st chromosome that characterizes Down syndrome; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-EIGHTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we show our support for and join in the celebration of World Down Syndrome Day on March 21, 2014 to raise awareness, support, and recognition of the dignity, rights, and well-being of people with Down syndrome throughout the State; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Gigi's Playhouse, an Illinois organization active in Down syndrome advocacy.