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1
HOUSE RESOLUTION

 
2    WHEREAS, Down syndrome is a genetic condition that occurs
3in approximately one in 1,100 live births worldwide according
4to the World Health Organization; and
 
5    WHEREAS, Down Syndrome occurs in approximately one in 700
6live births in the United States according to the Centers for
7Disease Control and Prevention; and
 
8    WHEREAS, It is difficult to determine the number of
9individuals currently living with Down syndrome worldwide;
10however, some sources estimate the number to be more than six
11million; and
 
12    WHEREAS, The most common form of Down syndrome, trisomy
1321, is due to an error in cell division just prior to or during
14conception, with the 21st chromosome dividing in three instead
15of two, resulting in a person being born with 47 instead of 46
16chromosomes in each cell; and
 
17    WHEREAS, Early intervention, appropriate speech, physical
18and occupational therapies, and quality education programs
19enable individuals with Down syndrome to adapt and thrive; and
 
20    WHEREAS, Thanks to advances in medical treatments and

 

 

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1continuing research, life expectancy for individuals with Down
2syndrome worldwide has increased dramatically, with a large
3majority living beyond 50 years of age; and
 
4    WHEREAS, Individuals with Down syndrome consistently prove
5their ability to overcome obstacles; and
 
6    WHEREAS, With interventions and programs and the support
7of family and community, individuals with Down syndrome attend
8school and participate in postsecondary opportunities, with
9many going to college, obtaining full-time employment,
10entering into marriage, and fully participating in their
11communities; and
 
12    WHEREAS, Individuals living with Down syndrome have
13excelled in various fields, becoming global influencers,
14fashion designers, lobbyists, accomplished musicians,
15teachers, leaders of large non-profits, and small business
16entrepreneurs; therefore, be it
 
17    RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE
18HUNDRED SECOND GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that
19we declare March 21, 2022 as "Down Syndrome Day" in the State
20of Illinois; and be it further
 
21    RESOLVED, That we recognize the numerous contributions

 

 

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1that individuals with Down syndrome and their families make,
2not only in our great State but across the globe.