HR0695 102ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0695 LRB102 26487 MST 37001 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Down syndrome is a genetic condition that occurs in approximately one in 1,100 live births worldwide according to the World Health Organization; and

WHEREAS, Down Syndrome occurs in approximately one in 700 live births in the United States according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; and

WHEREAS, It is difficult to determine the number of individuals currently living with Down syndrome worldwide; however, some sources estimate the number to be more than six million; and

WHEREAS, The most common form of Down syndrome, trisomy 21, is due to an error in cell division just prior to or during conception, with the 21st chromosome dividing in three instead of two, resulting in a person being born with 47 instead of 46 chromosomes in each cell; and

WHEREAS, Early intervention, appropriate speech, physical and occupational therapies, and quality education programs enable individuals with Down syndrome to adapt and thrive; and

WHEREAS, Thanks to advances in medical treatments and continuing research, life expectancy for individuals with Down syndrome worldwide has increased dramatically, with a large majority living beyond 50 years of age; and

WHEREAS, Individuals with Down syndrome consistently prove their ability to overcome obstacles; and

WHEREAS, With interventions and programs and the support of family and community, individuals with Down syndrome attend school and participate in postsecondary opportunities, with many going to college, obtaining full-time employment, entering into marriage, and fully participating in their communities; and

WHEREAS, Individuals living with Down syndrome have excelled in various fields, becoming global influencers, fashion designers, lobbyists, accomplished musicians, teachers, leaders of large non-profits, and small business entrepreneurs; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED SECOND GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we declare March 21, 2022 as "Down Syndrome Day" in the State of Illinois; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we recognize the numerous contributions that individuals with Down syndrome and their families make, not only in our great State but across the globe.