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R E S O L U T I O N
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WHEREAS, World Down Syndrome Day is being held at the State |
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Capitol on March 21, 2023, with the theme of "With Us Not For Us"; |
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and |
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WHEREAS, Down syndrome, the most commonly occurring |
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chromosomal condition, occurs in individuals who have a full or |
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partial extra copy of chromosome 21; one of every 700 babies born in |
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the United States each year is born with Down syndrome; and |
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WHEREAS, Medical advances have significantly increased the |
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life expectancy of people with Down syndrome, which is now |
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approaching that of peers without the condition; in addition to the |
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advantages of modern medicine, support groups and other resources |
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are now available in nearly every community in the United States; |
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and |
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WHEREAS, When provided with quality education programs, a |
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stimulating home environment, good health care, and support from |
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family and friends, people with Down syndrome can lead fulfilling |
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and productive lives; much progress has been made through the |
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vision and hard work of parents, researchers, medical |
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professionals, and other advocates, who have helped secure the |
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rights of people with Down syndrome to live at home, attend schools, |
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access appropriate health care, get married, find work, and |
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contribute to society; instead of a charity-based approach, this |
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year's theme of "With Us Not For Us" promotes a human rights-based |
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approach that emphasizes the right of those with disabilities to be |
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treated fairly and have the same opportunities available to others; |
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and |
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WHEREAS, In 2011, the United Nations General Assembly |
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declared March 21 as World Down Syndrome Day; this year, the State |
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of Texas is joining with countries around the globe in recognition |
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of this special event, and all Texans are encouraged to take part by |
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helping to build a culture of greater respect and inclusion for |
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those living with Down syndrome; now, therefore, be it |
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RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 88th Texas |
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Legislature hereby recognize March 21, 2023, as World Down Syndrome |
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Day at the State Capitol. |