By Brimer                                            H.C.R. No. 102
       74R6305 KMP-D
                                 CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
    1-1        WHEREAS, Advancements in education, medical research, and
    1-2  public awareness are continuing to improve the quality of life for
    1-3  people with Down syndrome; and
    1-4        WHEREAS, Approximately 5,000 children are born each year with
    1-5  this genetic disorder, and this number is projected to double
    1-6  within the next decade as a result of improved clinical treatment
    1-7  and the increasing number of couples who choose to postpone
    1-8  parenting until their later years; and
    1-9        WHEREAS, Individuals with Down syndrome are becoming more
   1-10  fully integrated into society and are having greater access to
   1-11  public institutions, with the result that more and more Americans
   1-12  will need to understand and support their fellow citizens; and
   1-13        WHEREAS, Myths, prejudices, and stereotypes regarding Down
   1-14  syndrome can be overcome only through increased awareness and
   1-15  education; and
   1-16        WHEREAS, Greater public understanding of Down syndrome will
   1-17  increase access to community housing, employment, and social and
   1-18  recreational opportunities for people with this genetic disorder;
   1-19  already, improved awareness has helped thousands of people with
   1-20  Down syndrome to attend school, perform fulfilling and productive
   1-21  jobs, and participate in sports and community events; and
   1-22        WHEREAS, In recent years the Congress of the United States of
   1-23  America has designated October as "National Down Syndrome Month" in
   1-24  an effort to promote education, awareness, and understanding of
    2-1  this genetic disorder; it is indeed appropriate for the Lone Star
    2-2  State to join with families and individuals throughout the country
    2-3  in recognizing this important event; now, therefore, be it
    2-4        RESOLVED, That the 74th Legislature of the State of Texas
    2-5  hereby designate October 1995 and October 1996 to be Down Syndrome
    2-6  Months in Texas and encourage their observance in communities and
    2-7  public institutions throughout the state.