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.