R 158

2019 -- H 5890 Enacted 03/21/2019

H O U S E   R E S O L U T I O N

COMMEMORATING "WORLD DOWN SYNDROME DAY" ON MARCH 21, 2019, IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

Introduced By: Representatives Mattiello, Shekarchi, Azzinaro, Kennedy, and Serpa

Date Introduced: March 21, 2019

WHEREAS, On December 19th of 2011, the United Nations General Assembly

designated March 21st as World Down Syndrome Day, to be observed annually beginning in

2012; and

WHEREAS, The day was established in order to raise public awareness throughout

society regarding persons with Down syndrome; and

WHEREAS, Down syndrome is a naturally occurring chromosomal arrangement that has

always been a part of the human condition and is the most common chromosomal disorder in the

United States; and

WHEREAS, Each year, one out of every 700 babies, or about 6,000 babies annually, are

born with Down syndrome in the United States; and

WHEREAS, Down syndrome exists in all nations across the globe and commonly results

in variable effects on learning styles, physical characteristics, and oftentimes health; and

WHEREAS, Ensuring and promoting the full realization of all human rights and

fundamental freedoms for persons with Down Syndrome is critical to achieving the

developmental goals and overall potential for these individuals; and

WHEREAS, In addition, adequate access to health care, to early intervention programs,

and to inclusive education, as well as appropriate research, are vital to the growth and

development of individuals with Down syndrome; and

WHEREAS, Persons with Down syndrome should enjoy a full and decent life, in

conditions that ensure dignity, promote self-reliance and facilitate the person's active participation

in the community and the full enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms on an

equal basis with other persons; now, therefore be it

RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island and

Providence Plantations hereby recognizes the inherent dignity, worth, and valuable contributions

of persons with intellectual disabilities as promoters of well-being and diversity within their

communities, and the importance of their individual autonomy and independence, including the

freedom to make their own choices; and be it further

RESOLVED, That this House hereby commemorates "World Down Syndrome Day" on

March 21, 2019, in the State of Rhode Island; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to

transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to Crystal Greene, President of the Down

Syndrome Society of Rhode Island, and Steve and Pasqualina Feole.

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LC002229

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