Bill Text: CA AR54 | 2023-2024 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Relative to California Down Syndrome Awareness Month.
Spectrum: Moderate Partisan Bill (Democrat 55-17)
Status: (Passed) 2023-08-24 - Read. Adopted. (Ayes 73. Noes 0. Page 2799.). [AR54 Detail]
Download: California-2023-AR54-Introduced.html
CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE—
2023–2024 REGULAR SESSION
House Resolution
No. 54
| Introduced by Assembly Member Vince Fong |
August 14, 2023 |
Relative to California Down Syndrome Awareness Month.
LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST
HR 54, as introduced, Vince Fong.
Digest Key
Bill Text
WHEREAS, Down syndrome is a chromosomal disorder that occurs in one out of every 700 to 1,000 births; and
WHEREAS, Down syndrome affects all races and ethnicities; and
WHEREAS, Down syndrome occurs when an individual has a full or partial extra copy of chromosome 21. This additional genetic material alters the course of development and causes the characteristics associated with Down syndrome; and
WHEREAS, Down syndrome causes delays in physical and intellectual development and is the most common cause of intellectual disabilities; and
WHEREAS, Down syndrome can also cause additional medical problems, including, but not limited to, heart defects, hearing problems, vision impairment, upper respiratory infections, and intestinal and thyroid problems; and
WHEREAS, Adequate access to health care, early intervention programs, and inclusive education, as well as appropriate research, are vital to the growth and development of individuals with Down syndrome; and
WHEREAS, The inherent dignity and worth of persons with Down syndrome, their valuable contributions as promoters of the well-being and diversity of their communities, and the importance of their individual autonomy and independence, including the freedom to make their own choices, should be recognized; and
WHEREAS, Individuals with Down syndrome attend school, work, participate in decisions that affect them, have meaningful relationships, vote, and contribute to society in many wonderful ways; and
WHEREAS, This inclusiveness facilitates the participation of individuals with Down syndrome in society and helps them fulfill their personal potential; and
WHEREAS, H.E.A.R.T.S. Connection, which is an acronym for Help Encourage Advocate Resources Training Support, was founded in 1990 by parents of special needs children and remains a parent-driven organization whose goal is to empower parents and strengthen families; and
WHEREAS, H.E.A.R.T.S. Connection is funded as a family empowerment center through the State Department of Education to serve families that have students 3 to 22 years of age, inclusive; and
WHEREAS, Its mission is to enhance the quality of life for people with special needs through a family-directed resource center that symbolizes professionalism, dignity, compassion, and respect; and
WHEREAS, H.E.A.R.T.S. Connection has participated in The Buddy Walk® for over 20 years; and
WHEREAS, The Buddy Walk® was established in 1995 by the National Down Syndrome Society to celebrate Down syndrome awareness, and in order to be more inclusive of all disabilities, H.E.A.R.T.S. Connection has added an additional walk called the Hero’s 4 H.E.A.R.T.S. Walk; and
WHEREAS, The National Buddy Walk® Program helps raise awareness and funds for programs that benefit people with Down syndrome and their families, and the Special Olympics raises awareness and allows individuals with Down syndrome and other intellectual disabilities to discover new strengths and abilities, skills, and success; and
WHEREAS, In the 1980s, the National Down Syndrome Society participated in the efforts to have October proclaimed “Down Syndrome Awareness Month” to raise awareness and celebrate the many abilities of individuals with Down syndrome; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Assembly of the State of California, That October 2023 is proclaimed California Down Syndrome Awareness Month; and be it further
Resolved, That all Californians are encouraged to support and participate in related activities; and be it further
Resolved, That the Chief Clerk of the Assembly transmit copies of this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.
