Bill Text: HI SCR129 | 2011 | Regular Session | Introduced

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Bill Title: Down Syndrome Awareness Month; Lifelong Learning Guidelines

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)

Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2011-03-21 - (S) Referred to EDU. [SCR129 Detail]

Download: Hawaii-2011-SCR129-Introduced.html

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THE SENATE	S.C.R. NO.	129
TWENTY-SIXTH LEGISLATURE, 2011
STATE OF HAWAII

SENATE CONCURRENT

RESOLUTION

 

 

Recognizing october of each year as "down syndrome education awareness month" in hawaii.

 

 

     WHEREAS, Down syndrome is the one of the most commonly occurring genetic conditions, with one in every seven hundred thirty-three live births resulting in a baby born with Down syndrome, and it is the most commonly occurring chromosomal condition; and

 

     WHEREAS, advancements in Down syndrome research have given doctors, therapists, and educators new tools to care for individuals with Down syndrome so that they may live healthy and fulfilling lives; and

 

     WHEREAS, the Legislature recognizes the many achievements, abilities, and unique communication needs of individuals with Down syndrome; and

 

     WHEREAS, people with Down syndrome are living longer than ever before and the life expectancy of individuals with Down syndrome has increased dramatically in recent decades -- from 25 years in 1983 to 60 years today; and

 

     WHEREAS, children with Down syndrome are often fully integrated in social and educational settings and increasingly go on to graduate from high school and attend postsecondary education programs; and

 

     WHEREAS, while placement in the workforce remains a challenge, career opportunities have improved, and adults with Down syndrome have attained a variety of positions, bringing enthusiasm, reliability, and dedication to their jobs; and

 

     WHEREAS, advancements in education, research, and advocacy have had a tremendous impact on the opportunities for individuals with Down syndrome to live functional, successful lives; however, further education and awareness for Down syndrome is needed; now, therefore,

 

     BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the Twenty-sixth Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2011, the House of Representatives concurring, that the month of October of each year be recognized as "Down Syndrome Education Awareness Month" in Hawaii; and

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Department of Education, pursuant to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 2004, is requested to develop guidelines for a lifelong learning approach for individuals with Down syndrome and to extend sign language instruction with speech to students with Down syndrome who can hear; and

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Concurrent Resolution be transmitted to the Chairperson of the Board of Education, Superintendent of Education, Executive Director of the Charter School Administrative Office, Executive Director of the Hawaii Association of Independent Schools, Hawaii Down Syndrome Congress, and Down Syndrome Ohana of Hawaii.

 

 

 

	OFFERED BY:	_____________________________

Report Title: 

Down Syndrome Awareness Month; Lifelong Learning Guidelines