Bill Text: NJ SR84 | 2012-2013 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Designates October, 2012 as "Down Syndrome Awareness Month."
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 4-0)
Status: (Passed) 2012-10-25 - Filed with Secretary of State [SR84 Detail]
Download: New_Jersey-2012-SR84-Introduced.html
Sponsored by:
Senator STEPHEN M. SWEENEY
District 3 (Cumberland, Gloucester and Salem)
Senator LORETTA WEINBERG
District 37 (Bergen)
SYNOPSIS
Designates October, 2012 as "Down Syndrome Awareness Month."
CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT
As introduced.
A Senate Resolution designating October, 2012 as "Down Syndrome Awareness Month."
Whereas, Down syndrome is a condition in which a baby is born with a full or partial extra copy of chromosome twenty-one and which alters the development of the baby in the womb and after the baby is born; and
Whereas, Down syndrome is genetic difference occurring in about one in every 691 babies born in the United States, or about 6,000 babies each year; and
Whereas, Individuals with Down syndrome vary in their mental and physical abilities, but most individuals born with Down syndrome experience delays in physical, cognitive, and language development; and
Whereas, Individuals with Down syndrome possess a wide range of abilities and are active participants in educational, occupational, social, and recreational community activities; and
Whereas, With loving homes, early intervention and better early education, available therapies, advanced medical care, social supports, and greater social acceptance, individuals with Down syndrome have greater opportunities to live independent, productive, and satisfying lives; and
Whereas, Each year, the month of October is observed nationwide as "National Down Syndrome Awareness Month"; and
Whereas, Organizations and support groups such as the Arc of New Jersey, the Statewide Parent Advocacy Network (SPAN), Special Needs Advocacy for Parents (SNAP), Bringing Up Down Syndrome (BUDS), and Network21, tirelessly work with families, schools, health care agencies, and professionals to create opportunities, raise awareness, and facilitation solutions for individuals with Down syndrome; and
Whereas, Families and individuals with Down syndrome who advocate on their own behalf deserve recognition for their efforts; now, therefore,
Be It Resolved by the Senate of the State of New Jersey:
1. This House recognizes the month of October, 2012 as "Down Syndrome Awareness Month," commends the many organizations and support groups that work with families and individuals with Down syndrome, and recognizes families and individuals with Down syndrome who advocate on their own behalf to ensure that all individuals with Down syndrome are seen as valued members of our community.
2. This House further urges the public officials and citizens of this State to observe this month with appropriate activities and programs.
STATEMENT
This resolution recognizes the observance of "Down Syndrome Awareness Month" during October, 2012, commends the many organizations, support groups, and individuals who ensure that individuals with Down syndrome lead rewarding and meaningful lives and are valued members of our community, and recognizes families and individuals with Down syndrome who advocate on their own behalf. The resolution further urges the public officials and citizens of this State to observe this month with appropriate activities and programs.
