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Senate Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
Senate of Pennsylvania
Session of 2019 - 2020
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | February 20, 2020 03:33 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Senator Scott Martin |
| To: | All Senate members |
| Subject: | World Down Syndrome Day in Pennsylvania |
| In the near future, I plan to introduce a resolution designating March 21, 2020 as “World Down Syndrome Day” in Pennsylvania. Individuals diagnosed with Down syndrome have a full or partial extra copy of chromosome 21, which alters the course of their development. The most commonly occurring chromosomal condition, approximately 1 in every 700 U.S. babies are born with Down syndrome; about 6,000 each year. While it is much more difficult to ascertain global figures on the condition, some predictions put the total worldwide population at roughly 6 million. Over time, the number of individuals with Down syndrome have continued to rise in part due to their increased life expectancies. The majority of these individuals now live past the age of 50, and the number is even higher for those living in the United States. This has been attributed to advances in medicine and long-term care as well as shifts in societal attitudes towards the diagnosis. In other words, when given the opportunities associated with early intervention, therapies, quality education and proper support, individuals with Down syndrome have proven that they can adapt and thrive. As a result, they have gone on to be productive, inspirational and influential members of societies across the globe. Please join me in co-sponsoring this resolution. |