Assembly Resolution No. 1003

BY: M. of A. Walsh

MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim
March 21, 2024, as Down Syndrome Awareness Day in
the State of New York

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize
official days that are set aside to increase awareness of common genetic
variations that affect the lives of citizens of New York State; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim March 21, 2024, as Down
Syndrome Awareness Day in the State of New York, in conjunction with the
observance of World Down Syndrome Day; and

WHEREAS, Down syndrome is a genetic condition affecting the body's
development caused by the presence of three copies of chromosome 21 in
the cell nucleus, and is also called Trisomy 21; there are an estimated
seven million people with Down syndrome worldwide; and

WHEREAS, One in every 691 babies born in the United States are
diagnosed with Down syndrome, making it the most common genetic disorder
in the nation; approximately 400,000 Americans have Down syndrome and
about 6,000 babies are born with Down syndrome in the United States each
year; and

WHEREAS, While once extremely fatal, advances in medical technology
are helping individuals with Down syndrome to live longer, healthier
lives than ever before; with proper treatment, most particularly
corrective heart surgeries, as many as 80% of adults with Down syndrome
will reach age 60 or older; and

WHEREAS, Down Syndrome International will be celebrating the 19th
Anniversary of World Down Syndrome Day on March 21, 2024; the date
(3/21) was chosen to represent the scientific basis of the condition,
Trisomy 21; and

WHEREAS, World Down Syndrome Day is a global awareness day which has
been officially observed by the United Nations since 2012; each year the
voice of people with Down syndrome and those who live and work with
them, grows louder, but there is still so much more to be done; and

WHEREAS, More and more New Yorkers are interacting with individuals
with Down syndrome, increasing the need for widespread public education
and acceptance; and

WHEREAS, People with Down syndrome in the State of New York possess
a wide range of abilities, and are active participants in educational,
occupational, social, and recreational circles of the community; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize the
inherent dignity, worth and valuable contributions of persons with Down
syndrome as promoters of the well-being and diversity of our
communities, and the importance of their individual autonomy and

independence, including the freedom to make their own choices; now,
therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim March 21, 2024, as Down
Syndrome Awareness Day in the State of New York, in conjunction with the
observance of World Down Syndrome Day; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New
York.