World Down Syndrome Awareness Day

WHEREAS, according to the National Down Syndrome Society, approximately one in every 691 children are born with Down syndrome, representing approximately 6,000 births per year, leading to more than 400,000 people living with Down syndrome in the United States.

WHEREAS, Down syndrome is a naturally occurring chromosomal arrangement that has always been a part of the human condition, exists in all regions across the globe and commonly results in variable effects on learning styles, physical characteristics and health; and

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

WHEREAS, recognizing the inherent dignity, worth and valuable contributions of persons with intellectual disabilities as promoters of the well-being and diversity of our communities, and the importance of their individual autonomy and independence, includes the freedom to make their own choices; and

WHEREAS, March 21, 2014, marks the 9^th anniversary of World Down Syndrome Day; the date was selected by Down Syndrome International (DSI) to signify the uniqueness of Down syndrome in the triplication (trisomy) of the 21^st chromosome and is used synonymously with Down syndrome; and

WHEREAS, on November 1, 2011, the United Nations General Assembly made a resolution to designate March 21as World Down Syndrome Day to be observed every year beginning in 2012; and

WHEREAS, the United Nations has invited all Member States, relevant organizations of the United Nations system and other international organizations, as well as civil society, including non-governmental organizations and the private sector, to observe World Down Syndrome Day in an appropriate manner, in order to raise public awareness of Down syndrome:

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Robert Bentley, Governor of Alabama, do hereby proclaim March 21, 2014, as

World Down Syndrome Awareness Day

in the state of Alabama.