CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20172018 REGULAR SESSION Assembly Concurrent Resolution No. 165Introduced by Assembly Member GraysonJanuary 29, 2018 Relative to Down syndrome awareness. LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGESTACR 165, as introduced, Grayson. California Down Syndrome Awareness Week and Day.This measure would proclaim March 18 to March 24, 2018, as California Down Syndrome Awareness Week and March 21, 2018, as California Down Syndrome Day, and would encourage all Californians to support and participate in related activities.Digest Key Fiscal Committee: NO Bill TextWHEREAS, Down syndrome is a chromosomal disorder that occurs in 1 out of every 800 to 1,000 births; andWHEREAS, Down syndrome affects all races and ethnicities; andWHEREAS, Down syndrome occurs when an individual has a full or partial extra copy of chromosome 21. This additional genetic material alters the course of development and causes the characteristics associated with Down syndrome; andWHEREAS, Down syndrome causes delays in physical and intellectual development and is the most common cause of intellectual disabilities; andWHEREAS, Down syndrome can also cause additional medical problems, including, but not limited to, heart defects, hearing problems, vision impairment, upper respiratory infections, and intestinal and thyroid problems; andWHEREAS, Adequate access to health care, early intervention programs, and inclusive education, as well as appropriate research, are vital to the growth and development of individuals with Down syndrome; and WHEREAS, The inherent dignity, worth and valuable contributions of persons with Down syndrome as promoters of well-being and diversity of their communities, and the importance of their individual autonomy and independence, including the freedom to make their own choices should be recognized; andWHEREAS, Individuals with Down syndrome attend school, work, participate in decisions that affect them, have meaningful relationships, vote, and contribute to society in many wonderful ways; andWHEREAS, This inclusiveness facilitates the participation of individuals with Down syndrome in society and helps them fulfill their personal potential; andWHEREAS, The National Buddy Walk Program helps raise awareness and funds for programs that benefit people with Down syndrome and their families, and the Special Olympics raises awareness and allows individuals with Down syndrome, and other intellectual disabilities, to discover new strengths and abilities, skills and success; andWHEREAS, In 2011, the United Nations General Assembly declared March 21 as World Down Syndrome Day to be observed every year beginning in 2012, and invited all to observe World Down Syndrome Day in order to raise public awareness of Down syndrome; and WHEREAS, The 21st day of the third month, was selected to signify the uniqueness of the triplication of the 21st chromosome which causes Down syndrome; now, therefore, be it Resolved by the Assembly of the State of California, the Senate thereof concurring, That March 18 to March 24, 2018, is proclaimed California Down Syndrome Awareness Week, and March 21, 2018, is proclaimed California Down Syndrome Day; and be it furtherResolved, That all Californians are encouraged to support and participate in related activities; and be it furtherResolved, That the Chief Clerk of the Assembly transmit copies of this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution. CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20172018 REGULAR SESSION Assembly Concurrent Resolution No. 165Introduced by Assembly Member GraysonJanuary 29, 2018 Relative to Down syndrome awareness. LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGESTACR 165, as introduced, Grayson. California Down Syndrome Awareness Week and Day.This measure would proclaim March 18 to March 24, 2018, as California Down Syndrome Awareness Week and March 21, 2018, as California Down Syndrome Day, and would encourage all Californians to support and participate in related activities.Digest Key Fiscal Committee: NO CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20172018 REGULAR SESSION Assembly Concurrent Resolution No. 165 Introduced by Assembly Member GraysonJanuary 29, 2018 Introduced by Assembly Member Grayson January 29, 2018 Relative to Down syndrome awareness. LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST ## LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST ACR 165, as introduced, Grayson. California Down Syndrome Awareness Week and Day. This measure would proclaim March 18 to March 24, 2018, as California Down Syndrome Awareness Week and March 21, 2018, as California Down Syndrome Day, and would encourage all Californians to support and participate in related activities. This measure would proclaim March 18 to March 24, 2018, as California Down Syndrome Awareness Week and March 21, 2018, as California Down Syndrome Day, and would encourage all Californians to support and participate in related activities. ## Digest Key ## Bill Text WHEREAS, Down syndrome is a chromosomal disorder that occurs in 1 out of every 800 to 1,000 births; and WHEREAS, Down syndrome affects all races and ethnicities; and WHEREAS, Down syndrome occurs when an individual has a full or partial extra copy of chromosome 21. This additional genetic material alters the course of development and causes the characteristics associated with Down syndrome; and WHEREAS, Down syndrome causes delays in physical and intellectual development and is the most common cause of intellectual disabilities; and WHEREAS, Down syndrome can also cause additional medical problems, including, but not limited to, heart defects, hearing problems, vision impairment, upper respiratory infections, and intestinal and thyroid problems; and WHEREAS, Adequate access to health care, early intervention programs, and inclusive education, as well as appropriate research, are vital to the growth and development of individuals with Down syndrome; and WHEREAS, The inherent dignity, worth and valuable contributions of persons with Down syndrome as promoters of well-being and diversity of their communities, and the importance of their individual autonomy and independence, including the freedom to make their own choices should be recognized; and WHEREAS, Individuals with Down syndrome attend school, work, participate in decisions that affect them, have meaningful relationships, vote, and contribute to society in many wonderful ways; and WHEREAS, This inclusiveness facilitates the participation of individuals with Down syndrome in society and helps them fulfill their personal potential; and WHEREAS, The National Buddy Walk Program helps raise awareness and funds for programs that benefit people with Down syndrome and their families, and the Special Olympics raises awareness and allows individuals with Down syndrome, and other intellectual disabilities, to discover new strengths and abilities, skills and success; and WHEREAS, In 2011, the United Nations General Assembly declared March 21 as World Down Syndrome Day to be observed every year beginning in 2012, and invited all to observe World Down Syndrome Day in order to raise public awareness of Down syndrome; and WHEREAS, The 21st day of the third month, was selected to signify the uniqueness of the triplication of the 21st chromosome which causes Down syndrome; now, therefore, be it Resolved by the Assembly of the State of California, the Senate thereof concurring, That March 18 to March 24, 2018, is proclaimed California Down Syndrome Awareness Week, and March 21, 2018, is proclaimed California Down Syndrome Day; and be it further Resolved, That all Californians are encouraged to support and participate in related activities; and be it further Resolved, That the Chief Clerk of the Assembly transmit copies of this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.