2019 -- H 5890

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LC002229

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2019

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H O U S E   R E S O L U T I O N

COMMEMORATING "WORLD DOWN SYNDROME DAY" ON MARCH 21, 2019, IN THE

STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

     

     Introduced By: Representatives Mattiello, Shekarchi, Azzinaro, Kennedy, and Serpa

     Date Introduced: March 21, 2019

     Referred To: House read and passed

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     WHEREAS, On December 19th of 2011, the United Nations General Assembly

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designated March 21st as World Down Syndrome Day, to be observed annually beginning in

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2012; and

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     WHEREAS, The day was established in order to raise public awareness throughout

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society regarding persons with Down syndrome; and

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     WHEREAS, Down syndrome is a naturally occurring chromosomal arrangement that has

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always been a part of the human condition and is the most common chromosomal disorder in the

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United States; and

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     WHEREAS, Each year, one out of every 700 babies, or about 6,000 babies annually, are

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born with Down syndrome in the United States; and

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     WHEREAS, Down syndrome exists in all nations across the globe and commonly results

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in variable effects on learning styles, physical characteristics, and oftentimes health; and

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     WHEREAS, Ensuring and promoting the full realization of all human rights and

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fundamental freedoms for persons with Down Syndrome is critical to achieving the

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developmental goals and overall potential for these individuals; and

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     WHEREAS, In addition, adequate access to health care, to early intervention programs,

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and to inclusive education, as well as appropriate research, are vital to the growth and

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development of individuals with Down syndrome; and

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     WHEREAS, Persons with Down syndrome should enjoy a full and decent life, in

 

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conditions that ensure dignity, promote self-reliance and facilitate the person's active participation

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in the community and the full enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms on an

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equal basis with other persons; now, therefore be it

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     RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island and

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Providence Plantations hereby recognizes the inherent dignity, worth, and valuable contributions

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of persons with intellectual disabilities as promoters of well-being and diversity within their

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communities, and the importance of their individual autonomy and independence, including the

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freedom to make their own choices; and be it further

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     RESOLVED, That this House hereby commemorates "World Down Syndrome Day" on

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March 21, 2019, in the State of Rhode Island; and be it further

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     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to

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transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to Crystal Greene, President of the Down

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Syndrome Society of Rhode Island, and Steve and Pasqualina Feole.

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