Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 102 Part 4.djvu/68

 102 STAT. 3038

PUBLIC LAW 100-601-NOV. 3, 1988

Public Law 100-601 100th Congress Joint Resolution Nov. 3, 1988 rgj p onpi

To designate October 1988 as "National Down Syndrome Month".

Whereas the past decade and a half has brought a greater and more enhghtened attitude in the care and training of the developmentally disabled; Whereas one such condition which has undergone considerable reevaluation is that of Down syndrome—a problem which, just a short time ago, was often stigmatized as a mentally retarded condition which relegated its victims to lives of passivity in institutions and back rooms; Whereas through the efforts of concerned physicians, teachers and parent groups such as the National Down Syndrome Congress, programs are being put in place to educate new parents of babies with Down syndrome, to develop special education classes within mainstreamed programs in schools, to provide for vocational training in preparation for entering the work force, and to prepare young adults with Down syndrome for independent living in the community; Whereas the cost of such services designed to help individuals with Down syndrome move into their rightful place in our society is but a tiny fraction of the cost of institutionalization; Whereas not only the improvement in educational opportunities for those with Down syndrome, but also the advancement in medical science is adding to a brighter outlook for individuals born with this chromosomal configuration; and Whereas public awareness and acceptance of the capabilities of children with Down syndrome can greatly facilitate their being mainstreamed in our society: Now, therefore, be it Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That October 1988 is designated as "National Down Syndrome Month" and that the President of the United States is authorized and requested to issue a proclamation calling upon the people of the United States to observe the designated month with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities. Approved November 3, 1988.

LEGISLATIVE HISTORY—S.J. Res. 302: CONGRESSIONAL RECORD, Vol. 134 (1988): July 26, considered and passed Senate. Oct. 21, considered and passed House.

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