Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 103 Part 1.djvu/725

 PUBLIC LAW 101-117—OCT. 13, 1989 103 STAT. 697 Public Law 101-117 101st Congress Joint Resolution To designate October 1989 and 1990 as "National Down Syndrome Month". Whereas the past two decades have brought a greater and more enlightened attitude in the care and training of the developmen- tally disabled; Whereas one such condition which has undergone considerable reevaluation is that of Down syndrome—a condition which, just a short time ago, was often stigmatized as a mentally retarded condition which rel^ated 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 Congn*ess, pn^rams are being put in place to educate new parents of babies with Down syndrome, to develop special education classes within mainstream programs in schools, to provide for vocational train- ing 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 educationsil 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 1989 and 1990 are 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, cere- monies, and activities. Approved October 18, 1989. LEGISLATIVE HISTORY—S.J. Res. 122: CONGRESSIONAL RECORD, Vol. 135 (1989): June 9, considered and passed Senate. Oct. 3, considered and passed House. Oct. 13, 1989 [S.J. Res. 122]

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