Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 103 Part 3.djvu/1065

 PROCLAMATION 6049—OCT. 16, 1989 103 STAT. 3133 nine, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and foxirteenth. GEORGE BUSH Editorial note: For the President's remarks of Oct. 16, 1989, on signing Proclamation 6048, see the Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents (vol. 25, p. 1553). Proclamation 6049 of October 16, 1989 National Down Syndrome Month, 1989 and 1990 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation During National Down Sjoidrome Month, we Americans recognize the rights, needs, and potential of individuals with Down Syndrome. We also pay tribute to the scientists, physicians, and teachers whose labors have enhanced our understanding of this congenital disorder. During the past 20 years, scientists working in molecular genetics and other fields have been carefully studying Down Syndrome. Researchers are looking for the genes, or combination of genes, on chromosome 21 that are related to the development of intelligence and to the physical disorders associated with Down Syndrome. Ilieir efforts are important because, among all the genetic disorders associated with developmen- tal disabilities, Down Syndrome has the most frequent incidence. Recent progress in the study of Down Syndrome and advances in treat- ment of its related health problems are enabling more and more of those affected to enjoy greater participation in otir life as a Nation. Today, children with Down Sjncidrome are benefitting from early inter- vention and mainstreaming. Parents of babies with Down Syndrome are receiving the education and support they need to cope with this condition and to prepare for their child's future. Young people with this developmental disability are now participating in special education classes within mainstream programs in schools, and many have begun to reap the rewards of vocational training and independent living pro- grams. All of these accomplishments have been made possible through the vision and hard work of concerned researchers, service providers, phy- sicians, teachers, and parent-support groups. Government agencies such as the National Institute of Child Health and Himian Develop- ment, the Bureau of Maternal and Child Health and Resources Devel- opment, and the President's Committee on Mental Retardation continue to work in concert with private organizations such as the National Down Sjoidrome Congress and the National Down Syndrome Society. The dedicated professionals and volimteers in these agencies and orga- nizations are not only helping to promote public awareness about the nature of Down Syndrome, but also fostering greater respect for the rights, abilities, and needs of those affected by it. This month, we recognize their efforts and rededicate ourselves to learning more about Down Syndrome and the concerns of the individ-

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