Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 98 Part 2.djvu/523

 PUBLIC LAW 98-437—SEPT. 28, 1984

98 STAT. 1683

Public Law 98-437 98th Congress Joint Resolution To designate the month of October 1984 as "National Down's Syndrome Month".

Whereas the past decade 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's 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's Syndrome Congress, programs are being put in place to educate new parents of babies with Down's syndrome; to develop special education classes within mainstreamed programs in schools; the provision for vocational training in preparation for competitive employment in the work force and to prepare young adults with Down's syndrome for independent living in the community; Whereas the cost of such services designed to help individuals with Down's syndrome move into their rightful place in our society is but a tiny fraction of the cost of institutionalization; Whereas along with this improvement in educational opportunities for those with Down's syndrome is the advancement in medical science which is adding to a more brightened outlook for individuals born with this chromosomal configuration; and Whereas public awareness and acceptance of the capabilities of children with Down's syndrome can greatly facilitate their being mainstreamed in our society: Now, therefore, be it

Sept. 28, 1984 [S.J. Res. 254]

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