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~ Information
Page ~
This
page is made available to bring you recent
information pertaining to Down syndrome.
Click
here to read a copy of
bill S.1810 that is
on the floor of the US Senate.
110th
Congress, 1st Session
"This
bill is to amend the Public Health Service Act to increase the
provision of scientifically sound information and support services to
patients receiving a positive test diagnosis for Down syndrome or
other prenatally and postnatally diagnosed conditions."
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 08, 2008 Contact:
Emily Davis, 202.225.2231
emily.davis@mail.house.gov
Sessions, Kennedy, McMorris Rodgers, and Holmes Norton
Launch Down Syndrome Caucus
Washington, DC - U.S. Congressman Pete Sessions (R-Dallas) has launched the
Congressional Down Syndrome Caucus with co-chairs Congressman Patrick
Kennedy (D-MA), Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) and
Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC).
As the father of a young man with Down syndrome, I have learned firsthand
the endearing and valuable contributions that individuals with Down syndrome
bring to their families and communities, Sessions stated. I am always
inspired by their dedication and enthusiasm for life, and I have made
disability advocacy and research among my top priorities in Congress.
I am pleased that the Congressional Down Syndrome Caucus will champion
their continued development through increased education opportunities,
employment and savings options, and research to improve quality of life, said Sessions.
The Congressional Down Syndrome Caucus is designed to educate Members of
Congress and their staff about Down syndrome and to promote public policies
that would enhance the quality of life for individuals with Down syndrome,
including through the following goals:
- To raise expectations and improve outcomes in education
- To remove barriers to economic opportunity in employment and in programs that promote savings and investment.
- To promote and fund research that accelerates the development of effective treatments and therapies.
- To promote inclusiveness for people with Down syndrome.
- To help provide family support services and a community of care model.
- To protect the rights of those with Down syndrome and make sure those rights are being enforced.
The Caucus will also promote the translation of Down syndrome research into
effective new treatment through interdisciplinary cooperation among NIH
Institutes, the FDA, the CDC and privately funded scientists and clinicians.
Research support will also focus on broadening the understanding of related
secondary disorders that affect significant numbers of individuals without
Down syndrome, including Alzheimer's disease, atherosclerosis, and
developmentally-associated cognitive impairment.
We live in a nation that believes in providing all children with an equal
chance to achieve, that every child deserves an equal chance to succeed,
said Congressman Patrick Kennedy. Early identification leading to early
intervention with behavioral services provides the best outcomes for kids.
We especially want to see young adults with Down Syndrome be able to make
the transition to young adulthood with integrated supports to protect their
best potential and highest aspirations.
Its important for parents with a developmentally disabled child to know
that they are not alone, stated Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers.
There are tremendous resources, support, and early intervention available
to families. As a mother of a child with Down syndrome, those resources and
support have been invaluable. I look forward to helping other parents make
sure their children with Downs reach their full potential.
In addition to congressional outreach, the Caucus will work with national
and local Down syndrome advocacy groups to develop leading-edge initiatives
that support individuals with Down syndrome.
I look forward to working with Congressional Down Syndrome Caucus members
to raise awareness of Down syndrome issues, support research, and expand
opportunities for Down syndrome population Sessions concluded.
In the U.S., over 350,000 individuals have Down syndrome, which is a genetic
condition that causes delays in physical and intellectual development. Individuals with Down syndrome have 47 chromosomes instead of the usual 46,
and they are prone to health complications such as congenital heart defects, infection, respiratory, vision and hearing problems, and other medical
conditions. Emily
Davis
Communications Director
Congressman Pete Sessions (TX-32)
1514 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515-4332
202.226.4905 (direct line)
202.701.8822 (business cell)
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