WHEREAS, Down syndrome is a chromosomal disorder that occurs in one out of every 700 to 1,000 births; and

WHEREAS, Down syndrome affects all races and ethnicities; and

WHEREAS, Down syndrome occurs when an individual has a full or partial extra copy of chromosome 21. This additional genetic material alters the course of development and causes the characteristics associated with Down syndrome; and

WHEREAS, Down syndrome causes delays in physical and intellectual development and is the most common cause of intellectual disabilities; and

WHEREAS, Down syndrome can also cause additional medical problems, including, but not limited to, heart defects, hearing problems, vision impairment, upper respiratory infections, and intestinal and thyroid problems; and

WHEREAS, Adequate access to health care, early intervention programs, and inclusive education, as well as appropriate research, are vital to the growth and development of individuals with Down syndrome; and

WHEREAS, The inherent dignity and worth of persons with Down syndrome, their valuable contributions as promoters of the well-being and diversity of their communities, and the importance of their individual autonomy and independence, including the freedom to make their own choices, should be recognized; and

WHEREAS, Individuals with Down syndrome attend school, work, participate in decisions that affect them, have meaningful relationships, vote, and contribute to society in many wonderful ways; and

WHEREAS, This inclusiveness facilitates the participation of individuals with Down syndrome in society and helps them fulfill their personal potential; and

WHEREAS, H.E.A.R.T.S. Connection, which is an acronym for Help Encourage Advocate Resources Training Support, was founded in 1990 by parents of special needs children and remains a parent-driven organization whose goal is to empower parents and strengthen families; and

WHEREAS, H.E.A.R.T.S. Connection is funded as a family empowerment center through the State Department of Education to serve families that have students 3 to 22 years of age, inclusive; and

WHEREAS, Its mission is to enhance the quality of life for people with special needs through a family-directed resource center that symbolizes professionalism, dignity, compassion, and respect; and

WHEREAS, H.E.A.R.T.S. Connection has participated in The Buddy Walk® for over 20 years; and

WHEREAS, The Buddy Walk® was established in 1995 by the National Down Syndrome Society to celebrate Down syndrome awareness, and in order to be more inclusive of all disabilities, H.E.A.R.T.S. Connection has added an additional walk called the Hero’s 4 H.E.A.R.T.S. Walk; and

WHEREAS, The National Buddy Walk® Program helps raise awareness and funds for programs that benefit people with Down syndrome and their families, and the Special Olympics raises awareness and allows individuals with Down syndrome and other intellectual disabilities to discover new strengths and abilities, skills, and success; and

WHEREAS, In the 1980s, the National Down Syndrome Society participated in the efforts to have October proclaimed “Down Syndrome Awareness Month” to raise awareness and celebrate the many abilities of individuals with Down syndrome; now, therefore, be it