HR0257 102ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0257 LRB102 18217 ECR 25848 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives wish to congratulate the National Association of Down Syndrome on the 60th anniversary of its founding; and

WHEREAS, The National Association of Down Syndrome (NADS) was founded in Chicago in 1961 by Kay McGee; she chose to go against medical advice at the time and raise her child with Down syndrome at home; and

WHEREAS, The National Association of Down Syndrome is now the oldest organization in the country serving individuals with Down syndrome and their families; and

WHEREAS, The National Association of Down Syndrome has a simple mission of supporting people of all ages with Down syndrome in achieving their full potential; and

WHEREAS, Over the last 60 years of fulfilling that mission, the National Association of Down Syndrome has provided families with members who have Down syndrome with information and resources to enable them to access and evaluate appropriate services, has educated the public about Down syndrome, has addressed social policy issues and challenges facing the Down syndrome community, and has facilitated and encouraged active participation by self-advocates and families in the delivery of education, vocational, residential, and other services for persons with Down syndrome; and

WHEREAS, The National Association of Down Syndrome offers a plethora of services, including parent support, resource referrals, public awareness, a self-advocate program, and More Than Down Syndrome Retreats; and

WHEREAS, The National Association of Down Syndrome was on the frontlines of advocating for the passing of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act in 1975; to this day, NADS is still fighting for more inclusive classrooms to create a brighter future for children with Down syndrome; and

WHEREAS, The National Association of Down Syndrome has also worked to meet the needs of adults with Down syndrome by providing fellowships, work experience programs, and adult mentoring programs; and

WHEREAS, The National Association of Down Syndrome has always been interested in Down syndrome research; they have been at the forefront of research regarding many topics, including multiple studies of the hearts of both adults and children with Down syndrome; and

WHEREAS, It is appropriate to celebrate and recognize the milestones achieved, the growth, the progress, the perseverance, the achievements, the accomplishments, and, most importantly, the workers and families who have dedicated their lives to help the children and adults across the country who have Down syndrome; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED SECOND GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate the National Association of Down Syndrome on its 60th anniversary, and it is with deep and sincere gratitude and heartfelt appreciation that we hereby congratulate the past and present Board of Trustees and staff as well as all who have helped the growth of the National Association of Down Syndrome; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the National Association of Down Syndrome on June 11th, 2021 at their celebration of the 60th anniversary as a symbol of our esteem and gratitude.