For Immediate Release:
Michelle Sagan
301 728 0447
CONGRESSIONAL TASK FORCE ON DOWN SYNDROME JOINS NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS, COMMUNITY TO CELEBRATE WORLD DOWN SYNDROME DAY
Congressional Task Force on Down Syndrome Charts Future for People with Down Syndrome
WASHINGTON D.C. MARCH 21, 2023 - Today, on World Down Syndrome Day, the Congressional Task Force on Down Syndrome joins national organizations to celebrate the lives of individuals with Down syndrome and bring further awareness to the Down syndrome community.
World Down Syndrome Day falls on March 21st (3-21) signifying the fact that people with Down syndrome are born with three copies of chromosome 21. World Down Syndrome Day was promulgated by the United Nations General Assembly in 2011 and is celebrated in over 190 countries.
The Congressional Task Force on Down Syndrome is a bipartisan, bicameral group of members dedicated to educating their colleagues and their staff about Down syndrome, while working towards the common goal of promoting legislative activities and public policies that will enhance the quality of life for those with Down syndrome. The Task Force is led by Congresswomen Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) and Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) in the House and Senators Bob Casey (D-PA) and Jerry Moran (R-KS) in the Senate.
“I’m incredibly proud to be a co-chair of the Congressional Task Force on Down Syndrome. As a mom to a son born with that extra 21st chromosome, I know that nobody is bound by the conditions of their birth,” said Rodgers. “This World Down Syndrome Day, I am reminded of the God-given potential every person has, the progress we’ve made to unleash it, and the work that remains before us. Together, we must continue to educate the world around us in pursuit of a more hopeful future that celebrates the promise of every individual living with this disability.”
"I am honored to be serving as one of the co-chairs of the Congressional Task Force on Down Syndrome as we mark this important day that serves to educate the country on issues facing those with Down syndrome and other disabilities," Norton said. "I will continue to work on legislation to help disabled Americans, including those with Down syndrome, like my beloved daughter Katherine."
“Today and every day, it’s important to recognize the experiences and potential of people with Down syndrome. From expanding ABLE Accounts so people with disabilities can save for the future to phasing out the practice of employers paying subminimum wage, we have made progress in our mission to knock down the barriers that people with disabilities face, but there is more work to do. I’m proud to be a co-chair of the bipartisan Down Syndrome caucus in Congress and I remain committed to improving the lives of people with Down syndrome by working hand in hand with the Down syndrome community,” said Senate Special Committee on Aging Chairman Bob Casey.
“World Down Syndrome Day is an opportunity to celebrate members of the Down syndrome community and a reminder to continue promoting legislation that improves their lives and helps them achieve their dreams,” said Sen. Moran. “I am grateful to continue co-chairing the Down Syndrome Task Force to accelerate research of Down syndrome and to promote policies that support individuals with Down syndrome and their families.”
The Task Force is supported by three leading national Down syndrome advocacy organizations, Global Down Syndrome Foundation (GLOBAL), National Down Syndrome Congress (NDSC), and National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS).
On World Down Syndrome Day, the national organizations and many other Down syndrome organizations and groups organize community events, including dance parties, races, fundraisers, and private celebrations.
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