Down syndrome Awareness Day

P R O C L A M A T I O N

WHEREAS, One in every 733 babies is born with Down syndrome, representing approximately 6,000 births per year in the United States; and

WHEREAS, People with Down syndrome possess a wide range of abilities and are active participants in educational, occupational, social and recreational community activities; and

WHEREAS, Recent advancements in Down syndrome research have proven that early intervention, education, social support, therapeutic care and positive public attitudes improve each individual’s chances of living an independent, productive and satisfying life; and

WHEREAS, Gigi’s Playhouse Des Moines and the Up With Down Support Group advocates for individuals and families who have children with Down syndrome and their educators and caregivers in Central Iowa and surrounding areas through educational programs and materials, social events and other support activities; and

WHEREAS, Individuals with Down syndrome should have equal opportunity to achieve the universally desired goals of self-fulfillment, pride in their achievements, inclusion in their community and reaching their fullest potential:

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Terry E. Branstad, Governor of the State of Iowa, do hereby proclaim August, 27,2011 all Iowans join me in

DOWN SYNDROME AWARENESS DAY

AND ENCOURAGE CITIZENS TO WORK TOGETHER TO PROMOTE RESPECT AND INCLUSION OF INDIVIDUALS WITH DOWN SYNRDROME ASSOCIATIONS THAT WORK WITH FAMILIES, SCHOOLS, HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS AND GOVERNMENTS TO HELP CREATE OPPORTUNITIES, RAISE AWARENESS AND FACILITATE SOLUTIONS FOR THESE VALUED MEMBERS OF OUR COMMUNITY.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I HAVE HERE­UNTO SUBSCRIBED MY NAME AND CAUSED THE GREAT SEAL OF THE STATE OF IOWA TO BE AFFIXED. DONE AT DES MOINES THIS ____ DAY OF AUGUST IN THE YEAR OF OUR LORD TWO THOUSAND ELEVEN.

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TERRY E. BRANSTAD

GOVERNOR OF IOWA

ATTEST:

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MATT SCHULTZ

SECRETARY OF STATE