Congressional
Down Syndrome Caucus
“When
my husband Brian and I heard the news about Cole, it was most difficult.
Every parent has hopes and dreams for their child, Down syndrome
is not on the list. It is not what we expected, yet we have embraced
Cole as the special gift from God that he is. We are developing
new dreams for our son and other children with Down syndrome.” |
Cathy, Cole and Brian in May 2007 about a month after
Cole's birth |
More Information:
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Mission of Congressional Down Syndrome
Caucus
The mission of the Congressional Down Syndrome
Caucus is to educate members of Congress and their staff about Down syndrome.
The Caucus will support legislative activities that would improve Down
syndrome research, education and treatment and promote public policies
that would enhance the quality of life for those with Down syndrome.
The Congressional Down Syndrome Caucus will:
- Urge relevant authorizing committees to support Down
syndrome programs and patient care through letters and testimony.
- Hold informational events for Members and staff
here in DC to increase awareness of the disorder among Members.
- Ensure Down syndrome is adequately addressed in
all relevant legislation and regulations.
- Continue to build House Congressional Down syndrome
Caucus into a sustainable, dynamic political force and informational
clearinghouse by increasing membership and activities.
- Work with National and Local Down syndrome groups
to develop leading edge educational, medical and work related initiatives
that support individuals with Down syndrome.
- Identify and strike down barriers in the law for
person’s with mental disabilities.
- Expand opportunities for the Down syndrome population
in education, the workplace and society at large.
Goals of Congressional Down Syndrome
Caucus
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To raise expectations and improve outcomes
in education.
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To eliminate barriers to economic opportunity
in employment and in programs that promotes savings and investment.
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To promote and fund research that accelerates
the development of effective treatments and therapies.
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Promote the translation of Down syndrome
research into effective new treatments through interdisciplinary cooperation
among the various NIH institutes, the FDA, the CDC and privately funded
scientists and clinicians.
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To promote inclusiveness for people
with Down syndrome.
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To help provide family support services
and a community of care model.
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Advocate for the rights of those with
Down syndrome and make sure those rights are being enforced.
Down Syndrome Links
National
Down Syndrome Congress
National
Down Syndrome Society
National
Association for Down Syndrome
Down
Syndrome Research and Treatment Foundation
Down
Syndrome Health Issues
ARCA
March
of Dimes
Best
Buddies
Special
Olympics
Down
Syndrome Research Online Advocacy Group
Association
for Children with Down Syndrome
Campaign
for Down Syndrome
International
Mosaic Down Syndrome Association
More
Down Syndrome Websites
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