Courtesy of Down Syndrome Association of Middle Tennessee
An example of a Down Syndrome Awareness license plate.
By Forum Staff
Legislation to increase public awareness of Down Syndrome and fund research projects into the chromosomal disorder was recently approved unanimously by the full State Senate, Sen. Joe Addabbo, Jr. (D-Howard Beach), the bill’s sponsor, announced on Friday.
“This bill authorizes the creation of distinctive Down Syndrome Awareness license plates for people in New York who want to spread the word about this condition,” Addabbo said. “In addition, money raised from the sale of these license plates will be directed to a new Down Syndrome Research Fund.”
Addabbo went on to note that Down Syndrome is the most commonly occurring chromosomal condition. Every year, about 6,000 children are born with Down’s, or about one in every 700 babies. It occurs in people of all races and economic levels.
“Happily, the life expectancy for people with Down Syndrome has increased significantly over the years – from 25 in 1983 to 60 years of age today,” Addabbo said. “This is wonderful news for people born with this condition, along with their loving families. Many people with Down Syndrome are our friends and neighbors, and are people we admire for their contributions to our communities and society.”
Addabbo also noted that many individuals born with Down’s have made strides in many different fields of endeavor. For example, Angela Bachiller, a woman with Down Syndrome, is a City Council member in Spain. Madeline Stuart, a professional Australian model, made a splash at New York Fashion Week, and is an inspiration to many with and without disabilities. Laz-D is a rapper in Oregon. American disability rights activist Karen Gaffney not only received an honorary doctorate for her efforts in raising awareness of DownSyndrome, but is well known for swimming the English Channel, Boston Harbor, Lake Tahoe, and San Francisco Bay. In addition, people with this condition are well represented and respected in the acting field, appearing on screen and stage.
“I appreciated the support of my Senate colleagues who voted with me to approve my legislation, which has great potential to increase awareness of Down Syndrome, add to scientific research about this condition, and highlight the many contributions that have been made, and are being made, by people born with Down’s,” Addabbo said.
In the Assembly, the bill is sponsored by Assemblyman Mike Miller (D-Woodhaven), and is under review by the Assembly Transportation Committee.
