ROCKFORD (WREX) — October is known for many things, including awareness of Down Syndrome. This awareness month was started 40 years ago by the National Down Syndrome Association.
This month’s goal is to encourage more people to learn about disability, celebrate those living with disability, and recognize that with the help of medical advances, the quality of life of people with disabilities can be improved. is to
Down syndrome is a condition in which a person is born with an extra chromosome, a bundle of genes that determine the formation and function of the body. Babies are usually born with 46 chromosomes, but a baby with Down syndrome has an extra copy or part of a copy of her 21st chromosome, one of those chromosomes.
People with Down syndrome are just like everyone else. They have similar dreams and goals and want to have successful careers and families. You can drive a car, go to work, go to college, or be a positively contributing member of society.
In addition, medical and research advances over the years have improved overall health. As a result, future opportunities for people with Down syndrome have improved significantly in recent years.
