CONTACT: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Shannon Haber, 213-241-6766 March 10, 2020
LOS ANGELES – Advocating for the rights and inclusion of people with Down Syndrome, the Board of Education voted unanimously today to proclaim March 21 as World Down Syndrome Awareness Day.
Observed annually by the United Nations since 2012, the global awareness event draws attention to the challenges and achievements of people with Down Syndrome. An estimated 3,500 to 5,000 children are born in the United States each year with the chromosome disorder.
The resolution was introduced by Board Member Scott M. Schmerelson and co-sponsored by all members of the board.
“Los Angeles Unified is proud to recognize and celebrate students with Down Syndrome, their families who support them and our employees who work to help them succeed in school and in life,” Superintendent Austin Beutner said.
“We must raise awareness and support those living with Down Syndrome,” Board Member Schmerelson said. “They are part of the Los Angeles Unified family and will continue to play a vital role in our schools and communities. I am proud to say that our administrators and staff at the Division of Special Education work tirelessly each day to ensure students with disabilities receive the proper supports through our many programs and services.”
“As a community, we should encourage our neighbors, friends and peers to help raise awareness what Down Syndrome is and how it affects those who have it,” Board President Dr. Richard Vladovic said. “I encourage everyone to have an educational activity set aside for this day in honor of World Down Syndrome Day.”
“Down Syndrome Awareness Day allows us to celebrate the success and achievements of our students with Down Syndrome and to advocate for more funding to support their unique needs,” Board Vice President Jackie Goldberg said.
“We as educators and policymakers must continue to do our part to amplify a unified voice that advocates for the rights, inclusion and well-being of people with Down Syndrome,” Board Member Dr. George J. McKenna III said.
“When we say all kids, we mean all kids,” Board Member Mónica García said. “Thank you to our educators and school staff who ensure that our classrooms are inclusive and that all students have many opportunities to reach their potential.”
“Every member of every school community is valuable – and I’m proud to recognize and lift up individuals with Down Syndrome in our schools and around the world,” Board Member Nick Melvoin said. “I hope that we can spread awareness and encourage positive learning experiences throughout our school communities to recognize the positive contributions of people with Down Syndrome.”
“Celebrating and recognizing the diversity of our learners is critical to our work as educators,” Board Member Kelly Gonez said. “I’m proud to co-sponsor this resolution, which encourages