o adapt successfully. This may even include attend school, make friends, find work, participate in decisions which affect them and make a positive contribution to society. The person with Down syndrome has the same emotions and needs as any other person and deserves the same opportunities. The future of Down syndrome patients keeps looking brighter and brighter as time goes along because of the developments in science, technology and the increased public awareness of Down syndrome as it has done in the past. People with Down syndrome are people first. They may have some of the characteristics generally associated with this condition, but they are overwhelmingly unique and must be treated as individuals. Over the past few decades, beginning with Section 504 of The Rehabilitation Act of 1973, continuing with The Education for All Handicapped Children Act of 1975, and culminating with the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act in 1991, people with Down syndrome have been granted equal protections under federal law. Ensuring equal treatment and access to services is a struggle that every family of a child with Down syndrome faces. Daily, these individuals strive to accomplish the same goals as everyone else: self-fulfillment, pride in one's achievements, inclusion in the activities of the community and the challenge of reaching one's full potential. Daily, people with Down syndrome venture out into the community: to schools, jobs and leisure activities. Some live with family, some with friends and some independently. They form ongoing relationships and some may marry. Women with Down syndrome are fertile and can have children. The opportunities available to people with Down syndrome today have never been greater. However, it is only through the collective efforts of parents, professionals and concerned citizens that acceptance is becoming widespread. Research on Down syndrome is making great strides in identifying the genes ...
