PALMVIEW, TX –October is recognized as National Down Syndrome Awareness Month nationwide. It is a time to celebrate people with Down syndrome and make others aware of their abilities and accomplishments.
More than 1,250 individuals with Down syndrome are in Hidalgo County and more than 250,000 are in the U.S. The City of Palmview values and celebrates the diversity of its residents including those with Down syndrome recognizing the importance of inclusion.
Mayor Ricardo Villarreal and the Palmview City Council recognized Down Syndrome Awareness Month with a special proclamation during the meeting of October 17. Palmview’s own Viva and the Rio Grande Valley Down Syndrome Association President Debra Tomai thanked the council for the recognition. Tomai said for someone with Down Syndrome, it makes a huge difference to be included. “It matters that people recognize that individuals with Down Syndrome are part of the community and deserve opportunities for education, employment, and involvement just like everybody else.”
The proclamation encourages people to learn more about the contributions and aspirations of those with Down syndrome.
Down syndrome occurs when an individual has a full or partial extra copy of chromosome 21. This additional genetic material changes the course of development and causes the characteristics associated with Down syndrome.
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