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House adopts resolution recognizing World Down Syndrome Day, members urge inclusion and services
Summary
The Texas House adopted House Resolution 500 recognizing March 21, 2025, as World Down Syndrome Day at the state capitol. Lawmakers praised self-advocates and called for greater inclusion and support for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, while noting gaps in state funding.
Representative Joe Moody asked the Texas House to adopt House Resolution 500, recognizing March 21, 2025, as World Down Syndrome Day at the state capitol; the resolution passed by voice vote with no objection.
The measure honors people with Down syndrome and the statewide organizations that advocate for them. "Melissa, like so many other people with Down Syndrome, has lived an incredible life of achievement and visibility," Moody said, describing his sister and the self-advocates present in the gallery. He told the chamber that "about 1 in 700 babies born in the United States have Down Syndrome."
The resolution drew personal remarks from other lawmakers. Representative Raymond recounted growing up with an uncle who had Down syndrome and said moments like the recognition help raise awareness. Representative Ann Rosenthal urged members to consider funding and policy needs, saying, "Texas is one of the lowest funding totals per person in the country for IDD causes and care." Rosenthal asked colleagues to "take it on your hearts to help these folks just contribute to society and live with the decency and dignity they deserve."
Members standing in the gallery included self-advocates and representatives from several organizations: the Down Syndrome Association of Central Texas, the Down Syndrome Association of Houston, the Down Syndrome Association of South Texas, the Down Syndrome Guild of Dallas, the Down Syndrome Partnership of North Texas, the El Paso Community Foundation, Gigi's Playhouse chapters in El Paso and Sugar Land, the Rio Grande Valley Down Syndrome Association, and the Arc of Greater Beaumont. Moody asked those groups and the chamber to join in celebrating the day.
The resolution was adopted after the chair asked if there was any objection; none was raised and the resolution was declared adopted. Representative Patterson then moved that all members' names be added to the resolution; the chair noted no objection and ordered the addition.
Why it matters: lawmakers and advocates framed the recognition as both symbolic acknowledgment and a prompt to address services and funding for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). While the resolution itself is honorary, members used the moment to highlight gaps in state support and to call for continued attention to inclusion, education, employment and health needs for people with Down syndrome and related disabilities.
The House also acknowledged dozens of visiting delegations and adopted multiple ceremonial resolutions on the same day, but this resolution prompted extended personal remarks and direct appeals about funding and inclusion for Texans with IDD.
