Down Syndrome Awareness
One in every 700 babies in the United States is born with Down syndrome.
In addition to cognitive and developmental delays, the presence of a single, extra chromosome can result in many adverse medical conditions, including congenital heart defects, childhood leukemia, vision and hearing impairments, and thyroid disease. A hundred years ago, the overall life expectancy of a child born with Down syndrome was just 9 years. Thanks to advances in medical technologies, today over 80% of children born with Down syndrome will reach age 60 or older.
We are proud to be 1 in over 200,000 persons with an extra chromosome currently living in the United States. Due to longer average life expectancy, more individuals with Down syndrome are being included in their communities, increasing the need for widespread public education and acceptance.
Despite advocacy efforts, many individuals with Down syndrome fail to receive the right to inclusive education and gainful employment opportunities. Moreover, many physicians are not adequately informed or prepared to counsel new parents and provide care for babies born with Down syndrome.
That is why ANKOR is proud to support the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) as our Down syndrome awareness initiative.
National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS)
The National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) is the leading human rights organization for all individuals with Down syndrome. Through its programs, NDSS works to achieve its vision of a world in which all people with Down syndrome have the opportunity to enhance their quality of life, realize their life aspirations and become valued members of welcoming communities.
Learn how NDSS is enriching the lives of those with Down syndrome through awareness and advocacy programs. Join us and help support the cause.