RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, There are over 450,000 individuals with Down syndrome in the U.S. today. When involved parents and siblings are included, that results in over 2 million people affected by Down's in our Nation. One in 691 live births results in a Down syndrome diagnosis; and
WHEREAS, Improving the lives of those with Down syndrome as well as those influenced by Down syndrome is an urgent need; and
WHEREAS, Bravely overcoming discrimination and ignorance every day, individuals with Down syndrome are truly heroic. They innately recognize the good in others and the actions of others who provide them with love, support, and opportunities for achievement. Individuals with Down syndrome can talk, understand, and feel just like anyone else. They attend school like everyone else. They work and want to work, just like everyone else. They yearn for a full life just like everyone else. Yet, because they appear different, many people assume the worst, delivering diagnoses with darkness and despair, and allowing ignorance to overshadow hope and opportunity; and
WHEREAS, GiGi's Playhouse Chicago is part of a worldwide network of Down syndrome achievement centers that is changing lives through results-driven programs for individuals of all ages, their families and communities; and
WHEREAS, In helping individuals with Down syndrome achieve their best, GiGi's Playhouse also advances a larger vision of global acceptance for people of all abilities. There are now 30 Playhouses throughout the U.S. and one in Mexico; and
WHEREAS, The Chicago playhouse is currently being renovated and expanded to meet the growing needs of families throughout the Chicagoland area. The Chicago Playhouse is the model for all urban storefront playhouses in the Country. This Playhouse serves over 227 families with children who have Down syndrome. All of the programs, educational support and classes are free to the children and families; and
WHEREAS, The Chicago Playhouse will re-open and celebrate its eighth anniversary on Sunday, October 23, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The founder of GiGi's Playhouse, Nancy Gianni, who was just named one of CNN's 2016 Heroes, and her daughter GiGi, for whom the Playhouse is named, will be on hand to help with the ribbon cutting and celebration; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED, That we, the Mayor and Members ofthe City Council ofthe City of Chicago, assembled this fifth day of October, 2016, hereby rename October as "Down Syndrome Acceptance Month" in Chicago instead of "Down Syndrome Awareness Month" in furtherance of Nancy Gianni's and GiGi's Playhouse's brave, empathic and loving strides towards improving the lives of all who are affected by Down syndrome, and we wish Nancy Gianni and GiGi's Playhouse continued success in the years to come, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That suitable copies ofthis resolution be presented to Nancy Gianni and to GiGi's Playhouse as a token of our appreciation and esteem.