Welcome to this edition of the Down Syndrome Support Newsletter!

The 2005 Down Syndrome Calendars are available now. Price is only $10 and the proceeds go to the GiGi's fund. These make great holiday gifts for teachers and therapists!! Please email info@dssupport.net to orders yours today. These will be available for purchase at the Holiday Party.

Southwest Activity Center to open soon!
We are moving along with the plans for the southwest area GiGi's Playhouse. If all goes well the facility will open in Spring of 2005!!

Volunteers that have already contacted us should be receiving a package in the mail soon. Please email Rebecca at rboms@msn.com if you are interested in becoming a volunteer.

Illinois Legislative Alert

Dear Illinois Residents,
Would you please call or fax your House members in their Springfield office
and ask him/her to be a Co-Sponsor of "Brittany's Law" House Bill 7344. The
need for this Bill was highlighted last Spring when Brittany Booth, a young
woman with Down syndrome was told by her High School that she would not be
able to attend commencement ceremonies with her classmates and receive a
"certificate of completion" if she wished the continuation of special
education, transition or related services beyond four years of high school.
Because of the media coverage and the advocacy provided by many groups,
"Brittany's Law" was drafted. Now we need you to get your congressperson on
board. The following could be used as a base for your correspondence.

Dear Representative:

I would like to request that you become a Co-Sponsor of House Bill 7344.
This issue is very important to me. House Bill 7344 or "Brittany's Law" will allow students in special education the right to participate in commencement ceremonies along with their classmates. You may recall that last spring "Brittany," a student in the western suburbs, was not going to be able to participate in her commencement ceremony until the media and advocacy organizations advocated for her. Please become a Co-Sponsor of HB 7344. Chief Co-Sponsors in the House are Rep Julie Hamos and Eileen Lyons.

Sincerely,
Your Name

Thanks.
This Alert was initiated by:
Tony Paulauski
Executive Director
The Arc of Illinois
708.206.1930

If you have a story, event, or happening email it to info@dssupport.net and we can include it in the next edition.