Down Syndrome Awareness Month

October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month, an opportunity to spread awareness about this genetic condition. As the proud father of son with Down syndrome, I am committed to being an advocate for the Down syndrome community in the 32nd Congressional District and Congress.

Over the past several months, I have been working with my colleagues in the House and the Congressional Down Syndrome Caucus on the Achieving a Better Life (ABLE) Act, legislation which would amend Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Service Code of 1986 to allow for tax-free savings accounts for individuals with disabilities. I understand the importance of securing a sound financial future for our loved ones with disabilities, and strongly believe that we should allow them to have the same tax-free savings accounts that others do in order to plan for their future. The ABLE Act currently has 226 cosponsors in the House.

In celebration of Down Syndrome Awareness Month, there are several ways to get involved and raise awareness in and around the month of October. One event, sponsored by the Down Syndrome Guild of Dallas, is the “Buddy Walk” on November 4th in Dallas. To learn more, visit http://www.downsyndromedallas.org/.