Down Syndrome is a genetic condition that occurs in one in every 800 to 1,000 live births. It affects all people of all ages, races, and economic levels and is the most frequent occurring chromosomal disorder. It occurs, when there are three rather than the usual two copies of chromosome 21 in every cell of the body. Instead, of 46 chromosomes, a person with Down Syndrome has 47. It is this additional genetic material that alters the course of development and causes the characteristics associated with Down Syndrome. Down Syndrome affects more than 350,000 people in the United States alone. Recent advances in our understanding of Down Syndrome have resulted in drastic improvements in the life span and potential of those who are affected. Today, our challenge is three-fold; to increase understanding of Down Syndrome and the true potential of those who have it; to advocate the full community inclusion for people with Down Syndrome; and to fund scientific research into understanding the cause and ameliorating the effects of Down Syndrome.