Economic, Political, and Environmental Issues
Economic
Although most families with a member that posses Down Syndrome lead normal lives, they do have to pay extra costs depending on where in the world they live and the severity of the disorder.Some cases of severe Down Syndrome may require surgery or respiratory machines while milder cases may only require speech therapy and anti-biotics. Depending on the severity and the treatment needed, the economic value may add up to a lot of money, making it a struggle for many families. In many places like The United States, where health care is not free, hospital fees, surgery fees, speech therapy, and other treatment may need to be paid for out of the family's pocket, however we are lucky that in Canada, all of this is covered by our Health Care Plan. Depending on the ability and income of a family, treatment and checkups are covered by the government.
Political
People with Down Syndrome are at a minimal disadvantage and are able to work in all fields of work, politics being one of them. Cllr Stephen Green, has become the UK's first ever councillor with Down Syndrome. " "I want to help other people in the community I've grown up and lived in all my life."
In 2010 President Obama signs Rosa's Law requiring the removal of "mental retardation" and "mentally retarded" from federal laws.
Environmental
There is no proven research that indicates any environmental factors relating to the cause of Down Syndrome. However people with the disorder are more prone to getting infection through environmental factors such as viruses.