Down Syndrome Awareness Month

What is Down Syndrome Awareness Month?

Originally established in the 1980s, the month of October is set aside to raise understanding of Down syndrome and the amazing abilities people with the diagnosis have.

Celebrate Every Win. Choose Acceptance. 

This October, move beyond awareness. Join GiGi’s Playhouse in championing acceptance—where every milestone, big or small, is a step toward a more inclusive world. 

October is nationally recognized as Down Syndrome Awareness Month, but at GiGi’s Playhouse, we believe it’s time to go further. For us, it’s not just about awareness; it’s about acceptance.  Awareness says, “I see you.” But acceptance says, “You belong here.” 

Every achievement—whether it’s saying a new word, riding a bike, or preparing a meal—is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when we believe in potential. 

When we celebrate these wins loudly, we shift perceptions, and that’s how achievement leads to acceptance. At GiGi’s, we celebrate every win—because achievement builds confidence, confidence shifts perceptions, and shifting perceptions leads to true acceptance. And acceptance changes everything. 

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Be Part of the Movement:

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#GenerationG Magazine

#GenerationG is a worldwide movement that goes beyond Down syndrome to send a global message of acceptance for ALL!! We created this magazine as another avenue to spread acceptance and awareness while celebrating the Down syndrome diagnosis! 

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GiGi's Journey

We’re thrilled to announce our new collaborative book with Harry Moon Books: GiGi’s Journey. This magical, whimsical story aimed at young readers ages 7 to 12 features magic, adventure, and a charismatic main character... who just happens to have Down syndrome

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Volunteer

GiGi’s Playhouse is a volunteer-run organization and we rely on the skill and dedication of volunteers of various levels of expertise to keep our programs vibrant, educational, purposeful, fun, and free.

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Give

Make a donation to change the life of an individual or family.

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Why Acceptance Matters

Awareness is good. Acceptance is transformative. Awareness sees difference. Acceptance sees potential—and acts.

Your support helps fund free educational, therapeutic, and career development programs that empower participants of all ages to reach their goals, shift perceptions, and show the world what’s possible. 

Celebrate Our Champions 

Throughout October, we’ll feature four inspiring individuals who are achieving personal milestones every day.

From mastering literacy to thriving in the kitchen or gym, these stories will inspire and invite you to celebrate every win with us.

Four Simple Ways to Act

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#GenerationG Magazine

Request a #GenerationG Magazine – Honor and celebrate individuals with Down syndrome; share it with friends and neighbors

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GiGi's Journey

Gift the Harry Moon: GiGi’s Journey Book – Spread a story of acceptance to teachers, families, and kids.

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Volunteer

Volunteer – Offer your time at a local Playhouse or online. Our programs are 99% volunteer-led.

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Give

Give – Fuel free, life-changing programs at your local Playhouse or at our national headquarters.

Your Impact 

Your celebration is more than a gesture. 
- It empowers someone to read independently. 
- It helps a teen discover healthy cooking. 
- It strengthens a young adult’s confidence in the workplace. 
 
Every gift of time, treasure, or talent creates a ripple of acceptance across communities. 

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Join us this October. Celebrate Every Win. Choose Acceptance.

Click the image to download 31 ways to spread Acceptance!

Click the image to download our Activity Book!

#myDSstory, stories from our community

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World Down Syndrome Day: Celebrating Progress and Unleashing Unlimited Potential

Every day, people around the world demonstrate that nothing is impossible. Athletes, musicians, professionals, parents, children, and others constantly break barriers, defy expectations, and achieve remarkable feats.   Individuals with Down syndrome are no different; March...
GenerationG Pledge of Acceptance for Those with Down Syndrome and other Disabilities

DOWN SYNDROME AWARENESS MONTH — LEADING THE WAY TO ACCEPTANCE 

We’ve all been there before — we walk into a room, and for whatever reason, it feels like all eyes are on us. For most of us, this is a fleeting feeling, but for individuals...
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Sheena’s story: Advocating on behalf of her son and the entire community 

**This story was submitted via our #MyDsStory submissions  Written by our guest writer, Sheena Stropki  When I saw the post to share my DS story, I immediately started thinking about all the things I see...