A day in the life of….
While this is a story about Theo, remember that we all have our Theo. As we celebrate Down syndrome Acceptance Month, your Theo is just another beautiful child, teen, or adult. Not a child with Down syndrome, but a vibrant person, an individual and nothing less! [ a day in...
It is never to late…. a story form Tinley Park
At almost 40 years old, Jeff’s dream is to get a job at McDonald’s. His sister brought him to GiGi’s for literacy tutoring in an attempt to retrieve some dormant skills. From day one, Jeff has come to weekly tutoring with a pen in his pocket and a smile on...
What’s So Special?
What is special about GiGi's Playhouse? We happen to think GiGi's Playhouse is all around pretty special! But here are ten of the many reasons GiGi's Playhouse is Special: Everything is FREE, including the parking! We operate on two things: volunteers and donors. We seek to serve the 1,000 families living in...
Thank You for Having Me this Summer!
Hi! My name is Elizabeth, and I can't wait to intern at GiGi's Playhouse this summer! I just finished my freshman year at Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, NC, where I am planning on double majoring in Mathematics and Elementary Education; however, I have otherwise lived in Atlanta all of...
Key Community Partner helps GiGi’s Playhouse
One of our key community partners are the students of Emory University's Doctoral of Physical Therapy program. These dedicated students truly have a heart for the kids at GiGi's and have put together a program to equip kids and parents with tools to increase physical activity, build strength, and adopt...
Five Ways to Incorporate Activity In Your Week
Last week, we visited with our fabulous volunteer Bootcamp leader Angie Champsaur and she promised to share some tips parents can use to incorporate activity into their busy weeks. Angie's Five Tips for Fit Lifestyles 1) Go outdoors. Now that the weather is nice, it's a great time to get...
Spring into Action with Bootcamp
We love seeing our kids active and having fun! That is why we love hosting a monthly Bootcamp where our kids have fun together and learn new ways to be active. This week we wanted to introduce you to our fabulous volunteer Bootcamp leader Angie Champsaur. We sat down with...
GiGi’s launches Generation G
Generation G is a campaign to build a global movement and mindset of generous acceptance through which we impact widespread social change. Generation G begins with a core mindset that differences are not weaknesses. Generation G unites people who are generous and accepting with their time, heart, and support. Generation G is heroic,...
GiGi’s Playhouse through the eyes of Anari vs. Mommy
GiGi’s Playhouse: Two Perspectives When Anari hears that she is going to GiGi's she thinks of playing dress-up, and playing in the kitchen and house area with her friends (Social Skills). She thinks of playing with paint and shaving cream, rolling Playdoh; tearing paper, and pulling apart cotton (Fine Motor...
T21 Run Supports Local Achievement Center for Families Living with Down Syndrome
GiGi’s Playhouse Atlanta® Hosts T-21 Run, a Peachtree Road Race Qualifier Next month, we will host our second T21 Run (5k, 10k, Tot Trot) in support of some 400 individuals with Trisomy 21 (T21) , also known as Down syndrome, who are served by the Atlanta achievement center. The run is...
Sexuality and Down Syndrome:
Birds do it, Bees do it, Even People with Disabilities Do it. 2-8-16 Love is in the air and for parents of preteens and teenagers with Down syndrome, the topic of the birds, the bees and sexuality can be very intimidating. Years ago people with intellectual disabilities were assumed to...
Handwriting Skills Progress at GiGi’s
1-25-16 Handwriting skills are important to develop at an early age Being able to communicate in print is a key component to academic success. Due to low tone, individuals with T21 have greater difficulty with handwriting and letter formation. GiGi’s began offering Little Fingers, Big Plans, using the popular Handwriting...