A Cousin’s Love
Every now and then you meet someone who impresses you so much. For me that person was Brady Donahue. I learned about him one day from Dana, Brady’s aunt. Dana is the mother to Reese, a little girl who was born with Down syndrome. Brady is the cousin to sweet little Reese. Our loved ones…
Stop Putting Developmental Ages on Individuals with Disabilities
By Emily Mondschein Recently I had an appointment with a particular specialist who was a doctor. He laid out blocks and made a shape. He then asked my son to make that same shape. My son wanted to build onto the doctor’s shape but the doctor said no, make your own shape. Paul just looked…
Nicole Campoverde on Occupation Therapy and D’Youville University
Ever wonder how OT students are trained to support the unique needs of individuals with Down syndrome? Nicole Campoverde has firsthand experience to share. As a D’Youville OT graduate student from New York City, I’ve always been passionate about working with children and young adults with developmental disabilities. When I think about the question, “What does it…
World Down Syndrome Day 2025
By John Reich World Down Syndrome Day is March 21st. The theme for World Down Syndrome Day in 2025 is “Improve Our Support Systems,” focusing on the need for tailored support that provides individuals with Down syndrome choice, control, and dignity. The key points about World Down Syndrome Day 2025 theme are: Focus on support…
Disability is Not Disease
by Emily Mondschein I have some real concerns about the Executive Order that came from the MAHA movement. I’d like to share with you a story. When I was pregnant with my son, I knew he would be born with Down syndrome. During that time, I was taking a yoga teacher training course. One of…
Down Syndrome and Autism; a Dual Diagnosis
Where does autism come from? There are all kinds of conspiracy theories floating around as well as thoughts on how we can treat it, or steps we can take to avoid it. My son has Down syndrome and autism. I work with a community of individuals where upwards of 20%, likely more not officially diagnosed,…
Sleep Apnea Event Coming to GiGi’s Playhouse Buffalo April 10th at 6:00pm
Caregivers of children with Down syndrome must navigate medically complex care on a daily basis. The sentiment that God only gives children with Down syndrome to parents who can handle it, simply isn’t true. In fact, some children with Down syndrome do not survive because their medical care was not addressed appropriately, whether it was…
Thankful Grandma
My name is Georgia Bechtold. I’m a grandmother to six beautiful grandchildren. The two oldest call me Grandma. The two middle ones call me Yayee. The one youngest calls me Mema, but the very youngest calls me Memom. I love being a grandma to all of them and always will, but my time with them…
From a Mother’s Perspective
The opening of GiGi’s Playhouse in Buffalo in 2020 was a true game changer for my 12-year-old daughter, Rose . This one organization has had an incredible impact on encouraging her developmental growth in areas of speech, literacy, math and gross motor skills as well as making meaningful friendships. Rose has a dual diagnosis of…
Down Syndrome Awareness Month
During this Down syndrome Awareness Month, I’d like to make you aware of a piece of legislation that is very important to those touched by Down syndrome. by Emily Mondschein, Executive Director, GiGi’s Playhouse Buffalo A Mother’s Story When I was 14 weeks into my pregnancy, I learned that my son would be born with…