Awareness
Sustainability against all odds
Whenever I read that quote, I get a flutter of excitement in my stomach and a sick feeling at that same time! Absence of fear?? It was the fear of watching 17 years of groundbreaking work crumble that propelled me to action throughout 2020 and catapulted us into 2021! When people were talking about binge-watching…
Read MoreA Black Mother’s Journey with a Son with Down Syndrome
A Black Mother’s Journey with a Son with Down Syndrome Meet Meeka Caldwell and her son, Anian. Meeka is a wife, mother, author, and dedicated advocate in the Down syndrome community. Anian is a curious 6 year old who loves people and loves to help others. He is a problem solver, has a great…
Read More5 Back to School Tips Amid COVID-19 Spread
5 Back to School Tips Amid COVID-19 Spread Going back to school amid the COVID-19 spread is on the top of all our minds. For many families—whether children are heading to pre-K or high school—stress levels are high, and parents are struggling with the decision of what is best for their individual situation. No matter your decision regarding virtual or in-person learning, these 5…
Read MoreMaevis’s Down Syndrome diagnosis
By Rose Busque It’s been about a year since we got confirmation on Maevis’s Down Syndrome diagnosis. It has me reflecting a lot. Let’s start from the beginning. We opted to not have the prenatal genetics test. We figured that if anything bad was happening we would see it in the ultrasounds and DS (Down…
Read MoreNEW! Spanish Programs for GiGi’s At Home
Spanish Programs now available for GiGi’s At Home! At GiGi’s Playhouse, we see potential, ability, and possibility. So, when COVID-19 hit, strategies were sought and adjustments were quickly made to continue serving our participants virtually. We are happy to share that we recently launched GiGi’s At Home on demand programming in Spanish. The educational programs…
Read More5 Ways to Nurture Learning in Children with Down syndrome
Check out these 5 ways to nurture a love of learning in children with Down syndrome. SPARK CURIOSITY Ask an open-ended question… then WAIT! Sometimes children with Down syndrome just need a little extra processing time. Interruptions or too many questions can be overwhelming. When you give them time to answer they can truly show you…
Read MoreDown Syndrome in a COVID-19 World
Don’t high-five, don’t shake hands, don’t touch anything. Don’t travel, don’t leave the house unless you have to, and definitely don’t hug. We have all been bombarded with a list of do’s and don’ts during the COVID-19 pandemic. So it’s fairly common knowledge what we should and shouldn’t be doing to avoid catching or spreading…
Read MoreWhy Do Media Portrayals of Kids with Down Syndrome Matter So Much to Us?
I was so torn over the controversy about the Today Show segments with Shawn Johnson and Andrew East. First of all, congratulations to Shawn and Andrew! Every new parent should be congratulated, and every child should be celebrated. The anticipation of a new baby is one of the best possible gifts we get in our lives!! …
Read MoreWhy is this a big deal?
GiGi will be singing the National Anthem at the Chicago Cubs game on June 25th! Just take a moment to think about that! She will be giving hope to so many people who have watched their loved ones struggle to say just one word let alone sing the entire National Anthem! So GiGi’s Playhouse will…
Read MoreThe Gift of Down Syndrome
Today we welcome back long time GiGi’s Playhouse friend and advocate, Richard Riley. Grab a cup of your favorite beverage and enjoy some encouragement. Dear Friends in the greater Down syndrome community, You’re probably already thinking that this guy is completely nuts. How can Down syndrome be a gift? Let me confound you further:…
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