How to Talk to Children About Down Syndrome
Helping Children Understand Down Syndrome Most adults want to talk to children about differences. After all, we all want to raise kids who are inclusive and understanding. But when it comes time to actually explain differences or disabilities, many of us hesitate. Where do we begin? What's the right language?...
Founder of GiGi’s Playhouse Phoenix Receives International Award
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Phoenix, AZ — February 11, 2026 — Jennifer Gage, founder of GiGi’s Playhouse Phoenix, was honored with the prestigious Legacy Award for 13 years of service by GiGi’s Playhouse International founder Nancy Gianni at the Playhouse’s “Oh, The Places We’ll Go” Gala held January 31 at the Omni Scottsdale. The award recognizes individuals whose leadership, vision, and dedication have...
From Belief to Action: The Phoenix Playhouse’s Journey of Growth
Belief is a powerful thing. But at GiGi’s Playhouse, belief isn’t an abstract concept; belief leads to concrete action. Our Phoenix Playhouse exemplifies this idea. Earlier this month, GiGi’s Playhouse Phoenix hosted its “Oh, The Places We’ll Go” Gala. It was a night that celebrated the impact of the Phoenix Playhouse. The night...
February 2026 Newsletter
CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS NEWS FREE PROGRAMS 62 LOCATIONS GLOBAL ACCEPTANCE A word from our Founder, Nancy Gianni Hello GiGi's Change Makers! Invitations to send. Calls to make. Details to finalize. At GiGi's Playhouse, the to-do list never ends, and sometimes it's enough to make my head spin. But lately, I've seen someone else step up, take initiative, and move into...
Receiving a Down Syndrome Diagnosis: What Parents Should Know
When You Receive a Down Syndrome Diagnosis There are moments in life that stop you in your tracks. Moments that make you question everything you thought you knew about the future, not just for yourself but for your entire family. For many parents, receiving a Down syndrome diagnosis is one...
January 2026 Newsletter
CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS NEWS FREE PROGRAMS 62 LOCATIONS GLOBAL ACCEPTANCE A word from our Founder, Nancy Gianni Hello GiGi's Change Makers! Like many of us, I've been catching up on holiday and end-of-year letters as the new year begins, and one in particular caught my eye. It was from my friend Richard, a grandparent who helped open GiGi's Playhouse New York and whose...
December 2025 Newsletter
CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS NEWS FREE PROGRAMS 62 LOCATIONS GLOBAL ACCEPTANCE A word from our Founder, Nancy Gianni Hello GiGi's Change Makers! Can you believe we're already at the end of 2025?! Every year I sit down to write this letter, and every year I'm blown away by what YOU make possible for our GiGi's families! What a year it's been. You'll read throughout this...
GiGi Gianni, Down Syndrome Influencer, Launches National Speaking Tour “Born to be Heard” — A Movement to Give Every Voice a Chance to be Heard
CHICAGO, November 18, 2025 – GiGi Gianni, the 23-year-old namesake and Chief Inspiration Officer of GiGi’s Playhouse — the only international network of Down Syndrome Achievement Centers — will launch her national speaking tour, Born to be Heard, on Sunday, November 23, 2025, at the Michigan Shores Country Club in Wilmette,...
November 2025 Newsletter
CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS NEWS FREE PROGRAMS 62 LOCATIONS GLOBAL ACCEPTANCE A word from our Founder, Nancy Gianni Hello GiGi's Change Makers! What struck me most wasn't the size of the room; it was the sense of purpose in it. 60 of our Playhouse presidents gathered on stage to share one word...
How To Promote Down Syndrome Acceptance on Social Media
Social media can be a powerful tool for change… when it’s used with intention and respect. If you’re wondering how to talk about Down syndrome online in a way that actually promotes acceptance, you’re not alone. The good news? You don’t need a huge platform to make a meaningful impact....
Can People with Down Syndrome Date and Get Married?
Love is universal. Chromosomes don’t limit the desire for connection, companionship, and marriage; it’s part of being human. Since October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month, we’re taking time to challenge some of the most common myths about what life with Down syndrome really looks like. One question we hear often...
10 Famous People with Down Syndrome: Raising Acceptance in the Media
Ever dreamt of walking a red carpet, competing on a global stage, or starring in your favorite movie? These ten incredible individuals with Down syndrome are not just dreaming it. They are living it! These famous people with Down syndrome represent a powerful wave of actors, elite athletes, international models,...