Creating a Stimulating Speech Environment for Early Language Learners.
How to Create a Language Stimulating Environment Sarah Buti, Speech-Language Pathologist, is sharing some fun tips that we can all do right in our homes! This is for all of our early language learners! Although your child may only know ten, twenty or thirty words/signs, at this stage that does...
Volunteer Spotlight, 2016 Volunteers of the Year.
GiGi's Playhouse simply does not happen with out the hundreds of volunteers who help build and run each location. Each and everyone of these people are a treasure to their Playhouse, to the individuals with Down syndrome and to the families they serve so freely. The Definition of Volunteer. *a...
Thankful
We are Thankful Once again families and friends have gathered to gobbled until they wobbled. This time of year brings out so many good feels for us all. We start focusing in on the things that really bring us joy, we work a little harder to make each sweet moment...
To Remy……
Remy Forever. Love from GiGi’s Playhouse Remy J. Kincinas, age 4, met the eyes of Jesus on Saturday, November 12, 2016. His final days were spent surrounded by family and friends that Remy had touched in some small way throughout his short, yet very memorable life. Remy's gentle smile brought...
Acceptance in Action: GiGi’s Playhouse 2016 National Conference
Taking action and changing the world together! November 4th & 5th GiGi's Playhouse welcomed 250 team members representing 39 Playhouses and start-up groups, as well as representatives from more than 15 corporate sponsors and partners, and even board members of local community foundations; together for the "Bigger, Better Stronger Together"...
We do not stop here…
October, Down Syndrome Acceptance Month, is done but we do not stop here! It has been wonderful to look out at Playhouse's across the nation and Mexico share facts, bust myths and inspire their communities on the truth Down syndrome. This quote form a Playhouse family has us all smiling...
doctor visits and birthday cakes
Who looks forward to a doctor’s appointment? Marilee, our grandson Louis and I cautiously crossed over 2nd Avenue in Manhattan during rush hour. I was preoccupied with the total confusion. Not so Louis. He was excited about his upcoming birthday, spouting a long list of details. As if that weren’t...
Acceptance is more than Awareness.
October 1 begins Down syndrome "Awareness" Month but awareness is not nearly enough. Awareness is simply acknowledging an existence, a challenge, etc. Human beings are so more than an existence or a challenge. Acceptance is an ACTION and a commitment to extend consistent value, approval, and empowerment. I'm very fortunate...
RESPECT-Ability
A few weeks ago Marilee and I took the grandkids on our annual summer outing to Lake Quassy Amusement Park in the upper Connecticut countryside. The kids did the rides first: the Wooden Warrior roller coaster, the carousel, the miniature train, etc. Then our picnic lunch of sandwiches, applesauce, chips....
Acceptance Matters: Statement on Tsukui Yamayuri-en Atrocity
Acceptance matters every day. We condemn the senseless and vicious attacks on 19 defenseless individuals with disabilities this past Tuesday. The attack occurred at Tsukui Yamayuri-en, an assisted care facility outside of Tokyo Japan. Our hearts are broken. Ignorance and darkness prayed on the innocent. The unassuming. The suspect revealed to police...
A sister’s love
"Your brother has leukemia." These are words no parent ever wants to say to their daughter and no words a sister ever wants to hear. Samantha Taus Talbot has lived that nightmare, twice. Her story about Joshua is here: "On August 23rd, 2001, my life changed forever when my youngest brother,...