Navigating the Challenges of Virtual Learning

Every parent with a child in school understands the obstacles related to virtual learning – whether that child is in participating in school from home part of the week or full-time. After nearly a year of virtual schooling for some students, there are many questions about how to best address issues with engagement in remote…

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Acceptance starts with a smile

Today we are welcoming GiGi’s Playhouse Syracuse mom, Beth, to our blog today to share some simple yet powerful encouragement. Dear My fellow Moms and Dads, I believe that we all want the same thing when it comes to our precious children. Whether we breastfeed or bottle-feed, home school, put them on that scary yellow…

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Justice for Jack! We need YOUR Help! #JusticeForJack

Jack, a freshman at Roncalli High School in Indiana and student manager for the football team, has Down syndrome and was assaulted because of it. Jack was abused, mocked, tormented, molested, and videotaped by his peers. This happened to him on multiple occasions when even a single instance is one time too many. All as…

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The Ripple Effect

Recently GiGi & I were in New Orleans doing a corporate event for the GiGi’s Playhouse New Orleans start-up team. While we were there we also were doing a book signing, we took an Uber to the signing and our uber driver was 81 years old, had 7 siblings and 33 Grandchildren! One of his…

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Dear Doctor | Know Better, Do Better.

GiGi’s Playhouse is made of inspiration, belief, achievements and the beautiful stories of every person who becomes part of this family. Today we are proud to share the words and heart of GiGi’s Playhouse Tinley Park founder, Diane Husar.  Like many her introduction to the Down syndrome world was less than what it should have…

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Why Inclusion Matters

We are proud to have Bret Bowerman, GiGi’s Playhouse Executive Board Member join us on the blog today.  Inclusion, such an important word, why does it matter? Enjoy. I will never forget squeezing my wife’s hand under the conference table, her eyes teared in elation, when Ellie’s school agreed to educate her in an inclusive Kindergarten…

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Everyday Miracles | Are you looking?

Everyday Miracles My grandson and I have something in common:  We both love food!  We love working in the kitchen together, preparing and cooking our favorite dishes, and baking, too.  Fortunately, we’re into portion control and nutrition, about which he learns a great deal in school.  When nine-year-old Louis (“Louie”) comes to visit for Spring…

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Is this 2018? | From the desk of Nancy Gianni

GiGi’s video has been viewed over 73,000 times! Please keep sharing!  We Need Your Voice! Comedian Tom Segura has sparked outrage this week for his blatant, continual use of the R-word in his recent Netflix special. His suggestion that if people don’t like it then it should be replaced with the term “21st chromosome,” directly mocks people…

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Why Stop at a Month? | 365 Days of Awesome!

See ya later October! Down Syndrome Acceptance Month was great, we busted some myths, we shared our stories, we continued to introduce the world to a new and dynamic individual with Down syndrome and we asked the world to see & accept our friends and loved ones rocking their extra chromosome.  But, is that really enough?…

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