Meet Emily Kaska

The staff at GiGi’s Playhouse Chicago had the pleasure of talking and collaborating with Emily Kaska, who is the executive director of Down Syndrome New South Wales. This is an organization based in Australia that offers support to individuals with Down syndrome and their families.

Emily had quite the adventure as she traveled to America to learn from Down syndrome non-profits, politicians, and healthcare workers to gather research, ideas, and inspiration to take back to her own organization.

Emily’s Journey in the United States:

My journey began with a week at the United Nations Conference of State Parties to the CRPD in NYC where I attended alongside a large Australian delegation including our Minister for Social Services, as well as the Disability Discrimination Commissioner and Australia’s Ambassador to the UN. From there it was off to Washington DC to meet the incredible Chief of Staff and team at the National Down Syndrome Society where we chatted all things legislative reform, inclusive governance, partnerships, resource development, campaigns, siblings, and more! Boston was my next stop where I attended the Down Syndrome Program at the Massachusetts General Hospital with Dr. Skotko, Caroline, Dominica, Ben, and Aisha. This clinic was fascinating and full of learnings on multidisciplinary models of care, as well as research. Dr. Skotko and I met afterward and chatted about siblings, the amazing DSC2U resource, sustainability, outcomes, recurring themes, and more. We also talked fondly of our sisters who have each played a big role in our lives and professions.

The heat in Orlando was the next stop, with a wonderful teen self-advocacy camp run by the passionate crew at the Down Syndrome Foundation of Florida. It was incredible to sit in on the camp, see the curriculum as well as witness the confidence and capacity building it generated. I also learned of the great employment program DSFF runs and their prenatal and new baby work, all done by a lean but super committed team. 

What Emily learned about GiGi’s Playhouse Chicago:

My visit to GiGi’s Playhouse Chicago has been a real highlight. From the minute you walk in the door, you feel like you’re home (yes, even for an Aussie!). First impressions from outside were colorful, welcoming, and really present in the local community. Meeting Grace, Jennifer, and Ellie were one of those catch-ups where you walk away with a kick in your step – so enthused by what a small but mighty team is achieving and lots of ideas for home. I learned about the national interface, standards of excellence, as well as the depth and breadth of programs offered across all ages. It was great to hear of the development over time, such as the intern program and the career development hub. Most inspiring was the passion by each of the ladies – it really is infectious. I also LOVE my goodie bag!

Components that Emily is hoping to take back to Down Syndrome New South Wales:

The learnings I’d love to take home to our organization are multifaceted. The physical space concept that I’ve been thinking of for a while now has been firmly cemented. I also love the 1-on-1 tutoring model, as well as crawlers and walker and the LMNOP programs, as we are currently looking to grow our early years supports. We had great discussions about the important role of university students and OTs (occupational therapists) as part of the success at GiGi’s Playhouse Chicago, something we will look to further embed in our programs also.

Ways that Emily hopes GiGi’s Playhouse can partner with Down Syndrome New South Wales currently and in the future:

With all the ideas also come opportunities to partner. I’ve left already armed with resources thanks to the GiGi’s Playhouse Chicago team and have promised to send resources their way too – why reinvent the wheel! We know that many of the challenges and information needs can be universal, so we are looking forward to partnering in the resource space. I’m also keen to explore a pen pals program between our communities, as well as sharing programming ideas. Supporting people with Down syndrome to be employees and leaders within our organizations is also an ongoing area to partner.

The rest of Emily’s journey:

After leaving the Playhouse, I’ve visited the amazingly talented and kind Dr. Dennis McGuire and will be then attending the Adult Down Syndrome Center at the Lutheran Hospital with Dr. Brian Chicoine. I’m then homeward bound via Colorado and LA where I’ll do more visits with a report to follow and a very happy heart. I am so grateful to the GiGi’s Playhouse Chicago team for such a warm welcome – this is the start of a very special partnership that will benefit our loved ones with Down syndrome. Your organization is certainly in the most wonderful hands! I look forward to returning very soon as well as continuing our partnership and information sharing through the world wide web.

I hope you enjoyed reading about the incredible work Emily and her team are doing for the Down syndrome community. Thank you, Emily, for all of your hard work. We appreciate the time you took to come and visit GiGi’s Playhouse Chicago. We look forward to seeing your continued work impact the lives of many. Come back and visit anytime!