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  At GiGi’s Playhouse Chicago, our mission is to change the way the world views Down syndrome and to send a global message of acceptance for all. We do this through free educational, therapeutic, and career development programs that empower individuals with Down syndrome to achieve their greatest potential.    To sustain and grow this…

  Hello everyone! My name is Amanda and I am an occupational therapy assistant student from Wright College. I’m beyond excited to spend the next eight weeks at GiGi’s Playhouse Chicago for my Level 2 fieldwork placement, where I’ll serve as a math tutor and lead various groups for adult participants, including GiGi’s Kitchen and…

  It’s that time of year again — notebooks are open, pencils are sharpened, and GiGi’s tutoring and programming is back in full swing! This September we’re celebrating everything that makes our community shine — learning together, showing what we know, and lifting each other up with kindness and encouragement. And ice cream too!  …

  Make an impact by donating to our back-to-school donation drive! Our first annual Back-to-School Donation Drive is here, and we need your help as we prepare for fall tutoring sessions.    🎁 What We’re Collecting:  Notebooks, pens, and pencils to empower learning  Art and craft supplies to nurture creativity  Hand sanitizer and soap to…

At GiGi’s Playhouse Chicago, our mission is to make a lifetime commitment to changing lives and providing hope through the consistent delivery of FREE educational, therapeutic, and career development programs for individuals with Down syndrome, their families, and the community, using a replicable playhouse model. Behind the scenes, a dedicated group of board members works…

  At GiGi’s Playhouse Chicago, we believe play is a powerful teacher — and that representation matters. Baby dolls that authentically reflect Down syndrome help children build skills and confidence while fostering:  Authentic representation: Children see themselves and their family members reflected in play, promoting self-confidence and belonging.  Awareness and acceptance: Features like almond-shaped eyes,…

Written by: UIC Occupational Therapy student Melissa Wen   We’re excited to share a new Family Resource Binder created by UIC occupational therapy student Melissa Wen as part of her capstone project at GiGi’s Playhouse Chicago! This resource was designed to celebrate and support siblings of individuals with Down syndrome as they navigate their evolving roles throughout…

Written by: Emily Mangan, GiGi’s Playhouse Chicago Intern Summer is flying by and the Fourth of July is right around the corner! As we look forward to watching fireworks, hosting barbeques and attending parades, we understand that the Fourth of July can be overwhelming for everyone, but especially our friends and loved ones who are…

  Hi everyone! My name is Emily Mangan and I am an intern at GiGi’s Playhouse Chicago this summer. I just finished my junior year of undergrad at Baylor University, and I am happy to be home for the summer. As a Pre-Occupational Therapy student, GiGi’s Playhouse is a great opportunity for me to learn…

At GiGi’s Playhouse Chicago, we believe that every tutoring session is an opportunity to connect, learn, and grow, not just for our students, but for our tutors as well. Recently, we had the pleasure of watching a special connection form between one of our literacy tutors, Michelle, and her student, Karen. What started as structured…