Program Spotlight: Amina Grace 1:1 Speech

What is the Amina Grace Program?

The Amina Grace Speech and Language program is a great asset to our list of programs. We are only one of  eight GiGi’s locations to offer this program.  The program is named after a little girl with Down syndrome. Her mother, like so many other mothers, heard the words “I’m sorry” instead of “Congratulations” when her daughter was born. It was at that moment she decided that it was her life’s mission to teach the world about all the things people with Down syndrome can do instead of the challenges they face.

Amina Grace would have turned 9 years old on February 26th had she not passed away suddenly and unexpectedly when she was younger. In 2015, her parents made a very generous donation to fund this speech program at the National Office to honor their daughter and to help others in need.  With additional funding from the Northwestern University Dance Marathon grant, the National Office was able to pilot the program in other locations, including Chicago!  We are thrilled to be a pilot and have committed to funding the program through 2018.

Interview with Amina’s Parents

Amina Grace in Action at the Chicago Playhouse!

Our  awesome Speech and Language Pathologist, Libby, works with kids of all ages and with varying abilities. Some students use communication devices, some use sign language, but all of our students speak the language of gratitude through the smiles on their face and the excitement in their participation. Due to the wide range of kids we serve, she is challenged to use individualized approaches to improve their communication skills. Libby firmly believes that building a strong rapport with each participant and their family is the first step to a successful treatment program. Emily is no exception. Through storytelling and games Emily and Libby have built a positive relationship that has significantly contributed to Emily’s therapeutic progress and overall confidence as a communicator.

Libby and Emily played a fun language-based game together at Emily’s fifth session. Libby witnessed Emily laugh for the first time during therapy and she knew that this was a huge breakthrough for both of them. After they shared some laughs, Emily signed “new friend” and pointed to Libby. This personal connection remains the key to a successful program. Libby and Emily both work harder and better because of it.

Emily and Libby

Thank YOU!

Thank you to Libby for all of your hard work. A very heartfelt and sincere thank you to Amina Grace’s family who have shared their angel with us and have made such a huge impact on our GiGi family! Last, but certainly not least, thank YOU for being a part of our Chicago GiGi’s family and taking time to read this blog.

If you are interested in having your son or daughter participate in the Amina Grace Program, please submit an application during the open application period.    We offer ten-week sessions and the application period will be open approximately one month before the start of each session.   Just like ALL of our other great The Spring 2018 session will start April 16th.    Please contact Kathleen Tynes at KTynes@gigisplayhouse.org for more information.