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Eli’s Best of All Moment in Music Makers Program
At GiGi’s Playhouse Detroit, we’re always looking for new and meaningful ways to help our participants thrive—and one powerful tool we love to use is music. Whether it’s clapping along to a beat, singing favorite songs, or exploring rhythm with instruments, music plays a unique and important role in supporting learning and development for individuals…
Read MoreWelcoming Sujay Kolli to the GiGi’s Playhouse Detroit Team: Building an Inclusive Future Through Internships
At GiGi’s Playhouse Detroit, we believe in celebrating abilities, breaking barriers, and creating opportunities. That’s why we’re thrilled to welcome Sujay Kolli as our new Social Media Intern! Sujay is not only a recent graduate of Ferris State University’s Ready for Life program, but also an accomplished content creator, brand builder, and Paralympic gold medalist.…
Read MoreBeat the Heat: Fun & Cool Activities for Families During Extreme Heat
When the temperatures soar and heat advisories roll in, staying safe becomes the top priority — but that doesn’t mean fun has to take a back seat! Extreme heat days offer the perfect excuse to slow down, get creative, and make lasting memories together as a family. Whether you’re staying inside or venturing out in…
Read MoreLucy’s Best of All Moment: The Power of Communication
Lucy completed her first session of Speech this past spring. Her Wayne State graduate clinician, Clara, was so excited to share Lucy’s Best of All Moment during one of their sessions, and we love sharing it with all of you! Clara and Lucy had been working hard on the goal of signing “more” to request…
Read MoreMake an Impact That Lasts: Why Volunteering at GiGi’s Playhouse Matters
At GiGi’s Playhouse Detroit, we believe in the power of human connection—and volunteers are the heartbeat of everything we do. Each time a volunteer walks through our doors, they are not just giving their time. They are changing lives, building a more inclusive community, and helping individuals with Down syndrome reach their fullest potential. Whether…
Read MoreYour Story Matters: Writing Campaign to Support Adults with IDD
A letter from Mary Sparkes-Merriman (aka, Pete’s Little Sister): Hello Parents, In early 2024, a group of patients, family members, caregivers, advocates, and healthcare professionals began meeting to discuss the need for a multidisciplinary clinic to address the unique health care needs of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) across the state of Michigan.…
Read MoreVolunteer of the Year: Lauren Leotti
For those who missed our Lucky Have a Few gala last week, we had the absolute honor of presenting the Volunteer of the Year Award to someone truly exceptional—Lauren Leotti! Since the summer of 2021, Lauren has been an invaluable part of GiGi’s Playhouse Detroit, dedicating time, thoughtfulness, and heart to our mission. She began…
Read More1, 2, 3, 4… We Declare a Penny War!
Addams Elementary School in Royal Oak has been a long-time supporter of GiGi’s Playhouse Detroit. Between ‘rocking their socks’ on World Down Syndrome Day, making keychains for Down Syndrome Awareness Month, and spreading our #GenerationG message to “Be Accepting, Be Generous, Be Kind,” this school never hesitates to support folks with Down syndrome. At the…
Read MoreTanner’s “Best of All”
best of all (noun) \best of all\: is continual, measurable, celebrated and it never ends. It is a daily challenge to do a little better than you did the day before and it’s always celebrated. Possible manifestations: standing just one second longer, reading just one more word, learning just one new number, taking just one…
Read MoreHow Down Syndrome Has Impacted My Life
Guest post by Elie Kim, age 17 My younger sister, Elena, has Down syndrome, and as World Down Syndrome Day approaches, I would like to take this time to reflect on my experiences in the Down syndrome community. From an early age, I have always been taught to be inclusive. For me, inclusion was simply…
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