April Speech Participant Spotlight!
“Zach’s speech and communication has come so far since attending the GiGi’s Playhouse Amina Grace Speech and Language Program. I really love that the therapists go above and beyond to coordinate with Zach’s speech therapists at school to be able to focus on the same skills. Zach has been taught so many skills at GiGi’s…
Read MoreSolid Job-Hunting Advice for People with Disabilities
Searching for a job is hard for anyone, but people with disabilities may face a few unique challenges, such as social stigma, a lack of understanding by hiring managers, and inaccessible work environments, to name a few. But don’t let this stop you from going after the job you want! Follow these simple tips to…
Read MoreFacilitating Language in Toddlers and Preschoolers
“So what kind of homework can you give my child to work on… they’re so young?” As a therapist, I LOVE THIS QUESTION. Play is work for our littles and the “homework” actually is something you as a parent can do! Below are some things YOU can do at home in your daily routine to…
Read MoreSpring Means Exciting Updates!
Spring is finally here! This means warmer weather, spring cleaning, and refreshing new activities and updates with the programs at GiGi’s Playhouse. A few of our programs have awesome new program leaders who are fully dedicated to making the programs the best they can be! Here are some of the new highlights you don’t want…
Read MoreMarch Speech Participant Spotlight!
“Nora loves participating in the GiGi’s Playhouse Amina Grace Speech and Language Program with Taylor! Since beginning the program in Fall 2018, we have seen her speech progress into attempting to make a wide range of sounds, forming new words weekly, labeling with sounds/words, and communicating better with us her wants and needs. We are…
Read MoreWorld Down Syndrome Day!
Today is the day! The day when the world recognizes and celebrates Down syndrome, and March 21 represents 321, or the triplicate of the 21st chromosome, and we all know that extra chromosomes means extra AMAZING! Individuals with Down syndrome are just like everyone else, and finding that common ground to connect with them makes…
Read MoreTeaching Imitation WITH Snacks!
Imitation is a key learning step in a child’s way to spontaneously producing words! Sometimes, our little ones are not responsive to “say…”! Therefore, we’ve come up with a fun way to teach imitation using some yummy snacks! How to Play and What to Say: Pick your child’s favorite bite-sized snack. Pour them into a…
Read MoreLots of Love in a Small Town
My name is Hurain, and I am very lucky to have a brother with Down syndrome named Amad. He is incredibly special to me and has introduced me to a side of myself I might’ve never met. I am also lucky to work for GiGi’s Playhouse and be a part of this family. I am…
Read MoreFebruary Speech Participant Spotlight!
“Amelia’s speech has exploded since we started the Amina Grace 1-on-1 Speech and Language Program at GiGi’s Playhouse. She was always eager to talk, but her quiet speed, low volue, and not clear sounds made her difficult to understand by others. You could almost see her improvement from session to session. She loves working with…
Read MoreThe More, the Merrier!
Everyone has a favorite day of the week. At GiGi University, our favorite day is Wednesday. Why? Because Wednesday is the day that GiGi U and GiGi Prep join as one class, and together, we have a group of fifteen students! What a class! The best part of this day for me, as a teacher,…
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