GiGi’s Playhouse kicks off Down Syndrome Awareness month at Timothy Christian School for the month of October!

GiGi’s Playhouse Hoffman Estates was invited by Timothy Christian School to speak about GiGi’s Playhouse and Down syndrome. GiGi Professionals Harry Fisher and Aubrey Soukup spoke to over a hundred students and staff about their accomplishments throughout their life.

Two students from Timothy Christian were asked to participate in an interactive game to simulate the challenges individuals with Down syndrome have when speaking. They were asked to repeat our Generation G phrase: Be Accepting. Be Generous. Be Kind. Then, they were asked to repeat the phrase with marshmallows in their mouth. The students obviously had a challenging time repeating the words with several marshmallows in their mouths. By doing this, they were able to experience what it’s like to know what you want to say, but have a hard time expressing it. Many children with DS have difficulty with the strength, timing, and coordination of muscle movements for speech due to hypotonia (low muscle tone). It takes an average of 70 muscles to speak/sing just ONE word! So it’s not that they can’t speak, or don’t know how, it just takes that much more work and practice to achieve it.

After the presentation students had the opportunity to ask great questions about Down syndrome. They left the assembly with #GenerationG bracelets, activity books, t-shirts and learned a new way to get involved in making a difference in spreading acceptance for all!

Generation G is a conscious decision to be better every day.
Be Generous. Be Accepting. Be Kind.

Take the pledge now! 

Then draw it, post it, live it!

Follow us on social and visit our website: https://gigisplayhouse.org/dsam/, to learn more about Down syndrome and ways to bring acceptance for all in your community, schools, and workplace.. Email kowens@gigisplayhouse.org to have GiGi’s Playhouse come to you!