This World Down Syndrome Day, individuals with Down syndrome are not just part of the conversation; they’re helping lead it.
On Thursday, March 20, GiGi Gianni, the 22-year-old namesake and Chief Inspiration Officer of GiGi’s Playhouse, spoke in front of the United Nations ahead of World Down Syndrome Day. GiGi spoke as part of the Center for Family & Human Rights panel on increasing support systems for individuals with Down syndrome.
GiGi spoke about her life, her journey, and the importance of celebrating all individuals with Down syndrome.
As inspiring as GiGi’s speech was, her message was simple:
Her life matters… in fact, every individual with Down syndrome matters.
Though the world is often quick to place labels on individuals with Down syndrome, GiGi made sure the room knew that she’s not a diagnosis. She’s a daughter, a sibling, an advocate, a singer, an author, a girlfriend, a career woman, and so much more.
In a world that often overlooks the Down syndrome community, GiGi made sure she was heard.
Nancy Gianni, GiGi’s mother and the Chief Belief Officer of GiGi’s Playhouse, also spoke about the incredible work the organization has done, with over 61 locations across the U.S. and Mexico, providing more than 340,000 hours of free educational and therapeutic programming each year.
While she highlighted this crucial work, Nancy also emphasized the ongoing work needed to ensure greater acceptance of individuals with Down syndrome and disabilities.
This echoed the message GiGi shared in her own speech—reminding the world that, while progress has been made, there is still much to do.
For GiGi, the focus remains clear: every life, including hers, matters.
