Assume EVERYONE Can- in their own way

By now, you have likely seen this viral and impactful video from NDSS (National Down Syndrome Society). We do believe our Down syndrome community should be given a chance to do whatever they choose to do instead of having others decide that for them. This video really brings that point to light. There are also…

Read More

Volunteer Spotlight: Amanda Johnson

We started this blog series for volunteer appreciation week in April, but we have so many wonderful volunteers to talk about it, that we decided to continue it through the year!  Just a reminder, GiGi’s Playhouse Madison is 99% volunteer run – which means we wouldn’t be here without our volunteers. We had 309 unique…

Read More

Volunteer Spotlight: Jacob Donohue

Volunteer appreciation week is April 16-22, but we have so many wonderful volunteers to talk about it, that we’ll be celebrating all month! Just a reminder, GiGi’s Playhouse Madison is 99% volunteer run – which means we wouldn’t be here without our volunteers. It’s pretty incredible to think back on all of the hours people…

Read More

Demystifying Becoming a Literacy or Math Tutor

WE NEED YOU Our Summer 2024 tutoring session will kick off in June and we are expecting a high number of applications from our families. Our tutor applications for the Summer 2024 session are will open February 5th, 2024! The Summer session runs from June 17th-August 23rd. Tutors and students meet the same day and…

Read More

Programming with a Purpose: Down Syndrome and Autism

Our Playhouse has been lucky enough to have a dedicated group of volunteers that developed programming for individuals with a dual diagnosis of Down syndrome and Autism Spectrum Disorder, or other sensory processing disorder. Dynamic Duals, a GiGi’s Playhouse-Madison piloted program, is a monthly program designed specifically for families and individuals with a dual diagnosis…

Read More

Finding a Place to Belong

This post is about a pilot program established by GiGi’s Playhouse Madison called Dynamic Duals. This is a monthly program designed specifically for families & individuals with a dual diagnosis of Down syndrome-Autism Spectrum Disorder and/or sensory or behavioral challenges. Parents meet in one area to connect, have fun, share successes, resources, and strategies while…

Read More

Volunteer Spotlight: Susan Dukin

  Dedication and Passion April is volunteer appreciation month and while we like to celebrate our incredibly dedicated volunteers every day, we are thrilled to take a moment to truly celebrate Susan! In January 2022 Susan stopped in with a donation from her family and immediately signed up to be a volunteer. She literally filled…

Read More

Sensory Blog: Self Regulation- What You Need To Know – Part 2

Self Regulation- Part 2 of  2  Guest blog written by Occupational Therapy Assistant Student, Juliana Lehman OTAS Advisement, Editing and Supervision by Deborah Bebeau EdD, OTR Quick recap of Self-Regulation, Part 1:  Self-regulation reflects self-control but additionally involves emotional and social components. Be on the lookout for triggering situations. Assist children to identify emotions especially…

Read More

Sensory Blog: Self Regulation- What You Need To Know – Part 1

Self Regulation- Part 1 of a 2 part series Guest blog written by Occupational Therapy Assistant Student, Juliana Lehman OTAS Advisement, Editing and Supervision by Deborah Bebeau EdD, OTR   Self-regulation – what does this mean to you? This term, and its meaning, appears quite complicated and expansive in literature. It is important to understand…

Read More