Internship Experience: Empowering Students at GiGi’s Playhouse

An internship at GiGi’s Playhouse empower students and change lives in the Down syndrome community.

Expanding beyond the general Volunteer role at GiGi’s, our Programs Internship was designed to build and support our next generation of advocates and educators. Currently studying at local universities and colleges, our interns come to us from a variety of backgrounds and educational paths. The year 2024 has brought us 8 interns who were inspired by GiGi’s mission to change the way the world views Down syndrome and share a global message of acceptance for all.

Meet Ayden, one of our Spring 2024 Interns, who found educational and career success at GiGi’s Playhouse. Ayden graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2024 and was connected to us through the Department of Rehabilitation Psychology and Special Education.

A note from Ayden –

During my internship at GiGi’ѕ, а Down Syndrome Achievement Center, I have had the
privilege of working with individuals with Down syndrome and their families, contributing to
their growth, development, and empowerment. This experience has been immensely rewarding,
providing me with valuable insights, personal growth, and a deeper understanding of the
challenges and joys of working in the field of disability support services.
First and foremost, my time at GiGi’s has reinforced the importance of fostering an
inclusive and supportive environment for individuals with disabilities. The center’s mission to
provide purposeful programming and resources to individuals with Down syndrome aligns
closely with my own values of promoting equity and empowerment for all individuals. I have
witnessed firsthand the positive impact that tailored programs, educational workshops, and
community engagement initiatives have on the lives of participants, fostering independence,
confidence, and a sense of belonging.

One aspect of my internship that has stood out to me is the strong sense of community
and camaraderie among participants, families, volunteers, and staff members at GiGi’s. The
inclusive nature of the center creates a space where individuals with Down syndrome can thrive,
build meaningful relationships, and pursue their passions and interests. It has been inspiring to
witness the resilience, determination, and joy of the individuals I have had the privilege of
working with, and their ability to overcome challenges and achieve their goals serves as a
constant reminder of the importance of advocating for inclusivity and accessibility in all aspects
of society. Witnessing the joy and sense of belonging that participants experience at GiGi’s has reaffirmed my belief in the importance of creating spaces that celebrate differences and promote acceptance.

Last semester at GiGi’ѕ Playhouse, І engaged in а more volunteer role. This semester І
have taken on more responsibility within the playhouse and have the official title of ‘intern’.
Throughout this semester, І helped support the LMNOP program we have at GiGi’ѕ. I
was а program leader for this class last semester, and this semester І have been acting as а kind
of ‘mentor’ for it. My goal was to help guide the new program leaders into their role as well as
aid them in what а lesson plan should look like/example activities to do that target sensory skills
as well as gross/fine motor skills. Another program І am involved in this semester is “Teen Tastic”. Teen Tastic is for participants 13 to 17 years old and focuses on building social skills with friends without Down
syndrome by participating in team-based activities in a casual and fun setting. Skill development
includes understanding compromise, turn-taking, and problem-solving abilities. Each week, we
play а few ‘get-to-know-you’ games, as well as making fun recipes in the kitchen that they can
recreate at home- it is tons of fun! An additional program І am involved in, GiGi Fit Adult, is а
program that introduces the key movements of foundational, hip strengthening, and
vestibular/balance exercises, making participants successful to implement and practice at any
stage of life! It focuses on improving areas of fitness through activities in strength, endurance,
joint stability, balance, and movement control, as well as promotes wellness through nutrition,
pushing through barriers, and building self-confidence. І helped with this program last semester,
so it is great to see so many familiar faces each week and continue building relationships with
the participants.

GiGi’ѕ Playhouse has given me so many opportunities to aid me in my future career as а
counselor, and І am sure it will give me many more! It has taught me the importance of ethics,
which is extremely important in the counseling profession. І think that being ethical, no matter
the profession but especially in human services, is one of the most important skills one can (and
should) possess. Thoughtful and impactful counselors understand that it is critically important to
develop a bond of trust and respect with their clients. It is this bond that frees clients to feel as
though they can be open and vulnerable without fearing judgment or a betrayal of confidence.
Overall, GiGi’ѕ Playhouse has confirmed to me that І love to help others, and how important
establishing rapport is in these relationships, whether that be with participants or my future
clients.

We thank all of our interns for choosing to spend their time at GiGi’s Playhouse Madison. We have welcomed so many incredible students over the past two years and are fortunate to be continuing our Programs Internship for the Spring 2025. We look forward to welcoming our next group of generational leaders!

Interested in becoming an Intern at GiGi’s Playhouse or want to learn more? Please reach out to Courtney, our Programs and Volunteer Manager, at cgamer@gigisplayhouse.org and she will connect with you on how your education and career interests can lead to a meaningful partnership with GiGi’s Playhouse.