Posts Tagged ‘bestofall’
Growing, Learning and Sharing-a National Conference for Down Syndrome Recap
As an organization, we look forward to our National Conference each year because it means we have the opportunity to network with the other incredible Playhouses and national staff, learn by attending important discussions and share our local Madison best practices. Our local Playhouse collaborates with all the Wisconsin Playhouses because we are truly…
Read MoreDown Syndrome Awareness Month- REAL Perspectives from REAL Local Families: Henry
This year, to celebrate Down Syndrome Awareness Month, we asked a few of our Playhouse families and friends to give their REAL perspective on what it’s like to love someone with Down syndrome. Throughout the month, we’ll be sharing their stories! Meet Henry – Answers from Henry’s Mom, Cacy How would you describe your…
Read MoreChildhood Cancer Awareness Month- A Local Family’s Perspective
September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and we wanted to introduce you to Matt and his family. Matt is an energetic 8 year old that has been part of the GiGi’s Playhouse family for the entire time we’ve been in existence. His smile and personality light up a room. He’s the youngest of 4 siblings…
Read MoreSelf-Advocate Blog Inspiration
Blog Post by Self- Advocate Committee Co-Leader, Maya Greengus You are probably going to say these are jelly beans and ask what’s important about that. It’s more than two candies sitting on a desk. The colors signifies the point of what I’m writing about. Blue and yellow means to me that when you are…
Read MoreFinding 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 MoreVolunteers that Inspire
April is Volunteer Appreciation month and we are sharing another inspiring story with you. Betsy and Jayna in a literacy session Betsy Kelley is a new volunteer and first time Literacy tutor with GiGi’s. From the very beginning Betsy has given her own “best of all” by fully preparing for her role through completing her…
Read MoreWorld Down Syndrome Day- A New Mom’s Perspective
Guest post by Playhouse mom- Allie World Down Syndrome Day This day is celebrated on March 21st, or 3/21. This date was selected because Down syndrome is created by a 3rd copy of the 21st chromosome. This time last year, I felt dread and guilt on this day. I watched parents and teachers…
Read MoreNever Too Young to Live Generation G
Generation G in Action! In December 2021 our Site Director and Advocate Committee co-chair were invited to visit a 4th and 5th grade classroom to share what it means to be Generation G. Our friend Finn and his teacher reached out to us to see if we would be willing and we jumped at the…
Read MoreGold Medal Worthy Down Syndrome Awareness Fall Fest
On October 2nd, we kicked off Down Syndrome Acceptance/Awareness Month (DSAM) with a Fall Fest where families and community members came to Ahuska Park in Monona for an afternoon of fun and surprises. The event included an activity fair planned by a group of Madison College Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) students, a performance by…
Read MoreAcceptance for All – We Challenge You!
What is an Acceptance Challenge? The mission of GiGi’s Playhouse is to CHANGE the world views Down syndrome and bring a global message of ACCEPTANCE for all! Our nation wide GiGiFIT Acceptance Challenge aims to do just that. We are working on challenging 1 million people across the world to say “I accept you for…
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