World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD) is observed annually on March 21st.
It was first observed in 2006 in many countries and officially recognized by the United Nations in 2012. The date, March 21st, was chosen to signify the uniqueness of the triplication (trisomy) of the 21st chromosome, which causes Down syndrome.
It’s a day of celebration for people across the globe who are blessed with that extra chromosome. Join us in promoting a world of inclusion and the celebration at each GiGi’s Playhouse.
Did you know?
Down syndrome occurs in 1 in every 700 births in the United States.
Life expectancy for a person with Down syndrome is now 60 years.
Children with special needs are more than two and a half times as likely to be bullied than the general student population.
What you can do to celebrate World Down Syndrome Day…
Take The Pledge
Take the #GenerationG Pledge and then challenge 10 people to take it!
Love on the Spectrum is a show that follows various individuals on the autism spectrum on their search for love. Tanner was a breakout star in season 2, no doubt due to his upbeat personality and his incredibly positive outlook on life.
Season 3 of A Little Something Extra is starting off with a bang, featuring John and Mark Cronin the father/son duo behind John’s Crazy Socks!
Las Vegas was filled with excitement as GiGi’s Playhouse welcomed hundreds of eager attendees to the grand opening of its 59th Playhouse, igniting a spark of hope and possibility! This team made it through the pandemic and built an amazing team of Believers!! Board president Mark Huse was also a part of the Quad Cities start up team 13 years ago!!
Representatives from the city, county, and state joined hands in solidarity with scores of families pledging support for inclusivity. From the East Coast to the West, we are showing the power of GiGi’s Playhouse to make a more inclusive community for all!
A parent in attendance said they had not heard of GiGi’s Playhouse until they saw a social media post for the opening. She was so excited that she declared, “GiGi’s Playhouse is going to be our second home!”
Check out this video of GiGi hosting the Las Vegas opening! See it on Facebook, Instagram or TikTok
City Wide Facility Solutions steps up as National Partner
City Wide Facility Services doubles down on its commitment to grow acceptance and employee culture by inviting GiGi’s Playhouse to its annual convention in Charleston South Carolina. To top it off, on the last day of the conference, they hosted a gala style event with their 100+ franchisees that raised almost $600,000 for GiGi’s Playhouse and our mission for global acceptance!! City Wide has locations all over the US that will be partnering with their local Playhouses.
From CEO Jeff Oddo to his franchises: “I want you to see the impact directly. You are going to feel really good about our support of GiGi’s Playhouse.”
Thank you for believing!
A 50% match rate MEANS 50% of our students are on a wait list.
Literacy & Math tutoring at GiGi’s starts at age three and continues throughout life! From initial number sense through algebra and from letter recognition to chapter books, GiGi’s Playhouse teaches thousands of students using proven strategies for individuals with Down syndrome. We build confidence, independence and critical skills – all while having fun! Dedicating just over an hour a week can dramatically impact a student’s life. But don’t be surprised if you’re the one gaining more than you imagined along the way.
Don’t think you can tutor a student in Math or Literacy? Read some myths & facts about tutoring from GiGi’s Madison here
Our LMS/GiGi’s Training Site allows you to train and get certified as a tutor when it is convenient for you!
DONATE TODAY
Make a donation to change the life of an individual or family.
Get Your Own Extra Chromosome for World Down Syndrome Day
This World Down Syndrome Day, show your support for the Down syndrome community by purchasing your very own extra chromosome! GiGi’s Playhouse created the My Extra Chromosome campaign to honor those who were born with a little something extra. People with Down syndrome have an extra copy of their 21st chromosome, which can affect how their brains and bodies develop. Wearing your extra chromosome represents your love for people with Down syndrome and your commitment to be accepting of all!
With every pendent purchased from the GiGi’s Playhouse Chromosome Collection, Diamonds Direct will donate 20% back to GiGi’s Playhouse to fund their 100% free therapeutic, educational and career social programs!
Check out GiGi’s Playhouse March 2024 newsletter! Celebrate World Down Syndrome Day on March 21st and join the global movement for inclusion. This edition features the grand opening of the 59th Playhouse in Las Vegas, exciting updates from the GiGiFIT Acceptance Challenge, and the new City Wide Facility Solutions partnership raising nearly $600,000.
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At GiGi’s Playhouse, we believe Down Syndrome deserves to be celebrated on the world’s stage. On Thursday, March 20, GiGi Gianni is doing everything she can to ensure that happens. GiGi, the 22-year-old namesake and Chief Inspiration Officer of GiGi’s Playhouse, will be taking the stage at the United Nations...
World Down Syndrome Day: Celebrating Progress and Unleashing Unlimited Potential
March 14, 2025
Every day, people around the world demonstrate that nothing is impossible. Athletes, musicians, professionals, parents, children, and others constantly break barriers, defy expectations, and achieve remarkable feats. Individuals with Down syndrome are no different; March 21st is World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD) — a day that holds significant meaning for...
GiGi’s Playhouse and Harry Moon Books Launch Inclusive Book Highlighting Down Syndrome
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CHICAGO, March 14, 2025 – GiGi’s Playhouse, the only network of Down Syndrome Achievement Centers, is thrilled to announce the release of Harry Moon’s “GiGi’s Journey,” a new collaborative book with Harry Moon Books, the beloved children’s series. This partnership will introduce GiGi, an eighth- grade girl with Down syndrome,...
