Down Syndrome Acceptance Month 2017-Day 15

Down Syndrome Acceptance Month 2017-Day 15

We have been involved in GiGi’s Playhouse McHenry County since it began 8 years ago. This is where Rebecca first learned to read, practice her emerging social skills and go for just plain fun.

For the past few years, Rebecca has been a regular attendee at the Kids Club Group. This group is traditionally for kids 8-12, but since our playhouse doesn’t yet have someone to lead a teen group, the volunteer leaders modify the activities to fit a wider range of abilities and ages. The group’s latest leader, Mandi Rios, has been an outstanding volunteer since she jumped in over a year ago. She began as a helper for the group and when the last leader moved, Mandi took over. The kids had a smooth transition since they were already familiar with Mandi and her style. Every month the kids participate in a variety of activities during the 2 hours, from greeting each other to making a snack to games and crafts. Rebecca and the other kids are practicing their social skills in a friendly environment, without judgment or criticism. It’s been a joy to watch her and the other kids talk and share ideas with each other-just like a typical peer group. Those that are less verbal are still drawn into the exchanges, by allowing them to use their body language or facial expressions to communicate their needs or opinions. I only wish these alternate means of communication were more readily accepted and understood in the community at large.

Mandi recently shared with me a personal story I’d like to share now, in her words:

“A little over a year ago when I announced to my family I was going to volunteer for GiGi’s Playhouse, a Down syndrome achievement center. I’m embarrassed to say my son, 12 at the time, said, “What is Down syndrome anyway mom?” It hadn’t even occurred to me to teach him about DS up to that point. So then and over the course of the year I’ve been at GiGi’s, I talk to him and my other kids and anyone else who will listen about GiGi’s and I guess they have actually listened (amazing!) Yesterday, Justen, now 13, came home and said, “Mom, there’s a new girl on my bus. She doesn’t talk much. She has Down syndrome. She was sitting alone so I sat with her today and I’m gonna sit with her tomorrow too. She’s so cute. She doesn’t really talk but she smiles a lot. She’s in 5th grade. She did tell me that. And when I got off the bus I gave her a high 5. That made her smile big. Should I tell her about GiGi’s? Do you have a flyer or something? I almost fell over with emotion. Not only has GiGi’s made me a better person but it has made my children better, too.”

Justen came to the Kids Club yesterday as a volunteer and peer member. Before he arrived he told his mom that he was a bit anxious about going in. What if he said the wrong thing? What if he didn’t understand them or they didn’t understand him? What if he wasn’t accepted? His mom reassured him and to not worry about a thing. When he got there, he jumped right into the fray of activity. He played the games, painted the pumpkins and joined in the conversations. It was a fantastic party, as Rebecca shared with her dad afterwards. Most kids are anxious to fit in, be a part of a group and make new friends, disability or not. I hope Justen becomes a regular in the group, as I think all the kids accepted him, too.

By:  Rebecca’s Mom, Chris N.