training
GiGiFIT Spotlight
Our FREE GiGiFIT programs combine physical therapy with a strong fitness-focus and an ultimate goal of success and improved movement. GiGiFIT was created in collaboration with skilled Physical Therapists who work specifically with individuals with Down syndrome. The GiGiFIT programs are designed to address common issues for individuals with Down syndrome including hypotonia, excessive joint…
Read MoreProgram Highlight – Destination Discovery is more than making crafts
Cody gave his Best Of All at Virtual Destination Discovery. He followed all the directions and showed off his fine motor skills during the Polar Bear craft. Then he used problem-solving skills building an igloo out of marshmallows and popsicle sticks and later worked on his core muscles to balance during Winter Yoga. He was…
Read MoreI was unaware that resources for this population were lacking
This fall we partnered with students attending Concordia University. Specifically students in the Health Promotion course as part of the Physical Therapy Department. Throughout the course, two students were tasked with creating lessons to use at GiGi’s Playhouse Milwaukee. Throughout the Fall the students continually reflected on the task and exclaimed that they were “unaware…
Read MoreProgram Highlight – Collaboration with University speech and language students supports all of us!
The Amina Grace Speech and Language with Marquette program is a fantastic collaboration between Marquette University and GiGi’s Playhouse Milwaukee. Last fall this collaboration was called Talk It Up with Marquette and this year it has evolved into a guided program with strategic outcomes based on students’ needs and skills and has changed its name…
Read MorePulling For Down syndrome!
Wisconsin Arm Sports Thanks so much to WI Arm Sports for your support, training, and especially for extending the invitation to include our friends in the State Arm Wrestling Tournament. We are so grateful for your kindness and for inspiring us all to try our best, we are all #strongertogether! Thank you especially to Lee and…
Read MoreProgram Highlight – GiGi Kitchen – Coming Soon!
GiGi’s Kitchen emphasizes the importance of health and wellness through nutrition education, kitchen safety, food preparation, social activities, and a shared meal/snack. Participants will learn about and progress through kitchen independence skills including measurements, food handling, knife skills, ingredient identification, palette expansion, and nutrition. Participants will be introduced to various cooking techniques and will increase…
Read MoreGiGi’s Step to Accept Challenge
GiGi’s Step to Accept Challenge TOGETHER we are showing the world what acceptance looks like! We’re so excited to celebrate inclusion virtually across the world on June 6th. TOGETHER we will be making history as 60 GiGi’s Playhouse locations and startups unite on June 6th to take 7 million Steps to Accept across America. With…
Read MoreBig muscles and an even bigger heart!
Wisconsin State Arm Wrestling Championship pulling for Down syndrome Milwaukee, Wis., February 3, 2020 – GiGi’s Playhouse Milwaukee, our community’s only Down syndrome achievement center, will benefit from an event with big muscles and an even bigger heart. The 2020 Wisconsin State Arm Wrestling Championship will even include a special division dedicated to arm wrestlers…
Read MoreKohl’s donation brings innovative Down syndrome fitness program to GiGi’s Playhouse Milwaukee
Press Release, Grant awarded. Milwaukee, Wis., January 21, 2020 – A one-of-a-kind free fitness program is coming to GiGi’s Playhouse Milwaukee to help kids of all ages with Down syndrome live a healthy lifestyle, thanks to a $30,000 grant from Kohl’s Cares®. “While many think Down syndrome is solely an intellectual disability, kids with Down…
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