Building Stronger Voices: Our Growing Partnership with Xavier University

At GiGi’s Playhouse New Orleans, long-term partnerships help us expand access to high-quality, consistent services for individuals with Down syndrome. One such partnership is with the Xavier University Speech & Language Pathology Department, which began in January 2025 and continues to grow in impact.

This Spring marks the second year of collaboration and the fourth session of services provided through the Amina Grace Speech and Language Program, sponsored by the Oscar J. Tolmas Charitable Trust. Through this program, Xavier is currently serving five participants, providing individualized speech and language therapy that supports communication skills, confidence, and independence.

Xavier’s graduate students work closely with participants using evidence-based practices to support meaningful progress. In addition to direct services, GiGi’s Playhouse New Orleans supported advanced LSVT training for Xavier graduate students, helping strengthen long-term access to specialized speech therapy for individuals with Down syndrome across the Greater New Orleans area. This investment supports sustainability by increasing the number of trained providers available to serve our community.

We are deeply grateful to Melissa and the entire Xavier Speech & Language Pathology team for their commitment to our families and their dedication to inclusive, community-centered care. Partnerships like this allow GiGi’s Playhouse New Orleans to increase program capacity, support continuity, and ensure our participants receive high-quality speech and language services—always free of charge.

Together, we are building stronger voices and brighter futures.