5 Ways to Nurture Learning in Children with Down syndrome

July 8, 2020

Check out these 5 ways to nurture a love of learning in children with Down syndrome. SPARK CURIOSITY Ask an open-ended question… then WAIT! Sometimes children with Down syndrome just need a little extra processing time. Interruptions or too many questions can be overwhelming. When you give them time to answer they can truly show you…

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Down Syndrome in a COVID-19 World

June 24, 2020

Don’t high-five, don’t shake hands, don’t touch anything. Don’t travel, don’t leave the house unless you have to, and definitely don’t hug. We have all been bombarded with a list of do’s and don’ts during the COVID-19 pandemic. So it’s fairly common knowledge what we should and shouldn’t be doing to avoid catching or spreading…

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Reinventing GiGi’s in a virtual world

April 27, 2020

GiGi’s Playhouse network of 60 locations and startups were hit hard with the cancellation of over 50 GiGi’s events due to COVID-19. So, in typical GiGi’s style, we are going to come back with the biggest and best acceptance event ever! Introducing GiGi’s Virtual Step to Accept Across America hosted by 60 GiGi’s Playhouses across…

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The Power of Purpose

February 3, 2020

The Power of Purpose!! I spoke this past weekend at a Knights of Columbus retreat in front of hundreds of people who make it their mission to serve others. My mom was my hero and she taught me about serving others not only with her words but with her actions. She ran the SPRED group at our church for…

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Acceptance starts with a smile

January 22, 2020

Today we are welcoming GiGi’s Playhouse Syracuse mom, Beth, to our blog today to share some simple yet powerful encouragement. Dear My fellow Moms and Dads, I believe that we all want the same thing when it comes to our precious children. Whether we breastfeed or bottle-feed, home school, put them on that scary yellow…

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Justice for Jack! We need YOUR Help! #JusticeForJack

December 2, 2019

Jack, a freshman at Roncalli High School in Indiana and student manager for the football team, has Down syndrome and was assaulted because of it. Jack was abused, mocked, tormented, molested, and videotaped by his peers. This happened to him on multiple occasions when even a single instance is one time too many. All as…

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The Ripple Effect

November 5, 2019

Recently GiGi & I were in New Orleans doing a corporate event for the GiGi’s Playhouse New Orleans start-up team. While we were there we also were doing a book signing, we took an Uber to the signing and our uber driver was 81 years old, had 7 siblings and 33 Grandchildren! One of his…

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2019 Leadership Conference | Hoffman Estates, Illinois

October 23, 2019

2019 National Leadership Conference November 6-10, 2019 Hyatt Regency Schaumburg, 1800 East Golf Road, Schaumburg, IL 60173 In just a few weeks close to 400 leaders from across the US and Mexico will come together in Hoffman Estates for the annual Bigger, Better, Stronger Together Leadership Conference. Board members; professional business executives/owners, educators, therapists, GiGi’s…

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GiGi’s Math Program Leads to Independence

October 2, 2019

Math 2.0 The GiGi’s Playhouse One-on-One Math tutoring program has been around for over 8 years!  We now have 24 locations offering math tutoring with an average of 275 enrollments per session.  That is approximately 1,000 students each year!  We recently had an amazing opportunity to review and renew this program, creating streamlined Purposeful Progressions,…

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Keeping a promise, even when it is scary.

September 7, 2019

      When this picture popped up in my memories on Facebook, earlier this week, I got that same pit in my stomach that I had 6 years ago. Will this work, can we pay for it, did I go too far? Where am I going to get a million dollars to pay for…

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GenerationG Community Page

August 21, 2024

Born with Down syndrome, GiGi Gianni, Chief Inspiration Officer of GiGi’s Playhouse, has become an advocate for acceptance and inclusivity, a beacon of hope for those pushed to the margins of our society. Her global movement, #GenerationG, stands for every person with a disability who has ever been abused, discriminated against, or socially isolated. And…

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HYROX

July 31, 2024

#Run8Give8 We’re partnering with Hyrox, a National partner and sponsor of GiGi’s Playhouse, for the #Run8Give8 campaign! All proceeds from #Run8Give8 go to GiGi’s!  #Run8Give8 is a fun fitness challenge that promotes health and wellness. The challenge is simple:  Run or walk 8km (5 miles)  Donate $8   Tag 8 friends to join the challenge on…

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Steps to Start a Location

July 25, 2024

Thank you for your submission! We look forward to contacting you about starting your location. Below is an overview of the steps that you will need to complete. Before you Begin – Contact National Office & Organize Leadership Contact the National Office by sending an email to startup@gigisplayhouse.org to learn more about the process and…

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In the News

June 17, 2024

Down Syndrome In The News FDA APPROVES NEW ALZHEIMER’S DRUG July 11, 2024 There are newfound grounds for optimism in the Down syndrome community.  The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) just announced they’re approving Kisunla, a new drug developed by Eli Lilly and Company (Lilly). Kisunla has been shown in clinical trials to slow…

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April 9, 2024

What we offer GiGi’s Playhouse offers FREE therapeutic, educational and research-driven programs to individuals of all ages with Down syndrome. View our programs We are expanding our future! Help us expand our Playhouse Donate today We are expanding our future! Help us expand our Playhouse Donate today Our Mission: is to increase positive awareness of…

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Protected: GiGiFIT Kids 6-9 Resources

April 6, 2024

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GenerationG Community Next Steps

January 31, 2024

 Corporate | School |  #GenerationG Magazine  |  GiGi’s Playhouse Shop Donate #GenerationG aims to be the first widespread social movement for the ENTIRE disability community and sends a global message of acceptance for ALL!  Preview text You’re now a member of the #GenerationG Community, an army of change-makers set on making the world a kinder, better place…

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Protected: Dance Resources

December 9, 2023

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Protected: Music Resources

December 9, 2023

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Fundraise

November 16, 2023

Fundraise for GiGi’s Playhouse Celebration Club Celebrate your birthday, anniversary, promotion, Bar Mitzvah, or achievement (first steps, anyone?) by inviting your friends and family to support GiGi’s Playhouse. Find Out More Acceptance Challenge Corporate Opportunity Celebrate your birthday, anniversary, promotion, Bar Mitzvah, or achievement (first steps, anyone?) by inviting your friends and family to support…

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