GiGi’s was like oxygen for me

November 15, 2023

Elena and her husband had been trying to become pregnant for nine years. They had almost given up hope when Elena decided to take one last pregnancy test. The test came back positive. Very early in her pregnancy, they were diagnosed with Down syndrome and hydrocephalus (water on the brain), and her doctor asked if…

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10 things you can do for Down syndrome Awareness Month

September 28, 2023

October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness and promoting acceptance for individuals with Down syndrome. This annual observance aims to educate the public about this genetic condition and celebrate the achievements and abilities of those who have it. If you’re looking for ways to get involved and show your support,…

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Summertime Fun!

May 26, 2023

Woo Hoo Summer is here!!  We are ready for sunshine, popsicles, sprinklers/pools, s’mores, and lots of fun family time!  But let’s not forget that our children’s learning doesn’t stop just because school is not in session. This is a critical time for them to continue learning.  As parents, we all worry about our children falling…

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A letter to Jesus from Jr

March 15, 2023

The following is a letter written by Wayne Dunlap. Wayne’s son, Jr, was born with Down syndrome and is non-verbal. Recently, Wayne stated that teachers, bus drivers, and therapists have been reporting negative feedback about his son. Wayne knew his son better than anyone else and wanted to help raise his voice through this letter.…

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March 2022 Newsletter

March 9, 2023

  Website | Volunteer | Support  GiGi’s Playhouse Network Quarterly Newsletter   20 years ago, when I was pregnant with GiGi, I remember telling my husband, “This baby is already changing me for the better.  She is going to be the President or a World Leader!” From the womb, she was already pushing me to…

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Early intervention can have a significant impact on a child’s ability to learn new skills and increase their success in school and life.

February 28, 2023

From a prenatal diagnosis of having an individual with Down syndrome to taking those first steps to reading, GiGi’s has a variety of programs for early learners and their families (0-4). These programs are designed for individuals with Down syndrome and support the entire family. Our Early Learner programs include GiGiFIT, You & I, LMNOP (aka…

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Newsletter – Dec 2022

December 19, 2022

Check out GiGi’s Playhouse December 2022 newsletter! This edition highlights the year-end successes, including the expansion of their Down syndrome achievement centers and the impact of their free therapeutic and educational programs.

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Best of All – Celine

December 13, 2022

“Celine thoroughly enjoys GiGi’s Kitchen Adult. During the COVID pandemic, GiGi’s was the bright spot in her week. In fact, at one point, she participated every week in TWO GiGi’s cooking classes from Hoffman Estates & Annapolis. She looked forward to seeing the same friends each week. Now, Celine has much better cooking skills than when she…

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GiGi’s was in Chicago’s Magnificent Mile Lights Festival!

December 9, 2022

Have you heard how AWESOME we were in Chicago’s Magnificent Mile Lights Festival?! It was a cold day from start to finish, but GiGi’s brought warmth to the hearts of millions of people. A few weeks before the big event, we ordered 5,000 hot chocolate packets to hand out to everyone who would be lining…

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Looking for a gift for a child with Down syndrome?

December 2, 2022

Searching for gift ideas for those with Down syndrome? It can be tricky knowing what will be fun while still providing an element of learning. We’ve curated a list of items that help improve various skills while keeping children engaged. Please look at our recommendations and how they benefit individuals with disabilities.   1) Beehive…

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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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