Exercising Acceptance & Inclusion: Why Words Matter
Soraya, an aspiring writer, lounges in primary colors at GiGi's. Words have power; they both express and shape how we think. The language we use can either uplift each other, or reinforce outdated stereotypes. That’s why it’s so important to be intentional with our words. By using respectful language, we...
Spotlight: Our Work Skills Partner Albertina Kerr
Litsa, Mr. Moose, and Hannah. At GiGi’s Playhouse Portland, we believe that work builds confidence, independence, and a sense of purpose. In collaboration with Albertina Kerr, our site has been a place for individuals with Down syndrome to develop job readiness skills in a supportive, low-pressure environment. Albertina Kerr, founded...
Celebrate World Down Syndrome Day in Style at Our Dress-Up & Dance!
GiGi Gianni, dressed in her finest, dances with her sweetheart. Get ready to shine at our World Down Syndrome Day Dress-Up & Dance! We’re inviting families to dress up in their finest cocktail or formalwear, strike a pose for our volunteer photographers, and dance the day away! This event is...
Spotlight: Our LMNOP Partner, Pace Pediatric Therapy
At GiGi's Playhouse Portland, we are proud to partner with Pace Pediatric Therapy on our LMNOP program for ages 0 - 3. As you know, parenting a child with Down syndrome comes with unique joys and challenges, and having the right community partners can make all the difference. Pace Pediatric...
The Story Thus Far – Teen Tastic
Teen Tastic was the very first program to be held at GiGi’s Playhouse Portland on October 1st, 2024, and continues to be a fun and action-packed time for teens of any ability! The Olympics came to GiGi’s thanks to Teen Tastic, and our participants athletes proved their winning spirits with...
Explore Educational Excellence at the Virtual GiGi’s Educator Symposium
As our world inches closer to acceptance for all abilities, GiGi’s Playhouse continues to pave the way for progress. On March 8th, 2025, the annual GiGi’s Educator Symposium for both educators and families is coming to your screen. This free, virtual event is designed to equip participants with teaching strategies...
Spotlight: Our Friend Gleb
Gleb and his family, Alexey and Trifon. Gleb (27) and his family moved from Russia to the United States 11 years ago. They first attended Family Fun, and followed up with Fantastic Friends 3 weeks later. Gleb is nonverbal, usually does not interact much with others, and occasionally uses an...
GiGi’s Playhouse Portland’s First 100 Days…
Happy New Year from the Pacific Northwest’s First Down Syndrome Achievement Center...GiGi’s Playhouse Portland! Tabletop painting at Destination Discovery. Bowling with Teen Tastic Minute-to-Win-It at Fantastic Friends. It’s been an incredible first hundred days of serving families, raising amazing volunteers, working out the inevitable “kinks”, equipping the playhouse for...
The Story Thus Far: Fantastic Friends
Growing up doesn’t have to mean growing bored! Adults of many abilities have been making Fantastic Friends at GiGi’s Playhouse Portland an incredibly fun program. Here are some of the highlights so far: Participants and volunteers pose under the leftover Grand Opening arch at the inaugural Fantastic Friends session. At...
New Year, New Fitness Routine! GiGiFIT Kids is coming to Portland!
Let’s face it: fitness is hard to keep up on. With all of our appointments, meetings, activities, chores, and physical challenges, finding time and energy to enjoy fitness as a family can feel almost insurmountable. GiGi’s Playhouse Portland is proud to announce the launch of GiGiFIT Kids for the 2025 Spring...
American Sign Language as a Communication Support
https://youtube.com/shorts/zTdu5vdKHLs?feature=share Did you know American Sign Language (ASL) is the third most-used language in the United States? Learning word signs in ASL is a great way to widen one’s communication abilities. This is especially true for individuals with Down syndrome, who often process visual cues faster than verbal ones. Combining...
Spotlight Interview: Soraya
Soraya (left) talks with Franco Gianni (right) at the grand opening of GiGi's Playhouse Portland in September 2024. Soraya has been one of our most consistently attending participants. She is a writer, an avid reader, a coffee enthusiast, and a woman with Down syndrome. After becoming familiar with Fantastic Friends...