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...
Program Spotlight: Ups and Downs at LMNOP
LMNOP had one of its most exciting sessions yet on November 26th! Brand new participants joined their more experienced peers for a lesson centered on the signs “Up” and “Down.” Melissa demonstrates the sign for "Kitchen." Circle time began as usual, during which Melissa from PACE Pediatric Therapy demonstrated...
Best of All Round-Up: November 2024
November was a great month for Best of All moments. These are moments that might seem insignificant, but are part of the long journey of growth that every individual goes through. Celebrating small-ish victories helps us remember that progress is often slow and almost imperceptible. Briana poses like a BTS...
Building Communication Skills in Children with Down Syndrome: What Science Tells Us
An enthusiastic mom signs "brother" with her two young children at LMNOP. A recently released research review in the International Review of Research in Developmental Disabilities revealed the power of encouraging speech development early in the life of a child with Down syndrome. These researchers assert that caregivers and parents should...
GiGi’s Playhouse Celebrated its “Twenty-first” with an Amazing and Inspiring National Conference held November 6-10, 2024
Nancy Gianni dances with Ambassadors and attendees on Saturday evening. Over 350 GiGi’s Playhouse staff, board members and volunteers descended on Schaumberg, Illinois, where they were treated to inspiring stories, compelling visions, playhouse “best practices” and an overwhelming sense of inclusion in a growing and loving family. Staff and...
Program Spotlight: Family Fun in October
Silas and Aidyn explore shadow puppets and Jack-o-lantern faces with their dads. These days, it can be hard to find new friends. Family Fun at GiGi’s Playhouse Portland is the place to go to find friends and connections in the Down syndrome community and beyond. Kids of all ages play...
Down Syndrome Awareness Month 2024 in Review: The Numbers
A mix of participants and volunteers enjoy the sensory play area during Family Fun. Since our inaugural program session on Tuesday, October 1st, it has been a whirlwind of programming and fundraising at GiGi’s Playhouse Portland! Down Syndrome Awareness Month 2024 will be one to remember. Instead of pontificating about...
November Fun: Cozy Indoor Activities
With November’s dreary weather settling in, the season to enjoy some cozy indoor fun has arrived! Whether you’re taking part in GiGi’s signature programs or exploring local play spaces, there are plenty of ways to keep spirits high this month. Here’s a roundup of indoor activities to make the most...
Volunteer Spotlight: The Extraordinary Elena!
Meet Elena, one of our passionate volunteers and a co-lead for Destination Discovery and Family Fun at GiGi’s Playhouse Portland. She’s been an incredible force of service over just one month after our grand opening; she brought in her personal communication support binder and helped us build our visual schedules!...
Recap: GiGi’s Playhouse Portland 2024 Fall Fundraiser
On a beautiful fall evening, the GiGi’s Playhouse Portland community gathered at TopGolf Hillsboro for a night of kindness, acceptance, and generosity at the annual Fall Fundraiser. Thanks to the Portland community, we surpassed our goal of $100,000! The evening began with a sobering set of statistics delivered by the GiGi’s...
Portland, Oregon Welcomes the 61st Location of GiGi’s Playhouse Down Syndrome Achievement Center…Launching Six FREE Programs in October…Down Syndrome Awareness Month!
Portland turned out to welcome the 61st location of GiGi’s Playhouse to the Rose City in a ribbon cutting and grand opening celebration at GiGi’s new location - 8538 SW Apple Way, Portland. GiGi’s Playhouse founder, Nancy Gianni, and her daughter, Gigi greeted and thanked community members for believing and...