Ds Story
Best of All Moment: Spontaneous Speech in Speech Therapy
Chrystal Ingram Williams, M.Ed., CCC-SLP, ABD, ASDCS, CBT I’m thrilled to share a heartwarming success story from our services for the Amina Grace Speech Therapy Program. One of our clients, who has been working tirelessly to increase his verbal communication skills, achieved a remarkable milestone – using his voice spontaneously to greet me with a…
Read MoreA Love Beyond Limits: Matthew Schwab and Lucia Romano’s Inspiring Journey
Love knows no boundaries, and it certainly transcends societal expectations. In a heartwarming story that unfolded at GiGi’s Playhouse’s National Conference in Chicago, two incredible individuals, Matthew Schwab and Lucia Romano, celebrated not only their love for each other but also a profound commitment to advocacy and breaking barriers for the Down syndrome community. Having…
Read More“Your child has Down syndrome” written by Playhouse Mom, Cheryl Byrne
My heart is full as October and Down Syndrome Awareness have come to a close. October was amazing! There is one word I am taking with me…..community. In 2011, holding my newborn, I felt so alone. In 2023, I no longer feel alone! My community is strong….OUR community is connected. Community is a big word…
Read MoreCelebrating GiGi’s Playhouse Best of All: Meet Rubie
In the heart of GiGi’s Playhouse, a place where every individual is celebrated for their uniqueness, there’s one little participant who’s been capturing hearts and spreading joy. Meet Rubie, an adorable one-year-old bundle of sunshine, with an infectious spirit and love for the music and baby & me yoga programs, as well as LMNOP. Rubie’s…
Read MoreDear Mom…
Dear Mom, As Mother’s Day approaches, I want to take a moment to let you know how much I appreciate everything you do for me. You are more than just a mom to me, you are my superhero, my role model, and my best friend. You have been my biggest supporter from the very beginning,…
Read MoreMotherhood
“I have learned that love doesn’t have to be perfect or conventional to be real, and my child has taught me to embrace the imperfections that make life beautiful.”
Read MoreGiGiFIT Acceptance Challenge Story, By: Ashley Schoenfisch
Nearly 30 years ago, I began my journey as a distance runner, and I believe strongly that distance running should be accessible and inclusive. Over the past 6 months, I had the opportunity to train alongside Playhouse participant Lucía for the GiGiFIT Acceptance Challenge 5K. Before I share our story, it’s important to say “Thank…
Read MoreWorld Down Syndrome Day by Lauren Ohnesorge
The call came just as I was pulling onto Ridge Road, my regular workaround way to the office as I try to avoid Crabtree traffic at all cost. “Are you sitting down?” she said. “I’m in my car, driving to my office.” And she just started talking. I kept driving, remarkably. Even circling in my…
Read MoreBest of All – Lossie & Thomas
“Good, Better, Best! Never Let It Rest! Until Your Good Is Better, And Your Better Is Best!” Author Unknown While there are a few sources of this quote, I love it and subscribe to it because it is one of the…
Read MoreSkanda’s Story by Sabitha Raghuraman Balaji
Skanda was born to us as a blessing at the Women’s Hospital in Greensboro, NC after 12 years of our wedlock filled with emotions and perseverance. We were too excited for the birth of the tiny-tot and little did we knew that he had an extra gift from God, the 21st chromosome! Special ones get…
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