{"id":141653,"date":"2024-09-21T17:26:17","date_gmt":"2024-09-21T22:26:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/rockford\/?page_id=141653"},"modified":"2026-01-09T16:00:37","modified_gmt":"2026-01-09T22:00:37","slug":"dsam","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/rockford\/dsam","title":{"rendered":"DSAM"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\t
\n\t
\n\t\t
\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\n
\n\t\t\t
\n\t
\n\t
\n\t\t
\n\t
\n\t\t\t\t\"Down\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n\t
\n\t\t
\n\t

What is Down Syndrome Awareness Month?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Originally established in the 1980s, the month of October is set aside to raise understanding of Down syndrome and the amazing abilities people with the diagnosis have.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\n\t
\n\t\t
\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\n
\n\t\t\t
\n\t
\n\t
\n\t\t
\n\t

Celebrate Every Win. <\/span><\/span>Choose Acceptance.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h1>\n<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\n
\n\t\t\t
\n\t
\n
\n\t\t\t
\n\t
\n\t
\n\t\t
\n\t

This October, move beyond awareness. Join GiGi\u2019s Playhouse in championing acceptance\u2014where every milestone, big or small, is a step toward a more inclusive world.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\n\t
\n\t\t
\n\t

October is nationally recognized as<\/span> Down Syndrome Awareness Month,<\/span><\/b> but at GiGi\u2019s Playhouse, we believe it\u2019s time to go further. For us, it\u2019s not just about awareness; it\u2019s about <\/span>acceptance<\/span><\/b>.\u00a0 Awareness says, \u201cI see you.\u201d But acceptance says, \u201cYou belong here.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Every achievement\u2014whether it\u2019s saying a new word, riding a bike, or preparing a meal\u2014is a powerful reminder of what\u2019s possible when we believe in potential.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

When we celebrate these wins loudly, we shift perceptions, and that\u2019s how achievement leads to acceptance. At GiGi\u2019s, we celebrate every win\u2014because achievement builds confidence, confidence shifts perceptions, and shifting perceptions leads to true acceptance. <\/span>And acceptance changes everything.<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t

\n\t
\n\t
\n\t\t
\n\t
\n\t\t\t\t\"DSAM\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n\t
\n\t\t
\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\n
\n\t\t\t
\n\t
\n\t
\n\t\t
\n\t

Be Part of the Movement:<\/span><\/span><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\n
\n\t\t\t
\n\t
\n\t
\n\t\t
\n\t
\n\t<\/a>
\n\t\t\t
\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\"girl-holding-generation-g-magazine\"\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>

#GenerationG Magazine<\/h3><\/div>\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t

#GenerationG is a worldwide movement that goes beyond Down syndrome to send a global message of acceptance for ALL!! We created this magazine as another avenue to spread acceptance and awareness while celebrating the Down syndrome diagnosis!\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t

\n\t
\n\t
\n\t\t
\n\t
\n\t<\/a>
\n\t\t\t
\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\"gigi\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>

GiGi's Journey<\/h3><\/div>\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t

We\u2019re thrilled to announce our new collaborative book with Harry Moon Books: GiGi\u2019s Journey.\u00a0<\/span>This magical, whimsical story aimed at young readers ages 7 to 12 features magic, adventure, and a charismatic main character... who just happens to have Down syndrome<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t

\n\t
\n\t
\n\t\t
\n\t
\n\t<\/a>
\n\t\t\t
\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\"volunteerlove-mobile\"\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>

Volunteer<\/h3><\/div>\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t

GiGi\u2019s Playhouse is a volunteer-run organization and we rely on the skill and dedication of volunteers of various levels of expertise to keep our programs vibrant, educational, purposeful, fun, and free.<\/p>\n<\/div>\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t

\n\t
\n\t
\n\t\t
\n\t
\n\t<\/a>
\n\t\t\t
\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\"gigi_ft-wayne_2024-256.jpg_compressed\"\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>

Give<\/h3><\/div>\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t

Make a donation to change the life of an individual or family.<\/p>\n<\/div>\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\n\t
\n\t\t
\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\n
\n\t\t\t
\n\t
\n\t
\n\t\t
\n\t
\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/i>\n\t\t\t\t\t\tDonate Today!<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/i>\n\t\t\t\t\t\tFind a Playhouse Near You<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/i>\n\t\t\t\t\t\tVolunteer<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n\t
\n\t\t
\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\n
\n\t\t\t
\n\t
\n\t
\n\t\t\t\t\"gengerationg\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t
\n\t
\n\t

Why Acceptance Matters<\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n

Awareness is good. Acceptance is transformative. <\/span><\/span>Awareness sees difference. Acceptance sees potential\u2014and acts.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Your support helps fund free educational, therapeutic, and <\/span>career development<\/span> programs that empower participants of all ages to reach their goals<\/span>, shift <\/span>perceptions<\/span>, and<\/span> show the world <\/span>what\u2019s<\/span> possible.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\n\t
\n\t\t
\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\n
\n\t\t\t
\n\t
\n\t

Celebrate Our Champions<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n

Throughout October, <\/span>we\u2019ll<\/span> feature four inspiring individuals who are achieving personal milestones every day.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

From mastering literacy to thriving in the kitchen or gym, these stories will inspire and invite you to celebrate every win with us.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\n\t
\n\t\t
\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\n
\n\t\t\t
\n\t
\n\t
\n\t\t
\n\t

Four Simple Ways to Act<\/span><\/span><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\n
\n\t\t\t
\n\t
\n\t
\n\t\t
\n\t
\n\t<\/a>
\n\t\t\t
\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\"girl-holding-generation-g-magazine\"\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>

#GenerationG Magazine<\/h3><\/div>\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t

Request a #GenerationG Magazine \u2013 Honor and celebrate individuals with Down syndrome; share it with friends and neighbors<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t

\n\t
\n\t
\n\t\t
\n\t
\n\t<\/a>
\n\t\t\t
\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\"gigi\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>

GiGi's Journey<\/h3><\/div>\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t

Gift the Harry Moon: GiGi\u2019s Journey Book \u2013 Spread a story of acceptance to teachers, families, and kids.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t

\n\t
\n\t
\n\t\t
\n\t
\n\t<\/a>
\n\t\t\t
\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\"volunteerlove-mobile\"\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>

Volunteer<\/h3><\/div>\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t

Volunteer \u2013 Offer your time at a local Playhouse or online. Our programs are 99% <\/span>volunteer-led<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t

\n\t
\n\t
\n\t\t
\n\t
\n\t<\/a>
\n\t\t\t
\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\"gigi_ft-wayne_2024-256.jpg_compressed\"\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>

Give<\/h3><\/div>\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t

Give \u2013 Fuel free, life-changing programs at your local Playhouse or at our national headquarters.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\n\t
\n\t\t
\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\n
\n\t\t\t
\n\t
\n\t

Your Impact<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

Your celebration is more than a gesture.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span>
<\/span>- It empowers someone to read independently.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span>
<\/span>- It helps a teen discover healthy cooking.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span>
<\/span>- It strengthens a young adult\u2019s confidence in the workplace.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span>
<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>
<\/span>Every gift of time, treasure, or talent creates a ripple of acceptance across communities.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t

\n\t
\n\t
\n\t\t
\n\t
\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"square-20250322_143334558_iOS-(3)\"\n\t\t\t\t\t
<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n\t
\n\t\t
\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\n
\n\t\t\t
\n\t
\n\t

Join us this October. Celebrate Every Win. Choose Acceptance.<\/span><\/span><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n
\n\t
\n\t\t
\n\t
\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/i>\n\t\t\t\t\t\tDonate Today!<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/i>\n\t\t\t\t\t\tFind a Playhouse Near You<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/i>\n\t\t\t\t\t\tVolunteer<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n\t
\n\t\t
\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\n
\n\t\t\t
\n\t
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\n
\n\t\t\t
\n\t
\n\t
\n\t\t
\n\t
\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\"GenerationG\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n\t
\n\t\t
\n\t

#GenerationG Magazine, Issue 2<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t

\n\t
\n\t
\n\t\t
\n\t
\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\"31\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n\t
\n\t\t
\n\t

Click the image to download 31 ways to spread Acceptance!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t

\n\t
\n\t
\n\t\t
\n\t
\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\"activity-book-cover-2023\"\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n\t
\n\t\t
\n\t

Click the image to download our Activity Book!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\n\t
\n\t\t
\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\n
\n\t\t\t
\n\t
\n\t
\n\t\t
\n\t

#myDSstory, stories from our community<\/b><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n\t
\n\t\t
\n\t\t\n\t
\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t
\n\n\t
<\/div><\/div>
<\/div>
<\/div>
<\/div>\n\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n \t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t
\n\t\t\t\t\"pieces-for-web-summer-campaign\"\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHow To Promote Down Syndrome Acceptance on Social Media\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n Social media can be a powerful tool for change\u2026  when it\u2019s used with intention and respect. If you\u2019re wondering how to talk about Down syndrome online in a way that actually promotes acceptance, you\u2019re not...<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n
\n\n\t
<\/div><\/div>
<\/div>
<\/div>
<\/div>\n\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n \t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t
\n\t\t\t\t\"couple\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCan People with Down Syndrome Date and Get Married?\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n Love is universal. Chromosomes don\u2019t limit the desire for connection, companionship, and marriage; it\u2019s part of being human. Since October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month, we\u2019re taking time to challenge some of the most common...<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n
\n\n\t
<\/div><\/div>
<\/div>
<\/div>
<\/div>\n\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n \t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t
\n\t\t\t\t\"Franco-Gianni---E81DBA8D-263A-4CF2-8176-D4EBB173F7F8\"\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t10 Famous People with Down Syndrome: Raising Acceptance in the Media\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n Ever dreamt of walking a red carpet, competing on a global stage, or starring in your favorite movie? These ten incredible individuals with Down syndrome are not just dreaming it. They are living it! These...<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t
<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t