new born with Down syndrome, mom and dad.

You Are Not Your Fears – Parenting A Child With Down Syndrome.

We are welcoming one of our favorite moms back to the GiGi's Blog today with a great reminder our fears are not what we should be basing our "grade" as a parent on. Here’s a story. It’s kinda long but I promise it’s worth it. When I was pregnant I...
Down syndrome achievement volunteer

The power of Social Media: Meet Hannah Rose

We are thrilled to be offering THREE incredible GiGiFIT programs this summer and are always thankful for the incredible volunteers who make these programs possible!   Today we would like to introduce you to one of our GiGiFIT Adult volunteers, who found us through the power of social media! How...
Down syndrome achievement

Surprise Achievements at GiGi’s!

We are always ready to celebrate achievement at GiGi's Playhouse and Nataley gave us a great reason to cheer loud and proud! Let's set the stage for those of you who have not met our little powerhouse of a friend Nataley. Nataley is a five-year-old, determined little girl, with a...
little girl with Down syndrome playing in bubbles

Sharing Zoey to Change Perceptions

We are thrilled to welcome Heather, the proud mom of Zoey to GiGi's Blog today!  We asked Heather to share about Zoey and the wonderful little girl she is.  Enjoy and be prepared to smile!   Zoey came into this world pretty much the same way she lives it –...
family

Meet the Syracuse Board – Jason Ryan

We are continuing our Board of Managers introduction today with Jason Ryan. Jason is the Marketing Director at Dinosaur BBQ and is a valuable part of the GiGi's leadership team.  Since joining the board Jason has shared his energy, creativity, passion for acceptance for all, and much more! We asked...
Little girl with Down syndrome blowing bubbles

Down Syndrome & Learning. 8 Tips.

All people with Down syndrome experience some level of cognitive delays, this does not halt or lessen the many strengths and talents that each individual possesses.  At GiGi's Playhouse, we believe in the potential of individuals with Down syndrome and work every day to support achievement and success through our...
Down syndrome Acceptance

2021 Calendars are HERE! Acceptance all year!

2021 Calendar: Stories of Acceptance   GiGi’s Playhouse produces quality, professional calendars year after year impacting our communities and raising acceptance for individuals with Down syndrome. As with all communications, we want the calendar to share the mission & WHY of GiGi’s Playhouse, which is to change the way the world views Down syndrome and...
Copy of GenG

Down Syndrome Awareness. It’s Not Enough.

October 1st began Down syndrome Awareness Month but awareness is not nearly enough. Awareness is simply acknowledging an existence, a challenge, etc. Human beings are so much more than existence or a challenge. Let's turn our awareness to acceptance! Acceptance is an ACTION and a commitment to extending consistent value,...
Down syndrome facts

3 Common Down Syndrome Myths & The Facts

  Happy Down Syndrome Awareness (or as we like to call it) Acceptance Month! We thought this would be a great time to talk about some common myths about Down syndrome. Some that we may or may not have thought were true before entering our own unique journey.   Myth...
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Giving Back at GiGi’s Playhouse | Glenn MacIntosh

Our GiGi's Board of Managers introductions continues with Board Vice President, Glenn MacIntosh.   Our Board Vice-President, Glenn MacIntosh, is certainly no stranger to GiGi’s Playhouse Syracuse. He and his family have been involved with GiGi’s since before the playhouse opened. His son, Hayden, is a regular participant in our...
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Navigating Your Child’s IEP In Today’s World

  As our country adjusts to a new way of life, public school districts across the nation must prepare to do their part as well. Now more than ever, it is important that individuals with special learning needs have access to appropriate educational materials and up to date plans to...
Down syndrome

Finding The Silver Lining

Welcome back to the #GiGisBlog Beth Craver.  I think we can all agree that some days finding a silver lining can feel hard or even impossible, but we promise they are there! We love how Beth is sharing hers. Enjoy xo I’m not sure you know, but these are unprecedented...