Growing Together: How GiGi’s Playhouse Transformed Nick’s Journey
GiGi’s Playhouse Tampa takes the time to highlight one of our participants and his mom as to how GiGi’s has impacted their life.
These questions were answered by Nick who is a participant in our Group Speech Program:
- What’s your favorite thing to do at GiGi’s Playhouse?
- I go to speech class with Kat!
- Can you tell me about a friend you’ve made here?
- Victor, Johnathon, and Jenn are friends in my speech class.
- How does coming to GiGi’s Playhouse make you feel?
- Happy!
- What is your favorite thing to do in your speech class?
- Talk to my friends.
- How does GiGi’s Playhouse make you feel about yourself and your abilities?
- It makes me feel good.
These questions were answered by Paulette, Nick’s mom.
- What changes have you seen in Nick since y’all have started coming to GiGi’s?
- I have noticed some positive changes since Nick started participating in the group speech sessions at GiGi’s. He seems more self confident! He will introduce himself to people in order to learn their names. He continues to show improvement in keeping his hands away from his face when talking; he also continues to make progress in not interrupting and waiting his turn to initiate a conversation.
- How has GiGi’s Playhouse supported your family as a whole?
- As a parent of a special needs adult, I find comfort in knowing that GiGi’s is available as a resource and support.
- Are there particular programs or activities that have made the biggest difference?
- I can only speak of the speech and language group! This upcoming semester Nick hopes to participate in the literacy program also.
- How did you find out about the Playhouse?
- Nick participated in individual speech and language therapy sessions for many years at USF; that’s where we first met Professor Kat. She brought us to GiGi’s and also to the Exceptional Adults Ministry (EAM) at Christ the King Catholic Church where Nick participates in monthly bible study sessions. Nick LOVES bible study. If Nick could be a priest, he would!
- How has the community at Gigi’s impacted your child’s confidence, independence, or friendships?
- Nick’s participation in group speech sessions has improved his confidence, independence, and friendships. He initiates conversations with familiar and unfamiliar people in the community and at home. Sometimes I need to tell him to be quiet!! He also initiates phone calls to talk to family and friends.
- What would you want other families who are new to the Down syndrome community to know about GiGi’s Playhouse?
- There is hope!! GiGi’s is a place of hope; a place where your child can receive help to learn and improve functional skills in language, speech, math, literacy, and motor development. GiGi’s Playhouse understands that our children are lifelong learners, as we all are!
Nick’s mom, Paulette, is very grateful for the immediate impact GiGi’s has made on Nick’s life. GiGis
Playhouse Tampa offers one-on-one literacy tutoring, math tutoring, and speech therapy. The Playhouse
continues to offer signature and specialty programs that allow individuals with Down syndrome to explore, grow, and celebrate together in an inclusive and joyful community!
If you are interested in taking part in the free programs that we offer here at the Playhouse, you can email Tampa@gigisplayhouse.org for more information.
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