All About Behavior and ABA

Welcome back, our GiGi’s community! During our recent Family Speaker: Parent University Program, Behavior and ABA, we had the pleasure of welcoming representatives from BCOTB, who shared valuable strategies and practical insights with our families. Their guidance helped caregivers better understand how to navigate challenging behaviors using ABA techniques, empowering them with tools to support…

Read More

Participant Best of All: Valencia Trujillo

Valencia Trujillo has recently taken both literal and figurative big steps toward achieving her Best of All moments. As one of the first participants selected for the 1-on-1 Occupational Therapy pilot program in Tampa, Valencia has gained confidence in walking independently and improving her balance. Through Dynamic Movement Intervention (DMI) therapy used in GiGi’s Playhouse…

Read More

Making Play Meaningful for Every Child

Welcome back, our GiGi’s community! At GiGi’s Playhouse, we know that play is more than just fun – it’s how children learn, connect, and grow!During our recent Parent University session, Building Social Play Skills in Children with SensoryProcessing Challenges, BayCare representatives joined us to share strategies and insights on howfamilies and caregivers can foster meaningful,…

Read More

Participant Best of All: Jenna Brennan

This months participant ‘Best of All’ goes to Jenna Brennan. Jenna has been taking part in various 1-on-1 programs at GiGi’s Playhouse Tampa for many years and recently made noticeable progress in our 1-on-1 Speech Program. Both Jenna’s mom Susan and Speech coordinator Kyle Hollis have verbalized that Jenna has been able to apply real…

Read More

Make Halloween Magical (Yet Manageable) for Children with Down syndrome

Hello, our GiGi’s Playhouse community! We are here to give you some insight and tips on how to makeHalloween magical and manageable for your child with Down syndrome. Halloween is an exciting timeand experience, but for children with Down syndrome, the experience can often feel overwhelming. Brightlights, loud noises, scary decorations, and social expectations can…

Read More

Volunteer Spotlight and Survey: Madeline DiPasquale

We want to shine a spotlight on one of our volunteers, Madeline DiPasquale, who served as an intern over the summer at GiGi’s Playhouse Tampa. Madeline is currently studying for her Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, with a minor in Psychology. Throughout the summer, Madeline was pivotal in her contributions to the Tampa Playhouse with…

Read More

Participant Best of All: James Randolph

This month’s participant ‘Best of All’ goes to James Randolph. James made many noticeable strides in the GiGiFIT Adult and GiGi’s Kitchen Adult programs on Saturdays. By having our program leads and assistants provide occasional 1-on-1 attention in order to adapt movements in the kitchen & gym, James was able to reach his Best of…

Read More

Creating Financial Confidence for Families with Special Needs

Welcome back, our GiGi’s community! We’re thrilled to share the valuable insights provided by Michael Ringel, which focuses on finance. Michael is a Chartered Special Needs Consultant with Special Needs Wealth Planning, LLC. Their purpose and mission is to help families plan for two lifetimes — the parents’ and the child with special needs —…

Read More

Importance of Early Exposure and Inclusion

Hello, our GiGi’s community!   We had the pleasure of welcoming a wonderful group of sixth graders from Christ the King Vacation Bible School. These young volunteers spent their morning helping us brighten and organize our playhouse, assembling informational folders and creating a vibrant, beautiful banner to encourage others to volunteer and support our cause.   Not…

Read More