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We’re celebrating World Down Syndrome Day all month long! 

At GiGi’s Playhouse, we’re not just honoring Down syndrome; we’re uplifting the voices, talents, and achievements of individuals who were Born to be Heard. 

Individuals with Down syndrome aren’t standing on the sidelines. These voices cannot be ignored. They are leaders, learners, creators, employees, classmates, and teammates. They are stepping forward and showing the world that their voices and gifts matter. 

We stand beside them, providing free, purposeful programs. Last year alone, GiGi’s Playhouse delivered over 400,000 hours of programs that build the skills, confidence, and community that help those voices shine even brighter. 

But we can’t do it without you. 

In honor of World Down Syndrome Day, help us continue amplifying voices. 

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Share Your Born to be Heard Story

Every voice matters, and we want to hear yours! 

In celebration of World Down Syndrome Day, families, participants, and supporters are invited to share stories of achievement. 

How have you, or someone you love with Down syndrome, stepped boldly into the world and been heard? 

Your story could be featured as part of the Born to be Heard celebration, inspiring others and helping amplify the voices of individuals with Down syndrome everywhere. 

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Celebrating the Voices of World Down Syndrome Day

This month, we’re celebrating individuals across the GiGi’s Playhouse network who are stepping boldly into the world and showing everyone what it means to be Born to be Heard. 

You’ll meet participants like Andy, Braden, and Hadlie, who are reaching milestones, building confidence, and sharing their voices with their communities. 

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Celebrate World Down Syndrome Day

There are many ways to help amplify the voices of individuals with Down syndrome this month and beyond:

Wear the
Message

Show your support and help spread awareness with our official WDSD t-shirt!

Spread Representation

Give the gift of representation with #GenerationG Magazine or Harry Moon’s GiGi’s Journey, perfect for families, friends, and classrooms.

Follow the
Movement

Join the celebration and follow along as we share the stories of Andy, Braden, Hadlie, and more individuals proving they were Born to be Heard. 

Help Voices
Be Heard

Your support keeps GiGi’s Playhouse programs completely free for families and ensures every individual with Down syndrome has the opportunity to grow, learn, and shine.

Featured Story

Born to be Heard – Christina and Emmaleigh’s story 

Guest post written by Christina, mom to Emmaleigh. See the link at the bottom of the post to submit your story. I often share about our lifelong journey for inclusion and about Emmaleigh’s many accomplishments. What I rarely share is our birth story.  I don’t often share it because even now, 15 years later, I still grieve…
Read More

Born to be Heard Stories

“We found out that Dawson had Mosaic down syndrome when he was a year and a half with a blood test. Our love for him has always been the same. He is a thriving, active and loving 4 year old who loves his big brothers who show him the way. We are excited to be part of this community and learn and grow with everyone :)”
Canton
“So often when babies are born with Down syndrome, the focus turns to what they won't be able to do. I am here to tell you that my daughter, Heather, does it all!! She learned to walk, talk, play, dance, sing, shop, and cook. She has friends, stands up in weddings, volunteers, travels, reads, and works out. She loves her family and is an amazing aunt. She does all the ordinary, everyday things they said she wouldn't do. And, she has also done some extraordinary things! She worked hard for 5 years to earn a Black Belt in Karate. She participates in GiGiFIT and the strength and stability she gains really helps her be successful in her martial arts training. Heather gained confidence and social skills in programs like TeenTastic and Fantastic Friends. She was voted Homecoming Queen her senior year in high school. She developed confidence and skills in GiGi's Kitchen and raises money for her favorite charities by auctioning dinners she cooks and charcuterie and wine events. Heather participates in 1:1 Literacy and Math tutoring both as a learner and as a math tutor. We have been so blessed to grow up with a community like GiGi's Playhouse where Heather is always accepted, celebrated, and heard!!”
Virtual Playhouse
“When Brett was born, we didn't know if he would talk or walk (he was VERY slow to do both), but now he has the gift of gab for sure. He is a very kind young man with lots of great ideas, which he shares in all of the many programs he attends at GiGi's. He rocks the drum box in the GiGi's band I.C.B. (iced cafe band) with his fellow GiGi friends, he is a leader in GiGi Professionals, knows every move in Fit, welcomes customers to the GiGi cafe with a warm hello, and always wants to help those that need an extra hand. GiGi's has given him more self confidence by letting him shine! He is the biggest supporter of GiGi's, he will tell anyone who he meets what a cool place it is! Way to go Brett, we are so proud of you.”
Phoenix
“Our daughter Emma was born with Down syndrome, and at first we were overwhelmed with questions and worries about the future. When we found GiGi’s Playhouse, everything changed. From the moment we walked through the doors, we felt welcomed and supported. Emma loves attending programs there and has made wonderful friends. Watching her grow in confidence, learn new skills, and express herself more each day has been incredible.”
Phoenix
“We found out that Dawson had Mosaic down syndrome when he was a year and a half with a blood test. Our love for him has always been the same. He is a thriving, active and loving 4 year old who loves his big brothers who show him the way. We are excited to be part of this community and learn and grow with everyone :)”
Canton
“So often when babies are born with Down syndrome, the focus turns to what they won't be able to do. I am here to tell you that my daughter, Heather, does it all!! She learned to walk, talk, play, dance, sing, shop, and cook. She has friends, stands up in weddings, volunteers, travels, reads, and works out. She loves her family and is an amazing aunt. She does all the ordinary, everyday things they said she wouldn't do. And, she has also done some extraordinary things! She worked hard for 5 years to earn a Black Belt in Karate. She participates in GiGiFIT and the strength and stability she gains really helps her be successful in her martial arts training. Heather gained confidence and social skills in programs like TeenTastic and Fantastic Friends. She was voted Homecoming Queen her senior year in high school. She developed confidence and skills in GiGi's Kitchen and raises money for her favorite charities by auctioning dinners she cooks and charcuterie and wine events. Heather participates in 1:1 Literacy and Math tutoring both as a learner and as a math tutor. We have been so blessed to grow up with a community like GiGi's Playhouse where Heather is always accepted, celebrated, and heard!!”
Virtual Playhouse
“When Brett was born, we didn't know if he would talk or walk (he was VERY slow to do both), but now he has the gift of gab for sure. He is a very kind young man with lots of great ideas, which he shares in all of the many programs he attends at GiGi's. He rocks the drum box in the GiGi's band I.C.B. (iced cafe band) with his fellow GiGi friends, he is a leader in GiGi Professionals, knows every move in Fit, welcomes customers to the GiGi cafe with a warm hello, and always wants to help those that need an extra hand. GiGi's has given him more self confidence by letting him shine! He is the biggest supporter of GiGi's, he will tell anyone who he meets what a cool place it is! Way to go Brett, we are so proud of you.”
Phoenix
“Our daughter Emma was born with Down syndrome, and at first we were overwhelmed with questions and worries about the future. When we found GiGi’s Playhouse, everything changed. From the moment we walked through the doors, we felt welcomed and supported. Emma loves attending programs there and has made wonderful friends. Watching her grow in confidence, learn new skills, and express herself more each day has been incredible.”
Phoenix

STAND WITH GIGI’S PLAYHOUSE AND HELP US CELEBRATE EVERY VOICE!