GiGi’s Playhouse for Down Syndrome Support Opens in the Twin Cities

by Holly F. State Resources
Families at GiGis Playhouse Twin Cities

Source: Facebook.com/gigisplayhousetc

While some dreaded the cold days of February, many cheered with celebration as GiGi’s Playhouse Twin Cities officially opened its doors on February 9. For families affected by Down syndrome in the Twin Cities, GiGi’s Playhouse is a welcome network of support, play groups and educational opportunities for children, siblings, adults and the community. They provide therapeutic activities to encourage speech- language development, fine motor skills, gross motor, math and literacy.

 

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Hearing Loss Support Groups

by Jacky G. Hearing Loss
Parent Talking with Doctor

Image source: Webmd.com

Support groups have a reputation for being those things held in dusty old buildings with creaky metal chairs and bad coffee, in which people stand around crying and hugging each other. You probably have this image in your head because you’ve seen “Fight Club.” But support groups are quite often so much more, even if they lack the hip stylings of Edward Norton and Helena Bonham Carter. They are dynamic groups of people who come together to affect positive change – and yes, to offer each other encouragement and emotional support. You don’t need to face your child’s hearing loss diagnosis alone. Even if you think you have a handle on everything, emotionally speaking, disability support groups can provide assistance with legal advocacy and so much more.

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Support for Families of Children with Speech Disorders

by Jacky G. Financial Resources
Talking to Human Resources

Image source: inetgiant.com

After your child is diagnosed with a speech disorder, you’ll likely spend your days looking for a speech therapist, going to IEP meetings, and Googling his speech disorder with every spare minute you have. Raising a child with special needs is a full-time job in itself. If you have more than one child, you’ll also likely need to help the sibling cope with the fact that his little brother or sister has a speech disorder.

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