North Salt Lake/Woods Cross | August 2022

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August 2022 | Vol. 02 Iss. 08

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North Salt Lake/Woods Cross

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INDIVIDUALS WITH DOWN SYNDROME HAVE THE CHANCE TO SHINE AT GIGI’S PLAYHOUSE

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By Peri Kinder | peri.k@davisjournal.com

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igi’s Playhouse has a mission: to change the way the world views Down syndrome and to create an environment of acceptance and inclusion for individuals with Down syndrome, of all ages. While there are 55 locations of Gigi’s Playhouse around the country, the Layton location (1916 N. 700 West) is the only one in Utah. Angela Horn just started as the site’s manager and is excited to bring free educational and developmental programs to people with Down syndrome and their families. “I think a misconception is that everyone who has Down syndrome is alike,” Horn said. “We know that’s not true. Everyone is different. Everyone has their own personality and their own abilities. We like to celebrate all of their abilities and all of their accomplishments as they go along.” Programs at Gigi’s Playhouse include the popular Language Music N' Our Peeps class, recommended for children up to 3 or 4 years old. LMNOP teaches communication through music, fun activities and basic sign language.

Gigi’s Kitchen is a program where teens and adults learn how to prepare nutritious meals. The class reviews a recipe, prepares it and shares the meal together. Participants set measurable goals and work on those a little bit each day, with everyone celebrating accomplishments. Women who discover they’re expecting a child with Down syndrome often reach out to the center for guidance. With programs for expectant moms, all the way through end-of-life, Gigi’s Playhouse is a safe community. In 1980 the average life expectancy of a person with Down syndrome was 26 years old, now it’s more than 60. The center shut down during COVID but has seen a resurgence over the last few months. “This is one thing that they get to do and everyone looks forward to coming out,” Horn said. Continued page 5 Individuals with Down syndrome, and their families, participate in popular classes at Gigi’s Playhouse, like the Language Music N’ Our Peeps class and Gigi’s Kitchen. Photo courtesy of Gigi’s Playhouse

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