2025 Summer Film Festival

In recognition of Neurodiversity Celebration Week, we are proud to share Understanding Autism, a powerful documentary now available to stream online and on the free PBS app.

🎥✨ Join filmmaker Scott Steindorff as he embarks on a journey to understand his own autism. Through interviews with individuals across the spectrum, he explores how autism is identified, diagnosed, and treated—while highlighting the incredible talents and love of neurodiversity.

🌈💙 Stream it now and celebrate the beauty of diversity in all its forms!

Watch the preview and an NBC News Daily interview with Dr. Roseann Capanna Hodge and Scott Steindorff.

On Thursday, March 20, GiGi Gianni, the 22-year-old namesake and Chief Inspiration Officer of GiGi’s Playhouse, spoke in front of the United Nations ahead of World Down Syndrome Day. GiGi spoke as part of the Center for Family & Human Rights panel on increasing support systems for individuals with Down syndrome.

GiGi spoke about her life, her journey, and the importance of celebrating all individuals with Down syndrome.

As inspiring as GiGi’s speech was, her message was simple:

Her life matters… in fact, every individual with Down syndrome matters.  

Nancy Gianni, GiGi’s mother and the Chief Belief Officer of GiGi’s Playhouse, also spoke about the incredible work the organization has done, with over 61 locations across the U.S. and Mexico, providing more than 340,000 hours of free educational and therapeutic programming each year.

World Down Syndrome Day is celebrated on March 21st. People with Down syndrome have 3 of the 21st chromosome. Our oldest of four children happens to have Down syndrome and he will be turning 22 this year and is graduating from his transition program. Throughout his years in school we have encountered so many people who have helped him along the way.

This video is dedicated to them! “Heroes (Reimagined)” by Zayde Wølf

When you are brave it changes everything.

There is power in being brave. Step into your bravery by facing your fears, overcoming challenges and inspiring others and this will lead to the most exciting life. Sofia Sanchez, a Ukrainian-American sensation, soared into fame with her viral video “Down Syndrome Is Not Scary,” launching her into acting and advocacy. From “Switched at Birth” to films like “For Paloma,” she’s made her mark. Sofia’s inspiring adoption tale led to Scholastic picture books and ad campaigns for brands like Old Navy.

Beyond acting, she champions love and empowerment, collaborating with organizations like Best Buddies. Notably, her appearance at the “Barbie” movie premiere, dressed as the first Barbie with Down Syndrome, gained global acclaim. Sofia’s journey continues with engagements like a TED TALK and ongoing work in entertainment and advocacy, inspiring millions worldwide.

This inclusive and empowering picture book from Sofia Sanchez — an 11-year-old model and actress with Down syndrome — reminds readers how important it is to embrace your differences, be confident, and be proud of who you are. Imagine all of the wonderful things you can do if you don’t let anyone stop you! You are enough just how you are.

Sofia is unique, but her message is universal: We all belong. So each spread features beautiful, full-color illustrations of a full cast of kid characters with all kinds of backgrounds, experiences, and abilities.

This book also includes back matter with a brief bio of Sofia and her journey so far, as well as additional information about Down syndrome and how we can all be more accepting, more inclusive, and more kind.

An American family adopts a girl with Down Syndrome from the Ukraine. She lands a role in The Hunger Games.

Gabby Kozinski, 2024 Ms. Wheelchair Ohio, reflects on being in the public eye and her “Knowledge is Power” platform for teaching people across Ohio how to properly interact with people with disabilities. Amanda Moran of Chrysalis Advantage Point shares how Gabby’s team rallied to support her through the Ms. Wheelchair Ohio competition and the numerous community events that followed.