Support Groups
National family health data shows that caregivers of children with disabilities experience significantly more mental health challenges and less social support.* We are here for you.
If you’d like to get connected to a support group, contact Sherry at sklauer@virginiadsa.org.
You can also meet with Sherry (Caregiving Support Manager) or Jasmine (Family Care Director) one-on-one if you are feeling overwhelmed by caregiving responsibilities. Call or email to make an appointment: 804-256-6243.
We are always a phone call or email away with any questions you may have, or if you need a listening ear, or a resource to help support you in your caregiving journey. Getting to know each family is very important to us. If you haven’t connected with us yet, please fill out this form below so we can reach out and get to know you and officially welcome you into our community.
D.A.D.S. (Dads Appreciating Down Syndrome)
Dads Appreciating Down Syndrome, or D.A.D.S., is a group composed of fathers of children who happen to have Down syndrome.
In Richmond, we meet for dinner at Capital Ale House (Midlothian) the first Tuesday of every month to enjoy camaraderie and our experiences as dads raising a child with Down syndrome. In other communities, the location and date changes regularly. Please check our calendar for the upcoming dates and times.
This group also hosts a golf tournament every November.
Siblings
Siblings of individuals with disabilities can support one another throughout the life span. Our adult sibling group meets virtually for 6-week sessions for a combination of learning and sharing with one another. Topics like legal documents, long term living options, and vocational rehabilitation are addressed as well as others. The first young sibling group will meet in Summer 2024. This group will be in person and include fun activities for siblings to get to know one another and share their experiences.
Diagnosis + – Dual Diagnosis Support Group
This group is specifically designed to meet and talk with other parents whose children have a diagnosis in addition to Down syndrome. This can include Autism, Sensory processing disorders, feeding issues, Leukemia, and more. Please check our calendar for upcoming dates and times.
Grandparents
Are you a grandparent of a person with Down syndrome? Would you like to learn more about supporting your grandchild by joining the Grandparent-to-Grandparent Support Group? Email Sherry at sklauer@virginiadsa.org or check out our calendar for upcoming meetings.
Latinos de VDSA
We welcome Spanish-speaking families. We have a WhatsApp group and host programs for our Spanish-speaking families to connect in their native language. Damos la bienvenida a las familias de habla hispana. Tenemos un grupo de WhatsApp y programas para conectarnos con nuestra comunida latina.
21 Shades of Virginia
A support group created after an expressed need in support of families expecting or raising a Black/ Interracial child with Down syndrome. The purpose of this group is to create a space for the Black Community to network, collaborate, create, and share information while building meaningful connections. This group meets monthly via zoom with opportunities for in person events and programming.
