Welcome to the Virginia Down Syndrome Association
find information, resources, care, and connection to a supportive and welcoming community.
Welcome to the Virginia Down Syndrome Association! We are glad you are here! We are a community of individuals with Down syndrome, their family members and caregivers, friends, and professionals all committed to creating a community where all individuals with Down syndrome are valued for their unique abilities and differences. Here you will find information, resources, care, and connection to a supportive and welcoming community.
EDUCATION
EDUCATION
Through education programs, conferences, webinars, and parent chats we educate individuals with Down syndrome, their caregivers, and members of our community about Down syndrome. Our education programming covers the lifespan, from early childhood development to IEPs, behavior management, waivers, employment resources, housing resources and more!
FAMILY SUPPORT
FAMILY SUPPORT
We believe individuals with Down syndrome are valuable members of our community who have an important contribution to offer. We provide opportunities, support, resources, and advocacy to support individuals with Down syndrome in achieving their full potential. We believe all individuals with Down syndrome are unique and celebrate the unique qualities and characteristics of everyone with Down syndrome in our community.COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
We are a community within a community that celebrates and embraces individuals with Down syndrome. We listen, we learn, and we have fun! Together, we help each other every step of the journey.
Our Service Area
We proudly serve over 650 families across Greater Richmond, Charlottesville, Williamsburg, Fredericksburg, and the Central Shenandoah Valley and we look forward to welcoming you into our community.
If you do not live in our service area, we would love to help you get connected with one of the other Down Syndrome Associations in Virginia. If you are not in one of the Associations’ geographic areas, please reach out to us and we would be happy to be a resource for you.
“They have been helpful in me finding more things about how to advocate for my daughter, finding right medical help and many more things for which I am very grateful to them. I am thankful to DSAGR* for organizing such events since that made it possible for me to connect to other moms having similar journey to mine. They say it takes an army to raise a child and I would consider them part of Saisha’s army.”
“One of the most important things I did was pick up the phone and get connected with Kim Owens, Education Director at DSAGR*. Her knowledge coupled with her passion for inclusion gave me the courage and connections to advocate for what I knew to be best for Everett and our family. I will forever be grateful that the DSAGR, and their connections, stood beside us; because of the actions of many, Everett is fully included and thriving in his neighborhood school.”
“Two weeks after David was born, we received his Down syndrome diagnosis. Having a lot of questions and even more anxiety, I contacted the DADS group at DSAGR*. That very same day, another Dad contacted me, and in the process shared his own positive experience of parenting a child with Down syndrome. He encouraged me to attend the next DADS meet-up, and I’ve been involved ever since. The DADS group is friendly, inclusive, and incredibly knowledgeable, with years of experience and advice that’s always willingly shared.”
*VDSA was formerly known as DSAGR
Calendar and News
Events and Publications
Calendar of Events
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1 event,
Williamsburg Bowling Outing in Yorktown – Ages 10 to Adult
Williamsburg Bowling Outing in Yorktown – Ages 10 to Adult
Williamsburg Bowling Outing in Yorktown - Ages 10 to Adult AMF Yorktown, 4200 George Washington Mem Hwy, Yorktown, VA 23692 3:00-5:00 pm Siblings Welcome $5 per bowler including shoes Register: https://virginiadsa.salsalabs.org/BowlingWilliamsburg
1 event,
Learn to Grow (baby parenting class)
Learn to Grow (baby parenting class)
Learn to Grow, offered to parents of babies with Down syndrome (<18 months). Starts Monday February 27, 2023, 7:30-9pm, virtually. FREE! Parents of 2022 Babies. Learn to Grow for baby to 18 months old. This class is in partnership with Suzanne McKeever, The Speech Path 8-week series of classes. Information & resources to answer your questions about the 1st year of development. Topics include: Speech and language Oral Motor & Feeding Sensory Fine Motor Development Physical Therapy Behavior/Social Vision and Hearing When are Classes? Mondays starting February 27, 2023 to April 24 (no class on April 3) Each week, 7:30-9:00pm via […]
4 events,
Parent Mentor Training
Parent Mentor Training
Mentor Program Virginia Down Syndrome Association is excited to announce our Mentor program. Mentors provide support, answer questions, are willing to share their experience as a personal resource to other parents. Through a mentor training, mentors will be prepared with the necessary tools to be effective peer guides in receiving information on Down syndrome, navigating resources, connecting through personal experiences, medical and healthcare needs, attending social and educational events, and much more. What is a Mentor? Someone with lived experience raising or supporting a child with Down syndrome who wants to support other parents. Who are Mentors? Parents, Grandparents, Caregivers What are the requirement of a […]
Adult Communication Class with Longwood, virtual
Adult Communication Class with Longwood, virtual
Speech/communication conversation with Longwood speech grad students! Fun! Ages 18+ welcome! Register at - https://virginiadsa.salsalabs.org/registerforsocialandcommunicationspring2023/index.html
Teen Talk with Longwood, virtual
Teen Talk with Longwood, virtual
Speech/communication conversation with Longwood speech grad students! Fun! Ages 12-17 welcome. https://virginiadsa.salsalabs.org/teentalkspring2023/index.html
Parent Mentor Training
Parent Mentor Training
Mentor Program Virginia Down Syndrome Association is excited to announce our Mentor program. Mentors provide support, answer questions, are willing to share their experience as a personal resource to other parents. Through a mentor training, mentors will be prepared with the necessary tools to be effective peer guides in receiving information on Down syndrome, navigating resources, connecting through personal experiences, medical and healthcare needs, attending social and educational events, and much more. What is a Mentor? Someone with lived experience raising or supporting a child with Down syndrome who wants to support other parents. Who are Mentors? Parents, Grandparents, Caregivers What are the requirement of a […]
0 events,
1 event,
Improvaneer – ages 16+ (Virtual)
Improvaneer – ages 16+ (Virtual)
The Improvaneer Method - Online Style (Virtual) for age 16+, 5 week class This virtual class helps build key skills that enhance social, workplace, and lifetime opportunities in ways never imagined before! Thursdays from 7:00-8:00 pm. Cost: $35 per person for 5 week class March 9 to April 6th Scholarships Available - https://virginiadsa.org/scholarships/ Register here:https://virginiadsa.salsalabs.org/ImprovaneerMethodMarchApril2023 Learn more at https://www.theimprovaneermethod.com/
0 events,
0 events,
1 event,
Fredericksburg Spring Family Program, Picnic at the Farm
Fredericksburg Spring Family Program, Picnic at the Farm
Fredericksburg Spring Family Program, Picnic at the Farm April 2nd at 3p.m. at Steadfast Trail Farm, 6830 Hickory Ridge Rd,, Spotsylvania Courthouse, VA 22551 Potluck, Egg hunt and Farm activity Register here: https://virginiadsa.salsalabs.org/SpringFamilyProgramPicnicattheFarm
1 event,
Learn to Grow (baby parenting class)
Learn to Grow (baby parenting class)
Learn to Grow, offered to parents of babies with Down syndrome (<18 months). Starts Monday February 27, 2023, 7:30-9pm, virtually. FREE! Parents of 2022 Babies. Learn to Grow for baby to 18 months old. This class is in partnership with Suzanne McKeever, The Speech Path 8-week series of classes. Information & resources to answer your questions about the 1st year of development. Topics include: Speech and language Oral Motor & Feeding Sensory Fine Motor Development Physical Therapy Behavior/Social Vision and Hearing When are Classes? Mondays starting February 27, 2023 to April 24 (no class on April 3) Each week, 7:30-9:00pm via […]
0 events,
1 event,
21 Shades (Black Family Support Group) – Virtual
21 Shades (Black Family Support Group) – Virtual
21 Shades (Black Family Support Group) Please join the Virginia Down Syndrome Associations monthly 21 Shades of Virginial Black Family Support Group. The group, 21 shades of Virginia, is 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 safe space for the Black Community to network, collaborate, create and share information while building meaningful connections. Upon registration you will be sent a link to Zoom. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Raena Gradford, rgradford@virginiadsa.org. […]
1 event,
Improvaneer – ages 16+ (Virtual)
Improvaneer – ages 16+ (Virtual)
The Improvaneer Method - Online Style (Virtual) for age 16+, 5 week class This virtual class helps build key skills that enhance social, workplace, and lifetime opportunities in ways never imagined before! Thursdays from 7:00-8:00 pm. Cost: $35 per person for 5 week class March 9 to April 6th Scholarships Available - https://virginiadsa.org/scholarships/ Register here:https://virginiadsa.salsalabs.org/ImprovaneerMethodMarchApril2023 Learn more at https://www.theimprovaneermethod.com/
0 events,
0 events,
0 events,
2 events,
Outdoor Adventure Club
Outdoor Adventure Club
Outdoor Adventure Club Outdoor Adventure CLUB continues. New and returning club members are welcome!!! Ages 13-to adult. 6 weeks. Led by Beyond Boundaries Club goal is to teach skills & develop a passion for the outdoors! Learn: fishing, camping and more! The cost is $25/person. Each club member will receive club shirt, field guide book, and name badge, and work toward pins along the way. Register here
Learn to Grow (baby parenting class)
Learn to Grow (baby parenting class)
Learn to Grow, offered to parents of babies with Down syndrome (<18 months). Starts Monday February 27, 2023, 7:30-9pm, virtually. FREE! Parents of 2022 Babies. Learn to Grow for baby to 18 months old. This class is in partnership with Suzanne McKeever, The Speech Path 8-week series of classes. Information & resources to answer your questions about the 1st year of development. Topics include: Speech and language Oral Motor & Feeding Sensory Fine Motor Development Physical Therapy Behavior/Social Vision and Hearing When are Classes? Mondays starting February 27, 2023 to April 24 (no class on April 3) Each week, 7:30-9:00pm via […]
0 events,
1 event,
Boogie and Sing – Ages 13 to adult
Boogie and Sing – Ages 13 to adult
Boogie and Sing (last class - performance for parents) Wednesdays at 5-6 pm 5 weeks-April 12 to May 10 at VDSA Activity Room, 1504 Santa Rosa Rd, Suite 124, Richmond, VA 23229 Ages 13 to adult Cost $35 Register here
0 events,
1 event,
Fredericksburg Dads’ Night Out at Mio Rancho
Fredericksburg Dads’ Night Out at Mio Rancho
Register here: https://virginiadsa.salsalabs.org/FredericksburgDadsNightOutApril2023
2 events,
Life in the Community Symposium
Life in the Community Symposium
Back again! Life in the Community is an informative conference for caregivers of adults with disabilities. Co-hosted with the Autism Society of Central Virginia. Saturday, April 15th, 2023 | 9:00AM–4:00PM EDT | Dominion Energy's Innsbrook Conference Center, 5000 Dominion Blvd, Glen Allen, VA Parents & caregivers of adults and self-advocates are invited to join us for a day to explore interests and get better connected to opportunities within our community. Through interactive "Community Mapping" activities, all will walk away with tools and strategies for increased community engagement. Registration Includes: - Five dynamic sessions - Buffet lunch - Exhibitors sharing resources & […]
The Learning Program
The Learning Program
The Learning Program - The 2022-2023 Series The 10th year of the Learning Program at DSAGR kicked off in September 2022 as a hybrid model. Registration is closed for 2022-2023. Contact Sherry Klauer for program information for Sept 2023 to June 2024. sklauer@virginiadsa.org The Learning Program is an educational program that serves as a platform for sharing literacy and math instructional strategies, resources and activities to improve academic outcomes for students with Down syndrome, equipping families with the knowledge and tools to work effectively at home and at school. There will be a total of 8 sessions held on Saturdays between September 2022 […]
2 events,
Dia de Campo – Picnic Familias Hispanas VDSA
Dia de Campo – Picnic Familias Hispanas VDSA
Dia de Campo - Picnic Familias Hispanas VDSA Deep Run Park, 9900 Ridgefield Pkwy, Richmond, VA 23233 https://virginiadsa.salsalabs.org/HispanicPicnic
Richmond Bowling Ages 13+ at Bowl America Short Pump
Richmond Bowling Ages 13+ at Bowl America Short Pump
Richmond Bowling Ages 13+ at Bowl America Short Pump, 4400 Pouncey Tract Rd, Glen Allen, VA 23060 Sunday, April 16th 6:00 - 7:00 pm Register HERE
2 events,
Outdoor Adventure Club
Outdoor Adventure Club
Outdoor Adventure Club Outdoor Adventure CLUB continues. New and returning club members are welcome!!! Ages 13-to adult. 6 weeks. Led by Beyond Boundaries Club goal is to teach skills & develop a passion for the outdoors! Learn: fishing, camping and more! The cost is $25/person. Each club member will receive club shirt, field guide book, and name badge, and work toward pins along the way. Register here
Learn to Grow (baby parenting class)
Learn to Grow (baby parenting class)
Learn to Grow, offered to parents of babies with Down syndrome (<18 months). Starts Monday February 27, 2023, 7:30-9pm, virtually. FREE! Parents of 2022 Babies. Learn to Grow for baby to 18 months old. This class is in partnership with Suzanne McKeever, The Speech Path 8-week series of classes. Information & resources to answer your questions about the 1st year of development. Topics include: Speech and language Oral Motor & Feeding Sensory Fine Motor Development Physical Therapy Behavior/Social Vision and Hearing When are Classes? Mondays starting February 27, 2023 to April 24 (no class on April 3) Each week, 7:30-9:00pm via […]
1 event,
Henrico County Public Schools Exceptional Education Resource Fair
Henrico County Public Schools Exceptional Education Resource Fair
This event will afford students and families the opportunity to meet community vendors, partners, post-secondary programs, and service providers. We would love for you to serve as a vendor for this district-wide PreK-12 event so you can share the resources and information that your company or agency has to offer our HCPS families. Tucker Highschool - 5:30 to 7:30 pm For questions, please contact the HCPS Department of Exceptional Education at 804-652-3801.
1 event,
Boogie and Sing – Ages 13 to adult
Boogie and Sing – Ages 13 to adult
Boogie and Sing (last class - performance for parents) Wednesdays at 5-6 pm 5 weeks-April 12 to May 10 at VDSA Activity Room, 1504 Santa Rosa Rd, Suite 124, Richmond, VA 23229 Ages 13 to adult Cost $35 Register here
0 events,
0 events,
3 events,
Hanover County’s Resource Fair
Hanover County’s Resource Fair
Hanover County's Resource Fair at Atlee High School on Saturday, April 22, 2023. 10:00am-2:00pm
River City Inclusive Gym – Ages 2-12
River City Inclusive Gym – Ages 2-12
River City Inclusive Gym Feb. 11, March 11 & April 22 3:00-3:45 pm - Ages 2 to 12 - Click here to Register $10 per session Location: 11248 Patterson Ave, Henrico, VA 23238 Exclusive class for Virginia Down Syndrome Association. Siblings welcome if the class is not full (please reach out to me dzedd@virginiadsa.org). River City Inclusive Gym class is designed to engage each athlete physically and mentally. Each class is set in obstacle course format. This provides us optimum opportunity to instruct 1:1 while the whole group stays engaged. Upon entering the gym, the athletes begin their first course right […]
River City Inclusive Gym – Ages 13 to Adult
River City Inclusive Gym – Ages 13 to Adult
River City Inclusive Gym Feb. 11, March 11 & April 22 3:00-3:45 pm - Ages 2 to 12 4:00-4:45 pm - Ages 13 to Adult $10 per session Location: 11248 Patterson Ave, Henrico, VA 23238 Exclusive class for Virginia Down Syndrome Association. Siblings welcome if the class is not full (please reach out to me dzedd@virginiadsa.org). River City Inclusive Gym class is designed to engage each athlete physically and mentally. Each class is set in obstacle course format. This provides us optimum opportunity to instruct 1:1 while the whole group stays engaged. Upon entering the gym, the athletes begin their first […]
1 event,
Step Up For Down Syndrome in Charlottesville
Step Up For Down Syndrome in Charlottesville
Step UP for Down Syndrome in Charlottesville! Community Event on Sunday, April 23 from 1:00-4:00 pm at Blue Toad Cidery 462 Winery Ln, Roseland, VA 2296 Join us for a FAMILY FUN DAY for our community to come together to celebrate Down Syndrome! Free & Open to the Public! Free Registration You will be able to purchase T-Shirts after you register. T-shirts $10 each! T-shirt orders must be received by April 7, 2023. Featuring: Live Music Carpe Donuts Food Face Painting Pony Rides Silent Auction and more! Register here: https://virginiadsa.salsalabs.org/StepUpCharlottesville2023 Buy T-shirts here: https://virginiadsa.salsalabs.org/StepUpCharlottesville2023TshirtOrders
2 events,
Outdoor Adventure Club
Outdoor Adventure Club
Outdoor Adventure Club Outdoor Adventure CLUB continues. New and returning club members are welcome!!! Ages 13-to adult. 6 weeks. Led by Beyond Boundaries Club goal is to teach skills & develop a passion for the outdoors! Learn: fishing, camping and more! The cost is $25/person. Each club member will receive club shirt, field guide book, and name badge, and work toward pins along the way. Register here
Learn to Grow (baby parenting class)
Learn to Grow (baby parenting class)
Learn to Grow, offered to parents of babies with Down syndrome (<18 months). Starts Monday February 27, 2023, 7:30-9pm, virtually. FREE! Parents of 2022 Babies. Learn to Grow for baby to 18 months old. This class is in partnership with Suzanne McKeever, The Speech Path 8-week series of classes. Information & resources to answer your questions about the 1st year of development. Topics include: Speech and language Oral Motor & Feeding Sensory Fine Motor Development Physical Therapy Behavior/Social Vision and Hearing When are Classes? Mondays starting February 27, 2023 to April 24 (no class on April 3) Each week, 7:30-9:00pm via […]
1 event,
Diagnosis + with ASCV
Diagnosis + with ASCV
Come join us for a new peer-led group of caregivers of individuals of all ages with multiple diagnoses, including developmental and medical diagnoses, hosted by the Virginia Down Syndrome Association (previously DSAGR) and the Autism Society of Central Virginia Register at - https://virginiadsa.salsalabs.org/diagnosisplusjan24
1 event,
Boogie and Sing – Ages 13 to adult
Boogie and Sing – Ages 13 to adult
Boogie and Sing (last class - performance for parents) Wednesdays at 5-6 pm 5 weeks-April 12 to May 10 at VDSA Activity Room, 1504 Santa Rosa Rd, Suite 124, Richmond, VA 23229 Ages 13 to adult Cost $35 Register here
0 events,
0 events,
1 event,
Art in the Park
Art in the Park
Art in the Park Times: 10:00 am - 11:00 am - baby to 5 years old 11:00 to 12:00 pm - ages 6 to 12 years old Art on Wheels will lead the art projects. Siblings, grandparents, etc. welcome! Park Locations: Saturday, March 25 – Park Soar 365 - 3600 Saunders Ave, Richmond, VA 23227 Saturday, April 29 – Dorey Park, 2999 Darbytown Road, Henrico, VA 23231 Saturday, May 13 – Huguenot Park - 10901 Robious Rd, Richmond, VA 23235 Contact Dana Zedd with questions at dzedd@virginiadsa.org Register: https://virginiadsa.salsalabs.org/ArtintheParkMarchtoMay2023
1 event,
SPCA Visit
SPCA Visit
SPCA Visit Sunday, April 30 from 3:00-4:30 pm Robins-Starr Humane Center, 2519 Hermitage Road, Richmond, VA 23220 Each individual with DS (and siblings) will receive one small “adopted” stuffed animal (cat or dog) to be taken home in a carrier box that he or she will decorate. All ages welcome. Register: https://virginiadsa.salsalabs.org/SPCAProgram2023
1 event,
Outdoor Adventure Club
Outdoor Adventure Club
Outdoor Adventure Club Outdoor Adventure CLUB continues. New and returning club members are welcome!!! Ages 13-to adult. 6 weeks. Led by Beyond Boundaries Club goal is to teach skills & develop a passion for the outdoors! Learn: fishing, camping and more! The cost is $25/person. Each club member will receive club shirt, field guide book, and name badge, and work toward pins along the way. Register here
0 events,
2 events,
Boogie and Sing – Ages 13 to adult
Boogie and Sing – Ages 13 to adult
Boogie and Sing (last class - performance for parents) Wednesdays at 5-6 pm 5 weeks-April 12 to May 10 at VDSA Activity Room, 1504 Santa Rosa Rd, Suite 124, Richmond, VA 23229 Ages 13 to adult Cost $35 Register here
21 Shades (Black Family Support Group) – Virtual
21 Shades (Black Family Support Group) – Virtual
21 Shades (Black Family Support Group) Please join the Virginia Down Syndrome Associations monthly 21 Shades of Virginial Black Family Support Group. The group, 21 shades of Virginia, is 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 safe space for the Black Community to network, collaborate, create and share information while building meaningful connections. Upon registration you will be sent a link to Zoom. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Raena Gradford, rgradford@virginiadsa.org. […]
0 events,
0 events,
1 event,
The Learning Program
The Learning Program
The Learning Program - The 2022-2023 Series The 10th year of the Learning Program at DSAGR kicked off in September 2022 as a hybrid model. Registration is closed for 2022-2023. Contact Sherry Klauer for program information for Sept 2023 to June 2024. sklauer@virginiadsa.org The Learning Program is an educational program that serves as a platform for sharing literacy and math instructional strategies, resources and activities to improve academic outcomes for students with Down syndrome, equipping families with the knowledge and tools to work effectively at home and at school. There will be a total of 8 sessions held on Saturdays between September 2022 […]
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