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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2 events,
Rock Climbing – Ages 6 to 12
Rock Climbing – Ages 6 to 12
Rock Climbing Oct. 1 at 1:00 pm Peak Experiences, 11421 Polo Circle, Midlothian, VA 23113 Adventures: 6 to 12 yrs Beyond Boundaries will help everyone to climb from beginners to more experienced. Register here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/60605-rock-climbing
Fredericksburg Family Potluck at Braehead Farm
Fredericksburg Family Potluck at Braehead Farm
Join the Virginia Down Syndrome's Fredericksburg Family Potluck at Braehead Farm, 1130 Tyler St, Fredericksburg, VA 22401. Upon registration, you will be sent a link to a Sign Up Genius the Potluck. The $6 entrance fee is covered for all family members (including all siblings and grandparents). Admission does not include the additional $8 fee per person to the Braehead Fall Festival, which includes the hayride and the corn maze. You are welcome to come early and enjoy that and come to the Potluck after. Potluck will be in the Red Barn from 4-6 pm next to a large playground. When […]
1 event,
Outdoor Adventure Club
Outdoor Adventure Club
Outdoor Adventure Club 6 weeks on Mondays - Oct. 2 to Nov. 6 5:30-6:30 pm at Huguenot, Deep Run & Bryan Park Ages 13-20 (FunQuest) & 21+ (Fun4Life). Led by Beyond Boundaries. The cost is $25/person. Learn: fishing, camping and more! Each club member will receive club shirt, field guide book, and name badge, and work toward pins along the way. Register here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/60591-outdoor-adventure-club
0 events,
2 events,
Step Up Singers
Step Up Singers
Practices on Wednesdays, Sept. 6 to Oct. 11. $25. 6:00- 7:00pm -(Ages 16 - 20) and Fun4Life (21+) Do you love to sing and dance? Play a musical instrument? Perform at the 17th Annual Step Up for Down Syndrome on Oct. 14, 2023. Register here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/60589-step-up-singers
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 – Virtual
Improvaneer – Virtual
Improvaneer - Virtual Two sessions: Sept. 7 - Oct. 5 & Oct. 12 - Nov. 16. $25 each 5 week session. Thursday Nights from 7:00-8:00 pm. Teens to adults are welcome to sign up! FunQuest (Ages 13 to 20) & Fun4Life (ages 21+) Join us for this fulfilled virtual hour! The Virginia Down Syndrome Association is excited to offer another session of Improvaneer Method! Register here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/56171-improvaneer-method-october-and-november-2023
0 events,
1 event,
The Learning Program
The Learning Program
The Learning Program Starts October 7 - 9:00 - 11:00 am -8 monthly sessions held on Saturdays between October 2023 and June 2024. -All sessions will have an in-person and virtual option (June is all virtual). -Shady Grove YMCA - 11255 Nuckols Rd, Glen Allen, VA 23059 -Cost: The cost of the program is $260 (in person), $160 (virtual) (Scholarships Available). The Learning Program is an educational program developed by the Down Syndrome Foundation of Orange County (DSFOC). It serves as a platform for sharing literacy and math instructional strategies, resources and activities to improve academic outcomes for students with Down syndrome, […]
1 event,
Rock Climbing – -FunQuest (ages 13-20) & Fun4Life (ages 21+)
Rock Climbing – -FunQuest (ages 13-20) & Fun4Life (ages 21+)
Rock Climbing Sunday, Oct. 8 at 1:00 pm Peak Experiences, 11421 Polo Circle, Midlothian, VA 23113 -FunQuest (ages 13-20) & Fun4Life (ages 21+) Beyond Boundaries will help everyone to climb from beginners to more experienced. Register here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/60605-rock-climbing
1 event,
Outdoor Adventure Club
Outdoor Adventure Club
Outdoor Adventure Club 6 weeks on Mondays - Oct. 2 to Nov. 6 5:30-6:30 pm at Huguenot, Deep Run & Bryan Park Ages 13-20 (FunQuest) & 21+ (Fun4Life). Led by Beyond Boundaries. The cost is $25/person. Learn: fishing, camping and more! Each club member will receive club shirt, field guide book, and name badge, and work toward pins along the way. Register here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/60591-outdoor-adventure-club
0 events,
1 event,
Step Up Singers
Step Up Singers
Practices on Wednesdays, Sept. 6 to Oct. 11. $25. 6:00- 7:00pm -(Ages 16 - 20) and Fun4Life (21+) Do you love to sing and dance? Play a musical instrument? Perform at the 17th Annual Step Up for Down Syndrome on Oct. 14, 2023. Register here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/60589-step-up-singers
1 event,
Improvaneer – Virtual
Improvaneer – Virtual
Improvaneer - Virtual Oct. 12 - Nov. 16. $25 each 5 week session. Thursday Nights from 7:00-8:00 pm. Teens to adults are welcome to sign up! FunQuest (Ages 13 to 20) & Fun4Life (ages 21+) Join us for this fulfilled virtual hour! The Virginia Down Syndrome Association is excited to offer another session of Improvaneer Method! Register here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/56171-improvaneer-method-october-and-november-2023
0 events,
1 event,
0 events,
1 event,
Outdoor Adventure Club
Outdoor Adventure Club
Outdoor Adventure Club 6 weeks on Mondays - Oct. 2 to Nov. 6 5:30-6:30 pm at Huguenot, Deep Run & Bryan Park Ages 13-20 (FunQuest) & 21+ (Fun4Life). Led by Beyond Boundaries. The cost is $25/person. Learn: fishing, camping and more! Each club member will receive club shirt, field guide book, and name badge, and work toward pins along the way. Register here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/60591-outdoor-adventure-club
0 events,
0 events,
1 event,
Improvaneer – Virtual
Improvaneer – Virtual
Improvaneer - Virtual Oct. 12 - Nov. 16. $25 each 5 week session. Thursday Nights from 7:00-8:00 pm. Teens to adults are welcome to sign up! FunQuest (Ages 13 to 20) & Fun4Life (ages 21+) Join us for this fulfilled virtual hour! The Virginia Down Syndrome Association is excited to offer another session of Improvaneer Method! Register here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/56171-improvaneer-method-october-and-november-2023
2 events,
Painting Class – Creative Canvas at The Art Factory – Daytime
Painting Class – Creative Canvas at The Art Factory – Daytime
Painting Class - Creative Canvas at The Art Factory Monthly on Fridays: Sept. 29, Oct. 20, Nov. 17 & Dec. 15 Time: 12:30 pm. - 1:30 pm. $5 per class FunQuest (13 to 20) & Fun4Life 21+ Exclusive adaptive painting class for individuals with disabilities at The Art Factory, 4810 Market Square Lane, Midlothian VA 23112 Register here; https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/60574-painting-class-creative-canvas
Richmond Moms’ Night Out – The Daily Kitchen and Bar in Short Pump
Richmond Moms’ Night Out – The Daily Kitchen and Bar in Short Pump
Moms' Night and Lunch Out The Daily Kitchen and Bar in Short Pump - October 20, Friday at 7:00 pm, 12201 W. Broad St. Henrico. Mexico on Hull street - November 11, Saturday at Noon, 12031 Southshore Pointe, Midlothian Register here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/60619-mom-s-lunch-night-outs-sept-oct-nov
3 events,
Art in the Park – Park 365
Art in the Park – Park 365
Art in the Park Sept. 23 and Oct. 21 - 10:00 am -11:30 am Hands-Up: baby to 5 & Adventures: 6 to 12 yrs Sept. 23 at Deep Run Park & Oct. 21 at Park365. Art led by Art on Wheels and play in the park. Register here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/60611-art-and-play-in-the-park
River City Inclusive Gym – 3:00-3:45 pm – Ages 2 to 12
River City Inclusive Gym – 3:00-3:45 pm – Ages 2 to 12
River City Inclusive Gym Monthly on Sept. 30, Oct. 21 & Nov. 11 3:00-3:45 pm - Ages 2 to 12; $5 per session River City Inclusive Gym classes is designed to engage each athlete physically and mentally. Each class is set in obstacle course format and provides us optimum opportunity to instruct 1:1 while the whole group stays engaged. Register here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/55826-river-city-inclusive-gym
River City Inclusive Gym – 4:00-4:45 pm – Ages 13 to Adult
River City Inclusive Gym – 4:00-4:45 pm – Ages 13 to Adult
River City Inclusive Gym Monthly on Sept. 30, Oct. 21 & Nov. 11 4:00-4:45 pm - Ages 13 to Adult $5 per session River City Inclusive Gym classes is designed to engage each athlete physically and mentally. Each class is set in obstacle course format and provides us optimum opportunity to instruct 1:1 while the whole group stays engaged. Register here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/55826-river-city-inclusive-gym
1 event,
Williamsburg Mini-Golf
Williamsburg Mini-Golf
Ages 10 and up welcome with families and siblings. https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/60623-williamsburg-mini-golf-outing
2 events,
Outdoor Adventure Club
Outdoor Adventure Club
Outdoor Adventure Club 6 weeks on Mondays - Oct. 2 to Nov. 6 5:30-6:30 pm at Huguenot, Deep Run & Bryan Park Ages 13-20 (FunQuest) & 21+ (Fun4Life). Led by Beyond Boundaries. The cost is $25/person. Learn: fishing, camping and more! Each club member will receive club shirt, field guide book, and name badge, and work toward pins along the way. Register here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/60591-outdoor-adventure-club
Supporting Your Family with a Disability Life Plan – Virtual
Supporting Your Family with a Disability Life Plan – Virtual
Financial planning can be daunting! Join us on Monday 10/23 from 7:00-8:00 pm for Supporting Your Family with a Disability Life Plan: - Put together a family-centered disability life plan - Protect vulnerable family members - Calculate the cost of care and provide for that in the future - Identify future needed supports Registration link: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/62203-supporting-your-family-with-a-disability-life-master-plan
1 event,
Mentor Training
Mentor Training
Interested in being a mentor to fellow parents raising a child with Down syndrome? Register for one of our next training sessions to become an official VDSA Mentor! 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 and Caregivers What are the requirements of a mentor? Attend Mentor Training (Virtual), Dedicate a few hours a month, Have an open and honest heart. Training dates: Sept. 19, Oct. 24 and Nov. 14 all from 7- 9 pm virtually Register here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/60999-mentor-program
0 events,
1 event,
Improvaneer – Virtual
Improvaneer – Virtual
Improvaneer - Virtual Oct. 12 - Nov. 16. $25 each 5 week session. Thursday Nights from 7:00-8:00 pm. Teens to adults are welcome to sign up! FunQuest (Ages 13 to 20) & Fun4Life (ages 21+) Join us for this fulfilled virtual hour! The Virginia Down Syndrome Association is excited to offer another session of Improvaneer Method! Register here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/56171-improvaneer-method-october-and-november-2023
1 event,
Halloween Dinner and Dance Party – Ages 18+
Halloween Dinner and Dance Party – Ages 18+
Halloween Dinner and Dance Party Friday, Oct. 27 at 6:30 pm St. Michael's Catholic Church, 4491 Springfield Rd, Glen Allen -Ages 18+ invited. Dance the night away! Potluck - bring a side. Costumes optional. Register here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/60615-halloween-dance-for-ages-18
1 event,
Trunk or Treat
Trunk or Treat
Trunk or Treat Saturday, Oct. 28 from 11:00 am - 2:00 pm 1507 Huguenot Road, Midlothian, Virginia Differently abled. Make sure to stop by the Virginia Down Syndrome Association's trunk. https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/60613-trunk-or-treat
0 events,
1 event,
Outdoor Adventure Club
Outdoor Adventure Club
Outdoor Adventure Club 6 weeks on Mondays - Oct. 2 to Nov. 6 5:30-6:30 pm at Huguenot, Deep Run & Bryan Park Ages 13-20 (FunQuest) & 21+ (Fun4Life). Led by Beyond Boundaries. The cost is $25/person. Learn: fishing, camping and more! Each club member will receive club shirt, field guide book, and name badge, and work toward pins along the way. Register here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/60591-outdoor-adventure-club
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 – Virtual
Improvaneer – Virtual
Improvaneer - Virtual Oct. 12 - Nov. 16. $25 each 5 week session. Thursday Nights from 7:00-8:00 pm. Teens to adults are welcome to sign up! FunQuest (Ages 13 to 20) & Fun4Life (ages 21+) Join us for this fulfilled virtual hour! The Virginia Down Syndrome Association is excited to offer another session of Improvaneer Method! Register here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/56171-improvaneer-method-october-and-november-2023
0 events,
2 events,
The Learning Program
The Learning Program
The Learning Program Starts October 7 - 9:00 - 11:00 am -8 monthly sessions held on Saturdays between October 2023 and June 2024. -All sessions will have an in-person and virtual option (June is all virtual). -Shady Grove YMCA - 11255 Nuckols Rd, Glen Allen, VA 23059 -Cost: The cost of the program is $260 (in person), $160 (virtual) (Scholarships Available). The Learning Program is an educational program developed by the Down Syndrome Foundation of Orange County (DSFOC). It serves as a platform for sharing literacy and math instructional strategies, resources and activities to improve academic outcomes for students with Down syndrome, […]
Nature Walk and Scavenger Hunt-FunQuest (ages 13-20) & Fun4Life (ages 21+)
Nature Walk and Scavenger Hunt-FunQuest (ages 13-20) & Fun4Life (ages 21+)
Nature Walk and Scavenger Hunt Nov. 12 - 2:00 - 3:00 pm Deep Run Park -FunQuest (ages 13-20) & Fun4Life (ages 21+) Siblings welcome to join on this family fun nature walk. Register here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/60612-nature-walk-and-scavenger-hunt
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