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X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://virginiadsa.org
X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Virginia Down Syndrome Association
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260302T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260302T193000
DTSTAMP:20260414T202758
CREATED:20260105T153216Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260201T214956Z
UID:10002665-1772476200-1772479800@virginiadsa.org
SUMMARY:Richmond - Grandparents' Group
DESCRIPTION:Richmond Grandparent Support Group – Join us in March!\n\nConnect with other grandparents on a similar journey. This group is peer-led and will promote conversation and connection for caregivers like you. This meeting will take place in-person at our VDSA office in Richmond on Monday\, March 2nd from 6:30pm-7:30pm. Feel free to bring a bagged dinner! Laid back group conversation where we share our experiences with our grandchildren. \n\nWe also have a Facebook group just for grandparents\, so feel free to join here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/723711150098035
URL:https://virginiadsa.org/event/richmond-grandparents-group/
LOCATION:VDSA\, 1504 Santa Rosa Road\, Suite 124\, Richmond\, VA\, 23229
CATEGORIES:Caregiver Support,Grandparents,Richmond
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260305T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260305T200000
DTSTAMP:20260414T202758
CREATED:20251230T171157Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251230T171157Z
UID:10002660-1772737200-1772740800@virginiadsa.org
SUMMARY:Virtual - 2026 Education Series
DESCRIPTION:The Virginia Down Syndrome Association will host the 12th Education & Transition Conference will be Saturday\, March 14th at the J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College – Parham Campus. In conjunction with the conference\, VDSA is pleased to provide additional learning opportunities for caregivers\, educators\, and self-advocates with ID/DD.\nFeel free to register for any and all sessions! The registration page is here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/95531-2026-virtual-education-series \nThursday\, March 5th 7-8pm – Transition Plans in IEPs presented by Liz Capone \nParticipants will learn more about: \n\nHow parental data can contribute to transition plans\nIdentifying community opportunities\nThe importance of soft skills\nEnsuring readiness for Interviews\nTaking a deep dive into Interests\, hobbies\, and preferences\nIdentifying continuing education options\nAligning transition information in the IEP with real world opportunities\nAligning potential jobs with skill\n\nSpeaker Bio: Liz Capone is an Advocate\, Expert Witness\, and a former Special Education Teacher of 21 years. She has taught at every grade level from PreK-12 and has worked in six school districts\, including the largest school system in Virginia. She has teaching experience in all settings from general education to an acute unit and has extensive experience writing IEPs as a case manager\, team leader\, and IEP coordinator. Liz has presented to multiple organizations nationally\, including the Arc of Northern Virginia\, Decoding Dyslexia Utah\, and Formed Families Forward. \nThursday\, March 12th 7-8pm – ABLENow Information Session presented by Brittany Bullock \nPresentation Information: More independence\, greater financial security and a better quality of life – that’s the future ABLEnow is building. Join us for this information session to discover the advantages of ABLE accounts and the national ABLEnow program. In just one hour\, we’ll cover the answers to these questions\, and more: \n\nWhat are ABLE accounts?\nWho is eligible?\nHow can I use the money in an ABLE account?\nWhat are the features and benefits of ABLEnow?\nHow can I learn more and open an account?\n\nSpeaker Bio: Brittany Bullock joined Commonwealth Savers in 2013 as a Financial Operations Analyst. Since then\, she has moved into the role of Relationship Marketing Specialist\, spending most of her time traveling the Central and Tidewater regions of the state educating individuals and families on the importance of ABLE accounts and how empowering they are for people with disabilities. As part of the marketing team\, she also conducts virtual events and webinars both statewide and nationwide. Brittany has a B.S. in Business from Virginia Commonwealth University\, with a concentration in International Business. She is passionate about helping others and looks forward to sharing this wonderful information with you all. \nThursday\, March 19th 7-8pm – Making Sense of Behavior presented by Bright Achievements ABA \nPresentation Information: Our focus is on helping families identify the core functions of behavior. We will cover common functions such as seeking attention\, escaping non-preferred activities/stimuli\, and gaining tangible items. Since all behavior serves a purpose\, this presentation will provide families with tools on how to observe and collect data to determine potential function(s) and select appropriate\, function-based interventions. The goal is to make applied behavior analysis techniques more accessible to caregivers by using real-life examples and breaking down common definitions and language. \nThursday\, March 26th 6-7pm – GRTC Travel Training Information Session presented byKelsey Calder \nPresentation Information: Kelsey Calder\, Travel Training Instructor for GRTC\, will be giving an information session on how to use the Greater Richmond Transit Company (GRTC) buses to travel independently!
URL:https://virginiadsa.org/event/virtual-2026-education-series/2026-03-05/
LOCATION:VA
CATEGORIES:Caregiver Support,Education,Virtual
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260312T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260312T200000
DTSTAMP:20260414T202758
CREATED:20251230T171157Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251230T171157Z
UID:10002661-1773342000-1773345600@virginiadsa.org
SUMMARY:Virtual - 2026 Education Series
DESCRIPTION:The Virginia Down Syndrome Association will host the 12th Education & Transition Conference will be Saturday\, March 14th at the J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College – Parham Campus. In conjunction with the conference\, VDSA is pleased to provide additional learning opportunities for caregivers\, educators\, and self-advocates with ID/DD.\nFeel free to register for any and all sessions! The registration page is here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/95531-2026-virtual-education-series \nThursday\, March 5th 7-8pm – Transition Plans in IEPs presented by Liz Capone \nParticipants will learn more about: \n\nHow parental data can contribute to transition plans\nIdentifying community opportunities\nThe importance of soft skills\nEnsuring readiness for Interviews\nTaking a deep dive into Interests\, hobbies\, and preferences\nIdentifying continuing education options\nAligning transition information in the IEP with real world opportunities\nAligning potential jobs with skill\n\nSpeaker Bio: Liz Capone is an Advocate\, Expert Witness\, and a former Special Education Teacher of 21 years. She has taught at every grade level from PreK-12 and has worked in six school districts\, including the largest school system in Virginia. She has teaching experience in all settings from general education to an acute unit and has extensive experience writing IEPs as a case manager\, team leader\, and IEP coordinator. Liz has presented to multiple organizations nationally\, including the Arc of Northern Virginia\, Decoding Dyslexia Utah\, and Formed Families Forward. \nThursday\, March 12th 7-8pm – ABLENow Information Session presented by Brittany Bullock \nPresentation Information: More independence\, greater financial security and a better quality of life – that’s the future ABLEnow is building. Join us for this information session to discover the advantages of ABLE accounts and the national ABLEnow program. In just one hour\, we’ll cover the answers to these questions\, and more: \n\nWhat are ABLE accounts?\nWho is eligible?\nHow can I use the money in an ABLE account?\nWhat are the features and benefits of ABLEnow?\nHow can I learn more and open an account?\n\nSpeaker Bio: Brittany Bullock joined Commonwealth Savers in 2013 as a Financial Operations Analyst. Since then\, she has moved into the role of Relationship Marketing Specialist\, spending most of her time traveling the Central and Tidewater regions of the state educating individuals and families on the importance of ABLE accounts and how empowering they are for people with disabilities. As part of the marketing team\, she also conducts virtual events and webinars both statewide and nationwide. Brittany has a B.S. in Business from Virginia Commonwealth University\, with a concentration in International Business. She is passionate about helping others and looks forward to sharing this wonderful information with you all. \nThursday\, March 19th 7-8pm – Making Sense of Behavior presented by Bright Achievements ABA \nPresentation Information: Our focus is on helping families identify the core functions of behavior. We will cover common functions such as seeking attention\, escaping non-preferred activities/stimuli\, and gaining tangible items. Since all behavior serves a purpose\, this presentation will provide families with tools on how to observe and collect data to determine potential function(s) and select appropriate\, function-based interventions. The goal is to make applied behavior analysis techniques more accessible to caregivers by using real-life examples and breaking down common definitions and language. \nThursday\, March 26th 6-7pm – GRTC Travel Training Information Session presented byKelsey Calder \nPresentation Information: Kelsey Calder\, Travel Training Instructor for GRTC\, will be giving an information session on how to use the Greater Richmond Transit Company (GRTC) buses to travel independently!
URL:https://virginiadsa.org/event/virtual-2026-education-series/2026-03-12/
LOCATION:VA
CATEGORIES:Caregiver Support,Education,Virtual
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260313T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260313T200000
DTSTAMP:20260414T202758
CREATED:20260225T022644Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260225T022644Z
UID:10002724-1773424800-1773432000@virginiadsa.org
SUMMARY:Moms’ Night Out
DESCRIPTION:You are invited to a Mom’s Night Out! \n\nFriday\, March 13th\n\nThe Local at Forest & Ridge\, 403 N Ridge Rd\, Henrico\n\nTreat yourself to an evening designed just for YOU\, where you can relax\, and enjoy some well-deserved me-time.\n\n\nRegister Here: Moms’ Night Out
URL:https://virginiadsa.org/event/moms-night-out-2/
LOCATION:The Local at Forest & Ridge\, 403 N Ridge Rd\, Henrico\, VA\, 23229
CATEGORIES:21 Shades of Virginia,Caregiver Support,Event,Grandparents,Hispanic,Latinos,Moms,Richmond,Social
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260314T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260314T160000
DTSTAMP:20260414T202758
CREATED:20251208T200653Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260305T215151Z
UID:10002603-1773478800-1773504000@virginiadsa.org
SUMMARY:Richmond - 12th Education & Transition Conference
DESCRIPTION:Inclusion in Action: Empowering our community to shape tomorrow \nJoin the Virginia Down Syndrome Association along with educators and families across the Commonwealth for our 12 Education & Transition Conference on Saturday\, March 14th from 9am-4pm. We will once again traverse the halls of Massey Library Technology Center at the J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College Parham Campus. \nWe are proud to announce that our keynote speaker is David Egan! \nFor information and registration information on the conference\, head here: https://charity.pledgeit.org/c/JxSGvaejG2
URL:https://virginiadsa.org/event/richmond-12th-education-transition-conference/
LOCATION:J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College – Parham Campus\, 1651 E Parham Road\, Richmond\, 23228\, United States
CATEGORIES:Caregiver Support,Community Fairs,Education,Richmond
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260319T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260319T200000
DTSTAMP:20260414T202758
CREATED:20251230T171157Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251230T171157Z
UID:10002662-1773946800-1773950400@virginiadsa.org
SUMMARY:Virtual - 2026 Education Series
DESCRIPTION:The Virginia Down Syndrome Association will host the 12th Education & Transition Conference will be Saturday\, March 14th at the J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College – Parham Campus. In conjunction with the conference\, VDSA is pleased to provide additional learning opportunities for caregivers\, educators\, and self-advocates with ID/DD.\nFeel free to register for any and all sessions! The registration page is here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/95531-2026-virtual-education-series \nThursday\, March 5th 7-8pm – Transition Plans in IEPs presented by Liz Capone \nParticipants will learn more about: \n\nHow parental data can contribute to transition plans\nIdentifying community opportunities\nThe importance of soft skills\nEnsuring readiness for Interviews\nTaking a deep dive into Interests\, hobbies\, and preferences\nIdentifying continuing education options\nAligning transition information in the IEP with real world opportunities\nAligning potential jobs with skill\n\nSpeaker Bio: Liz Capone is an Advocate\, Expert Witness\, and a former Special Education Teacher of 21 years. She has taught at every grade level from PreK-12 and has worked in six school districts\, including the largest school system in Virginia. She has teaching experience in all settings from general education to an acute unit and has extensive experience writing IEPs as a case manager\, team leader\, and IEP coordinator. Liz has presented to multiple organizations nationally\, including the Arc of Northern Virginia\, Decoding Dyslexia Utah\, and Formed Families Forward. \nThursday\, March 12th 7-8pm – ABLENow Information Session presented by Brittany Bullock \nPresentation Information: More independence\, greater financial security and a better quality of life – that’s the future ABLEnow is building. Join us for this information session to discover the advantages of ABLE accounts and the national ABLEnow program. In just one hour\, we’ll cover the answers to these questions\, and more: \n\nWhat are ABLE accounts?\nWho is eligible?\nHow can I use the money in an ABLE account?\nWhat are the features and benefits of ABLEnow?\nHow can I learn more and open an account?\n\nSpeaker Bio: Brittany Bullock joined Commonwealth Savers in 2013 as a Financial Operations Analyst. Since then\, she has moved into the role of Relationship Marketing Specialist\, spending most of her time traveling the Central and Tidewater regions of the state educating individuals and families on the importance of ABLE accounts and how empowering they are for people with disabilities. As part of the marketing team\, she also conducts virtual events and webinars both statewide and nationwide. Brittany has a B.S. in Business from Virginia Commonwealth University\, with a concentration in International Business. She is passionate about helping others and looks forward to sharing this wonderful information with you all. \nThursday\, March 19th 7-8pm – Making Sense of Behavior presented by Bright Achievements ABA \nPresentation Information: Our focus is on helping families identify the core functions of behavior. We will cover common functions such as seeking attention\, escaping non-preferred activities/stimuli\, and gaining tangible items. Since all behavior serves a purpose\, this presentation will provide families with tools on how to observe and collect data to determine potential function(s) and select appropriate\, function-based interventions. The goal is to make applied behavior analysis techniques more accessible to caregivers by using real-life examples and breaking down common definitions and language. \nThursday\, March 26th 6-7pm – GRTC Travel Training Information Session presented byKelsey Calder \nPresentation Information: Kelsey Calder\, Travel Training Instructor for GRTC\, will be giving an information session on how to use the Greater Richmond Transit Company (GRTC) buses to travel independently!
URL:https://virginiadsa.org/event/virtual-2026-education-series/2026-03-19/
LOCATION:VA
CATEGORIES:Caregiver Support,Education,Virtual
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260320T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260320T183000
DTSTAMP:20260414T202758
CREATED:20260309T151411Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260309T151440Z
UID:10002738-1774029600-1774031400@virginiadsa.org
SUMMARY:Virtual - Va-LEND Information Session
DESCRIPTION:Learn with Va-LEND!\n\nJoin us for a free\, virtual information on March 20th at 6pm to learn all about Virginia LEND! \nVirginia LEND is a program that helps health professionals\, people with disabilities and their families learn how to be leaders. People from all different experiences and professions learn together about how they can provide person- and family-centered services for children and adults with disabilities. People with disabilities and family members learn from the professionals and the professionals learn from people with disabilities and family members so they can work better together. \n\nRegister here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/98787-va-lend-information-session \n\nVa-LEND stands for Virginia Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities. It was created to improve the health and lives of children and adults with disabilities and their family members. Trainees complete classes\, clinical observations\, policy activities\, and a family mentorship experience. Over the course of the program\, trainees work on their leadership project which they present at the end of the program. Trainees complete 150 or 300 hours of content. This is done both in classes and outside of class. \nFor more information about Va-LEND check out our website. \nReady to submit an application? Complete this form: Application \nThe priority due date is April 15\, 2026 and the final due date is May 15\, 2026. \nIf you have any questions\, need help completing this application or need an alternate format of the application please feel free to contact us at (804-828-0073) or at valend@vcu.edu. The Va-LEND application is available as a pdf form\, as well as an online form. Please use the format that is most accessible to you.
URL:https://virginiadsa.org/event/virtual-va-lend-information-session/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:21 Shades of Virginia,Caregiver Support,Education,Fun4Life - Ages 21+,Virtual
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260326T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260326T190000
DTSTAMP:20260414T202758
CREATED:20251230T171157Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251230T171157Z
UID:10002663-1774548000-1774551600@virginiadsa.org
SUMMARY:Virtual - 2026 Education Series
DESCRIPTION:The Virginia Down Syndrome Association will host the 12th Education & Transition Conference will be Saturday\, March 14th at the J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College – Parham Campus. In conjunction with the conference\, VDSA is pleased to provide additional learning opportunities for caregivers\, educators\, and self-advocates with ID/DD.\nFeel free to register for any and all sessions! The registration page is here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/95531-2026-virtual-education-series \nThursday\, March 5th 7-8pm – Transition Plans in IEPs presented by Liz Capone \nParticipants will learn more about: \n\nHow parental data can contribute to transition plans\nIdentifying community opportunities\nThe importance of soft skills\nEnsuring readiness for Interviews\nTaking a deep dive into Interests\, hobbies\, and preferences\nIdentifying continuing education options\nAligning transition information in the IEP with real world opportunities\nAligning potential jobs with skill\n\nSpeaker Bio: Liz Capone is an Advocate\, Expert Witness\, and a former Special Education Teacher of 21 years. She has taught at every grade level from PreK-12 and has worked in six school districts\, including the largest school system in Virginia. She has teaching experience in all settings from general education to an acute unit and has extensive experience writing IEPs as a case manager\, team leader\, and IEP coordinator. Liz has presented to multiple organizations nationally\, including the Arc of Northern Virginia\, Decoding Dyslexia Utah\, and Formed Families Forward. \nThursday\, March 12th 7-8pm – ABLENow Information Session presented by Brittany Bullock \nPresentation Information: More independence\, greater financial security and a better quality of life – that’s the future ABLEnow is building. Join us for this information session to discover the advantages of ABLE accounts and the national ABLEnow program. In just one hour\, we’ll cover the answers to these questions\, and more: \n\nWhat are ABLE accounts?\nWho is eligible?\nHow can I use the money in an ABLE account?\nWhat are the features and benefits of ABLEnow?\nHow can I learn more and open an account?\n\nSpeaker Bio: Brittany Bullock joined Commonwealth Savers in 2013 as a Financial Operations Analyst. Since then\, she has moved into the role of Relationship Marketing Specialist\, spending most of her time traveling the Central and Tidewater regions of the state educating individuals and families on the importance of ABLE accounts and how empowering they are for people with disabilities. As part of the marketing team\, she also conducts virtual events and webinars both statewide and nationwide. Brittany has a B.S. in Business from Virginia Commonwealth University\, with a concentration in International Business. She is passionate about helping others and looks forward to sharing this wonderful information with you all. \nThursday\, March 19th 7-8pm – Making Sense of Behavior presented by Bright Achievements ABA \nPresentation Information: Our focus is on helping families identify the core functions of behavior. We will cover common functions such as seeking attention\, escaping non-preferred activities/stimuli\, and gaining tangible items. Since all behavior serves a purpose\, this presentation will provide families with tools on how to observe and collect data to determine potential function(s) and select appropriate\, function-based interventions. The goal is to make applied behavior analysis techniques more accessible to caregivers by using real-life examples and breaking down common definitions and language. \nThursday\, March 26th 6-7pm – GRTC Travel Training Information Session presented byKelsey Calder \nPresentation Information: Kelsey Calder\, Travel Training Instructor for GRTC\, will be giving an information session on how to use the Greater Richmond Transit Company (GRTC) buses to travel independently!
URL:https://virginiadsa.org/event/virtual-2026-education-series/2026-03-26/
LOCATION:VA
CATEGORIES:Caregiver Support,Education,Virtual
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260328T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260328T170000
DTSTAMP:20260414T202758
CREATED:20260310T032734Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260310T032734Z
UID:10002739-1774706400-1774717200@virginiadsa.org
SUMMARY:Richmond - Respite Afternoon
DESCRIPTION:We all love our kids\, and we all need some adult time too! Enjoy some time away while VDSA keep your children ages 0 to 12 safe and occupied! This event is open to families of individuals with Down syndrome and their siblings. For our respite afternoon\, we are accepting participants ages 0 to 12. Email Cheryl to join the waitlist for this event if registration is closed: ccastle@virginiadsa.org. \n\nThe VDSA Respite Event will take place on Saturday\, March 28th from 2 pm to 5 pm at the VDSA’s office (1504 Santa Rosa Rd. Suite 124 Henrico\, VA 23294). Individuals with Down syndrome (0 -12) and their siblings (up to age 12) are welcome at this event. Games and activities will be provided for the attendees. If your child will need a snack\, please bring it labeled any other supplies as well your children may need during their time with us. \nWhen you register\, please add tickets for all of the children that will attend. You will also receive an email requesting additional information about your children that will assist us as we care for them on 3/28. We must receive all of the information back before 3/24 to ensure your family’s participation. \nVDSA staff along with volunteers (who have all passed criminal background checks) will be on sight to supervise the attendees. The max attendance for this event is 20 participants so the event will book up quickly! \nEmail: Cheryl Castle ccastle@virginiadsa.org or Ame Branam abranam@virginiadsa.org if you have any questions. \n\nRegister here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/97731-richmond-respite-event-ages-0-to-12
URL:https://virginiadsa.org/event/richmond-respite-afternoon/
LOCATION:VDSA\, 1504 Santa Rosa Road\, Suite 124\, Richmond\, VA\, 23229
CATEGORIES:Caregiver Support,Richmond
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR