Virginia Down Syndrome Association

Webinar - What Families Need to Know! A Pediatrician's Tips for Understanding Common Lab Results
2024-04-17 14:00 - 15:15 (America/New_York)
Join GLOBAL Down Syndrome Foundation and Dr.Kishore Vellody for an important webinar that will cover:
Common labs that are often sent for people with Down syndrome and guidance on their interpretation
What results should be of concern vs expected.
What caregivers can do when they receive their lab results before the doctor.

Wednesday, April 17 – 2:00 pm EST

Kishore Vellody, MD
Dr. Vellody completed his medical degree at the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine and his pediatric residency at the Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin in Milwaukee. He is a Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. In March 2009, he became Medical Director of the Down Syndrome Center of Western Pennsylvania and has also served as President of the National Down Syndrome Congress (NDSC). Dr. Vellody has spoken at a variety of local, regional, national, and international meetings on the care of children with Down syndrome. He became a pediatrician in large part because of his relationship with his older brother, Das, who is smart, funny, caring, … and also has Down syndrome.

You will have the opportunity to view the presentation and listen live as Dr. Vellody provides key information and answers your questions
Register: https://rb.gy/r4l8kz

Medicaid Lunch 'n Learn with Anthem HealthKeepers Plus
2024-06-06 12:00 - 13:00 | VDSA, 1504 Santa Rosa Road, Suite 124, Richmond, VA, 23229
Anthem HealthKeepers Plus will review current happenings within Medicaid as well as give an overview of core benefits and value added benefits. Lunch will be provided!
We will also host this session through Zoom, so if you are unable to attend in-person, please tune in here: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89719959168
Whether you plan to attend in-person or through Zoom, be sure to register here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/71819-medicaid-lunch-and-learn-with-anthem-healthkeepers-plus

Future Planning with Eli's Village
2024-07-11 18:30 - 19:30
Eli’s Village is hosting a future planning webinar! Join us for an exclusive webinar tailored for families with loved ones with disabilities. Discover comprehensive planning strategies encompassing financial, legal, and public benefit aspects as you prepare for your family’s future. This presentation will guide you through essential considerations and empower you to make informed decisions on topics such as Special Needs Trusts, ABLE Accounts, Decision Making Models and more. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain invaluable insights and peace of mind.
You can access this webinar through the Zoom link here: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83553480365
Register for this event here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/72121-future-planning-with-eli-s-village

Virtual - IEP Advocacy presentation from All Needs Planning
2024-08-21 18:30 - 19:00 | Zoom
The Virginia Down Syndrome Association is pleased to offer free, virtual educational sessions for caregivers this fall. All Needs Planning, which provides financial, estate, and life planning for families, has generously offered to provide the following upcoming sessions:

Wednesday, August 21st – IEP Advocacy from 6:30pm-7:00pm
Wednesday, September 25th – Transitioning from school to adulthood from 6:30pm-7:30pm
Wednesday, October 23rd – Medicaid waiver updates from 6:30pm-7:00pm

Feel free to register for all three topics and join us in conversation! For more information, contact Ame Branam, Education Director, at abranam@virginiadsa.org
Click here to register: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/74996-virtual-educational-webinars-from-all-needs-planning

Volunteer Academy - Richmond
2024-09-17 10:30 - 12:30, 2024-09-24 10:30 - 12:30, 2024-10-01 10:30 - 12:30, 2024-10-08 10:30 - 12:30, 2024-10-15 10:30 - 12:30, 2024-10-22 10:30 - 12:30
Self-advocates, 18 and up, are invited to participate in a new program! Join Carol Coffin, MSRC, CRC, Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor and lead teacher of VDSA’s Summer Employment Academy to participate in community service activities to enhance social engagement, communication, and employability.
Location:
Brandermill Woods Health Center
2100 Brandermill Parkway
Midlothian, VA 23112
Dates:
September 17, 2024-October 22, 2024
Tuesdays 10:30am-12:30pm
Volunteers may be dropped off (maximum of 5 registrants) or participate with an attendant (maximum of 2 registrants).
Register here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/76234-volunteer-academy

Virtual - Housing Options presentation by Heart Havens
2024-09-19 18:00 - 19:00 | Zoom
The Virginia Down Syndrome Association invites parents and caregivers to attend a virtual session led by housing provider Heart Havens. This session will go into the types of housing, such as group homes or sponsored residential settings, and what caregivers should look for and be aware of when helping their loved ones on their residential journey.
Register here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/74999-virtual-housing-options-presented-by-heart-havens

Virtual - Transitioning from school to adulthood from All Needs Planning
2024-09-25 18:30 - 19:30 | Zoom

Virtual - Medicaid waiver updates from All Needs Planning
2024-10-23 18:30 - 19:00 | Zoom

Virtual - School Inclusion Support Group
2025-01-29 19:00 - 20:00 | Zoom
Join us for the monthly school-inclusion focused VDSA caregiver support group on Zoom. This group is peer-led by parents of school-aged children with Down syndrome. Come ask your questions and share your knowledge and experience with others on a similar journey!
Register here!

Va-LEND Information Session
2025-02-13 17:30 - 18:30 | Zoom
The Va-LEND program provides interdisciplinary training to professionals, family members and self-advocates.
https://virginialend.partnership.vcu.edu/
Matthew Bogenschutz, Ph.D., is the director of Va-LEND at Virginia Commonwealth University and has offered to provide an information session on the program to interested VDSA families.
Register here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/81282-va-lend-information-session

Virtual-Infant&Toddler
2025-02-18 18:30 - 20:00, 2025-02-25 18:30 - 20:00, 2025-03-04 18:30 - 20:00, 2025-03-11 18:30 - 20:00, 2025-03-18 18:30 - 20:00, 2025-03-25 18:30 - 20:00 | Zoom

Richmond - I’m Determined Self-Advocacy Training
2025-03-01 09:30 - 13:00
Practice Self-Determination Skills for School, Work, and Life!
Join us for the Virginia Department of Education’s I’m Determined self-advocacy program at VDSA. Self-advocates will attend the workshop from 9:30-1 pm and caregivers are welcome for their own special session from 9:45-10:45 am.
A pizza lunch will be provided for all! Contact abranam@virginiadsa.org for more information. Individuals with Down syndrome ages 13+ are welcome. This program is in-person at the VDSA Richmond office but families from all Virginia localities are welcome.
Location: VDSA Office
1504 Santa Rosa Rd, Suite 124
Richmond, Virginia 23229
Register here.

11th Education & Transition Conference
2025-03-15 09:00 - 16:00
Join more than 400 general and special educators, parents, and other professionals from Virginia and the Mid-Atlantic region to discover how to better educate children and young adults with disabilities.
Reynolds Community College
Parham Road Campus
1651 E. Parham Road
Richmond, VA 23228
9am-4pm
Register here.

Top Five Questions and Concerns During Puberty
2025-03-31 18:00 - 19:30 | Zoom
Families often experience anxiety when their son or daughter with intellectual disabilities begins to exhibit changes that occur during puberty. In this workshop, parents will learn about the most frequently identified issues and concerns of parents of tweens with I/DD and practical ways to address them. Ideas for teaching, home activities, and useful resources specifically designed for individuals with intellectual disabilities will be shared.
Please come and join us on Monday, March 31st at 6:00 p.m. We will have Terri Couwenhoven, MS present on this topic virtual on Zoom. All registered participants will also have access to a virtual recording of the presentation.
Register here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/83258-top-five-questions-and-concerns-during-puberty

Virtual - School Inclusion Support Group
2025-04-30 19:00 - 20:00 | Zoom
Join us for the monthly school-inclusion focused VDSA caregiver support group on Zoom. This group is peer-led by parents of school-aged children with Down syndrome. Come ask your questions and share your knowledge and experience with others on a similar journey!
Register here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/85677-virtual-school-inclusion-support-april-2025

Richmond - Project Lifesaver Information Session
2025-05-14 18:30 - 19:30 | VDSA, 1504 Santa Rosa Road, Suite 124, Richmond, VA, 23229
Deputy Jones with Henrico County Sheriff’s Office will be giving an information session on Project Lifesaver. Project Lifesaver is the premier search and rescue program operated internationally by public safety agencies, and is strategically designed for “at risk” individuals who are prone to the life threatening behavior of wandering. The primary mission of Project Lifesaver is to provide timely response to save lives and reduce potential injury for adults and children with the propensity to wander.
This program will be presented in-person at the Virginia Down Syndrome Association office on Wednesday, May 14th from 6:30pm-7:30pm.
Register here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/86137-project-lifesaver-information-session

STEAM - Science "It's in the Reaction"
2025-06-05 14:00 - 16:00, 2025-06-19 14:00 - 16:00, 2025-06-26 14:00 - 16:00 | VDSA, 1504 Santa Rosa Road, Suite 124, Richmond, VA, 23229
New STEAM ‘Science’ Summer Program!
VDSA is thrilled to announce an exciting new STEAM Summer Program that’s packed with action! This 7-week program will dive into the fascinating world of Science, exploding with experiments that are sure to leave each attendee in a state of wonder and awe. From chemistry concoctions to physics phenomena, our instructor Carol Coffin will guide you through a series of hands-on activities designed to spark curiosity and ignite a passion for discovery. Register for the whole 7 weeks or pick and choose your reaction – either way, get ready for a summer of scientific exploration and fun!
Register Here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/87340-steam-science-it-s-in-the-reaction

Richmond - Summer Employment Academy
2025-07-07 09:00 - 13:00 | VDSA, 1504 Santa Rosa Road, Suite 124, Richmond, VA, 23229
The Summer Employment Academy is a 4-week summer program in which high school students with Down syndrome have on-site career experiences along with in-class soft skills employment training. This program is open to any student with Down syndrome aged 16 and up.
The Richmond classes will be held on Mondays and Wednesdays in July at the VDSA Office. Students are in-class two days per week and on a job site two days per week. The student rotates through 4 different job sites for an individualized and well-rounded career exploration experience. While at the job site, they practice the soft skills they are learning in class while working with a job coach. Class size is maximum eight students with Down syndrome.
For more information, contact Ame Branam, Education Director, at abranam@virginiadsa.org.
