Richmond - Arts and Craft Workshop
2025-11-19 10:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | VDSA, 1504 Santa Rosa Road, Suite 124, Richmond, VA, 23229
You’re Invited to our New Monthly Arts and Craft Workshop
Enjoy creating beautiful, one-of-a-kind DIY art pieces that are tailored to each individual’s unique abilities and skill levels.
Date: Wednesday, November 19th, from 10 am – Noon
Location: VDSA’s Activity Room – 1504 Santa Rosa Road, Suite 124
For ages 18+ / Cost: $5.00
Register Here: Fall Mason Jar Centerpiece

"Bigs" of F'burg Art Time!
2025-11-15 13:30 - 14:30
Let’s get creative! Join us at Art Time 4 Kids for a special art class! Designed for ages 11+
Siblings (11yrs+) welcome

Cost: $15
Reserve your spot today!

Richmond - Indoor Rock Climbing
2025-11-15 10:00 - 12:00 | Peak Experiences RVA, 1375 Overbrook Rd, Richmond, VA, 23220
Join us for a fun session of indoor rock climbing led by Beyond Boundaries. No experience is necessary! Cost: $10 per individual with Down syndrome.
All ages! Maximum number of climbers: 12!
November 15th 10:30 am – Noon
Peak Experiences RVA
1375 Overbrook Rd, Richmond, VA 23220
Register here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/82481-rock-climbing-with-beyond-boundaries

Little's of F'burg Play Gym Playdate
2025-11-15 09:30 - 11:00
Come enjoy some indoor gym playtime and social skills practice! Limited spots available!
This event is for ages 10 and under. Siblings 10 and under are welcome to play with ticket purchase.
Cost:
$5/individual with DS
$10/sibling
Reserve your spots today! Click HERE to sign up!

This is NOT a drop and go event.

Tri-Cities Friendsgiving
2025-11-14 18:00 - 20:00
Tri-cities Friendsgiving
Join us for a potluck to celebrate our friends at our Friendsgiving.
– We’ll provide the Ham and Drinks –
Central Baptist Church, 6405 Courthouse Rd, VA 23833
Time: 6 – 8 pm
Register Here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/94022-friendsgiving
Sign up here to let us know what you are bringing: 2025 Volunteer Group: Tri-Cities Friendsgiving Potluck Registration

Williamsburg/Peninsula Parents' Respite Night
2025-11-14 18:00 - 20:00 | Williamsburg Presbyterian Church, 215 Richmond Road, Williamsburg, Virginia, 23185
We have revamped our Parent Respite Night to make it more fun and interactive for your child. ALL AGES WELCOME, we have some really fun activities planned including:

A Music/Dance Class in the Dance Room (with props!)
Gaga Ball Game
Arts & Crafts in the Art Room
Games and toys in the Play Room for those that prefer quieter activities
Some fun and healthy snacks

We will have VDSA adult volunteers as well as teen volunteers from WPC’s Teen Group to make it extra fun. We hope the variety in activities will engage more of our kiddos for a fun night so that parents can enjoy a evening on their own. If you have a teen with Down Syndrome, please consider asking if they would like to volunteer!

Richmond – Painting Class
2025-11-14 12:30 - 13:30, 2025-10-17 12:30 - 13:30
Painting Class at the Art Factory is the Second Friday of Each Month
12:30 to 1:30 pm
$15 per person
Open to All Friends with Disabilities
Dates: September 12th – October 17th – November 14th – December 12th
Art Factory, 4810 Market Square Ln, Midlothian
Register here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/83876-richmond-painting-classes-at-the-art-factory-fall-2025

Virtual - Improvaneer
2025-11-06 19:00 - 20:00, 2025-10-30 19:00 - 20:00, 2025-10-23 19:00 - 20:00, 2025-10-16 19:00 - 20:00, 2025-10-09 19:00 - 20:00, 2025-10-02 19:00 - 20:00, 2025-09-25 19:00 - 20:00, 2025-09-18 19:00 - 20:00 | Zoom
The Virginia Down Syndrome Association is excited to start the virtual Improvaneer Method 5 week class again!!
7:00 to 8:00 pm

Returning and new participants welcome!
Teens and adults are welcome to sign up!

The Improvaneer Method:
Teaches participants:
Eye Contact. Creative Thinking. Adaption To Change. Quick Thinking. Focus. Listening. Voice Projection. Character Development. Attention To Detail.
Structure:

Each class lasts one hour and has a theme, a discussion, five games, and ‘homeprov’ that the participants are to practice with friends and family.
In each class we will gradually build in real world scenarios by mostly playing games that imitate various jobs, situations, and connections in real life.
Each week parents will receive an outline of what is coming up in the class.
After the class, emails will be sent to with ‘homeprov’ reminders.

Note from Rob Snow – CEO and Creator
The Improvaneer Method Way focuses on supporting our mission while maintaining immense respect, admiration, and support for the individuals utilizing the program. At all times, we will create a positive learning atmosphere that incorporates fun, humor, and discipline into the achievement and ultimate practice of this skill.
Learn more:
https://www.theimprovaneermethod.com/
Register here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/90605-virtual-improvaneer-fall-2025

Fredericksburg Dad's Night Out
2025-11-01 18:30 - 19:30
Dad’s come out and enjoy some great food and conversation!
Please RSVP so we can reserve a table.
*You are responsible for you food and drink purchases
RSVP Here!

Life in the Community
2025-11-01 09:00 - 16:00
Life in the Community

SPONSORED BY
The Central Virginia Transition into Adulthood Coalition Life in the Community Committee
The Autism Society of Central Virginia, The Down Syndrome Association of Virginia, The Arc of Virginia, Jacob’s Chance, Beyond Boundaries, Commonwealth Autism, Northstar Academy, Shineforth, VCU, Bright Point Community College,
Special Olympics, The Arc of Hanover

Saturday, November 1st
9am-4pm
Chesterfield Career and Technical Center
13900 Hull Street Road, Midlothian, VA 23112
A must-attend conference for teens and adults with disabilities and their caregivers!
This conference will focus on the critical aspects of transitioning to adulthood, providing valuable resources, expert insights, and networking opportunities to help navigate education, employment, independent living and community engagement. Whether you’re navigating education, employment, independent living, or community engagement, this event will empower and equip you for the journey ahead.
When You Register:

You can request any special accommodations.
Self-Advocates can request a Peer Mentor Ambassador to provide support with schedules, navigating hallways, and exploring vendor tables. (Please note: Ambassadors cannot assist with activities of daily living support.)
Select your boxed lunch preference.
Please select your preferred track (the session topic you’re most interested in). You’re welcome to attend sessions outside of your chosen track as well.

Register here: https://ascv.org/lifeinthecommunity/

Williamsburg - Halloween Dance Class
2025-10-26 13:00 - 14:00 | Jazzercize Williamsburg, 455 Merrimac Trl, Williamsburg, VA, 23185
Williamsburg – Halloween Dance Class

Have some fun learning monster moves and dancing to Halloween-themed tunes like Monster Mash, Thriller and more! This class is being led by VDSA volunteer and Jazzercize instructor, Jessie. This event is free for VDSA members and family.
All ages welcome & siblings are welcome to join in the fun. Costumes are optional. No weapons or masks for this event please. Parents, please remain onsite and join in the fun!

Resister Here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/92084-halloween-dance-class

Harvest and Hooves Family Farm Day
2025-10-25 14:00 - 16:00
Come on down to Steadfast Trail and enjoy some baby goat snuggling, horsemanship, and pumpkin decorating!

Please wear closed toed shoes and clothes that can get dirty!

RSVP here!

VDSA Family Halloween Bash
2025-10-24 18:00 - 21:00 | Christ Church Episcopal, 5000 Pouncey Tract Rd, Glen Allen, Virginia, 23059
VDSA Family Halloween Bash

Let’s BOO-gie and share a feast!
You’re invited to a Halloween Potluck Dance Party on Friday, October 24th, at 6:00 PM
Christ Church Episcopal – 5000 Pouncey Tract Rd, Glen Allen 23060
Come dressed in your most inventive disguises (optional) and bring a spooky dish to share for our feast. We’ll be dancing the night away to some hauntingly good tunes.”
Please register by October 22nd if you dare to join us!.

Register Here: Halloween Bash
Sign-up to bring a dish here: Spooky Dish

Charlottesville Family Fall Social Meetup
2025-10-18 12:30 - 15:00 | Eastwood Winery, 2531 Scottsville Rd, Charlottesville, VA, 22902
Hey VDSA families from Charlottesville and nearby areas!
We’re excited to invite you to a casual family meetup at the beautiful Eastwood Winery! Join us for a relaxing afternoon with fellow families. You’ll have the opportunity to mingle with other parents, make new friends, and watch your kids play together in a safe and welcoming environment.
Saturday, October 18 at 12:30 – 3:00 PM
REGISTER HERE: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/92045-charlottesville-family-fall-social-meetup

Children's Museum Free Sensory Friendly Night
2025-10-17 17:00 - 19:00, 2025-09-19 17:00 - 19:00 | Children’s Museum Chesterfield, 6629 Lake Harbour Dr, Midlothian, VA, 23112
Children’s Museum Free Sensory-Friendly Night
All ages are welcome at the Children’s Museum’s Free Sensory Friendly Night.

A cool down room will be available and sensory supports provided.
Sibling welcome!
REGISTER HERE

Richmond Laser Tag
2025-10-04 11:00 - 13:00 | Mission Laser, 889 Research Rd, Richmond, VA, 23236
Richmond Laser Tag
October 4, 2025 @ 11:00AM — 12:45PM

Mission Laser 889 Research Rd, Richmond, VA 23236
$12 per person
Includes Laser Tag & Pizza Lunch
Register here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/75062-richmond-laser-tag

VDSA - Charlottesville Family Meet-up
2025-10-04 08:00 - 10:00 | Get Air Trampoline Park, 1005 Gardens Blvd, Charlottesville, VA, 22901
Charlottesville Family Meet-Up

Join us for Sensory & Special Needs Time at Get Air Trampoline Park this October!
Let’s meet during Get Air’s dedicated Sensory and Special Needs Time, held on the first Saturday of each month. This special session offers a more comfortable environment and a reduced rate of just $15 for a child/adult and their companion to jump and play for 2 full hours.
The staff at Get Air are also open to exploring additional times in the future if there’s enough interest from our families—so your participation matters!
We hope to see you there for some fun and active play in a sensory-friendly setting!
👉 LINK: Family Meet-Up

Richmond - Parent Night Out
2025-09-20 16:00 - 19:00 | Stumpy’s Hatchet House, 9200 Stony Point Pkwy Store #189, Richmond, VA, 23235
Parents Night Out at Stumpy’s !

Ready for a night out? Join us at Stumpy’s Hatchet House for an unforgettable evening of laughter and relaxation with fellow parents! VDSA members enjoy a special group rate. 🎉 (Admittance and food/beverages at own expense)
Date: Saturday, Saturday, September 20th, from 4:00 – 7:00 PM
Location: Located in: Stony Point Fashion Park

9200 Stony Point Pkwy Store #189, Richmond

email Kim with questions kwoodbury@virginiadsa.org
REGISTER HERE

Richmond Respite Event
2025-09-20 16:00 - 19:00 | VDSA, 1504 Santa Rosa Road, Suite 124, Richmond, VA, 23229
Self-Care Time for Caregivers!
We all love our kids, and we all need some adult time too. Enjoy some time away while VDSA keep your children ages 2 to 12 safe and occupied! This event is open to families of individuals with Down syndrome and their siblings. For our Parent Night, we are accepting participants ages 2 to 12. Email Kim to join the waitlist for this event if registration is closed: kwoodbury@virginiadsa.org.

The VDSA Parents Night Respite Event will take place on Saturday, September 20th from 4 pm- 7 pm at the VDSA’s office (1504 Santa Rosa Rd. Henrico, VA 23294).
REGISTER HERE

Grow With Me New Parent Lunch
2025-09-20 12:00 - 14:30 | Bon Air United Methodist Church, 1645 Buford Rd, Richmond, VA, 23235
You are invited to VDSA’s annual New Parents’ Lunch
Grow with Me: A New Parent Lunch – Dedicated to New VDSA Parents and Caregivers Join us for a casual lunch designed just for you—a chance to connect with other new families, share your journey, and grow together in community.

✨ It’s time to celebrate YOU! ✨
Childcare will be provided, with access to both a nursery and a gym on site for the kids. Please email Misti Pollaro if you would like to use childcare and let us know about any allergies.
Register here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/90777-grow-with-me-new-parent-lunch
For questions or more information, please reach out:
Misti Pollaro, Family Care Director
mpollaro@virginiadsa.org – (804) 256-6451

Art in the Park (ages 2-12) (RVA)
2025-09-20 10:00 - 12:00 | Crump Park, 3400 Mountain Rd, Glen Allen, VA, 23060
Join us for Art in the Park! Art projects and playing are the best!

September 6 – Crump Park, 3400 Mountain Rd, Glen Allen, VA 23060
September 20 – Huguenot Park, 10901 Robious Rd, Richmond, VA 23235

10:00 am to Noon
Baby to 12 years old
Siblings welcome
Register Here
