Shenandoah Valley New Years Potluck 2026
2026-01-31 16:30 (America/New_York) | COVENANT PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 546 Mosby Rd, Harrisonburg, VA, 22801
VDSA Central Shenandoah Valley 10th Annual New Year Potluck
Happy New Year!!

Join us for our 10th annual new year celebration potluck
Saturday, Jan. 31 from 4:30 to 6:30 pm.
Bring a favorite dish or two to share – appetizer, side, entree, and/or dessert.
Water, juice, and soda are provided
All individuals with Down syndrome and children 11 and under will receive a gift!

Register here: 10th Annual New Year Potluck

Virtual - Improvaneer
2026-02-05 19:00 - 20:00, 2026-02-12 19:00 - 20:00, 2026-02-26 19:00 - 20:00, 2026-03-05 19:00 - 20:00, 2026-03-12 19:00 - 20:00, 2026-03-19 19:00 - 20:00, 2026-03-26 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/95223-virtual-improvaneer-winter-2026

VDSA - Charlottesville Family Meet-up
2026-02-07 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
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 $12 or$17+tax (depending on height) 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!
For more info please visit Get Air webpage: https://getairsports.com/charlottesville/events/sp…

👉 LINK: Family Meet-Up

Valentine's Respite Night - F'burg
2026-02-13 17:30 - 20:00
Enjoy a quiet night out while your kids enjoy a fantastic evening with our trained staff and volunteers. We are hosting a fun-filled event for self-advocates and their siblings. It’s a win-win for everyone!
Register Here!

Hampton Roads/Peninsula Valentine's Day Dance Party
2026-02-14 13:00 - 15:00 | First United Church of Christ Hampton, 1017 Todds Ln, Hampton, 23666, United States
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with our VDSA families from Hampton Roads and Williamsburg!!

There will be dancing, socializing, picture taking and crafts. Drinks and some snacks will be provided, but please bring a snack or treat to share if you can. Come in play clothes, casual wear or your very best Valentine’s Days fancy dress. Just don’t miss the fun!

LEARN MORE & REGISTER HERE

Sign up to bring snacks or to volunteer here:

VDSA Hampton Roads: Hampton Roads Valentine’s Day Dance Party

Science Museum of Virginia Minds of All Kinds (All ages)
2026-02-27 16:00 - 20:00 | Science Museum of Virginia, 2500 W Broad St, Richmond, VA, 23220
Meet up with friends from VDSA at the Science Museum

Minds of All Kinds event on Friday, February 27th from 4pm-8pm!

Enjoy the museum on this free night at the Science Museum.

The museum will be making exhibits sensory friendly on this evening, and
staff will be available to support and assist families.

You must register with the museum at this link which takes you
to the Science Museum of Virginia webpage:

No charge
For all ages!! Siblings welcome!
Register here: Minds of All Kinds

Richmond - Indoor Rock Climbing
2026-02-28 10:30 - 12:00 | Peak Experiences Midlothian, 11421 Polo Cir, Midlothian, VA, 23113
Join us for a fun session of indoor rock climbing led by Beyond Boundaries. No experience is necessary, siblings welcome!
Cost: $15 per individual.
All ages! Maximum number of climbers: 12!
February 28th @ 10:30 am – Noon
Peak Experiences Midlothian: 11421 Polo Cir, Midlothian, VA 23113
Register here: Rock Climbing with-Beyond Boundaries

Tri-cities Crewe Railroad Museum
2026-02-28 13:00 - 15:00 | Crewe Railroad Museum, 125 Carolina Ave., Crewe, 23930, United States
Calling all train enthusiasts and families! 🚂
Join us for an unforgettable meetup at the Family-friendly museum featuring an extensive collection of historical exhibits on trains and model railroads. You’ll be amazed by the intricate details and rich history behind these magnificent machines. We will meet at the museum and explore the indoor and outdoor area. Take your time to admire the exhibits, ask questions, and learn something new!
If time warrants, we can extend our adventure to the adjacent park for some playtime or a leisurely walk afterwards. The kids (and kids at heart!) can burn off energy while you enjoy the fresh air and scenery.
Register here: Crewe Railroad Ruseum

Teen Game Day
2026-03-15 14:00 - 16:00 | Friendship Circle Offices, 212 N. Gaskins Rd, Richmond, VA, 23238
You’re Invited to Teen Game Day!

Hosted by VDSA and Friendship Circle of Virginia
Date: Sunday, March 15th, from 2 pm – 4 pm
Location: Friendship Circle Offices: 212 N. Gaskins Rd Richmond
For ages 13+

Sign Up Here: Teen Game Day

Charlottesville - Friends and Kindness Cafe
2026-03-20 14:30 - 16:00 | Kindness Cafe, 480 Rugby Rd, Charlottesville, VA, 22903
Friends and Kindness Cafe

Let’s come together to celebrate Down Syndrome Day
Our families will receive 25% off all purchases, and we’re working on securing a few small freebies as well. We’ll also have a craft table set up for the kids, and if the weather permits, we may add a little outdoor fun too. We’d love to see you there!
Friday, 3/20, from 2:30–4pm at Kindness Café! 💙💛
Kindness Cafe: 480 Rugby Road, Charlottesville, VA 22903
👉 LINK: Family Meet-Up

Richmond - VDSA Celebrates World Down Syndrome Day 2026!
2026-03-21 14:00 - 17:00 | Bon Air United Methodist Church, 1645 Buford Rd, Richmond, VA, 23235
World Down Syndrome BIG PLAY Party!

Join us for the World Down Syndrome BIG PLAY Party, an unforgettable afternoon of non-stop fun, friends, and excitement. Featuring the one and only DJ Tom spinning the hottest tracks and running an unforgettable Karaoke session that will bring out the rockstar in you, and a gym overflowing with a vast array of interactive Retro Games that will transport you back in time to the good old days! There’s something for every age and interest!

Tri-Cities Rock Your Socks Party
2026-03-21 14:30 - 17:30
Come celebrate World Down Syndrome Day wearing your crazy socks!!

Saturday, March 21, 2026 from 2:30-5:30 at Central Baptist Church on 6405 Courthouse Rd. Old Church Rd, Virginia. Bring a snack, appetizer or dessert to share. Wear your crazy socks. Play games and have fun together.
Register here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/97116-tri-cities-rock-your-socks-party

3,2,1 Pool Time! -F'burg
2026-03-21 15:00 - 16:30
3,2,1 Pool Time
Let’s celebrate our family and friends with Down Syndrome on 3/21 by splashing in the indoor pool!

March 21, 3-4:30pm @ Wilderness Presidential Resort
Non-swimmers MUST have an adult in the pool with them at all times. Bring your own floaties(for non-swimmers only), goggles, towels, etc!
Individual with Down Syndrome is Free!
Other family members $5/each
Limited tickets, so RSVP early!!
All families will also have to complete a Wilderness Resort Waiver too.

VDSA - Charlottesville Family Meet-up
2026-04-04 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
Let’s meet during Get Air’s dedicated Sensory and Special Needs Time. This special session offers a more comfortable environment and a reduced rate:
$12 or$17+tax (depending on height) for a child/adult and their companion to jump and play for 2 full hours.
We hope to see you there for some fun and active play in a sensory-friendly setting!
For more info please visit Get Air webpage: https://getairsports.com/charlottesville/events/sp…

👉 LINK: Family Meet-Up

Virtual - Improvaneer
2026-04-09 19:00 - 20:00, 2026-04-16 19:00 - 20:00, 2026-04-23 19:00 - 20:00, 2026-04-30 19:00 - 20:00, 2026-05-07 19:00 - 20:00, 2026-05-21 19:00 - 20:00, 2026-05-28 19:00 - 20:00, 2026-06-04 19:00 - 20:00 and 1 more date | 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!

Sign Up Here: Virtual Improvaneer

Sensory Swim Time at the Y
2026-04-12 10:00 - 11:45 | Brooks Family YMCA, 151 McIntire Pk Dr, Charlottesville, VA, 22902
Sensory Swim Time at the Y

Let’s Go to the Pool! (indoor)
Join us for Sensory Swim Time at the Y
Sunday, April 12th, 10:00 – 11:45 AM (1 hour 45 minutes)
Brooks Family YMCA, 151 McIntire Pk Dr, Charlottesville
Free for Y Members
$5.00 for Non-Members
This special swim time offers:
• Reduced noise
• Exclusive access for families registered for sensory swim
Please RSVP to VDSA and be sure to register through the YMCA for payment.
👉 VDSA LINK: Sensory Swim Time
👉 YMCA LINK: https://tinyurl.com/4bb6epem.
*Spots are limited*
