Virginia Down Syndrome Association

Science Museum of Virginia with Friendship Circle (All ages)
2026-01-25 14:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | Science Museum of Virginia, 2500 W Broad St, Richmond, VA, 23220
VDSA is joining Friendship Circles’ January Birthday Circle at the Science Museum of Virginia
January 25 from 2:00 to 4:00 pm
Explore the science museum for this out of this world birthday event! Every child with Ds who has a January birthday will get a special birthday box from Friendship Circle.
Light refreshments provided
No charge
For all ages!! Siblings welcome!
Register here: January Birthday Circle at the Science Museum of Virginia

Virtual - Improvaneer
2026-01-29 19:00 - 20:00, 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 | 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

Virtual - Parent/Caregiver Q&A
2026-01-29 19:00 - 20:00 | Zoom
Are you interested in VDSA’s upcoming Educational Series on Relationships, Dating, and Sexual Education, but still have questions or concerns before signing up your teen or young adult? Join Rachel Goldman OTD and Ame Branam, VDSA Education Director, on January 29th at 7pm. We will have a virtual Q&A session, so drop in and let’s chat!
Register here if you plan to attend the Zoom: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/96417-parent-q-a-for-educational-series-on-relationships-dating-and-sexual-education

Richmond - Relationships & Dating Educational Series
2026-02-05 18:00 - 20:00, 2026-02-12 18:00 - 20:00, 2026-02-19 18:00 - 20:00, 2026-02-26 18:00 - 20:00, 2026-03-05 18:00 - 20:00, 2026-03-12 18:00 - 20:00, 2026-03-19 18:00 - 20:00 | VDSA, 1504 Santa Rosa Road, Suite 124, Richmond, VA, 23229
The Virginia Down Syndrome Association plans to offer an 8 week educational series presented by Ame Branam, Education Director, and Rachel Goldman, OTS at Virginia Commonwealth University. Both presenters have completed sexuality educator training through Elevatus Training. We have class offerings for self-advocates in high school and beyond. Sessions will be offered at the Virginia Down Syndrome Association office at 1504 Santa Rosa Road, Suite 124, Richmond, VA 23229.
Registration price is $10.00 for the full 8-week session!
Register here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/95014-richmond-relationships-dating-educational-series
Class Dates/Times:

Session 1: Thursday, February 5th High School 6-7pm; Young Adult 7-8pm
Session 2: Thursday, February 12th High School 6-7pm; Young Adult 7-8pm
Session 3: Thursday, February 19th High School 6-7pm; Young Adult 7-8pm
Session 4: Thursday, February 26th High School 6-7pm; Young Adult 7-8pm
Session 5: Thursday, March 5th High School 6-7pm; Young Adult 7-8pm
Session 6: Thursday, March 12th High School 6-7pm; Young Adult 7-8pm
Session 7: Thursday, March 19th High School 6-7pm; Young Adult 7-8pm
Session 8: Thursday, March 26th High School 6-7pm; Young Adult 7-8pm

River City Inclusive Gym - Henrico/Richmond - Ages 9 to adult
2026-02-07 16:00 - 16:45, 2026-03-07 16:00 - 16:45 | River City Inclusive Gym, 11248 Patterson Ave, Henrico, VA, 23238, United States
River City Inclusive Gym – Winter/Spring 2025 Ages 8 to adult

River City Inclusive Gym: 11248 Patterson Ave Henrico, VA 23238

Monthly on Saturdays
Jan. 10, Feb. 7 and March 7
4:00-4:45 pm – Ages 9 and up
$15 per session
Space is limited and Siblings welcome
Register here:
https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/95456-river-city-inclusive-gym-winter-spring-2026-ages-2-to-8-to

Richmond - LEAP Training (Leadership for Empowerment and Abuse Prevention)
2026-02-11 10:00 - 11:30, 2026-02-18 10:00 - 11:30, 2026-02-25 10:00 - 11:30, 2026-03-04 10:00 - 11:30 | VDSA, 1504 Santa Rosa Road, Suite 124, Richmond, VA, 23229
The Virginia Down Syndrome Association is pleased to offer LEAP (Leadership for Empowerment and Abuse Prevention) training for interested individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities ages 18+.
About LEAP:
Leadership for Empowerment and Abuse Prevention (LEAP) is an evidence-based curriculum that provides training about healthy relationships and abuse prevention to groups of adults and teens with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Participants Learn About:

Healthy, confusing, and unhealthy relationships
Asking permission before touching
Different ways to say “no”
Identifying feelings and physical signs of being comfortable or uncomfortable
How to get help
…and more!

Register here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/94771-leap-training
LEAP training will occur on the following dates and times at the VDSA Office (1504 Santa Rosa Road, Suite 124, Richmond, VA 23229):

Wednesday, February 11th – 10:00am-11:30am
Wednesday, February 18th – 10:00am-11:30am
Wednesday, February 25th – 10:00am-11:30am
Wednesday, March 4th – 10:00am-11:30am

Presenter Bios:

Emily’s bio:

Emily Dodge lives in Richmond, Virginia. She works at Hope Church in childcare and is a graduate of the Longwood Life program. Emily spends her time going to her river house, crafting and cooking. She loves to dance competitively, hang out with her friends, attend concerts and WWE events, and spend time with her fiancé, to whom she recently became engaged. She is excited to teach LEAP and talk about healthy relationships.

Molly’s bio:

Molly is currently retired after over 30 years with the VCU Partnership for People with Disabilities, a university center for excellence in developmental disabilities. She earned her Master’s degree in Special Education from SUNY Buffalo and began her career as a special educator for children with significant support needs and autism. Later, as a parent of a child who received special education services, she has lived experiences on both sides of the IEP table.
Molly coordinated Virginia’s Positive Behavior Support Project (PBS) was endorsed as a facilitator of Positive Behavior Support in 2007. She co-leads Home and Community PBS, a network of the International Association of PBS. For more than 20 years, she directed three projects that assist children and adults with disabilities with issues surrounding violence, abuse, sexual assault, and neglect. Together with a team of families and professionals, she helped to develop and research LEAP: Leadership for Empowerment and Abuse Prevention, an evidence-based intervention for adults with IDD. In addition to published academic journals. Molly is a regular contributor to Parenting Special Needs Magazine. Molly is certified trainer for Person-Centered Thinking and Stewards of Children. Her goal is to help everyone enjoy healthy relationships.

Virtual - Communication Skills Groups for Teens and Adults
2026-02-11 15:30 - 17:00, 2026-02-25 15:30 - 17:00, 2026-03-04 15:30 - 17:00, 2026-03-18 15:30 - 17:00 | Zoom
VDSA is pleased to offer virtual Communication Skill groups thanks to a partnership with Longwood University. Teens ages 13-18 and adults 19 and over are invited to join Longwood University speech therapy students in conversation! This is a low-pressure, conversational style program where you’ll connect with each other and have a great time! This event is free of charge.
The Adults group will meet from 3:30pm until 4:15pm and our teens group will meet from 4:15pm until 5:00pm.
Sessions will take place via Zoom on February 11th, February 25th, March 4th, March 18th, April 8th, and April 22nd.
Register here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/96962-virtual-building-communication-skills

Richmond Valentine's Day Dance Party
2026-02-14 18:00 | Christ Church Episcopal, 5000 Pouncey Tract Rd, Glen Allen, Virginia, 23059
Richmond Valentine’s Day Dance Party

Get ready for an energetic evening as we celebrate Valentine’s Day! 💘 Join us for a fun-filled night of dancing, socializing, and making unforgettable memories with friends and loved ones. Take part in our exciting activities, including photos-ops to capture the special moments, and get creative with our Valentine’s Day-themed crafts.
To make the evening even more delightful, we’ll be providing drinks and some tasty snacks, but we invite you to bring a snack or treat to share with the group, so we can all indulge in the sweetness together!

If you’re attending with your special someone, please let us know!💕

This event is open to ages 13 and above, and we welcome siblings to join in on the fun!

Register to attend here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/96263-richmond-hearts-aglow-valentine-s-dance
Sign-up to bring a dish here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080D4DA8AC22A3F49-61659711-valentines#/

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

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

VDSA Because We Can Volunteer Program
2026-03-18 10:30 - 23:30 | Discovery Village, 2422 University Park Blvd, Henrico, VA, 23229
SELF-ADVOCATED NEEDED!!VDSA is looking for dedicated individuals to join us in our mission to make a positive impact in our community.
We are thrilled to be collaborating with our friends at Discovery Village for a morning of art & Imagination!
For ages 18+
Date: Wednesday, March 18th, from 10:30 – 11:30 am
Location: Discovery Village West End,2422 University Park Blvd, Henrico

Sign up at website link on the right: https://virginiadsa.salsalabs.org/juniorvolunteeracademyfall2022
