Virginia Down Syndrome Association

Virtual - Improvaneer
2025-10-02 19:00 - 20:00, 2025-10-09 19:00 - 20:00, 2025-10-16 19:00 - 20:00, 2025-10-23 19:00 - 20:00, 2025-10-30 19:00 - 20:00, 2025-11-06 19:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | 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

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 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

Friendship Club+ Adult Edition
2025-10-05 14:00 - 16:00, 2025-10-12 14:00 - 16:00, 2025-10-19 14:00 - 16:00, 2025-10-26 14:00 - 16:00, 2025-11-02 14:00 - 16:00, 2025-11-09 14:00 - 16:00, 2025-11-16 14:00 - 16:00 | VDSA, 1504 Santa Rosa Road, Suite 124, Richmond, VA, 23229
VDSA is excited to announce the Friendship Club+ Adult Edition.
Friendship Club+ Social Group is a fun and welcoming place where adults with Down syndrome can connect, learn, and grow together! Each meeting is packed with engaging social skills activities that help participants make a positive first impression, greet others confidently, and practice active listening to build stronger friendships. Participants will explore teamwork through games, projects, and group challenges, learning how to work effectively together and celebrating each other’s strengths. Our group is dedicated to boosting confidence, enhancing personal and social skills, and fostering meaningful relationships in a friendly and supportive environment.
Why join:
– Builds Real-Life Social Skills – Members practice greeting, listening, and teamwork in a safe, supportive space, helping them feel more confident in everyday situations.

– Encourages Independence – Participants learn how to start conversations, join group activities, and make new friends.

– Provides a Safe, Supportive Environment – The group is designed with understanding and patience, ensuring everyone feels valued, included, and respected.

– Promotes Emotional Growth – Activities help members recognize feelings, handle challenges, and resolve disagreements positively.
– Expands Social Circles – Your adult child can meet new people, form meaningful friendships, and enjoy regular opportunities to connect beyond home and family.
Club meeting dates are all Sundays:
September 14, 21, 28 / October 5, 12, 19, 26 / November 2, 9, 16 (Club party)
Cost: The cost of the program is $100 (Scholarships Available)
This program is sponsored by the Community Care Corps/Oasis Institute.

Caregiver Restorative Yoga
2025-10-05 17:30 - 18:30 | Humble Haven Yoga, 6980 Forest Ave, Richmond, VA, 23230
Rest, renew and recharge! Don’t miss this special class just for VDSA Caregivers at Humble Haven Yoga. This is a restorative yoga class meant for deep relaxation. NO experience necessary! Just wear something comfortable and come take a deep breath with your community.
Register Here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/92137-caregiver-restorative-yoga

Children's Museum Free Sensory Friendly Night
2025-10-17 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

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

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

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

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

Richmond - Arts and Craft Workshop
2025-11-19 10:00 - 12:00 | 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

Teen Movie Night
2025-11-30 17:45 - 21:00 | Regal West Tower, Regal West Tower, Richmond, Virginia, 23294
Join Friendship Circle of Virginia and Virginia Down Syndrome Association for a Teen Movie night on Sunday, November 30th as we come together to watch the movie Zootopia 2!
Arrival Time: 5:45 PM, Movie Start Time: 6:15 PM
Regal West Tower – 8998 W Broad St, Richmond, VA 23294
This event is for teens 13+. 1 Parent/Caregiver will attend free of charge.
Register Here: Teen Movie Night

Ornament Decorating Party, Manchester Moose Lodge, Richmond
2025-12-07 00:00 - 14:00 | Manchester Moose Lodge, 11110 Trade Rd N, Chesterfield, VA, 23236
Ornament Decorating Party hosted and sponsored by the Manchester Moose Lodge
11110 Trade Rd, North Chesterfield, Sunday, December 7th from 12:00 – 2:00 pm
Casual pizza lunch, decorate ornaments, see Santa, and everyone gets a gift too!
The whole family is welcome, including siblings and grandparents!
Register here:
https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/78463-holiday-party-manchester-moose-lodge-dec-2024

Richmond Respite Event
2025-12-20 14:00 - 17:00 | VDSA, 1504 Santa Rosa Road, Suite 124, Richmond, VA, 23229
Respite Event in Richmond
“Get your last-minute holiday shopping done while your kids enjoy a fantastic afternoon 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!”

When: December 20, 2025
Time: 2pm to 5pm
Where: VDSA Office, 1504 Santa Rosa Road Suite 124

REGISTER HEREf

Tri-Cities New Years Playdate Party
2026-01-02 17:00 - 19:00 | Ragsdale Community Center, 20916 Old School Rd., McKenney, VA, 23872
Tri-Cities New Years Playdate Party
Lets bring in the New Year together!! Let’s play and celebrate!!

Join us at Ragsdale Community Center for a fun time of games and play.
Friday, January 2nd from 5-7 pm
Ragsdale Community Center: 20916 Old School Rd. McKenney, VA 23872
Bring a snack to share
Register Here: New Years Playdate Party

Dads’ Night Out
2026-01-08 18:00 - 20:00 | Capital Ale House, 13831 Village Place Drive, Midlothian, VA, 23118, United States
Richmond Area Dads’ Night Out!!
Connect with other Dads in the greater Richmond area who understand your journey!
Share and learn during this social time with other Dads.

Thursday, January 8th, 6PM

Capital Ale House Midlothian
13831 Village Place Dr, Midlothian, VA 23114

RSVP to Jan Rychtar, ary60249@gmail.com

Moms’ Night Out Paint Party
2026-01-13 19:00 - 21:00 | The Art Factory, 4810 Market Square Ln, Midlothian, VA, 23112
You are invited to a Mom’s night out at The Art Factory!

Tuesday, January 13, 7 – 9 PM
4810 Market Square Ln, Midlothian, VA 23112
$27 per person (Covers all necessary supplies and instruction)

Treat yourself to an evening designed just for YOU! Our Moms’ Night Out Painting Class is a relaxed and social event where you can unwind, laugh, and explore your creative side-no experience needed.

Register Here: Moms’ Night Out Paint Party

Virtual - Improvaneer
2026-01-15 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

202 Disability Expo, Richmond
2026-01-18 10:00 - 14:00 | Dewey Gottwald Center, 2301 W Leigh St, Richmond, VA, 23220
VDSA will be attending the 3rd Annual Disability Expo at the Dewey Gottwald Center.
Friendship Circle of Virginia is proud to present the 3rd Annual Disability Expo, generously sponsored by QTS Data Centers and the Jewish Community Federation of Richmond! The expo will feature non-profit organizations and businesses that provide services and resources for individuals across the lifespan from infants through senior citizens and their families.
Click for more Information and to Register!
