Virginia Down Syndrome Association

Virtual - Improvaneer
2026-03-26 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/95223-virtual-improvaneer-winter-2026

Beach Night at the Admirals Game!
2026-04-03 19:05 - 22:05 | Norfolk Scope Arena, 201 E Brambleton Ave, Norfolk, VA, 23510
Beach Night at the Admirals Game!

Come out to cheer on the Admirals in your beach gear for their Beach Night! The first 20 individuals with Down syndrome are free! $5 from each ticket will go to the VDSA. Wear your Hawaiian shirts and shades and join the VDSA for a fun night out!

Sign Up Here: Beach Night at the Admirals Game!

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

Richmond - Nate's Promise Art in and With Nature
2026-04-05 16:00 - 17:30, 2026-04-12 16:00 - 17:30, 2026-04-19 16:00 - 17:30, 2026-04-26 16:00 - 17:30 | VCU, 822 W Broad St, Richmond, VA, 23220
Nate’s Promise Art in and With Nature

Nate’s Promise is hosting a 4-week art course for people with congenital conditions that affect their cognitive and motor capabilities taught by VCU Art students and Nate’s Promise members.
Date: Sundays, April 5 – April 26
Time: 4 pm-5:30 pm
Location: 822 W Broad St (on VCU campus).
Art in and With Nature is an inclusive art program for people with diverse learning and sensory needs. Participants will explore nature through guided, hands-on art activities using natural materials, while developing creativity, confidence, and self-expression in a supportive, small-group environment.
The objectives of the course:
– Provide an inclusive and creative experience
– Offer a safe space to promote self-expression through art
– Foster a sense of accomplishment and pride through completing art projects
– Develop foundational art skills and vocabulary
Participants must be between the ages of 13 and 21 years. All participants under the age of 18 will need a parent, caregiver, or support person to stay for the entire class.

Sign Up Here: Nate’s Promise Art in and With Nature

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 2 more dates | 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

Richmond - Painting Classes at The Art Factory, Spring 2026
2026-04-10 12:30 - 13:30, 2026-05-08 12:30 - 13:30 | Art Factory, , 4810 Market Square Ln, Midlothian, VA, 23112
Painting Class at the Art Factory is the Second Friday of Each Month
12:30 to 1:30 pm
$20 per person
Open to All Friends with Disabilities
Dates: April 10th & May 8th
Art Factory, 4810 Market Square Ln, Midlothian
Register here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/99023-richmond-painting-classes-at-the-art-factory-spring-2026

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*

Richmond - Family-Friendly Spring Nature Walk
2026-04-12 10:30 - 12:00 | Huguenot Park, 10901 Robious Rd, Richmond, VA, 23235
Join VDSA for a family-friendly Spring Nature Walk!
Sunday, April 12th at Huguenot Park
10901 Robious Rd, Richmond, VA 23235.
10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Will end with snacks and drinks / All ages and siblings welcome!
No charge
Sign up here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/84006-richmond-nature-hikes-april-6

Led by Beyond Boundaries

Richmond - Because We Can Helping Hands
2026-04-15 14:00 - 15:00 | 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, April 15th, from 2:00 – 3:00 pm
Location: Discovery Village West End,2422 University Park Blvd, Henrico

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

Richmond Area Moms’ Night Out
2026-04-17 18:30 - 20:00 | Firebirds Wood Fired Grill, 11448 Belvedere Vista Ln, Richmond, VA, 23235
You are invited to a Mom’s Night Out!

Friday, April 17th, 6:30pm

Firebirds Wood Fired Gill, 11448 Belvedere Vista Ln, Richmond

Treat yourself to an evening designed just for YOU, where you can relax, and enjoy some well-deserved me-time.

Register Here: Moms’ Night Out

Richmond - Art and Play in the Park
2026-04-18 10:00 - 11:30 | Deep Run Park, 9900 Ridgefield Pkwy, Henrico, VA, 23233, United States
Richmond – Art and Play in the Park

Join us for a fun-filled morning for Art and Play in the Park where creativity meets playtime!

Saturday, April 18th, from 10:00 – 11:30am
Deep Run Park, 9900 Ridgefield Pkwy, Richmond
Baby to age 12, siblings welcome
All participants will need a parent, caregiver, or support person to stay for the entire class.

Sign up here: Art and Play in the Park

Richmond - Teen and Young Adult Pajama Movie Night
2026-04-18 17:00 - 20:00 | VDSA, 1504 Santa Rosa Road, Suite 124, Richmond, VA, 23229
You’re Invited to our Teen and Young Adult Pajama Movie Night!

Get ready for a cozy night in! Join us for a Pajama Movie Night filled with snacks, and good company in your pajamas! Don’t forget your pillow and blanket!!
Date: Saturday, April 18, from 5 pm – 8 pm
Location: VDSA’s Activity Room – 1504 Santa Rosa Road, Suite 124
For ages 13+ / Cost: $5.00
If registration fees are a barrier to participation, please utilize code VIPPajNgt during registration
Sign up here: Pajama Movie Night

Richmond - Indoor Rock Climbing with Beyond Boundaries
2026-04-25 10:30 - 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, $15 for siblings
All ages! Maximum number of climbers: 12!
Saturday, April 25th, 10:30 am – Noon
Peak Experiences RVA
1375 Overbrook Rd, Richmond, VA 23220
Sign up here: Rock Climbing with Beyond Boundaries

Hampton Roads - April Baby/Toddler Playgroup
2026-04-26 14:00 - 16:00 | Bluebird Gap Farm, 60 Pine Chapel Rd, Hampton, VA, V23669
April Baby/Toddler Play Group
Join us for a casual play group for the kids to play and parents to catch up and socialize! Never attended? No problem! We would love to meet you!

Meet us at Bluebird Gap Farm for fun!
In case of poor weather, we will move the location to the children’s area of Main Library (4207 Victoria Blvd.)

Register Here: Baby-Toddler Playgroup

Moms' Night Out Flower Arranging Workshop
2026-04-30 18:30 - 20:00 | Westover Hills UMC, 1705 Westover Hills Blvd, Richmond, VA, VA 23225
Moms’ Night Out Flower Arranging Workshop

April Moms’ Night Out – Flower Arranging Workshop Host by Jacob’s Chance
Registration open through April 27th
Join fellow moms and maternal caregivers for a night of creativity, connection, and self-care! Event hosted by Jacob’s Chance in partnership with All Needs Planning, Carroll Compass Consulting, Virginia Down Syndrome Association, and Friendship Circle of Virginia.
Date: Thursday, April 30th
Time: 6:30-8:00 pm
Location: Westover Hills UMC (1705 Westover Hills Blvd, Richmond, VA 23225)
Cost: $20

Sign Up Here: Moms’ Night Out

Charlottesville - Story Time and Activities at Rivanna Therapies!
2026-05-16 10:00 - 11:00 | Rivanna Therapies, 3010 Berkmar Drive, Charlottesville, VA, 22901
Join us for Story Time and Activities at Rivanna Therapies!

Come explore the new Rivanna Therapies location, including a brand-new sensory room designed for fun and discovery. This special event is recommended for children under 8 and their siblings.
Date: May 16th
Time: 10:00-11:00 AM
Location: 3010 Berkmar Drive
We look forward to welcoming you for a morning of stories, play, and exploration!
Please RSVP to let us know you are coming!

👉 LINK: Story Time and Activities at Rivanna Therapies!
