Virginia Down Syndrome Association

Improvaneer - Virtual
2023-10-26 19:00 - 20:00, 2023-11-02 19:00 - 20:00, 2023-11-09 19:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York)
Improvaneer – Virtual
Oct. 12 – Nov. 9. $25 each 5 week session.
Thursday Nights from 7:00-8:00 pm.
Teens to adults are welcome to sign up! FunQuest (Ages 13 to 20) & Fun4Life (ages 21+)
Join us for this fulfilled virtual hour! The Virginia Down Syndrome Association is excited to offer another session of Improvaneer Method!
Register here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/56171-improvaneer-method-october-and-november-2023

21 Shades (Black Family Support Group) - Virtual
2023-11-01 20:00 - 21:00, 2023-12-06 20:00 - 21:00
21 Shades (Black Family Support Group)
Please join the Virginia Down Syndrome Associations monthly 21 Shades of Virginial Black Family Support Group.
The group, 21 shades of Virginia, is a support group created after an expressed need in support of families expecting or raising a Black/interracial child with Down Syndrome.
The purpose of this group is to create a safe space for the Black Community to network, collaborate, create and share information while building meaningful connections.
Upon registration you will be sent a link to Zoom.
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Raena Gradford, rgradford@virginiadsa.org.

Feb. 1, March 1, April 5 & May 3

Register here: https://virginiadsa.salsalabs.org/21ShadesMonthlySupportGroupforBlackFamilies

The Learning Program
2023-11-04 09:00 - 11:00, 2023-12-02 09:00 - 11:00
The Learning Program
Starts October 7 – 9:00 – 11:00 am
-8 monthly sessions held on Saturdays between October 2023 and June 2024.
-All sessions will have an in-person and virtual option (June is all virtual).
-Shady Grove YMCA – 11255 Nuckols Rd, Glen Allen, VA 23059
-Cost: The cost of the program is $260 (in person), $160 (virtual) (Scholarships Available).

The Learning Program is an educational program developed by the Down Syndrome Foundation of Orange County (DSFOC). It serves as a platform for sharing literacy and math instructional strategies, resources and activities to improve academic outcomes for students with Down syndrome, equipping families with the knowledge and tools to work effectively at home and at school.

Virtual option for parents living outside of Richmond
LP Level 1 (recommended ages PreK-1st grade or emerging readers)
LP Level 2 (recommended ages 2nd-3rd grade)
Parent classes are taught by a local parent of a young adult with Down syndrome using the Learning Program curriculum.

During each session, parents will receive instruction in a separate parent only class. Children will receive hands-on learning in a student class with centers that focus on literacy and math led by qualified teachers and an occupational therapist.
Questions, email sklauer@virginiadsa.org
Register here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/61132-the-learning-program

Mentor Training
2023-11-14 19:00 - 21:00
Interested in being a mentor to fellow parents raising a child with Down syndrome?
Register for one of our next training sessions to become an official VDSA Mentor!
What is a Mentor? Someone with lived experience raising or supporting a child with Down Syndrome who wants to support other parents.
Who are mentors? Parents, Grandparents and Caregivers
What are the requirements of a mentor? Attend Mentor Training (Virtual), Dedicate a few hours a month, Have an open and honest heart.
Training dates:
Sept. 19, Oct. 24 and Nov. 14 all from 7- 9 pm virtually
Register here:
https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/60999-mentor-program

Diagnosis+ Help Group - Virtual
2023-11-28 18:30 - 19:30
Diagnosis+ Help Group – Virtual
This peer-led discussion provides support for caregivers of individuals with multiple diagnoses. The program is co-hosted by the Autism Society of Central Virginia and the Virginia Down Syndrome Association.
Register here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/63666-diagnosis-help-group

Improvaneer (5 weeks) Virtual for Teens & Adults
2024-01-11 19:00 - 20:00
Virtual Class for ages 16 to adult. Teens to adults are welcome to sign up!
Thursday Nights from 7:00-8:00 pm virtually on Zoom
Session 1: January 11 to Feb. 8 (5 weeks)
Session 2: Feb. 29 to March 28 (5 weeks)
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.
-Rob Snow – CEO and Creator
https://www.theimprovaneermethod.com/

Register here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/64904-improvaneer-method

Diagnosis + Help Group January (Virtual)
2024-01-23 18:30 - 19:30
Connect with other caregivers and individuals with a dual diagnosis in a loosley faciltated discussion format. Virtual on Zoom.
Jan. 23 at 6:30 pm
Register here:
https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/65358-diagnosis-help-group-january-virtual

Disability Planning Clinic
2024-01-31 10:00 - 14:00
The Virginia Down Syndrome Association has partnered with the Special Abilities Network for a Disability Planning Clinic

Wednesday, Jan. 31 from 10 am to 2 pm
In person or VIRTUAL. In person will be at the Virginia Down Syndrome Association, 1504 Santa Rosa Rd, Richmond
Sign up for you 30 minute slot starting at 10 am and last time slot at 1:30 pm

This is a FREE planning clinic which will address the planning needs of your family, answer your questions, and help you develop a strategy that addresses your needs now and in the future.
Planning Comprises:

Understanding the lifetime costs of care and how to obtain the needed funded resources
Identifying what legal documents you are your family may need
Creating a support plan and obtaining resources for every member of the family

If you have questions, please reach out to sklauer@virginiadsa.org
Register here: https://calendar.google.com/calendar/u/0/appointments/schedules/AcZssZ1IJzYfaiHubaGV_fVCPfk9ZdiPhpufXv3v6vB2L7cGs7jDudrdDgP2L7YWGu330tRPI3GMGv7P

21 Shades (Black Family Support Group) - Virtual
2024-02-07 20:00 - 21:00, 2024-03-06 20:00 - 21:00
21 Shades (Black Family Support Group)
Please join the Virginia Down Syndrome Associations monthly 21 Shades of Virginial Black Family Support Group.
The group, 21 shades of Virginia, is a support group created after an expressed need in support of families expecting or raising a Black/interracial child with Down Syndrome.
The purpose of this group is to create a safe space for the Black Community to network, collaborate, create and share information while building meaningful connections.
Upon registration you will be sent a link to Zoom.
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Jasmine Samuel at jsamuel@virginiadsa.org
Register here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/57994-21-shades-monthly-virtual-meeting

Building Communication Skills - Adults
2024-02-12 16:00 - 16:30
Classes are each Monday (Feb 12-Mar25th) from 4-4:30 pm on Zoom. There is no class on Monday 3/4 due to Longwood spring break.
Feb. 12, 19, 26 and March 11, 18, 25.
Longwood University speech therapy students will guide you each week with new conversations on fun and rewarding topics. In this low-pressure, conversational style program you’ll learn just by connecting with friends and having a great time!
This program is best for self-advocates aged 19+. If you are interested in the program for teens, contact sklauer@virginiadsa.org for the link.
Register here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/66694-building-communication-skills-for-adults

Building Communication Skills - Teens
2024-02-12 16:30 - 17:00, 2024-02-19 16:30 - 17:00, 2024-02-26 16:30 - 17:00
Build communication skills for work, school, and life!
Classes are each Monday (Feb 12-Mar25th) from 4:30 -5:00 pm on Zoom. There is no class on Monday 3/4 due to Longwood spring break.
Feb. 12, 19, 26 and March 11, 18, 25.

Longwood University speech therapy students will guide you each week with new conversations on fun and rewarding topics. In this low-pressure, conversational style program you’ll learn just by connecting with friends and having a great time! This section is for teens 13-18. Older self-advocates can register for our adult session which will be from 4-4:30. Contact sklauer@virginiadsa.org if you’d like the link for that class.
Register here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/66688-building-communication-skills-for-teens

Building Communication Skills - Adults
2024-02-19 16:00 - 16:30
Classes are each Monday (Feb 12-Mar25th) from 4:00 -4:30 pm on Zoom. There is no class on Monday 3/4 due to Longwood spring break.
Feb. 12, 19, 26 and March 11, 18, 25.
Longwood University speech therapy students will guide you each week with new conversations on fun and rewarding topics. In this low-pressure, conversational style program you’ll learn just by connecting with friends and having a great time!
This program is best for self-advocates aged 19+. If you are interested in the program for teens, contact sklauer@virginiadsa.org for the link.
Register here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/66694-building-communication-skills-for-adults

Virtual Speaker Series - More Alike Than Different
2024-02-20 19:45 - 20:30
Dismantling Ableism: Empowering Individuals with Down Syndrome to Thrive
4-night Virtual Speaker Series designed to empower, educate, connect, and inspire. *Spanish and ASL interpretation provided

Connect with other caregivers and allies of individuals with Down syndrome during this 4-night virtual speaker series. There will be two thought-provoking topics each evening – pick the ones that interest you most or attend them all. The ticket price covers all 8 sessions! We will engage with self-advocates, parents, disability advocates, and experts in the field.
*Scholarships available, email sklauer@virginiadsa.org for more information
Cost: $30 before Dec. 31 and $40 after Jan. 1. Registration includes all recordings.
Tuesday, February 20
6:30-7:45
Full Life: Setting our Kids Up to Thrive as Adults
Amy Julia Becker, mother of an individual with Down syndrome
7:45-8:30
More Alike Than Different
David Egan, self-advocate with Down syndrome
Thursday, February 22
6:30-7:30
Empowering Emotional Regulation and Prosocial Behaviors
Sarah Schmitt, Behavioral & Educational Consultant
7:30-8:30
Fostering Independence
Dana Halle, Co-Founder & Executive Director of the Down Syndrome Foundation of Orange County California
Tuesday, February, 27
6:30-7:30
Assistive Technology: Supporting Independence
Dr. Anya Evmenova, George Mason University
7:30-8:30
Competence, Autonomy & Relatedness
Kendal Swartzentruber, Brandon Stees, self-advocate with Down syndrome
Thursday, February 29
6:30-7:30
The Critical Time of Transition
Lisa Coates, EducateforAll
7:30-8:30 pm
Just Human: The Quest for Disability Wisdom, Respect, and Inclusion
Arielle Silverman, Disabled activist, Social scientist, and Author
Register here:
https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/62968-the-virginia-virtual-down-syndrome-speaker-series

Virtual Speaker Series - Empowering Emotional Regulation and Prosocial Behaviors
2024-02-22 18:30 - 19:30
Dismantling Ableism: Empowering Individuals with Down Syndrome to Thrive
4-night Virtual Speaker Series designed to empower, educate, connect, and inspire. *Spanish and ASL interpretation provided

Connect with other caregivers and allies of individuals with Down syndrome during this 4-night virtual speaker series. There will be two thought-provoking topics each evening – pick the ones that interest you most or attend them all. The ticket price covers all 8 sessions! We will engage with self-advocates, parents, disability advocates, and experts in the field.
*Scholarships available, email sklauer@virginiadsa.org for more information
Cost: $30 before Dec. 31 and $40 after Jan. 1. Registration includes all recordings.
Thursday, February 22
6:30-7:30
Empowering Emotional Regulation and Prosocial Behaviors
Sarah Schmitt, Behavioral & Educational Consultant
7:30-8:30
Fostering Independence
Dana Halle, Co-Founder & Executive Director of the Down Syndrome Foundation of Orange County California
Tuesday, February, 27
6:30-7:30
Assistive Technology: Supporting Independence
Dr. Anya Evmenova, George Mason University
7:30-8:30
Competence, Autonomy & Relatedness
Kendal Swartzentruber, Brandon Stees, self-advocate with Down syndrome
Thursday, February 29
6:30-7:30
The Critical Time of Transition
Lisa Coates, EducateforAll
7:30-8:30 pm
Just Human: The Quest for Disability Wisdom, Respect, and Inclusion
Arielle Silverman, Disabled activist, Social scientist, and Author
Register here:
https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/62968-the-virginia-virtual-down-syndrome-speaker-series

Virtual Speaker Series - Fostering Independence
2024-02-22 19:30 - 20:30

Building Communication Skills - Adults
2024-02-26 16:00 - 16:30, 2024-03-11 16:00 - 16:30
Classes are each Monday (Feb 12-Mar25th) from 4:00- 4:30 pm on Zoom. There is no class on Monday 3/4 due to Longwood spring break.
Feb. 12, 19, 26 and March 11, 18, 25.
Longwood University speech therapy students will guide you each week with new conversations on fun and rewarding topics. In this low-pressure, conversational style program you’ll learn just by connecting with friends and having a great time!
This program is best for self-advocates aged 19+. If you are interested in the program for teens, contact sklauer@virginiadsa.org for the link.
Register here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/66694-building-communication-skills-for-adults

Virtual Speaker Series - Assistive Technology: Supporting Independence
2024-02-27 18:30 - 19:30
Dismantling Ableism: Empowering Individuals with Down Syndrome to Thrive
4-night Virtual Speaker Series designed to empower, educate, connect, and inspire. *Spanish and ASL interpretation provided

Connect with other caregivers and allies of individuals with Down syndrome during this 4-night virtual speaker series. There will be two thought-provoking topics each evening – pick the ones that interest you most or attend them all. The ticket price covers all 8 sessions! We will engage with self-advocates, parents, disability advocates, and experts in the field.
*Scholarships available, email sklauer@virginiadsa.org for more information
Cost: $30 before Dec. 31 and $40 after Jan. 1. Registration includes all recordings.
Tuesday, February, 27
6:30-7:30
Assistive Technology: Supporting Independence
Dr. Anya Evmenova, George Mason University
7:30-8:30
Competence, Autonomy & Relatedness
Kendal Swartzentruber, Brandon Stees, self-advocate with Down syndrome
Thursday, February 29
6:30-7:30
The Critical Time of Transition
Lisa Coates, EducateforAll
7:30-8:30 pm
Just Human: The Quest for Disability Wisdom, Respect, and Inclusion
Arielle Silverman, Disabled activist, Social scientist, and Author
Register here:
https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/62968-the-virginia-virtual-down-syndrome-speaker-series

Virtual Speaker Series - Competence, Autonomy & Relatedness
2024-02-27 19:30 - 20:30

Virtual Speaker Series - The Critical Time of Transition
2024-02-29 18:30 - 19:30
Dismantling Ableism: Empowering Individuals with Down Syndrome to Thrive
4-night Virtual Speaker Series designed to empower, educate, connect, and inspire. *Spanish and ASL interpretation provided

Connect with other caregivers and allies of individuals with Down syndrome during this 4-night virtual speaker series. There will be two thought-provoking topics each evening – pick the ones that interest you most or attend them all. The ticket price covers all 8 sessions! We will engage with self-advocates, parents, disability advocates, and experts in the field.
*Scholarships available, email sklauer@virginiadsa.org for more information
Cost: $30 before Dec. 31 and $40 after Jan. 1. Registration includes all recordings.
Thursday, February 29
6:30-7:30
The Critical Time of Transition
Lisa Coates, EducateforAll
7:30-8:30 pm
Just Human: The Quest for Disability Wisdom, Respect, and Inclusion
Arielle Silverman, Disabled activist, Social scientist, and Author
Register here:
https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/62968-the-virginia-virtual-down-syndrome-speaker-series

Improvaneer - Virtual (5 weeks)
2024-02-29 19:00 - 20:00, 2024-03-07 19:00 - 20:00
Virtual Class for ages 16 to adult. Teens to adults are welcome to sign up!
Thursday Nights from 7:00-8:00 pm virtually on Zoom
Session 2: Feb. 29 to March 28 (5 weeks)
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.
-Rob Snow – CEO and Creator
https://www.theimprovaneermethod.com/
If the registration fee would prevent you from attending please use code “VIPguest” to register at no cost.

Register here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/64904-improvaneer-method

Virtual Speaker Series - Just Human: The Quest for Disability Wisdom, Respect, and Inclusion
2024-02-29 19:30 - 20:30
Dismantling Ableism: Empowering Individuals with Down Syndrome to Thrive
4-night Virtual Speaker Series designed to empower, educate, connect, and inspire. *Spanish and ASL interpretation provided

Connect with other caregivers and allies of individuals with Down syndrome during this 4-night virtual speaker series. There will be two thought-provoking topics each evening – pick the ones that interest you most or attend them all. The ticket price covers all 8 sessions! We will engage with self-advocates, parents, disability advocates, and experts in the field.
*Scholarships available, email sklauer@virginiadsa.org for more information
Cost: $30 before Dec. 31 and $40 after Jan. 1. Registration includes all recordings.
Register here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/62968-the-virginia-virtual-down-syndrome-speaker-series
Thursday, February 29
6:30-7:30
The Critical Time of Transition
Lisa Coates, EducateforAll
7:30-8:30 pm
Just Human: The Quest for Disability Wisdom, Respect, and Inclusion
Arielle Silverman, Disabled activist, Social scientist, and Author
