Virginia Down Syndrome Association

Virtual Early Childhood ages 2-6
2025-05-02 12:00 - 13:30, 2025-05-09 12:00 - 13:30 (America/New_York) | Zoom
A Free Child Development Series for Caregivers of Children ages 2-6. VDSA and Ivy Rehab are proud to announce a collaborative series dedicated to providing invaluable child development education for caregivers of children with disabilities.
Held on Zoom Fridays 12:00-1:30pm April 18-May 9.
Registration link: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/85689-early-childhood-ages-2-6-skills-for-growth-and-development-webnair

Virtual - Reimagining Family Life with Disability
2025-05-07 18:30 - 19:30 | Zoom
Created by speaker and writer Amy Julia Becker, this workshop is for new and seasoned caregivers and covers the following topics:
March 26, Session 1 – Messages our culture gives around disability
April 9, Session 2 – Shifting our own mindset around disability
April 23, Session 3 – Creating a community of support
May 7, Session 4 – Taking steps towards a good future!
As a group, we will discuss our own previous and current views on disability and how we can create supports and pave a positive path as families members on this journey. Each session includes a video to view beforehand and reflection questions.
For additional information, take a look at this video by workshop creator Amy Julia Becker: https://youtu.be/Y6CzJqOtD2c?si=jkvF3Bbe8NxFs5a_
Join our Education Director, Ame Branam, who will facilitate this group. If you have any questions pertaining to content or registration, feel free to reach out at abranam@virginiadsa.org or 804-338-7694.
Register here ($5/person): https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/84341-virtual-reimagining-family-life-with-disability-workshop

Virtual 21 Shades Spring Fling
2025-05-07 20:00 - 21:00, 2025-05-14 20:00 - 21:00, 2025-05-21 20:00 - 21:00, 2025-05-28 20:00 - 21:00 | Zoom
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 space for the Black Community to network, collaborate, create, and share information while building meaningful connections. This group often meets virtual via Zoom with opportunities for in person events and programming. Hi 21 Shades Caregivers! Invest in yourself this spring! Register today for the “Spring Fling” virtual series and connect with a supportive community of fellow caregivers. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn, share, and recharge.

Every Wednesday evening from 8-9pm, May 7th to May 28th, we’ll be delving into crucial topics specifically curated for caregivers.
https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/86098-21-shades-spring-fling

Virtual - Improvaneer
2025-05-08 19:00 - 20:00, 2025-05-15 19:00 - 20:00, 2025-05-22 19:00 - 20:00, 2025-05-29 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/81220-virtual-improvaneer-winter-2025

Virtual - Improvaneer
2025-09-04 19:00 - 20:00, 2025-09-11 19:00 - 20:00, 2025-09-18 19:00 - 20:00, 2025-09-25 19:00 - 20:00, 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 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!

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

Virtual - School Inclusion Support Group
2025-09-24 19:00 - 20:00 | Zoom
School is upon us once again! Drop in to this chat for caregivers of school-aged individuals with Down syndrome. During this peer-led discussion, you’ll learn and share with other parents who speak your language!
Register here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/91465-school-inclusion-support-group-sept-25

Virtual - IEP Progress Monitoring Webinar
2025-10-23 19:00 - 20:00 | Zoom
A Deep Dive into IEP Progress Reports!

It’s the time of year when the first IEP progress report of the school year comes home. You read terms such as baseline data, making sufficient progress, not yet introduced, etc. Let’s break it down and discuss what goes into writing IEP progress reports, what questions you may have about the data you receive, and how you can use the information/data you are assembling at home to check for alignment with what the school is sharing. Join us as we discuss common terminology seen in IEP progress reports, quantitative vs. qualitative data, grade level vs. instructional level data and more.

Register here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/92842-progress-monitoring-webinar

Speaker Bio:
Liz Capone is an Advocate, Expert Witness and a former Special Education Teacher of 21 years. She has taught at every grade level from PreK-12 and has worked in six local school districts, including Fairfax County Public Schools. She has teaching experience in all settings from general education to an acute unit and has extensive experience writing IEPs as a case manager, team leader, and IEP Coordinator. Liz has presented to multiple organizations nationally, including The Arc of Northern Virginia, Decoding Dyslexia Utah, and Formed Families Forward.

Virtual - Transition Goals in IEPs
2025-11-19 19:00 - 20:00 | Zoom
Liz Capone, Advocate and Expert Witness, is back to do another great presentation for VDSA on the topic of transition plans in IEPs.
Participants will learn more about:
● How parental data can contribute to transition plans
● Identifying community opportunities
● The importance of soft skills
● Ensuring readiness for Interviews
● Taking a deep dive into Interests, hobbies, and preferences
● Identifying continuing education options
● Aligning transition information in the IEP with real world opportunities
● Aligning potential jobs with skills
Speaker bio: Liz Capone is an Advocate, Expert Witness and a former Special Education Teacher of 21 years. She has taught at every grade level from PreK-12 and has worked in six school districts, including the largest school system in Virginia. She has teaching experience in all settings from general education to an acute unit and has extensive experience writing IEPs as a case manager, team leader, and IEP Coordinator. Liz has presented to multiple organizations nationally, including The Arc of Northern Virginia, Decoding Dyslexia Utah, and Formed Families Forward.
Register here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/94010-virtual-transition-plans-in-ieps

Virtual - Improvaneer
2026-01-15 19:00 - 20:00, 2026-01-22 19:00 - 20:00, 2026-01-29 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!

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
