Virtual Speaker Series - More Alike Than Different
2024-02-20 19:45 - 20:30 (America/New_York)
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

Building Communication Skills - Teens
2024-02-26 16:30 - 17:00, 2024-03-11 16:30 - 17:00, 2024-03-18 16:30 - 17:00, 2024-03-25 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

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, 2024-03-14 19:00 - 20:00, 2024-03-21 19:00 - 20:00, 2024-03-28 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

21 Shades (Black Family Support Group) - Virtual
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

Infant & Toddler Development Series - Virtual
2024-03-14 18:30 - 20:00
Infant & Toddler Development Series – Virtual
For New Parents of Children with Down syndrome
Formally ‘Learn to Grow’, the Infant and Toddler Development Series will cover gross and fine motor skills, speech, sensory, hearing, and social skills development. There will be a new expert presenter each week to provide information and answer your questions. For parents of babies to 18 months old. **Spanish translation included! Please register by Monday 3.4.24 for translation services. ** All others please register by Wednesday 3.6.24
Learn how to support babies with Down syndrome as they grow and develop by connecting with other parents and professionals! This five-week series is free to new parents and offered virtually, so you can join from anywhere. Spanish translation will be available during the live sessions!
This program is a five-week virtual series. Here is the schedule:
Beginning March 14- April 18, 2024: All sessions will be held virtually from 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. on Thursdays with the exception of March 21st so all families can be free to celebrate World Down syndrome Day (alternate date will be Tuesday 3/19) and no session will be held on April 4th due to spring break.
Thursday, March 14- Speech Development, presented by Tia Javier, Speech & Language Pathologist
*Tuesday, March 19- Social Learning through Play, presented by Lathyrelle Isler, Behavior Specialist
Thursday, March 28- Hearing Development, presented by Judy Alonzi, Hearing Specialist
Thursday, April 11- Fine Motor/Sensory, presented by Marissa Hanks, Occupational Therapist
Thursday, April 18- Gross Motor, presented by Spencer West, Physical Therapist
Register here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/62258-infant-toddler-development-series-virtual

Building Communication Skills - Adults
2024-03-18 16:00 - 16:30, 2024-03-25 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

Infant & Toddler Development Series - Virtual
2024-03-19 18:30 - 20:00
Infant & Toddler Development Series – Virtual
For New Parents of Children with Down syndrome
Formally ‘Learn to Grow’, the Infant and Toddler Development Series will cover gross and fine motor skills, speech, sensory, hearing, and social skills development. There will be a new expert presenter each week to provide information and answer your questions. For parents of babies to 18 months old. **Spanish translation included! Please register by Monday 3.4.24 for translation services. ** All others please register by Wednesday 3.6.24
Learn how to support babies with Down syndrome as they grow and develop by connecting with other parents and professionals! This five-week series is free to new parents and offered virtually, so you can join from anywhere. Spanish translation will be available during the live sessions!
This program is a five-week virtual series. Here is the schedule:
Beginning March 14- April 18, 2024: All sessions will be held virtually from 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. on Thursdays with the exception of March 21st so all families can be free to celebrate World Down syndrome Day (alternate date will be Tuesday 3/19) and no session will be held on April 4th due to spring break.

*Tuesday, March 19- Social Learning through Play, presented by Lathyrelle Isler, Behavior Specialist
Thursday, March 28- Hearing Development, presented by Judy Alonzi, Hearing Specialist
Thursday, April 11- Fine Motor/Sensory, presented by Marissa Hanks, Occupational Therapist
Thursday, April 18- Gross Motor, presented by Spencer West, Physical Therapist
Register here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/62258-infant-toddler-development-series-virtual

Infant & Toddler Development Series - Virtual
2024-03-28 18:30 - 20:00, 2024-04-11 18:30 - 20:00, 2024-04-18 18:30 - 20:00
Infant & Toddler Development Series – Virtual
For New Parents of Children with Down syndrome
Formally ‘Learn to Grow’, the Infant and Toddler Development Series will cover gross and fine motor skills, speech, sensory, hearing, and social skills development. There will be a new expert presenter each week to provide information and answer your questions. For parents of babies to 18 months old. **Spanish translation included! Please register by Monday 3.4.24 for translation services. ** All others please register by Wednesday 3.6.24
Learn how to support babies with Down syndrome as they grow and develop by connecting with other parents and professionals! This five-week series is free to new parents and offered virtually, so you can join from anywhere. Spanish translation will be available during the live sessions!
This program is a five-week virtual series. Here is the schedule:
Beginning March 14- April 18, 2024: All sessions will be held virtually from 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. on Thursdays with the exception of March 21st so all families can be free to celebrate World Down syndrome Day (alternate date will be Tuesday 3/19) and no session will be held on April 4th due to spring break.
Thursday, March 28- Hearing Development, presented by Judy Alonzi, Hearing Specialist
Thursday, April 11- Fine Motor/Sensory, presented by Marissa Hanks, Occupational Therapist
Thursday, April 18- Gross Motor, presented by Spencer West, Physical Therapist
Register here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/62258-infant-toddler-development-series-virtual

Adult Sibling Support Group - Virtual
2024-04-16 19:30 - 20:30, 2024-04-23 19:30 - 20:30
Adult Sibling Support Group- Virtual

April 16, 2024 to May 21 from 7:30PM to 8:30PM
Caregiver Support: Adult Siblings
Learn and share during this 6 week support group specially designed for, and led by, adult siblings of individuals with Down syndrome. The group will offer a mix of educational opportunities around legal, financial and housing considerations along with coping skills for emotions siblings and caregivers often experience like grief and shame.
Register here:
https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/68458-adult-sibling-support-group

Webinar - What Families Need to Know! A Pediatrician's Tips for Understanding Common Lab Results
2024-04-17 14:00 - 15:15
Join GLOBAL Down Syndrome Foundation and Dr.Kishore Vellody for an important webinar that will cover:
Common labs that are often sent for people with Down syndrome and guidance on their interpretation
What results should be of concern vs expected.
What caregivers can do when they receive their lab results before the doctor.

Wednesday, April 17 – 2:00 pm EST

Kishore Vellody, MD
Dr. Vellody completed his medical degree at the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine and his pediatric residency at the Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin in Milwaukee. He is a Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. In March 2009, he became Medical Director of the Down Syndrome Center of Western Pennsylvania and has also served as President of the National Down Syndrome Congress (NDSC). Dr. Vellody has spoken at a variety of local, regional, national, and international meetings on the care of children with Down syndrome. He became a pediatrician in large part because of his relationship with his older brother, Das, who is smart, funny, caring, … and also has Down syndrome.

You will have the opportunity to view the presentation and listen live as Dr. Vellody provides key information and answers your questions
Register: https://rb.gy/r4l8kz

Webinar - Inclusive Mental Health and Down Syndrome.
2024-04-19 12:00 - 13:00
Join the National Down Syndrome Association on Friday, April 19th at 12pm ET for Inclusive Mental Health and Down Syndrome.

Join NDSS and Dr. Ruth Brown and Morgan Stohlman as they share our newest resource: Practicing Inclusive Mental Healthcare for Individuals with Down Syndrome. Individuals and families can use the resource to advocate for and educate about inclusive mental healthcare for themselves and loved ones. Common mental health concerns experienced by youth and adults with Down syndrome will also be discussed.

Register Here:

https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_V8pewNp4Sva9SR_Hpkl1NQ#/registration
