Virginia Down Syndrome Association

Webinar - Inclusive Mental Health and Down Syndrome.
2024-04-19 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York)
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

Adult Sibling Support Group - Virtual
2024-04-23 19:30 - 20:30, 2024-04-30 19:30 - 20:30, 2024-05-07 19:30 - 20:30, 2024-05-14 19:30 - 20:30, 2024-05-21 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

Medicaid Lunch 'n Learn with Anthem HealthKeepers Plus
2024-06-06 12:00 - 13:00 | VDSA, 1504 Santa Rosa Road, Suite 124, Richmond, VA, 23229
Anthem HealthKeepers Plus will review current happenings within Medicaid as well as give an overview of core benefits and value added benefits. Lunch will be provided!
We will also host this session through Zoom, so if you are unable to attend in-person, please tune in here: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89719959168
Whether you plan to attend in-person or through Zoom, be sure to register here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/71819-medicaid-lunch-and-learn-with-anthem-healthkeepers-plus

Future Planning with Eli's Village
2024-07-11 18:30 - 19:30
Eli’s Village is hosting a future planning webinar! Join us for an exclusive webinar tailored for families with loved ones with disabilities. Discover comprehensive planning strategies encompassing financial, legal, and public benefit aspects as you prepare for your family’s future. This presentation will guide you through essential considerations and empower you to make informed decisions on topics such as Special Needs Trusts, ABLE Accounts, Decision Making Models and more. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain invaluable insights and peace of mind.
You can access this webinar through the Zoom link here: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83553480365
Register for this event here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/72121-future-planning-with-eli-s-village

Virtual - IEP Advocacy presentation from All Needs Planning
2024-08-21 18:30 - 19:00 | Zoom
The Virginia Down Syndrome Association is pleased to offer free, virtual educational sessions for caregivers this fall. All Needs Planning, which provides financial, estate, and life planning for families, has generously offered to provide the following upcoming sessions:

Wednesday, August 21st – IEP Advocacy from 6:30pm-7:00pm
Wednesday, September 25th – Transitioning from school to adulthood from 6:30pm-7:30pm
Wednesday, October 23rd – Medicaid waiver updates from 6:30pm-7:00pm

Feel free to register for all three topics and join us in conversation! For more information, contact Ame Branam, Education Director, at abranam@virginiadsa.org
Click here to register: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/74996-virtual-educational-webinars-from-all-needs-planning

Virtual - Housing Options presentation by Heart Havens
2024-09-19 18:00 - 19:00 | Zoom
The Virginia Down Syndrome Association invites parents and caregivers to attend a virtual session led by housing provider Heart Havens. This session will go into the types of housing, such as group homes or sponsored residential settings, and what caregivers should look for and be aware of when helping their loved ones on their residential journey.
Register here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/74999-virtual-housing-options-presented-by-heart-havens

Virtual - Transitioning from school to adulthood from All Needs Planning
2024-09-25 18:30 - 19:30 | Zoom

21 Shades Fall Virtual Meeting Series!
2024-10-02 20:00 - 21:00, 2024-10-09 20:00 - 21:00, 2024-10-16 20:00 - 21:00, 2024-10-23 20:00 - 21:00, 2024-10-30 20:00 - 21:00, 2024-11-06 20:00 - 21:00
21 Shades Fall Virtual Meeting Series!
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.
October 2, 2024 — November 6, 2024 – 8:00 – 9:00PM
Oct. 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30 and Nov. 6
Any questions please email mail jsamuel@virginiadsa.org
Register: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/76989-21-shades-fall-meeting-series

Virtual - Medicaid waiver updates from All Needs Planning
2024-10-23 18:30 - 19:00 | Zoom

Virtual - School Inclusion Support Group
2025-01-29 19:00 - 20:00 | Zoom
Join us for the monthly school-inclusion focused VDSA caregiver support group on Zoom. This group is peer-led by parents of school-aged children with Down syndrome. Come ask your questions and share your knowledge and experience with others on a similar journey!
Register here!

Virtual - Comprehensive Caregiver Support (Formerly Diagnosis+) Feb '25 Session
2025-02-07 12:00 - 13:00 | Zoom
Connect with other caregivers and individuals with a dual diagnosis in a loosely facilitated discussion format. Virtual on Zoom.
February 7th 12-1pm
Register here to join the conversation!

Va-LEND Information Session
2025-02-13 17:30 - 18:30 | Zoom
The Va-LEND program provides interdisciplinary training to professionals, family members and self-advocates.
https://virginialend.partnership.vcu.edu/
Matthew Bogenschutz, Ph.D., is the director of Va-LEND at Virginia Commonwealth University and has offered to provide an information session on the program to interested VDSA families.
Register here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/81282-va-lend-information-session

Improvaneer - Winter Session
2025-02-13 19:00 - 20:00, 2025-02-20 19:00 - 20:00, 2025-02-27 19:00 - 20:00, 2025-03-06 19:00 - 20:00
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-Infant&Toddler
2025-02-18 18:30 - 20:00, 2025-02-25 18:30 - 20:00, 2025-03-04 18:30 - 20:00, 2025-03-11 18:30 - 20:00 | Zoom

Virtual - School Inclusion Support Group
2025-03-05 19:00 - 20:00 | Zoom
Join us for the monthly school-inclusion focused VDSA caregiver support group on Zoom. This group is peer-led by parents of school-aged children with Down syndrome. Come ask your questions and share your knowledge and experience with others on a similar journey!
Register here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/82879-virtual-school-inclusion-support-group
