Infant & Toddler Development Series - Virtual
2024-03-19 18:30 - 20:00 (America/New_York)
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

Improvaneer - Virtual (5 weeks)
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

Building Communication Skills - Adults
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

Building Communication Skills - Teens
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

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, 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

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

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!
