Improvaneer - Winter Session
2025-03-13 19:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York)
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
2025-03-18 18:30 - 20:00, 2025-03-25 18:30 - 20:00 | Zoom

Virtual - Improvaneer
2025-03-20 19:00 - 20:00, 2025-03-27 19:00 - 20:00, 2025-04-10 19:00 - 20:00, 2025-04-17 19:00 - 20:00, 2025-04-24 19:00 - 20:00, 2025-05-01 19:00 - 20:00, 2025-05-08 19:00 - 20:00, 2025-05-15 19:00 - 20:00 and 2 more dates | Zoom

Virtual - Reimagining Family Life with Disability
2025-03-26 18:30 - 19:30, 2025-04-09 18:30 - 19:30, 2025-04-23 18:30 - 19:30, 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

Top Five Questions and Concerns During Puberty
2025-03-31 18:00 - 19:30 | Zoom
Families often experience anxiety when their son or daughter with intellectual disabilities begins to exhibit changes that occur during puberty. In this workshop, parents will learn about the most frequently identified issues and concerns of parents of tweens with I/DD and practical ways to address them. Ideas for teaching, home activities, and useful resources specifically designed for individuals with intellectual disabilities will be shared.
Please come and join us on Monday, March 31st at 6:00 p.m. We will have Terri Couwenhoven, MS present on this topic virtual on Zoom. All registered participants will also have access to a virtual recording of the presentation.
Register here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/83258-top-five-questions-and-concerns-during-puberty

Virtual Early Childhood ages 2-6
2025-04-18 12:00 - 13:30, 2025-04-25 12:00 - 13:30, 2025-05-02 12:00 - 13:30, 2025-05-09 12:00 - 13:30 | 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 - School Inclusion Support Group
2025-04-30 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/85677-virtual-school-inclusion-support-april-2025

Virtual – Comprehensive Caregiver Support (Formerly Diagnosis+) May ’25 Session
2025-05-02 12:00 - 13:00 | Zoom
Connect with other caregivers and individuals with a dual diagnosis in a loosely facilitated discussion format. Virtual on Zoom.
May 2nd 12-1pm
Register here to join the conversation!

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
2025-09-04 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/90605-virtual-improvaneer-fall-2025
