Virginia Down Syndrome Association

The Learning Program
2025-03-08 09:30 - 11:30, 2025-02-08 09:30 - 11:30, 2025-01-11 09:30 - 11:30 (America/New_York) | VA
Register for The Learning Program 2024-2025!

-8 monthly sessions held on Saturdays between October 2024 and May 2025.
-All sessions will have an in-person and virtual option, except May which is entirely virtual.
-Location: Shady Grove YMCA – 11255 Nuckols Rd, Glen Allen, VA 23059
-Cost: The cost of the program is $250 (in person), $205 (virtual) (Scholarships Available).
Dates: October 5, 2024, November 9, 2024, December 14, 2024. January 11, 2025. February 8, 2025. March 8, 2025, April 12, 2025 and May 10, 2025 (Virtual only
Time: 9:30 am to 11:30 am
-Link to apply for scholarship: https://virginiadsa.org/scholarships/
The Learning Program is an educational program developed by the Down Syndrome Foundation of Orange County (DSFOC). It serves as a platform for sharing literacy and math instructional strategies, resources and activities to improve academic outcomes for students with Down syndrome, equipping families with the knowledge and tools to work effectively at home and at school.

Virtual option for parents living outside of Richmond
LP Level 1 (recommended ages PreK-1st grade or emerging readers)
Parent classes are taught by a local parent of a young adult with Down syndrome using the Learning Program curriculum.

During each session, parents will receive instruction in a separate parent only class. Children will receive hands-on learning in a student class with centers that focus on literacy and math led by qualified teachers and an occupational therapist.
If you have any questions, please email Ame Branam, Education Director, at abranam@virginiadsa.org
Register here:
https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/75962-the-learning-program-2024-2025

Improvaneer - Winter Session
2025-03-06 19:00 - 20:00, 2025-02-27 19:00 - 20:00, 2025-02-20 19:00 - 20:00, 2025-02-13 19:00 - 20:00 | VA
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 - 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

Virtual-Infant&Toddler
2025-03-04 18:30 - 20:00, 2025-02-25 18:30 - 20:00, 2025-02-18 18:30 - 20:00 | Zoom

Rock Your Socks - Local Pick Up
2025-03-04 09:00 - 15:00 | VDSA, 1504 Santa Rosa Road, Suite 124, Richmond, VA, 23229
Celebrate World Down Syndrome Day by Rocking your Socks!
On March 21st every year, people all over the world come together to celebrate World Down Syndrome Day by wearing brightly colored socks. The date is symbolic because people with Down syndrome have 3 copies of their 21st chromosome, and socks were chosen because the Ds chromosomes look like mismatched socks! On March 21, 2025, Virginia Down Syndrome Association will join businesses, schools, and organizations everywhere to celebrate World Down Syndrome Day by rocking our fun socks!

Local Pick Up is available for all orders. Shipping is provided only for orders of 25 pairs or more.
Deadline for orders is Monday, March 18th
Local pick-up dates:
3/17 – 4:00pm-7:00pm
3/18 – 9:00am-1:00pm
3/20 – 4:00pm-7:00pm

VDSA Office: 1504 Santa Rosa Road, Suite 124 Richmond, VA 23229

Orders that need to be shipped will begin shipping the week of March 10th. Place your order here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/80325-rock-your-socks-2025
Socks are $6/pair for adults and $5/pair for youth.
Anyone can participate! Whether you are an individual, family, small business, large organization, or school, you can purchase fun socks from VDSA. You can then distribute them however you like! Here are some fun ideas:

Businesses can purchase socks to give or sell to their employees to wear and have a fun, team-building day on March 21st.
Organizations and businesses can purchase socks to sell at their location to patients, customers, or clients.
Schools can purchase socks and have their students create a fun contest for which classrooms have the most students wearing fun, silly socks!
Families can purchase socks to give to their hairdresser, mechanic, dentist, doctor, neighbors, etc.
Individuals can purchase socks to wear and bring awareness to this awesome day!

The next step is to wear your socks on 3/21 and be sure to take pictures, post on social media and tag us! The goal is to bring awareness to this day and celebrate individuals with Ds.
Still have questions? No problem! Please visit our FAQ linked here, or email us at rmoss@virginiadsa.org.

TriCities Keystone Truck and Tractor Museum
2025-03-01 11:00 - 13:00 | Keystone Truck and Tractor Museum, 880 W Roslyn Rd, Colonial Heights, 23834, United States
Come see the Trucks and Tractors!!
Join VDSA at Keystone Truck and Tractor Museum in Colonial Heights for a tour, craft and meal.

880 W. Roslyn Rd. Colonial Heights, VA 23834
March 1st, 11:00 – 1:00 pm
Individual with Down syndrome is Free

Tour the museum
Do a craft
Pack a lunch to share together or Buy your own meal at the Diner

Have questions? Contact mfreds@virginiadsa.org
Register Here: TriCities Keystone Truck and Tractor Museum

Richmond - I’m Determined Self-Advocacy Training
2025-03-01 09:30 - 13:00 | VA
Practice Self-Determination Skills for School, Work, and Life!
Join us for the Virginia Department of Education’s I’m Determined self-advocacy program at VDSA. Self-advocates will attend the workshop from 9:30-1 pm and caregivers are welcome for their own special session from 9:45-10:45 am.
A pizza lunch will be provided for all! Contact abranam@virginiadsa.org for more information. Individuals with Down syndrome ages 13+ are welcome. This program is in-person at the VDSA Richmond office but families from all Virginia localities are welcome.
Location: VDSA Office
1504 Santa Rosa Rd, Suite 124
Richmond, Virginia 23229
Register here.

VCU Basketball Game - Richmond
2025-02-28 19:00 - 21:00 | VA
February 28, 2025 @ 7:00PM — 9:00PM

Stuart C. Siegel Center 1200 W. Broad Street
Richmond, VA 23284
18 Tickets donated by Synergy Technical
Register here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/81283-vcu-basketball-game-february-2025

TriCities Holiday Bowl - Family Style
2025-02-27 17:00 - 20:00 | Holiday Bowl, 11400 Jefferson Davis Highway, Chester, 23237, United States
Join VDSA for a fun family night of bowling at Holiday Bowl. Cost is $5.25/bowler/game and $4 for shoes.
February 27th, 5pm to 8pm
Holiday Bowl
11400 Jefferson Davis Highway, Chester, VA 23237
Register Here: TriCities Holiday Bowl – Family Style

Richmond - Indoor Rock Climbing
2025-02-22 13:00 - 14:30 | Peak Experiences Midlothian, 11421 Polo Cir, Midlothian, VA, 23113
Join us for a fun session of indoor rock climbing led by Beyond Boundaries. No experience is necessary! Cost: $10 per individual with Down syndrome.
All ages! Maximum number of climbers: 12!
February 22nd 1:00pm-2:30pm
Peak Experiences Midlothian
11421 Polo Cir, Midlothian, VA 23113
Register here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/82481-rock-climbing-with-beyond-boundaries

Williamsburg Respite Night
2025-02-21 18:00 - 20:00 | Williamsburg Presbyterian Church, 215 Richmond Road, Williamsburg, Virginia, 23185
Take a Break and let VDSA take care of the rest. Individuals with DS and siblings are invited to join us for crafts, games and movies. Parents and caregivers take some time to stroll around Colonial Williamsburg or make a reservation at a nearby restaurant.

Register here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/81933-williamsburg-respite-night

Richmond - VCU Basketball Meet & Greet
2025-02-16 16:00 - 17:30 | Magnolia Academy Children’s Center, 7300 Magnolia Market Ave, Moseley, 23120, United States
Come to the Magnolia Academy Children’s Center for an opportunity to shoot hoops with VCU Rams basketball players! This event is free, and siblings are welcome! Sunday, February 16th 4:00pm-5:30pm
7300 Magnolia Market Ave,
Moseley, VA 23120

Register here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/82439-vcu-basketball-meet-greet

VDSA also has tickets to the VCU Rams basketball game on Friday, February 28th.
Reserve your tickets here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/81283-vcu-basketball-game-february-2025

Richmond - Valentine's Family Dance & Potluck
2025-02-15 17:00 - 20:00 | VA
VDSA is pleased to host a Family Valentine’s Dance & Potluck at Christ Church Episcopal on February 15th from 5pm-8pm. All ages are welcome! Please register 1 family per ticket.
Register to attend here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/81566-valentines-family-dance-party-potluck
Sign-up to bring a dish here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080D4DA8AC22A3F49-54458419-valentines

Richmond - Painting Class
2025-02-14 12:30 - 13:30 | VA
Richmond – Painting Class in Midlothian

Fridays
12:30 to 1:30 pm
$15 per person
Open to All Friends with Disabilities
Dates: January 10, Feb. 14, March 14, April 11 and May 9
Art Factory, 4810 Market Square Ln, Midlothian

Register here:
https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/80656-painting-class-at-art-factory-winter-spring-2024

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

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!

Richmond Grandparent Group - February 2025
2025-02-03 18:30 - 19:30 | VDSA, 1504 Santa Rosa Road, Suite 124, Richmond, VA, 23229
Connect with other grandparents on a similar journey. This group is peer-led and will promote conversation and connection for caregivers like you. This meeting will take place in-person at our Richmond office. Feel free to bring a bagged dinner!
Register here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/81441-richmond-grandparent-group-february-2025

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!

Williamsburg Mom's Night Out
2025-01-26 18:30 - 20:30 | Waypoint Seafood & Grill, 1480 Quarterpath Rd, Williamsburg, 23185, United States

River City Inclusive Gym - Henrico/Richmond - Ages 9 to adult
2025-01-18 16:00 - 16:45 | VA
River City Inclusive Gym – Winter/Spring 2025 Ages 8 to adult

River City Inclusive Gym: 11248 Patterson Ave Henrico, VA 23238

Monthly on Saturdays
Jan. 18, March 15, April 19 and June 7
4:00-4:45 pm – Ages 9 and up
$10 per session
Space is limited and Siblings welcome
https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/80659-river-city-inclusive-gym-winter-spring-2025-ages-9-to-adult

River City Inclusive Gym - Henrico/Richmond - Ages 2-8
2025-01-18 15:00 - 15:45 | VA
River City Inclusive Gym – Winter/Spring 2025 Ages 2 to 8

River City Inclusive Gym: 11248 Patterson Ave Henrico, VA 23238

Monthly on Saturdays
Jan. 18, March 15, April 19 and June 7
3:00-3:45 pm – Ages 2-7
$10 per session
Space is limited and Siblings welcome
https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/80658-river-city-inclusive-gym-winter-spring-2025-ages-2-to-8

Richmond Grandparent Group - January 2025
2025-01-13 18:30 - 19:30 | VDSA, 1504 Santa Rosa Road, Suite 124, Richmond, VA, 23229
Connect with other grandparents on a similar journey. This group is peer-led and will promote conversation and connection for caregivers like you. This meeting will take place in-person at our Richmond office. Feel free to bring a bagged dinner!
Register here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/admin/events/79030-richmond-grandparent-support-group-january-2025?event_type=event-advanced

2025 Disability Expo, Richmond
2025-01-12 10:00 - 14:00 | VA
VDSA will be attending the 2nd Annual Disability Expo at Weinstein JCC.
Friendship Circle of Virginia is excited to host our 2nd annual community-wide Disability Expo, in partnership with the Weinstein JCC and presented by QTS Data Centers,. 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.

Disability Expo
