Back to School Bash
2025-09-27 18:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | VA
Back to School Bash

Bring a snack to share, your dancing shoes and/or a game to play.

Register here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/91369-back-to-school-bash

Friendship Club+ Adult Edition
2025-09-28 14:00 - 16:00, 2025-10-05 14:00 - 16:00, 2025-10-12 14:00 - 16:00, 2025-10-19 14:00 - 16:00, 2025-10-26 14:00 - 16:00 | VDSA, 1504 Santa Rosa Road, Suite 124, Richmond, VA, 23229
VDSA is excited to announce the Friendship Club+ Adult Edition.
Friendship Club+ Social Group is a fun and welcoming place where adults with Down syndrome can connect, learn, and grow together! Each meeting is packed with engaging social skills activities that help participants make a positive first impression, greet others confidently, and practice active listening to build stronger friendships. Participants will explore teamwork through games, projects, and group challenges, learning how to work effectively together and celebrating each other’s strengths. Our group is dedicated to boosting confidence, enhancing personal and social skills, and fostering meaningful relationships in a friendly and supportive environment.
Why join:
– Builds Real-Life Social Skills – Members practice greeting, listening, and teamwork in a safe, supportive space, helping them feel more confident in everyday situations.

– Encourages Independence – Participants learn how to start conversations, join group activities, and make new friends.

– Provides a Safe, Supportive Environment – The group is designed with understanding and patience, ensuring everyone feels valued, included, and respected.

– Promotes Emotional Growth – Activities help members recognize feelings, handle challenges, and resolve disagreements positively.
– Expands Social Circles – Your adult child can meet new people, form meaningful friendships, and enjoy regular opportunities to connect beyond home and family.
Club meeting dates are all Sundays:
September 14, 21, 28 / October 5, 12, 19, 26 / November 2, 9, 16 (Club party)
Cost: The cost of the program is $100 (Scholarships Available)
This program is sponsored by the Community Care Corps/Oasis Institute.

Familias Latinas VDSA - Club de Pesca el mes de Septiembre
2025-09-30 18:00 - 19:30 | Deep Run Park, 9900 Ridgefield Pkwy, Henrico, VA, 23233, United States
¡Familias Latinas! Vamos a Pescar el 9,16,23 y 30 de septiembre de 6pm a 730 pm. Suplimos todo lo que necesitan para pescar.
Pueden registrase por separados con el botón registro. Es importante registrar cada persona separada para saber cuántas barras y equipo necesitamos llevar.
Donde: Deep Run Park
Hora: 6pm a 7:30 pm
Cuando: Septiembre 9, 16, 23 y 30
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080D4DA8AC22A3F49-57174739-club#/
Para mas información email ccastle@virginiadsa.org o llamar al 804-390-5640

Virtual - Improvaneer
2025-10-02 19:00 - 20:00, 2025-10-09 19:00 - 20:00, 2025-10-16 19:00 - 20:00, 2025-10-23 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

VDSA - Charlottesville Family Meet-up
2025-10-04 08:00 - 10:00 | Get Air Trampoline Park, 1005 Gardens Blvd, Charlottesville, VA, 22901
Charlottesville Family Meet-Up

Join us for Sensory & Special Needs Time at Get Air Trampoline Park this October!
Let’s meet during Get Air’s dedicated Sensory and Special Needs Time, held on the first Saturday of each month. This special session offers a more comfortable environment and a reduced rate of just $15 for a child/adult and their companion to jump and play for 2 full hours.
The staff at Get Air are also open to exploring additional times in the future if there’s enough interest from our families—so your participation matters!
We hope to see you there for some fun and active play in a sensory-friendly setting!
👉 LINK: Family Meet-Up

Richmond Laser Tag
2025-10-04 11:00 - 13:00 | Mission Laser, 889 Research Rd, Richmond, VA, 23236
Richmond Laser Tag
October 4, 2025 @ 11:00AM — 12:45PM

Mission Laser 889 Research Rd, Richmond, VA 23236
$12 per person
Includes Laser Tag & Pizza Lunch
Register here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/75062-richmond-laser-tag

Williamsburg Moms Night Out
2025-10-05 15:00 - 18:00 | Riverwalk Restaurant, 323 Water St, Yorktown, VA, 23690
Let’s meet at Riverwalk Restaurant!
Join fellow VDSA Moms from Williamsburg and the Virginia Peninsula for a fun night out.

Please join fellow VDSA members for Moms Night Out Sunday, October 5th from 4:30 to 6:30 pm. Enjoy super food and support! Happy Hour is from 3:00 – 6:00 PM. All food and drink purchases are your own responsibility. Hope to see you there! Any questions please email Community Coordinator Stephanie at scleary@virginiadsa.org
Register Here: Moms’ Night Out

Caregiver Restorative Yoga
2025-10-05 17:30 - 18:30 | Humble Haven Yoga, 6980 Forest Ave, Richmond, VA, 23230
Rest, renew and recharge! Don’t miss this special class just for VDSA Caregivers at Humble Haven Yoga. This is a restorative yoga class meant for deep relaxation. NO experience necessary! Just wear something comfortable and come take a deep breath with your community.
Register Here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/92137-caregiver-restorative-yoga

Richmond - Step Up RVA Packet Pickup
2025-10-08 14:00 - 18:30, 2025-10-09 09:00 - 12:00, 2025-10-09 14:00 - 18:30 | VDSA, 1504 Santa Rosa Road, Suite 124, Richmond, VA, 23229
If you have registered a team for our 2025 Step Up For Down Syndrome 5K and Family Fun Festival, you may pick up your packet during the dates below:
– Wednesday, October 8th from 2:00 pm – 6:30 pm (VDSA office)

– Thursday, October 9th – 9:00 am -12:00 pm and 2:00 pm – 6:30 pm, (VDSA office)

The VDSA office located at 1504 Santa Rosa Road, Suite 124, Richmond VA 23229. There is plenty of parking at the front and back of the building.

– Saturday, October 11th from 7:30 – 9:00 am (Dorey Park)
We HIGHLY encourage an early packet pickup to avoid lines on the morning of the event.

If you are picking up packets for team members, we encourage you to email aevans@virginiadsa.org no later than Wednesday, October 8th. We can package your team together and have them ready for pickup. If you are unable to email ahead of time, bring a list of your team member names. Please advise team members if you are picking up for them to avoid them making an unnecessary trip. We will also be taking walk-up registrations during both Packet Pickup times.

Step UP for Down Syndrome 5K & Family Festival
2025-10-11 09:00 - 13:00 | Dorey Park, 2999 Darbytown Rd., Henrico, 23231, United States
Save the date! Registration will open in July!
Questions email info@virginiadsa.org

Richmond – Painting Class
2025-10-17 12:30 - 13:30 | VA
Painting Class at the Art Factory is the Second Friday of Each Month
12:30 to 1:30 pm
$15 per person
Open to All Friends with Disabilities
Dates: September 12th – October 17th – November 14th – December 12th
Art Factory, 4810 Market Square Ln, Midlothian
Register here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/83876-richmond-painting-classes-at-the-art-factory-fall-2025

Children's Museum Free Sensory Friendly Night
2025-10-17 17:00 - 19:00 | Children’s Museum Chesterfield, 6629 Lake Harbour Dr, Midlothian, VA, 23112
Children’s Museum Free Sensory-Friendly Night
All ages are welcome at the Children’s Museum’s Free Sensory Friendly Night.

A cool down room will be available and sensory supports provided.
Sibling welcome!
REGISTER HERE

Fredericksburg Moms' Night Out
2025-10-17 18:30 - 19:30 | VA
Join us for Moms’ Night Out at Basilico Harrison Crossing
👉 Please RSVP so we can reserve a table for the group.
We can’t wait to see you there!

Charlottesville Family Fall Social Meetup
2025-10-18 12:30 - 15:00 | Eastwood Winery, 2531 Scottsville Rd, Charlottesville, VA, 22902
Hey VDSA families from Charlottesville and nearby areas!
We’re excited to invite you to a casual family meetup at the beautiful Eastwood Winery! Join us for a relaxing afternoon with fellow families. You’ll have the opportunity to mingle with other parents, make new friends, and watch your kids play together in a safe and welcoming environment.
Saturday, October 18 at 12:30 – 3:00 PM
REGISTER HERE: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/92045-charlottesville-family-fall-social-meetup

River City Inclusive Gym - Fall 2025 - Ages 2 to 8
2025-10-18 15:00 - 15:45 | River City Inclusive Gym, 11248 Patterson Ave, Henrico, VA, 23238, United States
River City Inclusive Gym – Fall 2025 Ages 2 to 8
11248 Patterson Avenue
Richmond, VA 23238
October 18th and November 22nd
3:oo to 3:45pm
Ages 2 to 8
Cost: $10
Space is limited and Siblings welcome
Register Here: River City Inclusive Gym

River City Inclusive Gym - Henrico/Richmond - Ages 9 to adult
2025-10-18 16:00 - 16:45 | VA
River City Inclusive Gym – Fall 2025 Ages 8 to adult

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

Monthly on Saturdays
October 18th & November 22nd
4:00-4:45 pm – Ages 9 and up
$10 per session
Space is limited and Siblings welcome
Register here:
https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/80659-river-city-inclusive-gym-winter-spring-2025-ages-9-to-adult

Virtual - IEP Progress Monitoring Webinar
2025-10-23 19:00 - 20:00 | Zoom
A Deep Dive into IEP Progress Reports!

It’s the time of year when the first IEP progress report of the school year comes home. You read terms such as baseline data, making sufficient progress, not yet introduced, etc. Let’s break it down and discuss what goes into writing IEP progress reports, what questions you may have about the data you receive, and how you can use the information/data you are assembling at home to check for alignment with what the school is sharing. Join us as we discuss common terminology seen in IEP progress reports, quantitative vs. qualitative data, grade level vs. instructional level data and more.

Register here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/92842-progress-monitoring-webinar

Speaker Bio:
Liz Capone is an Advocate, Expert Witness and a former Special Education Teacher of 21 years. She has taught at every grade level from PreK-12 and has worked in six local school districts, including Fairfax County Public Schools. She has teaching experience in all settings from general education to an acute unit and has extensive experience writing IEPs as a case manager, team leader, and IEP Coordinator. Liz has presented to multiple organizations nationally, including The Arc of Northern Virginia, Decoding Dyslexia Utah, and Formed Families Forward.

Playful Pathways (ages 3-7 years old)
2025-10-24 17:30 - 18:30 | VDSA, 1504 Santa Rosa Road, Suite 124, Richmond, VA, 23229
We are excited to partner with Playful Pathways to bring families three special classes that celebrate inclusion, connection, and learning through play!

Follow this link to learn more about our program and reserve your class today:
VDSA & Playful Pathways

If cost is a barrier please remember scholarships are available for VDSA members contact mpollaro@virginiadsa.org

VDSA Family Halloween Bash
2025-10-24 18:00 - 21:00 | Christ Church Episcopal, 5000 Pouncey Tract Rd, Glen Allen, Virginia, 23059
VDSA Family Halloween Bash

Let’s BOO-gie and share a feast!
You’re invited to a Halloween Potluck Dance Party on Friday, October 24th, at 6:00 PM
Christ Church Episcopal – 5000 Pouncey Tract Rd, Glen Allen 23060
Come dressed in your most inventive disguises (optional) and bring a spooky dish to share for our feast. We’ll be dancing the night away to some hauntingly good tunes.”
Please register by October 22nd if you dare to join us!.

Register Here: Halloween Bash
Sign-up to bring a dish here: Spooky Dish

Harvest and Hooves Family Farm Day
2025-10-25 14:00 - 16:00 | VA
Come on down to Steadfast Trail and enjoy some baby goat snuggling, horsemanship, and pumpkin decorating!

Please wear closed toed shoes and clothes that can get dirty!

RSVP here!

Williamsburg - Halloween Dance Class
2025-10-26 13:00 - 14:00 | Jazzercize Williamsburg, 455 Merrimac Trl, Williamsburg, VA, 23185
Williamsburg – Halloween Dance Class

Have some fun learning monster moves and dancing to Halloween-themed tunes like Monster Mash, Thriller and more! This class is being led by VDSA volunteer and Jazzercize instructor, Jessie. This event is free for VDSA members and family.
All ages welcome & siblings are welcome to join in the fun. Costumes are optional. No weapons or masks for this event please. Parents, please remain onsite and join in the fun!

Resister Here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/92084-halloween-dance-class
