Virginia Down Syndrome Association

Step Up For Down Syndrome
2024-10-12 08:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York)
Join the Virginia Down Syndrome Association as we unite for a common cause and raise funds during the 18th Annual Step UP for Down Syndrome 5K & Family Festival! Whether you have Down syndrome, know someone who does, or just want to show your support, take the first step and donate or register today! Help us spread the word and celebrate all the amazing individuals with Down syndrome!
Learn more and register here: https://www.ds-stride.org/vdsastepup

Richmond Rock Climbing
2024-10-13 14:00 - 15:30
Rock Climbing, led by our partner, Beyond Boundaries
October 13th at Peak Experience, Midlothian, 11421 Polo Circle
Nov. 16 – Richmond, 1375 Overbrook Rd

No experience needed
Siblings welcome
$5 per person

Fall Horseback Riding- Morning - Williamsburg
2024-10-15 10:00 - 11:00, 2024-10-22 10:00 - 11:00, 2024-10-29 10:00 - 11:00
Two – six week sessions – 9/24 to 10/29 and 11/12 to 12/19 at 10 am or 5 pm for an hour each Tuesday
Location: Dream Catchers Riding Center 10120 Fire Tower Rd, Toano, VA 23168
Scholarships are available
Register by emailing smclain@virginiadsa.org

Volunteer Academy - Richmond
2024-10-15 10:30 - 12:30, 2024-10-22 10:30 - 12:30
Self-advocates, 18 and up, are invited to participate in a new program! Join Carol Coffin, MSRC, CRC, Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor and lead teacher of VDSA’s Summer Employment Academy to participate in community service activities to enhance social engagement, communication, and employability.
Location:
Brandermill Woods Health Center
2100 Brandermill Parkway
Midlothian, VA 23112
Dates:
September 17, 2024-October 22, 2024
Tuesdays 10:30am-12:30pm
Volunteers may be dropped off (maximum of 5 registrants) or participate with an attendant (maximum of 2 registrants).
Register here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/76234-volunteer-academy

Richmond - Jr. Range After School Club Pocahontas St. Park
2024-10-15 16:00 - 17:00, 2024-10-22 16:00 - 17:00
Jr. Ranger After School Club

includes snack time at end at the indoor Nature Center
Tuesday, Oct. 15, 22, 29 and Nov. 5
4:00 – 5:00 pm
Pocahontas State Park, Chesterfield 10301 State Park Rdm Chesterfield, VA 23832

All participants will earn a Junior Ranger Badge!!
Siblings of all age welcome.
All ages welcome!
Register here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/75190-richmond-jr-ranger-club-at-pocahontas-state-park-oct-nov-2024

Fall Horseback Riding - afternoon sessions - Williamsburg
2024-10-15 17:00 - 18:00, 2024-10-22 17:00 - 18:00

21 Shades Fall Virtual Meeting Series!
2024-10-16 20:00 - 21:00, 2024-10-23 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

Adventure Club - Richmond
2024-10-17 16:30 - 17:30, 2024-10-24 16:30 - 17:30
Adventure Club
Day: THURSDAYS 4:30-5:30 PM
NEW FALL DATES
Dates: 10/3/24, 10/10/24, 10/17/24, 10/24/24, 10/31/24*** Halloween, maybe move it to Wednesday of that week, 11/7/24 – Indoor rock climbing.
Location: Bryan Park, 4308 Hermitage Rd, Richmond
Join us for hiking, fishing and outdoor fun!
Led by Beyond Boundaries and co-hosted with Jacob’s Chance
Ages 13-20 (FunQuest) & 21+ (Fun4Life)
Register here

Virtual - Improvaneer - Fall Session 2
2024-10-17 19:00 - 20:00, 2024-10-24 19:00 - 20:00
Join us for this fulfilled virtual hour!
Thursdays: 7:00-8:00 pm
Session 2: Oct. 10 to Nov. 7
Ages teen to adult
Register here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/74445-virtual-improvaneer-method-class
The Virginia Down Syndrome Association is excited to start the virtual Improvaneer Method 5 week class again!!

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/

Richmond - Painting Class
2024-10-18 12:30 - 13:30
Richmond – Painting Class in Midlothian

Fridays
12:30 to 1:30 pm
$15 per person
Open to All Friends with Disabilities
Sept. 13, Oct. 18, Nov. 8 & Dec. 13
Art Factory, 4810 Market Square Ln, Midlothian

Register here:
https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/71081-richmond-painting-classes-at-the-art-factory-fall-2024

Chesterfield- Children's Museum
2024-10-18 17:00 - 19:00
Join VDSA at the Sensory Friendly Nights at The Children’s Museum of Richmond
Fridays, 5-7 pm
Sept 20 – Downtown
Oct. 18 – Chesterfield
Nov. 15 – Downtown
No charge
Siblings welcome
Register here:
https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/75209-richmond-sensory-night-at-the-children-s-museum

Fredericksburg Dads' Night Out
2024-10-18 18:30 - 20:00
Fredericksburg Dads’ Night Out
Oct 18 at 6:30 pm
McAlister’s Deli
Harrison Crossing 5621 Plank Rd, Fredericksburg, VA 22407
Register:
https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/76204-fredericksburg-mom-and-dads-night-out-fall-2024

Charlottesville Moms' Night Out
2024-10-18 18:30 - 20:30
Charlottesville Moms’ Night Out
Fall 2024
All Friday nights at 6:30 pm
Sept. 27 – La Zeez, Modern Indian Fair, 401 E. Main St., Charlottesville
Oct. 18 – Burton’s Grill and Bar, 3530 W. Cary St.
Nov. 1 – Fardowners, 5773 The Square, Crozet
Register here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/74979-charlottesville-moms-night-outs-aug-nov-2024

Richmond - Moms' Night Out, Richmond city
2024-10-18 18:30 - 20:30
Join other Moms for a Dinner out for good food and conversation. Everyone pays for their own meal.
All start at 6:30 pm.
Friday, August 9 – Midlothian – Charred – 13451 Hull Street Rd N, Midlothian, VA 23112
Friday, Sept. 27 – Forest Hill – Maldini’s Ristorante Pizzeria, 4811 Forest Hill Ave, Richmond, VA 23225
Friday, October 18 – Richmond, Brambly Park, 708 Belleville St, Richmond, VA 23230
Friday, November 1 – Short Pump – West Coast Provisions, 301 Maltby Blvd, Henrico, VA 23233
Friday, November 22 – Midlothian – Yamato Japanese Steakhouse, 13607 Hull Street Rd, Midlothian, VA 23112
Hope you can join us!
Register here:
https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/71054-moms-night-out-greater-richmond-2024

Richmond - Yoga Through the Jungle
2024-10-20 10:00 - 11:00
Join VDSA for this wonderful new program!
Yoga Journey Thru the Jungle

Promoting awareness, focus, balance and socialization
Lots of animal poses and fun
We know the kids will not stay still for too long and that is no problem!
Ages 5 to 12
Siblings are welcome
Cost $5 per person

Sept. 15, Oct. 20 and Nov. 17 – 10 am to 11 am
Register here:
https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/75059-richmond-yoga-through-the-jungle

Pumpkin Carving - Richmond
2024-10-20 15:00 - 16:30
Pumpkin Carving!
Let by parent Kim Woodbury!
Bring your own pumpkin!
For FunQuest Teens ages 12 to 20 years old.
Snacks will be served.
Outdoors at Deep Run Park, 9900 Ridgefield Pkwy, Henrico, Shelter 5
Siblings welcome.
Register here:

https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/75078-pumpkin-carving

Virtual - Medicaid waiver updates from All Needs Planning
2024-10-23 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

Solo Support Squad Meeting October 2024
2024-10-24 20:00 - 21:00
Join us for this group of single parents of individuals with Down syndrome as we connect and share the joys and challenges of parenthood! This group is peer-led and meets virtually via Zoom on the last Thursday of each month (Oct-Dec 2024 will be alternate days due to holidays). Please register for the Zoom link. https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/77383-virtual-solo-support-squad-october-2024

Richmond - Parent Night Respite Event October 2024
2024-10-25 18:00 - 20:00
The VDSA Parents’ Night Respite Event will take place on Friday, October 25th from 6 pm- 8 pm at Treehouse Pediatric Therapy (12201 Gayton Rd. Henrico, VA 23238). Individuals with Down syndrome (5+) and their siblings (5+) are welcome at this event.

register here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/76026-richmond-parent-night-respite-event-october-2024

Williamsburg - Sensory Friendly Trick or Treat
2024-10-26 09:00 - 12:00
Trick or Treat – Williamsburg
Disability Awareness Trick or Treat – Visit the VDSA Table among other organizations!

Come by and join in the fun. On Sat. 10/26 from 9 to noon. Sponsored by James City County Parks and Rec.

Sensory Friendly Event
Trackless Train rides
Treats for Everyone
Costumes welcome
Sensory Room Available
Meet local organizations!

October 26, 2024 @ 9:00AM — 12:00PM

Abram Frink, Jr Community Center 8901 Pocahontas Trl
Williamsburg, VA 23185

Richmond - Trunk or Treat
2024-10-26 13:30 - 16:30
NEW LOCATION AND TIME FOR TRUNK OR TREAT
VDSA is excited again to participate in Trunk or Treat
C.A.T.S. and The Whole Family Foundation present Hallowheels, a Halloween trunk-or-treat themed celebration and Children’s Disabilities Resource Fair on Saturday, October 26th. This event is an all-inclusive and accessible Halloween trunk-or-treat themed Disability Resource fair which will be hosted at MobilityWorks of Richmond. This will be a rain or shine event. If it rains, we will move indoors.

Still Saturday, Oct. 26
Time: 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm
Location: Mobility Works, 7450 Midlothian Turnpike N Chesterfield VA 23225
VDSA will have a trunk along with organizations and businesses.
This is an outdoor, welcoming, sensory-friendly, intimate, and supportive event
Each year we have at least 100 happy faces, young and old, visit our event.

Dress up and stop by for some candy!! Register so we know to look for you!
https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/75154-richmond-trunk-or-treat-oct-2024

Park Meet Up - Taylor Farm Park, Sandston (RVA)
2024-10-27 14:00 - 16:00
Join families for Fun Park Meet ups
October 27 – Taylor Farm Park, Sandston, 2:00 – 4:00 pm
Nov. 17 – R. Garland Dodd Park at Point of Rocks, Chester – 2:00 – 4:00 pm
All ages welcome
Register here:
https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/78196-park-meet-ups-tricities-2024
