Virginia Down Syndrome Association

River City Inclusive Gym - Henrico/Richmond - Ages 2-8
2026-01-10 15:00 - 15:45 (America/New_York) | River City Inclusive Gym, 11248 Patterson Ave, Henrico, VA, 23238, United States
River City Inclusive Gym – Winter 2026 Ages 2 to 8

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

Monthly on Saturdays
Jan. 10, Feb 7 and March 7
3:00-3:45 pm – Ages 2-8
$15 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

River City Inclusive Gym - Henrico/Richmond - Ages 9 to adult
2026-01-10 16:00 - 16:45, 2026-02-07 16:00 - 16:45 | River City Inclusive Gym, 11248 Patterson Ave, Henrico, VA, 23238, United States
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. 10, Feb. 7 and March 7
4:00-4:45 pm – Ages 9 and up
$15 per session
Space is limited and Siblings welcome
Register here:
https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/95456-river-city-inclusive-gym-winter-spring-2026-ages-2-to-8-to

Moms’ Night Out Paint Party
2026-01-13 19:00 - 21:00 | The Art Factory, 4810 Market Square Ln, Midlothian, VA, 23112
You are invited to a Mom’s night out at The Art Factory!

Tuesday, January 13, 7 – 9 PM
4810 Market Square Ln, Midlothian, VA 23112
$27 per person (Covers all necessary supplies and instruction)

Treat yourself to an evening designed just for YOU! Our Moms’ Night Out Painting Class is a relaxed and social event where you can unwind, laugh, and explore your creative side-no experience needed.

Register Here: Moms’ Night Out Paint Party

Virtual - Improvaneer
2026-01-15 19:00 - 20:00, 2026-01-22 19:00 - 20:00, 2026-01-29 19:00 - 20:00, 2026-02-05 19:00 - 20:00, 2026-02-12 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/95223-virtual-improvaneer-winter-2026

MOM'S Night Out - Fredericksburg
2026-01-16 18:30 - 19:30
Moms, let’s take a break and celebrate life together! 💜
Date: Friday, Jan. 16th @ 6:30pm

Join us for Moms’ Night Out at Bello Manzo
👉 Please RSVP so we can reserve a table for the group.
We can’t wait to see you there!

202 Disability Expo, Richmond
2026-01-18 10:00 - 14:00 | Dewey Gottwald Center, 2301 W Leigh St, Richmond, VA, 23220
VDSA will be attending the 3rd Annual Disability Expo at the Dewey Gottwald Center.
Friendship Circle of Virginia is proud to present the 3rd Annual Disability Expo, generously sponsored by QTS Data Centers and the Jewish Community Federation of Richmond! 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.
Click for more Information and to Register!

Science Museum of Virginia with Friendship Circle (All ages)
2026-01-25 14:00 - 16:00 | Science Museum of Virginia, 2500 W Broad St, Richmond, VA, 23220
VDSA is joining Friendship Circles’ January Birthday Circle at the Science Museum of Virginia
January 25 from 2:00 to 4:00 pm
Explore the science museum for this out of this world birthday event! Every child with Ds who has a January birthday will get a special birthday box from Friendship Circle.
Light refreshments provided
No charge
For all ages!! Siblings welcome!
Register here: January Birthday Circle at the Science Museum of Virginia

Williamsburg Mom's Night Out
2026-01-25 17:00 - 19:00 | Antonio’s Italian Ristorante, 801 Merrimac Trail, Williamsburg, United States
Join us for great food, drinks, conversation & support. We will meet at Antonio’s Italian Ristorante located in Williamsburg in the James York Plaza. 801 Merrimac Trail

Please register HERE by January 24th.

Duck Donuts Outing -F'burg
2026-01-28 18:00 - 19:00
Come learn how donuts are made, decorate your own donuts, and design a duck! A drink is also included. $5/self advocates, $8/siblings
Seats are limited due to space, please only 2 adults per family.
Register here

Virtual - Parent/Caregiver Q&A
2026-01-29 19:00 - 20:00 | Zoom
Are you interested in VDSA’s upcoming Educational Series on Relationships, Dating, and Sexual Education, but still have questions or concerns before signing up your teen or young adult? Join Rachel Goldman OTD and Ame Branam, VDSA Education Director, on January 29th at 7pm. We will have a virtual Q&A session, so drop in and let’s chat!
Register here if you plan to attend the Zoom: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/96417-parent-q-a-for-educational-series-on-relationships-dating-and-sexual-education

Charlottesville Moms' Morning Out at PI-NAPO
2026-01-31 11:00 - 12:30 | Pi-Napo Pizzeria, 2115 Jefferson Park Ave, Charlottesville, VA, 22903
Moms’ Morning Out at PI-NAPO

Get ready for a fun-filled morning with friends as we dive into the world of pizza making!Join us for a unique and delicious experience where you’ll get to create your own pizza masterpiece, and then enjoy it with the gang! So, come hungry and be prepared for a morning filled with laughter, good company, and of course, amazing food!

The cost is $30 per person and we need a minimum of 8 participants to make this event happen, so don’t be shy – sign up and bring a friend, sister, or anyone who shares your love for pizza! The more, the merrier, so feel free to invite anyone who fits the bill! You can take care of the payment at the restaurant.

Please RSVP individually, and let’s make sure we hit that minimum of 8 participants.

https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/92755-charlottesville-moms-morning-out

Tri-cities Bowling Night
2026-01-31 15:00 - 17:00 | Holiday Bowl, 11400 Jefferson Davis Highway, Chester, 23237, United States
Tri-cities Bowling Night

Come bowl with us. Choose 1 game or more. $5.50/ per game per person and $4.50 for shoes.
Payment to the bowling alley when you are finished.

January 31st, 2026 @ 3:00PM — 5:00PM
Holiday Bowl: 11400 Jefferson Hwy, Chester VA
$5.50 per game per person
If you have any questions, please feel to contact Mindi Freds, Tri-Cities Community Coordinator
mindi_freds@yahoo.com or 217-892-2932

Register Here: TriCities Holiday Bowl – Family Style

Shenandoah Valley New Years Potluck 2026
2026-01-31 16:30 | COVENANT PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 546 Mosby Rd, Harrisonburg, VA, 22801
VDSA Central Shenandoah Valley 10th Annual New Year Potluck
Happy New Year!!

Join us for our 10th annual new year celebration potluck
Saturday, Jan. 31 from 4:30 to 6:30 pm.
Bring a favorite dish or two to share – appetizer, side, entree, and/or dessert.
Water, juice, and soda are provided
All individuals with Down syndrome and children 11 and under will receive a gift!

Register here: 10th Annual New Year Potluck

Richmond - Relationships & Dating Educational Series
2026-02-05 18:00 - 20:00, 2026-02-12 18:00 - 20:00 | VDSA, 1504 Santa Rosa Road, Suite 124, Richmond, VA, 23229
The Virginia Down Syndrome Association plans to offer an 8 week educational series presented by Ame Branam, Education Director, and Rachel Goldman, OTS at Virginia Commonwealth University. Both presenters have completed sexuality educator training through Elevatus Training. We have class offerings for self-advocates in high school and beyond. Sessions will be offered at the Virginia Down Syndrome Association office at 1504 Santa Rosa Road, Suite 124, Richmond, VA 23229.
Registration price is $10.00 for the full 8-week session!
Register here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/95014-richmond-relationships-dating-educational-series
Class Dates/Times:

Session 1: Thursday, February 5th High School 6-7pm; Young Adult 7-8pm
Session 2: Thursday, February 12th High School 6-7pm; Young Adult 7-8pm
Session 3: Thursday, February 19th High School 6-7pm; Young Adult 7-8pm
Session 4: Thursday, February 26th High School 6-7pm; Young Adult 7-8pm
Session 5: Thursday, March 5th High School 6-7pm; Young Adult 7-8pm
Session 6: Thursday, March 12th High School 6-7pm; Young Adult 7-8pm
Session 7: Thursday, March 19th High School 6-7pm; Young Adult 7-8pm
Session 8: Thursday, March 26th High School 6-7pm; Young Adult 7-8pm

VDSA - Charlottesville Family Meet-up
2026-02-07 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
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 $12 or$17+tax (depending on height) 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!
For more info please visit Get Air webpage: https://getairsports.com/charlottesville/events/sp…

👉 LINK: Family Meet-Up

Richmond - Adaptive Storytime
2026-02-07 10:00 - 11:00, 2026-02-14 10:00 - 11:00 | VDSA, 1504 Santa Rosa Road, Suite 124, Richmond, VA, 23229
Support your child’s early literacy by attending the VDSA’s new Adaptive Storytime program hosted by VCU doctoral student, Kaitlyn Spitler, OTS, and the VDSA Education Director, Ame Branam at the VDSA office. Each session will feature a book from Natalie Hale’s Whole Child Reading Program, expanded with multi-sensory and motor-based approaches. It will further incorporate opportunities for free play and social engagement. This program is targeted towards children with Down syndrome age 0-5, though siblings and family members are welcome to join.
Register here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/96302-adaptive-storytime

River City Inclusive Gym - Henrico/Richmond - Ages 2-8
2026-02-07 15:00 - 15:45 | River City Inclusive Gym, 11248 Patterson Ave, Henrico, VA, 23238, United States
River City Inclusive Gym – Winter 2026 Ages 2 to 8

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

Monthly on Saturdays
Jan. 10, Feb 7 and March 7
3:00-3:45 pm – Ages 2-8
$15 per session
Space is limited and Siblings welcome
https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/94740-river-city-inclusive-gym-winter-2026-ages-2-to-8-to

Fun4Life Lunch Bunch
2026-02-09 11:30 - 13:00 | Genova’s Pizza Station, 2723 Buford Rd, Bon Air, VA, 23235
Fun4Life Lunch Bunch For adults ages 21 and older
Get ready to celebrate International Pizza Day with VDSA! Stop into Genova’s Pizza Station in Bon Air for a quick bite alongside your VDSA Fun4Life buddies. Enjoy a delicious slice (or two, or three…) and catch up with friends old and new. Don’t miss out on the fun – mark your calendars and join us for some delicious pizza and company!
Monday, February 9th at 11:30 am
Genova’s Pizza Station, 2723 Buford Rd, Bon Air, VA 23235 (Each guest is responsible for their individual order)
Parents welcome to stay at table nearby.
Register here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/60617-dinner-out-at-california-pizza-kitchen

Richmond - LEAP Training (Leadership for Empowerment and Abuse Prevention)
2026-02-11 10:00 - 11:30 | VDSA, 1504 Santa Rosa Road, Suite 124, Richmond, VA, 23229
The Virginia Down Syndrome Association is pleased to offer LEAP (Leadership for Empowerment and Abuse Prevention) training for interested individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities ages 18+.
About LEAP:
Leadership for Empowerment and Abuse Prevention (LEAP) is an evidence-based curriculum that provides training about healthy relationships and abuse prevention to groups of adults and teens with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Participants Learn About:

Healthy, confusing, and unhealthy relationships
Asking permission before touching
Different ways to say “no”
Identifying feelings and physical signs of being comfortable or uncomfortable
How to get help
…and more!

Register here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/94771-leap-training
LEAP training will occur on the following dates and times at the VDSA Office (1504 Santa Rosa Road, Suite 124, Richmond, VA 23229):

Wednesday, February 11th – 10:00am-11:30am
Wednesday, February 18th – 10:00am-11:30am
Wednesday, February 25th – 10:00am-11:30am
Wednesday, March 4th – 10:00am-11:30am

Presenter Bios:

Emily’s bio:

Emily Dodge lives in Richmond, Virginia. She works at Hope Church in childcare and is a graduate of the Longwood Life program. Emily spends her time going to her river house, crafting and cooking. She loves to dance competitively, hang out with her friends, attend concerts and WWE events, and spend time with her fiancé, to whom she recently became engaged. She is excited to teach LEAP and talk about healthy relationships.

Molly’s bio:

Molly is currently retired after over 30 years with the VCU Partnership for People with Disabilities, a university center for excellence in developmental disabilities. She earned her Master’s degree in Special Education from SUNY Buffalo and began her career as a special educator for children with significant support needs and autism. Later, as a parent of a child who received special education services, she has lived experiences on both sides of the IEP table.
Molly coordinated Virginia’s Positive Behavior Support Project (PBS) was endorsed as a facilitator of Positive Behavior Support in 2007. She co-leads Home and Community PBS, a network of the International Association of PBS. For more than 20 years, she directed three projects that assist children and adults with disabilities with issues surrounding violence, abuse, sexual assault, and neglect. Together with a team of families and professionals, she helped to develop and research LEAP: Leadership for Empowerment and Abuse Prevention, an evidence-based intervention for adults with IDD. In addition to published academic journals. Molly is a regular contributor to Parenting Special Needs Magazine. Molly is certified trainer for Person-Centered Thinking and Stewards of Children. Her goal is to help everyone enjoy healthy relationships.

Virtual - Communication Skills Groups for Teens and Adults
2026-02-11 15:30 - 17:00 | Zoom
VDSA is pleased to offer virtual Communication Skill groups thanks to a partnership with Longwood University. Teens ages 13-18 and adults 19 and over are invited to join Longwood University speech therapy students in conversation! This is a low-pressure, conversational style program where you’ll connect with each other and have a great time! This event is free of charge.
The Adults group will meet from 3:30pm until 4:15pm and our teens group will meet from 4:15pm until 5:00pm.
Sessions will take place via Zoom on February 11th, February 25th, March 4th, March 18th, April 8th, and April 22nd.
Register here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/96962-virtual-building-communication-skills

Duck Donuts Outing - F'burg
2026-02-11 18:00 - 19:00
Come learn how donuts are made, how social media posts are created,
decorate your own donuts, and design a duck! A drink is also included. $5/self advocates, $8/siblings
Seats are limited due to space, please only 2 adults per family.
Register Here!

Richmond - Painting Classes at The Art Factory, Winter 2026
2026-02-13 12:30 - 13:30 | Art Factory, , 4810 Market Square Ln, Midlothian, VA, 23112
Painting Class at the Art Factory is the Second Friday of Each Month
12:30 to 1:30 pm
$20 per person
Open to All Friends with Disabilities
Dates: January 9th – February 13 – March 13
Art Factory, 4810 Market Square Ln, Midlothian
Register here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/83876-richmond-painting-classes-at-the-art-factory-fall-2025

Valentine's Respite Night - F'burg
2026-02-13 17:30 - 20:00
Enjoy a quiet night out while your kids enjoy a fantastic evening with our trained staff and volunteers. We are hosting a fun-filled event for self-advocates and their siblings. It’s a win-win for everyone!
Register Here!
