Virginia Down Syndrome Association

Duck Donuts Outing -F'burg
2026-01-28 18:00 - 19:00 (America/New_York) | VA
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

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.

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

Virtual - Improvaneer
2026-01-22 19:00 - 20:00, 2026-01-15 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

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!

MOM'S Night Out - Fredericksburg
2026-01-16 18:30 - 19:30 | VA
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!

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

River City Inclusive Gym - Henrico/Richmond - Ages 9 to adult
2026-01-10 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

River City Inclusive Gym - Henrico/Richmond - Ages 2-8
2026-01-10 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/80658-river-city-inclusive-gym-winter-spring-2025-ages-2-to-8

Richmond - Painting Classes at The Art Factory, Winter 2026
2026-01-09 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

Dads’ Night Out
2026-01-08 18:00 - 20:00 | Capital Ale House, 13831 Village Place Drive, Midlothian, VA, 23118, United States
Richmond Area Dads’ Night Out!!
Connect with other Dads in the greater Richmond area who understand your journey!
Share and learn during this social time with other Dads.

Thursday, January 8th, 6PM

Capital Ale House Midlothian
13831 Village Place Dr, Midlothian, VA 23114

RSVP to Jan Rychtar, ary60249@gmail.com

Tri-Cities New Years Playdate Party
2026-01-02 17:00 - 19:00 | Ragsdale Community Center, 20916 Old School Rd., McKenney, VA, 23872
Tri-Cities New Years Playdate Party
Lets bring in the New Year together!! Let’s play and celebrate!!

Join us at Ragsdale Community Center for a fun time of games and play.
Friday, January 2nd from 5-7 pm
Ragsdale Community Center: 20916 Old School Rd. McKenney, VA 23872
Bring a snack to share
Register Here: New Years Playdate Party

Richmond Respite Event
2025-12-20 14:00 - 17:00 | VDSA, 1504 Santa Rosa Road, Suite 124, Richmond, VA, 23229
Respite Event in Richmond
“Get your last-minute holiday shopping done while your kids enjoy a fantastic afternoon 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!”

When: December 20, 2025
Time: 2pm to 5pm
Where: VDSA Office, 1504 Santa Rosa Road Suite 124

REGISTER HEREf

21 Shades Winter Movie Pop Up
2025-12-19 18:30 - 20:30 | VDSA, 1504 Santa Rosa Road, Suite 124, Richmond, VA, 23229
Hi 21 Shades members! Get ready to cozy up and celebrate the start of winter break! We’re absolutely thrilled to welcome you to a night of classic movie magic, which we will show case the 2014 remake of Annie. 🍿 Get comfy in your PJs, grab your favorite snacks, and prepare for a relaxing and fun-filled evening.
Date: Friday, December 19, 2025
Time: 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Location: VDSA Office 1504 Santa Rosa Rd, Ste 124, Richmond, VA 23229

Williamsburg/Peninsula Holiday Party
2025-12-14 15:00 - 17:00 | 201 Charter House Lane Williamsburg, 201 Charter House Lane, Williamsburg, 23188, United States
Join the Virginia Down Syndrome Association Williamsburg/Peninsula for a fun afternoon of good food, play time, holiday crafts, cookie decorating and hopefully a visit from THE BIG GUY himself. Gifts provided for all individuals with Down Syndrome, as well as siblings aged 10 & under. Wear festive attire!! There is a playground next to the clubhouse so hopefully the weather will cooperate.

Main entree will be provided by VDSA please bring a side dish or a dessert to share. Contact Williamsburg Community Coordinator for any questions at scleary@virginiadsa.org

REGISTER HERE

Fredericksburg Cookies with Santa
2025-12-14 14:00 - 16:00 | VA
Pictures with Santa, cookie decorating, live music, crafts & more
All individuals with Down Syndrome and siblings under the age of 10 will receive gifts!
Seating is limited due to capacity.
Event is Free

RSVP here by Dec. 9th!

Richmond Annual Holiday Party
2025-12-13 08:30 - 13:00 | Bon Air Baptist Church, 2531 Buford Rd, Richmond, VA, 23235
The Virginia Down Syndrome Association’s Annual Breakfast Holiday Party is coming up!
EMAIL kwoodbury@virginiadsa.org to be put on waiting list. Always have cancellations.
Two seatings
8:30 am – 10:30 am and 11:00AM — 1:00PM
Bon Air Baptist Church 2531 Buford Rd, Richmond, VA 23235
Both seatings include:

Pictures with Santa, crafts & games
Quiet Sensory Room
All individuals with Down Syndrome and siblings under the age of 10 will receive gifts!
Two (2) adults who live in your household or care for your loved one (outside the household) are invited
Seating is limited due to capacity.
If you need an accommodation for an attendee OR to add more than two (2) adult family members who live in your household, please send an email to Kimberly Woodbury, kwoodbury@virginiadsa.org to discuss further.
Event is Free
Buffet Breakfast served of hashbrown casserole, monkey bread, scrambled eggs, pork bacon, sausage links, roasted breakfast potatoes, toasted English, muffins, bagels with cream cheese, mini muffins and fruit and nut charcuterie board.
If your child has food allergies, you are welcome to bring food for them to eat at your table.

VDSA is thrilled to sponsor this year’s Holiday Party! If you need to cancel, please do so ASAP so we can offer your spot to someone on the waitlist. Let’s make it a night to remember!

RSVP First Seating: First Seating 8:30 – 10:30 AM
RSVP Second Seating: Sesond Seating 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Hampton Roads Holiday Party
2025-12-12 18:00 - 21:00 | Redeemer Church, 508 Centerville Turnpike N, Chesapeake, VA, 23320
Celebrate the Holidays with your newly formed VDSA Hampton Roads Family!
Come one come all to a fun festive holiday party with dinner, a cookie exchange, dancing, and dreidel games! There will also be a visit from a jolly old elf from the North Pole. A place to take pictures with Santa will be available.
Register Here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/94086-hampton-roads-holiday-party

Richmond – Painting Class
2025-12-12 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

Charlottesville Holiday Party
2025-12-07 15:00 - 17:00 | ACAG Adventure Central, 200 Four Seasons Dr, Charlottesville, VA, 22901
Charlottesville Holiday Party
Let’s Celebrate the Holidays Together! 🎄
December 7, 2025 @ 3:00PM — 5:00PM

ACAG Adventure Central 200 Four Seasons Dr, Charlottesville, VA 22901

Join us for a fun family event as we celebrate the holiday season!
There will be small gifts for our members with Down syndrome and their siblings ages 10 and under. The venue includes an indoor playground for everyone to enjoy!
Please RSVP and signup all the member of your family that will be attending, using the following link:
Holiday Celebration

Tri-cities Holiday Party
2025-12-07 14:00 - 16:00 | Central Baptist Church, 6405 Courthouse Rd, Church Rd, VA, 23833
Tri-cities Holiday Party
December 7, 2025 @ 2:00PM — 4:00PM
Central Baptist Church: 6405 Courthouse Rd Church Rd, VA 23833

Ham as main dish will be provided!
Bring a salad, side, dessert or drinks to share!
Join for fun! Make crafts! Plus there may be a visit from Santa or one of his elves!
Individuals with Ds get gifts and siblings under the age of 10!

SIGN UP TO BRING: salad, side dish for adult and/kids, gluten free items, dessert and drinks.
Register for Party Here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/94022-tri-cities-holiday-party
If you have any questions, please feel to contact Mindi Freds, Tri-Cities Coordinator
mindi_freds@yahoo.com or 217-892-2932

Ornament Decorating Party, Manchester Moose Lodge, Richmond
2025-12-07 00:00 - 14:00 | Manchester Moose Lodge, 11110 Trade Rd N, Chesterfield, VA, 23236
Ornament Decorating Party hosted and sponsored by the Manchester Moose Lodge
11110 Trade Rd, North Chesterfield, Sunday, December 7th from 12:00 – 2:00 pm
Casual pizza lunch, decorate ornaments, see Santa, and everyone gets a gift too!
The whole family is welcome, including siblings and grandparents!
Register here:
https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/78463-holiday-party-manchester-moose-lodge-dec-2024

VDSA - Charlottesville Family Meet-up
2025-12-06 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 $11-$15 (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!
👉 LINK: Family Meet-Up

Teen Movie Night
2025-11-30 17:45 - 21:00 | Regal West Tower, Regal West Tower, Richmond, Virginia, 23294
Join Friendship Circle of Virginia and Virginia Down Syndrome Association for a Teen Movie night on Sunday, November 30th as we come together to watch the movie Zootopia 2!
Arrival Time: 5:45 PM, Movie Start Time: 6:15 PM
Regal West Tower – 8998 W Broad St, Richmond, VA 23294
This event is for teens 13+. 1 Parent/Caregiver will attend free of charge.
Register Here: Teen Movie Night

River City Inclusive Gym - Henrico/Richmond - Ages 9 to adult
2025-11-22 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

River City Inclusive Gym - Fall 2025 - Ages 2 to 8
2025-11-22 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

Science Museum of Virginia Minds of All Kinds (All ages)
2025-11-21 16:00 - 20:00 | Science Museum of Virginia, 2500 W Broad St, Richmond, VA, 23220
Meet up with friends from VDSA at the Science Museum

Minds of All Kinds event on Friday, November 21st from 4pm-8pm!

Enjoy the museum on this free night at the Science Museum.

The museum will be making exhibits sensory friendly on this evening, and
staff will be available to support and assist families.

You must register with the museum at this link which takes you
to the Science Museum of Virginia webpage:

No charge
For all ages!! Siblings welcome!
Register here: Minds of All Kinds

Virtual - Transition Goals in IEPs
2025-11-19 19:00 - 20:00 | Zoom
Liz Capone, Advocate and Expert Witness, is back to do another great presentation for VDSA on the topic of transition plans in IEPs.
Participants will learn more about:
● How parental data can contribute to transition plans
● Identifying community opportunities
● The importance of soft skills
● Ensuring readiness for Interviews
● Taking a deep dive into Interests, hobbies, and preferences
● Identifying continuing education options
● Aligning transition information in the IEP with real world opportunities
● Aligning potential jobs with skills
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 school districts, including the largest school system in Virginia. 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.
Register here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/94010-virtual-transition-plans-in-ieps

Richmond - Arts and Craft Workshop
2025-11-19 10:00 - 12:00 | VDSA, 1504 Santa Rosa Road, Suite 124, Richmond, VA, 23229
You’re Invited to our New Monthly Arts and Craft Workshop
Enjoy creating beautiful, one-of-a-kind DIY art pieces that are tailored to each individual’s unique abilities and skill levels.
Date: Wednesday, November 19th, from 10 am – Noon
Location: VDSA’s Activity Room – 1504 Santa Rosa Road, Suite 124
For ages 18+ / Cost: $5.00
Register Here: Fall Mason Jar Centerpiece
