Virginia Down Syndrome Association

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

Friendship Club+ Adult Edition
2025-10-12 14:00 - 16:00, 2025-10-19 14:00 - 16:00, 2025-10-26 14:00 - 16:00, 2025-11-02 14:00 - 16:00, 2025-11-09 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.

Virtual - Improvaneer
2025-10-16 19:00 - 20:00, 2025-10-23 19:00 - 20:00, 2025-10-30 19:00 - 20:00, 2025-11-06 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

Richmond – Painting Class
2025-10-17 12:30 - 13:30, 2025-11-14 12:30 - 13:30
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
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
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, 2025-11-14 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
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

Life in the Community
2025-11-01 09:00 - 16:00
Life in the Community

SPONSORED BY
The Central Virginia Transition into Adulthood Coalition Life in the Community Committee
The Autism Society of Central Virginia, The Down Syndrome Association of Virginia, The Arc of Virginia, Jacob’s Chance, Beyond Boundaries, Commonwealth Autism, Northstar Academy, Shineforth, VCU, Bright Point Community College,
Special Olympics, The Arc of Hanover

Saturday, November 1st
9am-4pm
Chesterfield Career and Technical Center
13900 Hull Street Road, Midlothian, VA 23112
A must-attend conference for teens and adults with disabilities and their caregivers!
This conference will focus on the critical aspects of transitioning to adulthood, providing valuable resources, expert insights, and networking opportunities to help navigate education, employment, independent living and community engagement. Whether you’re navigating education, employment, independent living, or community engagement, this event will empower and equip you for the journey ahead.
When You Register:

You can request any special accommodations.
Self-Advocates can request a Peer Mentor Ambassador to provide support with schedules, navigating hallways, and exploring vendor tables. (Please note: Ambassadors cannot assist with activities of daily living support.)
Select your boxed lunch preference.
Please select your preferred track (the session topic you’re most interested in). You’re welcome to attend sessions outside of your chosen track as well.

Register here: https://ascv.org/lifeinthecommunity/

Charlottesville Moms' Morning Out
2025-11-01 10:00 - 11:30 | Cumbre Bakery Dairy market, 946 Grady Ave, Charlottesville, VA, 22903
Coffee and empanadas with friends!
Join us on the first Saturday of November for a relaxed morning with fellow moms from 10:00 to 11:30 AM!
We’ll be meeting at a cozy coffee shop with a touch of Argentinian flair, located in the Dairy Market. There are also plenty of other great food spots nearby if you’d like to explore more.
Feel free to come solo or bring your child along (recommended for teens and adults).
We’d love to see you there — please RSVP using the link below:
https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/92755-charlottesville-moms-morning-out

Fredericksburg Dad's Night Out
2025-11-01 18:30 - 19:30
Dad’s come out and enjoy some great food and conversation!
Please RSVP so we can reserve a table.
*You are responsible for you food and drink purchases
RSVP Here!

Williamsburg/Peninsula Mom's Night Out!
2025-11-02 17:00 - 18:30 | PF Chang’s, 12090 Jefferson Ave, Newport News, 23606, United States
Join us for some great food and conversation with fellow Virginia Down Syndrome Moms on the Peninsula! We will meet at PF Chang’s in Newport News at 5:00 PM. Please make sure to register HERE.

Midlothian Moms' Night Out
2025-11-07 18:30 - 20:30 | Chili’s Grill & Bar, 12231 Chattanooga Plz, 12231 Chattanooga Plz, Midlothian, Midlothian, VA, 23112
Let’s meet at Chili’s Grill & Bar!
Join fellow VDSA Moms from Midlothian for a fun night out.

Please join fellow VDSA members for Moms Night Out Friday, November 7th from 6:30 to 8:30 pm. Enjoy super food and support! All food and drink purchases are your own responsibility. Hope to see you there! Any questions please email Kimberly Woodbury at kwoodbury@virginiadsa.org
Register Here: Moms’ Night Out

T21 Golf Tournament
2025-11-14 08:00 - 17:00

Williamsburg/Peninsula Parents' Respite Night
2025-11-14 18:00 - 20:00 | Williamsburg Presbyterian Church, 215 Richmond Road, Williamsburg, Virginia, 23185
We have revamped our Parent Respite Night to make it more fun and interactive for your child. ALL AGES WELCOME, we have some really fun activities planned including:

A Music/Dance Class in the Dance Room (with props!)
Gaga Ball Game
Arts & Crafts in the Art Room
Games and toys in the Play Room for those that prefer quieter activities
Some fun and healthy snacks

We will have VDSA adult volunteers as well as teen volunteers from WPC’s Teen Group to make it extra fun. We hope the variety in activities will engage more of our kiddos for a fun night so that parents can enjoy a evening on their own. If you have a teen with Down Syndrome, please consider asking if they would like to volunteer!
