Virginia Down Syndrome Association

River City Inclusive Gym - Henrico/Richmond - Ages 9 to adult
2025-04-19 16:00 - 16:45 (America/New_York)
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. 18, March 15, April 19 and June 7
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 - Reimagining Family Life with Disability
2025-04-23 18:30 - 19:30, 2025-05-07 18:30 - 19:30 | Zoom
Created by speaker and writer Amy Julia Becker, this workshop is for new and seasoned caregivers and covers the following topics:
March 26, Session 1 – Messages our culture gives around disability
April 9, Session 2 – Shifting our own mindset around disability
April 23, Session 3 – Creating a community of support
May 7, Session 4 – Taking steps towards a good future!
As a group, we will discuss our own previous and current views on disability and how we can create supports and pave a positive path as families members on this journey. Each session includes a video to view beforehand and reflection questions.
For additional information, take a look at this video by workshop creator Amy Julia Becker: https://youtu.be/Y6CzJqOtD2c?si=jkvF3Bbe8NxFs5a_
Join our Education Director, Ame Branam, who will facilitate this group. If you have any questions pertaining to content or registration, feel free to reach out at abranam@virginiadsa.org or 804-338-7694.
Register here ($5/person): https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/84341-virtual-reimagining-family-life-with-disability-workshop

Outdoor Adventure Club
2025-04-24 17:00 - 18:00, 2025-05-01 17:00 - 18:00, 2025-05-08 17:00 - 18:00, 2025-05-15 17:00 - 18:00 | Bryan Park, 4308 Hermitage Rd, Richmond, VA, Virginia, 23227
Spring 2025 Outdoor Adventure CLUB
Ages 13-20 (FunQuest) & 21+ (Fun4Life)
April 17 to May 22 – Thursdays from 5:00 to 6:00 pm
Bryan Park. Richmond, 4308 Hermitage Rd, Richmond, VA 23227
Led by Beyond Boundaries / Co-hosted with Jacob’s Chance
Includes: fishing, Leave No Trace, hikes, and more outdoor fun!
The cost is $50/person
https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/83955-outdoor-adventure-club

Virtual - Improvaneer
2025-04-24 19:00 - 20:00, 2025-05-01 19:00 - 20:00, 2025-05-08 19:00 - 20:00, 2025-05-15 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/81220-virtual-improvaneer-winter-2025

Virtual Early Childhood ages 2-6
2025-04-25 12:00 - 13:30, 2025-05-02 12:00 - 13:30, 2025-05-09 12:00 - 13:30 | Zoom
A Free Child Development Series for Caregivers of Children ages 2-6. VDSA and Ivy Rehab are proud to announce a collaborative series dedicated to providing invaluable child development education for caregivers of children with disabilities.
Held on Zoom Fridays 12:00-1:30pm April 18-May 9.
Registration link: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/85689-early-childhood-ages-2-6-skills-for-growth-and-development-webnair

Virtual - School Inclusion Support Group
2025-04-30 19:00 - 20:00 | Zoom
Join us for the monthly school-inclusion focused VDSA caregiver support group on Zoom. This group is peer-led by parents of school-aged children with Down syndrome. Come ask your questions and share your knowledge and experience with others on a similar journey!
Register here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/85677-virtual-school-inclusion-support-april-2025

Virtual – Comprehensive Caregiver Support (Formerly Diagnosis+) May ’25 Session
2025-05-02 12:00 - 13:00 | Zoom
Connect with other caregivers and individuals with a dual diagnosis in a loosely facilitated discussion format. Virtual on Zoom.
May 2nd 12-1pm
Register here to join the conversation!

Richmond - Mini Golf (Bogeys)
2025-05-03 11:00 - 13:00 | Bogeys Sports Park, 1675 Ashland Rd, Richmond, VA, 23233
Tee off with us for a Mini Golf Meet-up!
Teens and Adults – FunQuest (ages 13 to 20) and Fun4Life (ages 21+)
Meet at Bogey’s for Mini Golf fun!!
$5 per person
Parents can stay and volunteer or drop off!
We want to include everyone. If the registration fee would prevent you from attending, please use code “VIPguest” to register at no cost.
Register Here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/86332-richmond-mini-golf

Richmond - Family-Friendly Nature Walk
2025-05-04 15:00 - 16:30 | Deep Run Park, 9900 Ridgefield Pkwy, Henrico, VA, 23233, United States
Join VDSA for a family-friendly nature walk!
Sunday, May 4th at Deep Run Park
3:00 pm – 4:30 pm
Will end with snacks and drinks / All ages and siblings welcome!
No charge
https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/84006-richmond-nature-hikes-april-6

Led by Beyond Boundaries

Virtual 21 Shades Spring Fling
2025-05-07 20:00 - 21:00, 2025-05-14 20:00 - 21:00, 2025-05-21 20:00 - 21:00 | Zoom
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. The purpose of this group is to create a space for the Black Community to network, collaborate, create, and share information while building meaningful connections. This group often meets virtual via Zoom with opportunities for in person events and programming. Hi 21 Shades Caregivers! Invest in yourself this spring! Register today for the “Spring Fling” virtual series and connect with a supportive community of fellow caregivers. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn, share, and recharge.

Every Wednesday evening from 8-9pm, May 7th to May 28th, we’ll be delving into crucial topics specifically curated for caregivers.
https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/86098-21-shades-spring-fling

Richmond - Painting Class
2025-05-09 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
Dates: January 10, Feb. 14, March 14, April 11 and May 9
Art Factory, 4810 Market Square Ln, Midlothian

Register here:
https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/80656-painting-class-at-art-factory-winter-spring-2024

Fredericksburg Moms' Night Out
2025-05-09 18:30 - 20:30 | Mi Rancho, 3400 Plank Road, Fredericksburg, VA, United States
Fredericksburg Moms’ Night Out
Please join fellow Fredericksburg moms for a Moms Night Out. Come and connect with other moms, share stories, and enjoy a relaxing evening. It’s a chance to support each other and create some fun
Friday, May 9th – from 6:30 to 8:30 pm
Mi Rancho Authentic Mexican Food.
3400 Plank Rd, Fredericksburg, VA 22407
Register Here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/85647-fredericksburg-moms-night-out

The Learning Program
2025-05-10 09:30 - 11:30
Register for The Learning Program 2024-2025!

-8 monthly sessions held on Saturdays between October 2024 and May 2025.
-All sessions will have an in-person and virtual option, except May which is entirely virtual.
-Location: Shady Grove YMCA – 11255 Nuckols Rd, Glen Allen, VA 23059
-Cost: The cost of the program is $250 (in person), $205 (virtual) (Scholarships Available).
Dates: October 5, 2024, November 9, 2024, December 14, 2024. January 11, 2025. February 8, 2025. March 8, 2025, April 12, 2025 and May 10, 2025 (Virtual only
Time: 9:30 am to 11:30 am
-Link to apply for scholarship: https://virginiadsa.org/scholarships/
The Learning Program is an educational program developed by the Down Syndrome Foundation of Orange County (DSFOC). It serves as a platform for sharing literacy and math instructional strategies, resources and activities to improve academic outcomes for students with Down syndrome, equipping families with the knowledge and tools to work effectively at home and at school.

Virtual option for parents living outside of Richmond
LP Level 1 (recommended ages PreK-1st grade or emerging readers)
Parent classes are taught by a local parent of a young adult with Down syndrome using the Learning Program curriculum.

During each session, parents will receive instruction in a separate parent only class. Children will receive hands-on learning in a student class with centers that focus on literacy and math led by qualified teachers and an occupational therapist.
If you have any questions, please email Ame Branam, Education Director, at abranam@virginiadsa.org
Register here:
https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/75962-the-learning-program-2024-2025

Family Roller Skating
2025-05-13 18:00 - 20:30 | Chester Skateland, 2300 Southland Drive, Chester, VA, 23831
Join VDSA for a Fun Family Skate Night at Chester Skateland!
Tuesday, May 13 / 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Address: 2300 Southland Dr. Chester, VA
Admission: including 30 minutes of teaching lesson and 2 hours of family skate
$5 with/without skates
$5 SkateMate (if needed)
Register Here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/86488-tri-cities-chester-skateland

Richmond - Project Lifesaver Information Session
2025-05-14 18:30 - 19:30 | VDSA, 1504 Santa Rosa Road, Suite 124, Richmond, VA, 23229
Deputy Jones with Henrico County Sheriff’s Office will be giving an information session on Project Lifesaver. Project Lifesaver is the premier search and rescue program operated internationally by public safety agencies, and is strategically designed for “at risk” individuals who are prone to the life threatening behavior of wandering. The primary mission of Project Lifesaver is to provide timely response to save lives and reduce potential injury for adults and children with the propensity to wander.
This program will be presented in-person at the Virginia Down Syndrome Association office on Wednesday, May 14th from 6:30pm-7:30pm.
Register here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/86137-project-lifesaver-information-session

Children's Museum Free Sensory Friendly Night
2025-05-16 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: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/83777-children-s-museum-free-sensory-friendly-night

Richmond Area Moms' Night Out
2025-05-16 19:00 - 21:00
Join other moms in conversation.

The Boathouse Short Pump – March 28, Friday at 7:00 pm

11800 W Broad St #950, Richmond, VA 23233

Wong’s Tacos Midlothian – April 18, Friday at 7:00 pm

1106 Winterfield Crossing, Midlothian, VA 23113

Charred Hanover Mechanicsville – May 16, Friday at 6:30 pm

9325 Chamberlayne Rd, Mechanicsville, VA 23116

Resister Here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/84543-richmond-area-moms-night-out

Williamsburg Moms’ Night Out
2025-05-18 18:30 - 20:30 | Cooks Burger Bar, 1246 Richmond Rd. Ste A, Williamsburg, VA, 23185
Let’s Meet at Cooks Burger Bar
Williamsburg Moms’ Night Out
Please join fellow Williamsburg moms for a Moms Night Out. Come and connect with other moms, share stories, and enjoy a relaxing evening. It’s a chance to support each other and create some fun
Sunday, May 18th – from 6:30 to 8:30 pm
Register Here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/86824-williamsburg-moms-night-out

Tri-cities - Swaders Sports Park in Prince George
2025-05-19 18:00 - 20:00 | Swaders Sports Park, 4725 Whitehill Blvd, Prince George, VA, 23875
Join VDSA-Tri Cities at Swaders Sports Park in Prince George!
Address: 4725 Whitehill Blvd, Prince George, VA 23875
Time: 6-8 pm
Individual with Down syndrome is free

Indoor only $25- laser tag, mini-bowling, kids zone
Indoor and outdoor- $35- indoor+,go-carts, mini golf & batting cages

Register Here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/86486-tri-cities-swaders-sports-park
