Life in the Community
2025-11-01 09:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York)
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!

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

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.

Virtual - Improvaneer
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

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

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

Playful Pathways (ages 3-7 years old)
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

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!

Tri-Cities Friendsgiving
2025-11-14 18:00 - 20:00
Tri-cities Friendsgiving
Join us for a potluck to celebrate our friends at our Friendsgiving.
– We’ll provide the Ham and Drinks –
Central Baptist Church, 6405 Courthouse Rd, VA 23833
Time: 6 – 8 pm
Register Here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/94022-friendsgiving
Sign up here to let us know what you are bringing: 2025 Volunteer Group: Tri-Cities Friendsgiving Potluck Registration

Little's of F'burg Play Gym Playdate
2025-11-15 09:30 - 11:00
Come enjoy some indoor gym playtime and social skills practice! Limited spots available!
This event is for ages 10 and under. Siblings 10 and under are welcome to play with ticket purchase.
Cost:
$5/individual with DS
$10/sibling
Reserve your spots today! Click HERE to sign up!

This is NOT a drop and go event.

Richmond - Indoor Rock Climbing
2025-11-15 10:00 - 12:00 | Peak Experiences RVA, 1375 Overbrook Rd, Richmond, VA, 23220
Join us for a fun session of indoor rock climbing led by Beyond Boundaries. No experience is necessary! Cost: $10 per individual with Down syndrome.
All ages! Maximum number of climbers: 12!
November 15th 10:30 am – Noon
Peak Experiences RVA
1375 Overbrook Rd, Richmond, VA 23220
Register here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/82481-rock-climbing-with-beyond-boundaries

"Bigs" of F'burg Art Time!
2025-11-15 13:30 - 14:30
Let’s get creative! Join us at Art Time 4 Kids for a special art class! Designed for ages 11+
Siblings (11yrs+) welcome

Cost: $15
Reserve your spot today!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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
