Virginia Down Syndrome Association

Richmond Rock Climbing
2024-10-13 14:00 - 15:30 (America/New_York)
Rock Climbing, led by our partner, Beyond Boundaries
October 13th at Peak Experience, Midlothian, 11421 Polo Circle
Nov. 16 – Richmond, 1375 Overbrook Rd

No experience needed
Siblings welcome
$5 per person

Step Up For Down Syndrome
2024-10-12 08:00 - 13:00
Join the Virginia Down Syndrome Association as we unite for a common cause and raise funds during the 18th Annual Step UP for Down Syndrome 5K & Family Festival! Whether you have Down syndrome, know someone who does, or just want to show your support, take the first step and donate or register today! Help us spread the word and celebrate all the amazing individuals with Down syndrome!
Learn more and register here: https://www.ds-stride.org/vdsastepup

Virtual - Improvaneer - Fall Session 2
2024-10-10 19:00 - 20:00
Join us for this fulfilled virtual hour!
Thursdays: 7:00-8:00 pm
Session 2: Oct. 10 to Nov. 7
Ages teen to adult
Register here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/74445-virtual-improvaneer-method-class
The Virginia Down Syndrome Association is excited to start the virtual Improvaneer Method 5 week class again!!

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/

Adventure Club - Richmond
2024-10-10 16:30 - 17:30, 2024-10-03 16:30 - 17:30
Adventure Club
Day: THURSDAYS 4:30-5:30 PM
NEW FALL DATES
Dates: 10/3/24, 10/10/24, 10/17/24, 10/24/24, 10/31/24*** Halloween, maybe move it to Wednesday of that week, 11/7/24 – Indoor rock climbing.
Location: Bryan Park, 4308 Hermitage Rd, Richmond
Join us for hiking, fishing and outdoor fun!
Led by Beyond Boundaries and co-hosted with Jacob’s Chance
Ages 13-20 (FunQuest) & 21+ (Fun4Life)
Register here

21 Shades Fall Virtual Meeting Series!
2024-10-09 20:00 - 21:00, 2024-10-02 20:00 - 21:00
21 Shades Fall Virtual Meeting Series!
The group, 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.
October 2, 2024 — November 6, 2024 – 8:00 – 9:00PM
Oct. 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30 and Nov. 6
Any questions please email mail jsamuel@virginiadsa.org
Register: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/76989-21-shades-fall-meeting-series

Fall Horseback Riding - afternoon sessions - Williamsburg
2024-10-08 17:00 - 18:00, 2024-10-01 17:00 - 18:00, 2024-09-24 17:00 - 18:00
Two – six week sessions – 9/24 to 10/29 and 11/12 to 12/19 at 10 am or 5 pm for an hour each Tuesday
Location: Dream Catchers Riding Center 10120 Fire Tower Rd, Toano, VA 23168
Scholarships are available
Register by emailing smclain@virginiadsa.org

Volunteer Academy - Richmond
2024-10-08 10:30 - 12:30, 2024-10-01 10:30 - 12:30, 2024-09-24 10:30 - 12:30
Self-advocates, 18 and up, are invited to participate in a new program! Join Carol Coffin, MSRC, CRC, Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor and lead teacher of VDSA’s Summer Employment Academy to participate in community service activities to enhance social engagement, communication, and employability.
Location:
Brandermill Woods Health Center
2100 Brandermill Parkway
Midlothian, VA 23112
Dates:
September 17, 2024-October 22, 2024
Tuesdays 10:30am-12:30pm
Volunteers may be dropped off (maximum of 5 registrants) or participate with an attendant (maximum of 2 registrants).
Register here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/76234-volunteer-academy

Fall Horseback Riding- Morning - Williamsburg
2024-10-08 10:00 - 11:00, 2024-10-01 10:00 - 11:00

Richmond - Friendship Club - Guys
2024-10-06 15:00 - 16:30
VDSA is excited to announce the Friendship Club for Guys & Gals.
Ages teen to young adult.
Guys time: 3:00- 4:30 pm
Each month will have a new topic included with fun activities.

Friendship skills
Social skills
Build social connections
Learn about emotions
Deal with confrontation
How to cope when things don’t go your way
and more

Club meeting dates are all Sundays:

March 17, April 14, May 5, June 2, July 14, Aug. 25, Sept. 22, Oct. 6 and Nov. 3 (Club party)

It is important to be able to attend the majority of the dates. Teen and young adult volunteers will be part of the Club as well.
This program is sponsored by the Commonwealth of Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services

Richmond - Friendship Club - Gals
2024-10-06 13:00 - 14:30
VDSA is excited to announce the Friendship Club for Guys & Gals.
Ages teen to young adult.
Gals time: 1:00- 2:30 pm
Guys time: 3:00- 4:30 pm
Each month will have a new topic included with fun activities.

Friendship skills
Social skills
Build social connections
Learn about emotions
Deal with confrontation
How to cope when things don’t go your way
and more

Club meeting dates are all Sundays:

March 17, April 14, May 5, June 2, July 14, Aug. 25, Sept. 22, Oct. 6 and Nov. 3 (Club party)

It is important to be able to attend the majority of the dates. Teen and young adult volunteers will be part of the Club as well.
This program is sponsored by the Commonwealth of Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services

Family Fun at Autumn Harvest Acres - Dinwiddie
2024-10-06 10:00 - 12:00
October 6, 2024 @ 10:00AM — 12:00PM

Autumn Harvest Acres 20825 Carson Rd, Dinwiddie, VA 23841
Join VDSA families for Fall family fun at Autumn Harvest Acres from 10 am to Noon.
$15 per person. 2 and under are free. Pay at the venue. (admission does NOT include pumpkins, sold separately)
Activities include:

Hayride
Barrel Train ride
Jump Pillow
Corn maze
Farm House
Playground
Sandbox
Hay Pyramid
Black Pipe Play Tunnel
Cornhole
Tic Tac Toe and Checkers
Goat feeding area
Roller slides
Pumpkin Patch (admission does NOT include pumpkins, sold separately)

Richmond - River City Inclusive Gym
2024-10-05 15:00 - 17:00
River City Inclusive Gym
Monthly on Saturdays
Dates: Oct. 5 & Nov. 9
Times and ages: 3:00-3:45 pm – Ages 2 to 8
Times and ages:4:00-4:45 pm – Ages 9 and up
(age groups will be separated))
Cost: $10 per session
Siblings welcome. Register in age group of sibling with Ds.
Location: 11248 Patterson Ave, Henrico, VA 23238
2 miles from Hwy 288
Register here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/74443-richmond-river-city-inclusive-gym
River City Inclusive Gym class is designed to engage every athlete physically and mentally. Each class is set in an obstacle course format. This provides us optimum opportunity to instruct 1:1 while the whole group stays engaged. Upon entering the gym, the athletes begin their first course right away. As they go through the course, every obstacle or piece of equipment is adapted to meet individual needs if necessary. After 15 minutes the class takes a water break before beginning the next course. This pattern continues for the length of the class

Richmond - Art and Play in the Park, Park 365
2024-10-05 10:30 - 12:00
Richmond – Art and Play in the Park, Fall 2024

Saturday, Oct. 5 @10:30 am – 12:00 pm – Park 365, 3600 Saunders Ave, Richmond, VA 23227

Register: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/75213-richmond-art-and-play-in-the-park-fall-2024

The Learning Program
2024-10-05 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

Virtual - Improvaneer - Fall Session 1
2024-10-03 19:00 - 20:00, 2024-09-26 19:00 - 20:00
Join us for this fulfilled virtual hour!
Thursdays: 7:00-8:00 pm
Fall Session 1: Sept. 5 to Oct. 3
Fall Session 2: Oct. 10 to Nov. 7
Ages teen to adult
Register here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/74445-virtual-improvaneer-method-class
The Virginia Down Syndrome Association is excited to start the virtual Improvaneer Method 5 week class again!!

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/

Richmond - Mini Golf
2024-09-29 15:00 - 16:30
Mini Golf at Bogeys

September 29, 2024 @ 3:00PM — 4:30PM
Bogeys Sports Park (near Hwy & 288) 1675 Ashland Road, Richmond (Goochland), VA 23233
Teens and Adults, FunQuest (ages 12 to 20) and Fun4Life (ages 21+)
Parents can stay and volunteer or drop off!
$5 per person

Register here:
https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/75149-richmond-min-golf-sept-2024

Richmond New Parents Luncheon
2024-09-28 13:00 - 15:00
Hello!
If you are new the Virginia Down Syndrome Association then we are personally inviting you to the VDSA New Parents’ Lunch!
As an official thank you! and welcome to our VDSA community, join us for our annual New Parents lunch to celebrate you!
We invite you to a glamorous lunch dedicated to parents who have joined the Virginia Down Syndrome Association family in the past year. Come enjoy lunch with us, special gifts, and the opportunity to connect with other parents!
This event is open to all caregivers, including but not limited to, parents, grandparents, siblings, aunts/uncles, etc.
For any questions please contact Jasmine Samuel at jsamuel@virginiadsa.org or 804-256-6451. (We offer free childcare to all families!)
September 28, 2024 @ 1:00PM — 3:00PM

The Charleston Club at Magnolia Green 17700 Twin Falls Ln
Moseley, VA 23120

Charlottesville Moms' Night Out
2024-09-27 18:30 - 20:30
Charlottesville Moms’ Night Out
Fall 2024
All Friday nights at 6:30 pm
Sept. 27 – La Zeez, Modern Indian Fair, 401 E. Main St., Charlottesville
Oct. 18 – Burton’s Grill and Bar, 3530 W. Cary St.
Nov. 1 – Fardowners, 5773 The Square, Crozet
Register here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/74979-charlottesville-moms-night-outs-aug-nov-2024

Fredericksburg Moms' Night Out
2024-09-27 18:30 - 20:00
Fredericksburg Moms’ Night Out
Sept. 27 at 6:30pm
Basilico at Harrison Crossing
7013 Harrison Rd, Fredericksburg, VA 22407
Register here:
https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/76204-fredericksburg-mom-and-dads-night-out-fall-2024

Pickleball Clinic - Richmond
2024-09-27 10:00 - 12:00
September 27, 2024 @ 10:00AM — 12:00PM Eastern Time (US & Canada)

Woodlake Swim and Racquet Club – 5000 Woodlake Village Pkwy
Midlothian, VA 23112

Virtual - Solo Support Squad September
2024-09-26 20:00 - 21:00
Join us for this group of single parents of individuals with Down syndrome as we connect and share the joys and challenges of parenthood! This group is peer-led and meets virtually via Zoom on the last Thursday of each month. Please register for the Zoom link.
https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/76549-virtual-solo-support-squad-for-september

Virtual - Transitioning from school to adulthood from All Needs Planning
2024-09-25 18:30 - 19:30 | Zoom
The Virginia Down Syndrome Association is pleased to offer free, virtual educational sessions for caregivers this fall. All Needs Planning, which provides financial, estate, and life planning for families, has generously offered to provide the following upcoming sessions:

Wednesday, August 21st – IEP Advocacy from 6:30pm-7:00pm
Wednesday, September 25th – Transitioning from school to adulthood from 6:30pm-7:30pm
Wednesday, October 23rd – Medicaid waiver updates from 6:30pm-7:00pm

Feel free to register for all three topics and join us in conversation! For more information, contact Ame Branam, Education Director, at abranam@virginiadsa.org
Click here to register: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/74996-virtual-educational-webinars-from-all-needs-planning
