Virginia Down Syndrome Association

The Learning Program
2024-12-14 09:30 - 11:30, 2024-11-09 09:30 - 11:30 (America/New_York)
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

Richmond - Painting Class
2024-12-13 12:30 - 13:30, 2024-11-08 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
Sept. 13, Oct. 18, Nov. 8 & Dec. 13
Art Factory, 4810 Market Square Ln, Midlothian

Register here:
https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/71081-richmond-painting-classes-at-the-art-factory-fall-2024

Fall Horseback Riding - afternoon sessions - Williamsburg
2024-12-10 17:00 - 18:00, 2024-12-03 17:00 - 18:00, 2024-11-26 17:00 - 18:00, 2024-11-19 17:00 - 18:00, 2024-11-12 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

Fall Horseback Riding- Morning - Williamsburg
2024-12-10 10:00 - 11:00, 2024-12-03 10:00 - 11:00, 2024-11-26 10:00 - 11:00, 2024-11-19 10:00 - 11:00, 2024-11-12 10:00 - 11:00

Richmond Holiday Party
2024-12-07 08:30 - 13:00
The Virginia Down Syndrome Association’s annual Holiday Party is coming up!
Two seatings
8:30 am – 10:15 am and 11:15AM — 1:00PM
Hilton Hotel & Spa in Short Pump 12042 W Broad St, Richmond, VA 23233
Both seatings include:

Pictures with Santa, crafts & games
Quiet Sensory Room.
Assigned seating this year.
If there is another family that you would like to sit with, please email dzedd@virginiadsa.org to make a request.
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 Dana Zedd, dzedd@virginiadsa.org to discuss further.
Event is Free
Buffet Breakfast served of scrambled eggs, pork bacon, home style potatoes, french toast, and fruit. In addition, there will be a toasting station with breads (including gluten free) with butter, jellies and jams.
If your child has food allergies, you are welcome to bring food for them to eat at your table.

VDSA loves sponsoring the Holiday Party, however, it is an expensive endeavor. If you need to cancel, please do so in as much advance as possible.
First Seating:
https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/77874-1st-seating-richmond-holiday-celebration-2024-8-30-10-15-am
Second Seating:
https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/78339-2nd-seating-richmond-holiday-celebration-2024-11-15-am-to-1-00-pm

Virtual School Inclusion Support Group
2024-12-04 19:00 - 20:00
Join us for the monthly school-inclusion focused VDSA caregiver support group. 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 for Zoom link: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/78823-virtual-school-inclusion-support-group-dec-2024

Ornament Decorating Party, Manchester Moose Lodge, Richmond
2024-12-01 13:00 - 15:00
Ornament Decorating Party hosted and sponsored by the Manchester Moose Lodge
11110 Trade Rd, North Chesterfield, Sunday, December 1st from 1:00 – 3:00 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 Office Closed
2024-11-29 08:00 - 17:00

Thanksgiving
2024-11-28

Parent Night Out - Petersburg
2024-11-22 18:30 - 20:30
Join as Mom and Dad or Mom or Dad.
Good food and conversation. Everyone pays for their own dinner.
Friday, Nov. 22 – The Landing Grill, 8629 River Rd, Petersburg
6:30 pm
Register here:

https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/78197-parent-s-night-outs-tricities-2024

Richmond - Moms' Night Out, Midlothian
2024-11-22 18:30 - 20:30
Join other Moms for a Dinner out for good food and conversation. Everyone pays for their own meal.
All start at 6:30 pm.
Friday, August 9 – Midlothian – Charred – 13451 Hull Street Rd N, Midlothian, VA 23112
Friday, Sept. 27 – Forest Hill – Maldini’s Ristorante Pizzeria, 4811 Forest Hill Ave, Richmond, VA 23225
Friday, October 18 – Richmond, Brambly Park, 708 Belleville St, Richmond, VA 23230
Friday, November 1 – Short Pump – West Coast Provisions, 301 Maltby Blvd, Henrico, VA 23233
Friday, November 22 – Midlothian – Yamato Japanese Steakhouse, 13607 Hull Street Rd, Midlothian, VA 23112
Hope you can join us!
Register here:
https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/71054-moms-night-out-greater-richmond-2024

Moms' Night Out - Williamsburg
2024-11-17 18:30 - 20:30
Williamsburg Moms Night Out Nov. 17, 2024
November 17, 2024 @ 6:30PM — 8:30PM
Craft 31 : 3701 Strawberry Plains Rd Williamsburg, VA 23188
Come out and meet other moms!
Register here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/77275-williamsburg-moms-night-out-nov-17-2024

Park Meet Up - Dodd Park at Point of Rocks, Chester
2024-11-17 14:00 - 16:00
Join families for Fun Park Meet ups
Nov. 17 – R. Garland Dodd Park at Point of Rocks, Chester – 2:00 – 4:00 pm
All ages welcome
Register here:
https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/78196-park-meet-ups-tricities-2024

Richmond - Yoga Through the Jungle
2024-11-17 10:00 - 11:00
Join VDSA for this wonderful new program!
Yoga Journey Thru the Jungle

Promoting awareness, focus, balance and socialization
Lots of animal poses and fun
We know the kids will not stay still for too long and that is no problem!
Ages 5 to 12
Siblings are welcome
Cost $5 per person

Sept. 15, Oct. 20 and Nov. 17 – 10 am to 11 am
Register here:
https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/75059-richmond-yoga-through-the-jungle

Richmond Rock Climbing
2024-11-16 15:00 - 16:30
Rock Climbing, led by our partner, Beyond Boundaries
Nov. 16 at Peak Experiences, Midlothian, 11421 Polo Circle

No experience needed
Siblings welcome
$5 per person

Register here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/75069-richmond-rock-climbing

Fire Station Visit - Louisa Cty
2024-11-16 11:00 - 12:30
November 16 at 11 am with Pizza Lunch afterwards
Holly Grove Volunteer Fire Dpt & Rescue Squad, 155 Factory Mill Rd. Bumpass, VA 23024
(20 minutes away from Short Pump, Just off the Oilville/Goochland exit from I-64)
FREE EVENT
Register here:
https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/77503-fire-station-visit-nov-2024

Richmond- Children's Museum
2024-11-15 17:00 - 19:00
Join VDSA at the Sensory Friendly Nights at The Children’s Museum of Richmond
Fridays, 5-7 pm
Sept 20 – Downtown
Oct. 18 – Chesterfield
Nov. 15 – Downtown
No charge
Siblings welcome
Register here:
https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/75209-richmond-sensory-night-at-the-children-s-museum

Virtual Solo Support Squad - November 2024
2024-11-14 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 (second Thursday of the month in Nov/Dec 2024 to avoid large holidays).
Register here to receive the Zoom link: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/78469-virtual-solo-support-squad-support-group-for-single-parents-nov-2024

Richmond Family Hike - Henrico
2024-11-10 14:00 - 15:30
Join VDSA for family friendly nature hikes!

Nov. 2 at Pocahontas State Park led by a Park Ranger

Will finish and have snack in their nature center activity room

Nov. 10 at Deep Run Park in Henrico County led by Beyond Boundaries.

Will end with snacks and drinks.

All ages and siblings welcome!

No charge
Register:
https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/75160-richmond-nature-hikes-nov-2024

Richmond - River City Inclusive Gym
2024-11-09 15:00 - 17:00
River City Inclusive Gym
Monthly on Saturdays
Dates: 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
