Virginia Down Syndrome Association

Learn to Grow (baby parenting class)
2023-03-06 19:30 - 21:00, 2023-02-27 19:30 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | Zoom
Learn to Grow, offered to parents of babies with Down syndrome (<18 months). Starts Monday February 27, 2023, 7:30-9pm, virtually. FREE!
Parents of 2022 Babies. Learn to Grow for baby to 18 months old.
This class is in partnership with Suzanne McKeever, The Speech Path
8-week series of classes. Information & resources to answer your questions about the 1st year of development.
Topics include:

Speech and language Oral Motor & Feeding
Sensory Fine Motor Development
Physical Therapy Behavior/Social
Vision and Hearing

When are Classes?

Mondays starting February 27, 2023 to April 24 (no class on April 3)

Each week, 7:30-9:00pm via Zoom

Register: https://virginiadsa.salsalabs.org/learnandgrow2023/index.html
Contact Sherry Klauer for program information sklauer@virginiadsa.org (even after class has started).

21 Shades (Black Family Support Group) - Virtual
2023-03-01 20:00 - 21:00, 2023-02-01 20:00 - 21:00
21 Shades (Black Family Support Group)
Please join the Virginia Down Syndrome Associations monthly 21 Shades of Virginial Black Family Support Group.
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.
The purpose of this group is to create a safe space for the Black Community to network, collaborate, create and share information while building meaningful connections.
Upon registration you will be sent a link to Zoom.
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Raena Gradford, rgradford@virginiadsa.org.

Feb. 1, March 1, April 5 & May 3

Register here: https://virginiadsa.salsalabs.org/21ShadesMonthlySupportGroupforBlackFamilies

Teen Talk with Longwood, virtual
2023-02-28 16:30 - 17:00, 2023-02-21 16:30 - 17:00, 2023-02-14 16:30 - 17:00 | Zoom
Speech/communication conversation with Longwood speech grad students! Fun! Ages 12-17 welcome.
https://virginiadsa.salsalabs.org/teentalkspring2023/index.html

Adult Communication Class with Longwood, virtual
2023-02-28 16:00 - 16:30, 2023-02-21 16:00 - 16:30, 2023-02-14 16:00 - 16:30 | Zoom
Speech/communication conversation with Longwood speech grad students! Fun! Ages 18+ welcome!
Register at –
https://virginiadsa.salsalabs.org/registerforsocialandcommunicationspring2023/index.html

Richmond Bowling ages 13+
2023-02-26 16:00 - 17:30
Join us for Bowling at Uptown Alley, 6101 Brad McNeer Pkwy Midlothian, VA 23112
For ages 13 to Adult
Register: https://virginiadsa.salsalabs.org/BowlingRichmondUptownAlley22023

The Learning Program
2023-02-25 09:30 - 11:30
The Learning Program – The 2022-2023 Series

The 10th year of the Learning Program at DSAGR kicked off in September 2022 as a hybrid model.
Registration is closed for 2022-2023. Contact Sherry Klauer for program information for Sept 2023 to June 2024.
sklauer@virginiadsa.org
The Learning Program is an educational program that 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.
There will be a total of 8 sessions held on Saturdays between September 2022 and May 2022. 5 of these sessions are for parents only in a virtual format (October, January, April, May, and June). 3 of these sessions are in person and be for both parents and children to receive instruction (November, February, and March). In September, we had a Family Day to meet teachers, other families and enjoy a park day.
During the in-person sessions, parents will receive instructions in a separate parent only class. Children will receive hands-on learning in a student class with centers that focus on literacy, math and fine motor/handwriting setting led by a qualified teacher and occupational therapist with volunteers to maintain a low teacher to student ratio. All in-person classes will be held at River Road Church Baptist in Richmond, VA. All the dates are below.

What level might be best for your child?

LP Level 1 (recommended ages PreK-1st grade or emerging readers)
LP Level 2 (recommended ages 2nd-3rd grade)
LP Level 3 (recommended ages 4th-6th grade) – will be offered depending on interest

Parent classes are taught by a local teacher using the Learning Program curriculum. Watch this sample video for a snapshot of what is covered in the parent learning classes – ABCs of Effective Reading Instruction. The in-person student classes are like the learning in this Learning Program video here!
Cost: The cost of the program is $195 (Scholarships Available). The cost covers:

8 parent learning sessions (Sept-June)
Student reading books for Fall and Spring
Math number line for each new participant
Resources related to literacy, math and more
Access to the LP Online resources
Access to a private LP Online Facebook page

Fredericksburg Moms' Night Out
2023-02-24 19:00 - 21:00
Join Moms at TGI Fridays!
Register: https://virginiadsa.salsalabs.org/FredericksburgMomsNightOutFeb2023

Black History Month - Movie Screening and Craft
2023-02-20 14:00 - 16:00
Black History Month
Movie Screening and Craft
Monday, Feb. 20th from 2-4 pm at Virginia Down Syndrome’s Activity room
This program is part of the 21 Shades (Black Family Support Group)
Screening of the animated Movie: Our Friend Martin, an adventure inspired by Martin Luther King Jr.
What begins as a routine class project for a diverse group of sixth-graders turns into a magical, time-traveling adventure they’ll never forget! Authentic historical footage of Martin Luther King Jr. is blended with colorful animation as the students learn about – and actually meet – the civil rights leader who challenged all Americans to turn his dream of freedom into reality. Produced in association with the King family, “Our Friend, Martin” features an unprecedented all-star voice cast and a hot hit soundtrack with music performed by top contemporary artists and classic Motown greats. It’s a fun, new way for your family to share Dr. King’s inspiring message of hope and courage that changed the course of our nation’s history.
During the movie, there will be crafts honoring Black Leaders.
21 Shades of Virginial Black Family Support Group.. 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. The purpose of this monthly group is to create a safe space for the Black Community to network, collaborate, create and share information while building meaningful connections.
Register: https://virginiadsa.salsalabs.org/BlackHistoryMonthMovieandCraft

Presidents' Day
2023-02-20

Weekend Play Group - ages baby to 5 yrs old
2023-02-19 15:00 - 16:00
Weekend Play Group for ages baby to 5 yrs old at C.A.R.A. Therapy, 4804 Market Square, Midlothian, VA 23112
Saturday, Jan. 28 & Sunday, Feb. 19 3:00 – 4:00 pm
Siblings Welcome. Program is FREE.
Register: https://virginiadsa.salsalabs.org/WeekendPlayGroupJanFeb2023

Richmond - Moms' Lunch
2023-02-19 13:00 - 14:30
Moms’ Lunch
Leave kids at home and come out and enjoy conversation with other moms’
Sunday, Feb. 19 at 1:00 PM
Capital Ale Housel, 4024 Cox Road, Glen Allen, VA 23060
(near 64/288/295)

VCU Basketball Game sponsored by Synergy Technical
2023-02-18 14:30 - 17:00
Thank you to Synergy Technical for providing free tickets to the VCU game on Saturday, February 18, 2023 at 2:30 pm.
In addition, the Virginia Down Syndrome Association will be featured on the radio show as the “Synergy Technical Community Partner of the Game”
Plus they will make a donation based on the score: $50 per point VCU scores, + $500 for a VCU win!!!!
Sign up to be on the Waitlist for tickets: https://virginiadsa.salsalabs.org/VCUBasketballGameFeb182022

VCU Basketball Meet & Greet
2023-02-12 16:00 - 18:00
MEET VCU BASKETBALL PLAYER ON SUNDAY, FEB. 12TH
Meet the players, take photos, get autographs and bounce and shoot the basketball!
All ages welcome!
Sunday, Feb. 12, 4-6 pm at Magnolia Academy, 7300 Magnolia Market Ave, Moseley, VA 23120
Sponsored by Synergy Technical
Register: https://virginiadsa.salsalabs.org/VCUBasketballClinic2023

River City Inclusive Gym - Ages 13 to Adult
2023-02-11 16:00 - 16:45
River City Inclusive Gym
Feb. 11, March 11 & April 22
3:00-3:45 pm – Ages 2 to 12
4:00-4:45 pm – Ages 13 to Adult
$10 per session
Location: 11248 Patterson Ave, Henrico, VA 23238
Exclusive class for Virginia Down Syndrome Association. Siblings welcome if the class is not full (please reach out to me dzedd@virginiadsa.org).
River City Inclusive Gym class is designed to engage each athlete physically and mentally. Each class is set in 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.
Register here: https://virginiadsa.salsalabs.org/RiverCityInclusiveGymAges13toAdult

River City Inclusive Gym - Ages 2-12
2023-02-11 15:00 - 15:45
River City Inclusive Gym
Feb. 11, March 11 & April 22
3:00-3:45 pm – Ages 2 to 12 – Click here to Register
$10 per session
Location: 11248 Patterson Ave, Henrico, VA 23238
Exclusive class for Virginia Down Syndrome Association. Siblings welcome if the class is not full (please reach out to me dzedd@virginiadsa.org).
River City Inclusive Gym class is designed to engage each athlete physically and mentally. Each class is set in 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.
Register: https://virginiadsa.salsalabs.org/rivercityinclusivegym2-12

Family Valentine's Party
2023-02-11 10:30 - 12:00
Family Valentines Day Party
at The Heights Baptist Church, Colonial Heights Campus,17201 Jefferson Davis Hwy, South Chesterfield, VA 23834
Saturday, Feb. 11th from 10:30 am – Noon
Art led by Art on Wheels, Music, snacks and more!
Siblings, grandparents and all family members welcome!
All ages welcome!
FREE
Register here: https://virginiadsa.salsalabs.org/FamilyValentinesParty2023

Fredericksburg Family Valentines Party
2023-02-10 18:00 - 20:00
Family Valentines Party
Friday, Feb. 10 – 6:00 – 8:00 pm at Chancellor Community Ctr., 7300 Old Plank Rd, Fredericksburg, VA 22407
Pizza Potluck! Families bring salads and desserts.
Register here: https://virginiadsa.salsalabs.org/FredericksburgFamilyValentinesParty2023

Improvaneer - ages 16+ (Virtual)
2023-02-09 19:00 - 20:00, 2023-02-02 19:00 - 20:00
The Improvaneer Method – Online Style (Virtual) for age 16+
This virtual class helps build key skills that enhance social, workplace, and lifetime opportunities in ways never imagined before!
Thursdays from 7:00-8:00 pm. Cost: $35 per person
Scholarships Available – https://virginiadsa.org/scholarships/
Register here: https://virginiadsa.salsalabs.org/ImprovaneerMethodJanFeb2023

VDSA - Virginia General Assembly Advocacy Day
2023-02-09 08:00 - 17:00
Join us at the General Assembly to advocate for individuals with disabilities along with the Arc of Virginia. Time to be determined
Register at – https://virginiadsa.salsalabs.org/gaday2023/index.html

Williamsburg Moms' Night Out
2023-02-05 18:30 - 20:30
Williamsburg Moms’ Night Out
Sunday, February 5 at 6:30 PM
Oceans & Ale
5601 Richmond Rd, Williamsburg, VA 23188

Register: https://virginiadsa.salsalabs.org/WilliamsburgMomsNightOutFeb2023

Kendra Scott Fundraiser
2023-02-05 13:00 - 15:00
Stop by Kendra Scott at Short Pump Town Center, 11800 W Broad St, Richmond, VA 23233, between 1-3 pm on Sunday, Feb. 5th or shop on line with code (to come soon)
20% of your purchase will be donated to the Virginia Down Syndrome Association!
Shop online from Feb. 5th to Feb. 6th at 11:59 pm. Enter Code at Check Out: GIVEBACK-DKSAX for 20% of purchase to be donated to VDSA.

10th Disability Education & Transition Conference
2023-02-04 09:00 - 16:00 | Hilton Richmond Hotel & Spa/Short Pump, 12042 W Broad St, Henrico, VA, 23233, United States
We are back in person with the 10th Disability Education & Transition Conference on February 4, 2023 at the Short Pump Hilton and Spa, Richmond, VA – Registration is open – https://virginiadsa.org/education-conference-2/

Making Public Comment: Advocacy Training (Virtual)
2023-01-31 18:30 - 19:30
Raise your voice for Down syndrome! Training by Voices for Virginia’s Children on January 31, 2023.
Register at – https://virginiadsa.salsalabs.org/makingpubliccomment/index.html
