Virginia Down Syndrome Association

River City Inclusive Gym - Fall 2025 - Ages 2 to 8
2025-11-22 15:00 - 15:45 (America/New_York) | 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

Richmond – Painting Class
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

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

Fredericksburg Cookies with Santa
2025-12-14 14:00 - 16:00
Pictures with Santa, cookie decorating, live music, crafts & more
All individuals with Down Syndrome and siblings under the age of 10 will receive gifts!
Seating is limited due to capacity.
Event is Free

RSVP here by Dec. 9th!

Williamsburg/Peninsula Holiday Party
2025-12-14 15:00 - 17:00 | 201 Charter House Lane Williamsburg, 201 Charter House Lane, Williamsburg, 23188, United States
Join the Virginia Down Syndrome Association Williamsburg/Peninsula for a fun afternoon of good food, play time, holiday crafts, cookie decorating and hopefully a visit from THE BIG GUY himself. Gifts provided for all individuals with Down Syndrome, as well as siblings aged 10 & under. Wear festive attire!! There is a playground next to the clubhouse so hopefully the weather will cooperate.

Main entree will be provided by VDSA please bring a side dish or a dessert to share. Contact Williamsburg Community Coordinator for any questions at scleary@virginiadsa.org

REGISTER HERE

21 Shades Winter Movie Pop Up
2025-12-19 18:30 - 20:30 | VDSA, 1504 Santa Rosa Road, Suite 124, Richmond, VA, 23229
Hi 21 Shades members! Get ready to cozy up and celebrate the start of winter break! We’re absolutely thrilled to welcome you to a night of classic movie magic, which we will show case the 2014 remake of Annie. 🍿 Get comfy in your PJs, grab your favorite snacks, and prepare for a relaxing and fun-filled evening.
Date: Friday, December 19, 2025
Time: 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Location: VDSA Office 1504 Santa Rosa Rd, Ste 124, Richmond, VA 23229

Richmond Respite Event
2025-12-20 14:00 - 17:00 | VDSA, 1504 Santa Rosa Road, Suite 124, Richmond, VA, 23229
Respite Event in Richmond
“Get your last-minute holiday shopping done while your kids enjoy a fantastic afternoon with our trained staff and volunteers. We are hosting a fun-filled event for self-advocates and their siblings. It’s a win-win for everyone!”

When: December 20, 2025
Time: 2pm to 5pm
Where: VDSA Office, 1504 Santa Rosa Road Suite 124

REGISTER HEREf

Richmond - Painting Classes at The Art Factory, Winter 2026
2026-01-09 12:30 - 13:30, 2026-02-13 12:30 - 13:30 | Art Factory, , 4810 Market Square Ln, Midlothian, VA, 23112
Painting Class at the Art Factory is the Second Friday of Each Month
12:30 to 1:30 pm
$20 per person
Open to All Friends with Disabilities
Dates: January 9th – February 13 – March 13
Art Factory, 4810 Market Square Ln, Midlothian
Register here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/83876-richmond-painting-classes-at-the-art-factory-fall-2025

River City Inclusive Gym - Henrico/Richmond - Ages 2-8
2026-01-10 15:00 - 15:45, 2026-02-07 15:00 - 15:45 | River City Inclusive Gym, 11248 Patterson Ave, Henrico, VA, 23238, United States
River City Inclusive Gym – Winter 2026 Ages 2 to 8

River City Inclusive Gym: 11248 Patterson Ave Henrico, VA 23238

Monthly on Saturdays
Jan. 10, Feb 7 and March 7
3:00-3:45 pm – Ages 2-8
$15 per session
Space is limited and Siblings welcome
https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/80658-river-city-inclusive-gym-winter-spring-2025-ages-2-to-8

Virtual - Improvaneer
2026-01-15 19:00 - 20:00, 2026-01-22 19:00 - 20:00, 2026-01-29 19:00 - 20:00, 2026-02-05 19:00 - 20:00, 2026-02-12 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/95223-virtual-improvaneer-winter-2026

202 Disability Expo, Richmond
2026-01-18 10:00 - 14:00 | Dewey Gottwald Center, 2301 W Leigh St, Richmond, VA, 23220
VDSA will be attending the 3rd Annual Disability Expo at the Dewey Gottwald Center.
Friendship Circle of Virginia is proud to present the 3rd Annual Disability Expo, generously sponsored by QTS Data Centers and the Jewish Community Federation of Richmond! The expo will feature non-profit organizations and businesses that provide services and resources for individuals across the lifespan from infants through senior citizens and their families.
Click for more Information and to Register!

Charlottesville Moms' Morning Out at PI-NAPO
2026-01-31 11:00 - 12:30 | Pi-Napo Pizzeria, 2115 Jefferson Park Ave, Charlottesville, VA, 22903
Moms’ Morning Out at PI-NAPO

Get ready for a fun-filled morning with friends as we dive into the world of pizza making!Join us for a unique and delicious experience where you’ll get to create your own pizza masterpiece, and then enjoy it with the gang! So, come hungry and be prepared for a morning filled with laughter, good company, and of course, amazing food!

The cost is $30 per person and we need a minimum of 8 participants to make this event happen, so don’t be shy – sign up and bring a friend, sister, or anyone who shares your love for pizza! The more, the merrier, so feel free to invite anyone who fits the bill! You can take care of the payment at the restaurant.

Please RSVP individually, and let’s make sure we hit that minimum of 8 participants.

https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/92755-charlottesville-moms-morning-out

Richmond - Relationships & Dating Educational Series
2026-02-05 18:00 - 20:00, 2026-02-12 18:00 - 20:00, 2026-02-19 18:00 - 20:00 | VDSA, 1504 Santa Rosa Road, Suite 124, Richmond, VA, 23229
The Virginia Down Syndrome Association plans to offer an 8 week educational series presented by Ame Branam, Education Director, and Rachel Goldman, OTS at Virginia Commonwealth University. Both presenters have completed sexuality educator training through Elevatus Training. We have class offerings for self-advocates in high school and beyond. Sessions will be offered at the Virginia Down Syndrome Association office at 1504 Santa Rosa Road, Suite 124, Richmond, VA 23229.
Registration price is $10.00 for the full 8-week session!
Register here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/95014-richmond-relationships-dating-educational-series
Class Dates/Times:

Session 1: Thursday, February 5th High School 6-7pm; Young Adult 7-8pm
Session 2: Thursday, February 12th High School 6-7pm; Young Adult 7-8pm
Session 3: Thursday, February 19th High School 6-7pm; Young Adult 7-8pm
Session 4: Thursday, February 26th High School 6-7pm; Young Adult 7-8pm
Session 5: Thursday, March 5th High School 6-7pm; Young Adult 7-8pm
Session 6: Thursday, March 12th High School 6-7pm; Young Adult 7-8pm
Session 7: Thursday, March 19th High School 6-7pm; Young Adult 7-8pm
Session 8: Thursday, March 26th High School 6-7pm; Young Adult 7-8pm

Richmond - LEAP Training (Leadership for Empowerment and Abuse Prevention)
2026-02-11 10:00 - 11:30, 2026-02-18 10:00 - 11:30 | VDSA, 1504 Santa Rosa Road, Suite 124, Richmond, VA, 23229
The Virginia Down Syndrome Association is pleased to offer LEAP (Leadership for Empowerment and Abuse Prevention) training for interested individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities ages 18+.
About LEAP:
Leadership for Empowerment and Abuse Prevention (LEAP) is an evidence-based curriculum that provides training about healthy relationships and abuse prevention to groups of adults and teens with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Participants Learn About:

Healthy, confusing, and unhealthy relationships
Asking permission before touching
Different ways to say “no”
Identifying feelings and physical signs of being comfortable or uncomfortable
How to get help
…and more!

Register here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/94771-leap-training
LEAP training will occur on the following dates and times at the VDSA Office (1504 Santa Rosa Road, Suite 124, Richmond, VA 23229):

Wednesday, February 11th – 10:00am-11:30am
Wednesday, February 18th – 10:00am-11:30am
Wednesday, February 25th – 10:00am-11:30am
Wednesday, March 4th – 10:00am-11:30am

Presenter Bios:

Emily’s bio:

Emily Dodge lives in Richmond, Virginia. She works at Hope Church in childcare and is a graduate of the Longwood Life program. Emily spends her time going to her river house, crafting and cooking. She loves to dance competitively, hang out with her friends, attend concerts and WWE events, and spend time with her fiancé, to whom she recently became engaged. She is excited to teach LEAP and talk about healthy relationships.

Molly’s bio:

Molly is currently retired after over 30 years with the VCU Partnership for People with Disabilities, a university center for excellence in developmental disabilities. She earned her Master’s degree in Special Education from SUNY Buffalo and began her career as a special educator for children with significant support needs and autism. Later, as a parent of a child who received special education services, she has lived experiences on both sides of the IEP table.
Molly coordinated Virginia’s Positive Behavior Support Project (PBS) was endorsed as a facilitator of Positive Behavior Support in 2007. She co-leads Home and Community PBS, a network of the International Association of PBS. For more than 20 years, she directed three projects that assist children and adults with disabilities with issues surrounding violence, abuse, sexual assault, and neglect. Together with a team of families and professionals, she helped to develop and research LEAP: Leadership for Empowerment and Abuse Prevention, an evidence-based intervention for adults with IDD. In addition to published academic journals. Molly is a regular contributor to Parenting Special Needs Magazine. Molly is certified trainer for Person-Centered Thinking and Stewards of Children. Her goal is to help everyone enjoy healthy relationships.
