Vision Board Activity
2023-03-24
World Down Syndrome Day Spirit Week
Friday, March 24

Vision Board Activity – In Person
Join VDSA to create a Vision Board. 5:00pm-6:30pm at Creative Approach in Henrico VA . Visions Boards: Dealing with feelings activities, Believing in yourself, Positivity and Affirmations
Register here: https://virginiadsa.salsalabs.org/VisionBoard2023

Vision Board Activity - World Down Syndrome Day Spirit Week
2023-03-24 17:00 - 18:30 (America/New_York)
World Down Syndrome Day Spirit Week
Friday, March 24

Vision Board Activity – In Person
Join VDSA to create a Vision Board. 5:00pm-6:30pm at Creative Approach in Henrico VA . Visions Boards: Dealing with feelings activities, Believing in yourself, Positivity and Affirmations
Register here: https://virginiadsa.salsalabs.org/VisionBoard2023

Creative Approach Development Center, LLC, 2819 N Parham Rd Suite 150, Richmond, VA 23294

The Learning Program
2023-03-25 09:30 - 11:30, 2023-04-15 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

Williamsburg Bowling Outing in Yorktown - Ages 10 to Adult
2023-03-26 15:00 - 17:00
Williamsburg Bowling Outing in Yorktown – Ages 10 to Adult
AMF Yorktown, 4200 George Washington Mem Hwy, Yorktown, VA 23692
3:00-5:00 pm
Siblings Welcome
$5 per bowler including shoes
Register: https://virginiadsa.salsalabs.org/BowlingWilliamsburg

Learn to Grow (baby parenting class)
2023-03-27 19:30 - 21:00, 2023-04-03 19:30 - 21:00, 2023-04-10 19:30 - 21:00, 2023-04-17 19:30 - 21:00, 2023-04-24 19:30 - 21:00 | 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).

Parent Mentor Training
2023-03-28 10:30 - 11:30, 2023-03-28 20:00 - 21:00
Mentor Program
Virginia Down Syndrome Association is excited to announce our Mentor program.
Mentors provide support, answer questions, are willing to share their experience as a personal resource to other parents. Through a mentor training, mentors will be prepared with the necessary tools to be effective peer guides in receiving information on Down syndrome, navigating resources, connecting through personal experiences, medical and healthcare needs, attending social and educational events, and much more.
What is a Mentor? Someone with lived experience raising or supporting a child with Down syndrome who wants to support other parents.
Who are Mentors? Parents, Grandparents, Caregivers
What are the requirement of a Mentor? 1) Attend Mentor Training (Virtual) 2) Dedicate a few hours a month 3) Have an open and honest heart
Bilingual parents in English/Spanish are encouraged to join.
Training dates are:

March 28th at 10:30 am
March 28th at 8:00 pm

Adult Communication Class with Longwood, virtual
2023-03-28 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

Teen Talk with Longwood, virtual
2023-03-28 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

Improvaneer - ages 16+ (Virtual)
2023-03-30 19:00 - 21:00, 2023-04-06 19:00 - 21:00
The Improvaneer Method – Online Style (Virtual) for age 16+, 5 week class
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 for 5 week class
March 9 to April 6th
Scholarships Available – https://virginiadsa.org/scholarships/
Register here:https://virginiadsa.salsalabs.org/ImprovaneerMethodMarchApril2023
Learn more at https://www.theimprovaneermethod.com/

Fredericksburg Spring Family Program, Picnic at the Farm
2023-04-02 15:00 - 17:00
Fredericksburg Spring Family Program, Picnic at the Farm
April 2nd at 3p.m. at Steadfast Trail Farm, 6830 Hickory Ridge Rd,, Spotsylvania Courthouse, VA 22551
Potluck, Egg hunt and Farm activity
Register here: https://virginiadsa.salsalabs.org/SpringFamilyProgramPicnicattheFarm

21 Shades (Black Family Support Group) - Virtual
2023-04-05 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

Fredericksburg Dads' Night Out at Mio Rancho
2023-04-14 19:00 - 20:30
Register here: https://virginiadsa.salsalabs.org/FredericksburgDadsNightOutApril2023

Life in the Community Symposium
2023-04-15 09:00 - 15:00 | Dominion Innsbrook, VA, United States
Back again!
Life in the Community is an informative conference for caregivers of adults with disabilities. Co-hosted with the Autism Society of Central Virginia.
Saturday, April 15th, 2023 | 9:00AM–4:00PM EDT | Dominion Energy’s Innsbrook Conference Center, 5000 Dominion Blvd, Glen Allen, VA
Parents & caregivers of adults and self-advocates are invited to join us for a day to explore interests and get better connected to opportunities within our community.
Through interactive “Community Mapping” activities, all will walk away with tools and strategies for increased community engagement.
Registration Includes:
– Five dynamic sessions
– Buffet lunch
– Exhibitors sharing resources & services
– DD Medicaid Waiver Consultations
Cost: 1 for $25, 2 for $40
Email info@ascv.org to request a scholarship
Sign up here to get more information and to register: https://ascv.org/lifeinthecommunity/

Dia de Campo - Picnic Familias Hispanas VDSA
2023-04-16 11:00 - 13:00
Dia de Campo – Picnic Familias Hispanas VDSA
Deep Run Park, 9900 Ridgefield Pkwy, Richmond, VA 23233
https://virginiadsa.salsalabs.org/HispanicPicnic

Richmond Bowling Ages 13+ at Bowl America Short Pump
2023-04-16 18:00 - 19:00
Richmond Bowling
Ages 13+ at Bowl America Short Pump, 4400 Pouncey Tract Rd, Glen Allen, VA 23060
Sunday, April 16th
6:00 – 7:00 pm
Register HERE

Henrico County Public Schools Exceptional Education Resource Fair
2023-04-18 17:30 - 19:30
This event will afford students and families the opportunity to meet community vendors, partners, post-secondary programs, and service providers.
We would love for you to serve as a vendor for this district-wide PreK-12 event so you can share the resources and information that your company or agency has to offer our HCPS families.
Tucker Highschool – 5:30 to 7:30 pm

For questions, please contact the HCPS Department of Exceptional Education at 804-652-3801.

Hanover County's Resource Fair
2023-04-22 10:00 - 14:00
Hanover County’s Resource Fair at Atlee High School on Saturday, April 22, 2023. 10:00am-2:00pm

River City Inclusive Gym - Ages 2-12
2023-04-22 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

River City Inclusive Gym - Ages 13 to Adult
2023-04-22 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

Step Up For Down Syndrome in Charlottesville
2023-04-23 13:00 - 16:00
Step UP for Down Syndrome in Charlottesville!
Community Event on Sunday, April 23 from 1:00-4:00 pm at Blue Toad Cidery
462 Winery Ln, Roseland, VA 2296
Join us for a FAMILY FUN DAY for our community to come together to celebrate Down Syndrome!
Free & Open to the Public!
Free Registration
You will be able to purchase T-Shirts
after you register.
T-shirts $10 each!
T-shirt orders must be received by April 7, 2023.
Featuring:

Live Music
Carpe Donuts
Food
Face Painting
Pony Rides
Silent Auction and more!

Register here: https://virginiadsa.salsalabs.org/StepUpCharlottesville2023
Buy T-shirts here: https://virginiadsa.salsalabs.org/StepUpCharlottesville2023TshirtOrders

Diagnosis + with ASCV
2023-04-25 18:30 - 19:30 | Zoom
Come join us for a new peer-led group of caregivers of individuals of all ages with multiple diagnoses, including developmental and medical diagnoses, hosted by the Virginia Down Syndrome Association (previously DSAGR) and the Autism Society of Central Virginia
Register at – https://virginiadsa.salsalabs.org/diagnosisplusjan24

Art in the Park
2023-04-29 10:00 - 12:00
Art in the Park
Times:
10:00 am – 11:00 am – baby to 5 years old
11:00 to 12:00 pm – ages 6 to 12 years old
Art on Wheels will lead the art projects. Siblings, grandparents, etc. welcome!
Park Locations:
Saturday, March 25 – Park Soar 365 – 3600 Saunders Ave, Richmond, VA 23227
Saturday, April 29 – Dorey Park, 2999 Darbytown Road, Henrico, VA 23231
Saturday, May 13 – Huguenot Park – 10901 Robious Rd, Richmond, VA 23235
Contact Dana Zedd with questions at dzedd@virginiadsa.org
Register: https://virginiadsa.salsalabs.org/ArtintheParkMarchtoMay2023

21 Shades Family Portrait Event
2023-04-29 14:00 - 16:00
21 Shades Family Portrait Event (Black family support group)
Individuals with Down syndrome will have their pictures take with family members by a local RVA Black photographer.
Open to all ages! Bring entire family!
Saturday, April 29 from 2-4 pm at Virginia Down Syndrome Association ‘s Activity Center, 1504 Santa Rosa Road, Suite 124
Richmond, VA 23229
Register here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/56358-21-shades-family-portraits
