Adult Communication Class with Longwood, virtual
2023-02-14 16:00 - 16:30, 2023-02-21 16:00 - 16:30, 2023-02-28 16:00 - 16:30, 2023-03-14 16:00 - 16:30 (America/New_York) | 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
2023-02-14 16:30 - 17:00, 2023-02-21 16:30 - 17:00, 2023-02-28 16:30 - 17:00, 2023-03-14 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

VCU Basketball Game sponsored by Synergy Technical
2023-02-18 14:30 - 17:00 | VA
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

Richmond - Moms' Lunch
2023-02-19 13:00 - 14:30 | VA
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)

Weekend Play Group - ages baby to 5 yrs old
2023-02-19 15:00 - 16:00 | VA
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

Presidents' Day
2023-02-20 | VA

Black History Month - Movie Screening and Craft
2023-02-20 14:00 - 16:00 | VA
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

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

The Learning Program
2023-02-25 09:30 - 11:30 | VA
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

Richmond Bowling ages 13+
2023-02-26 16:00 - 17:30 | VA
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

Learn to Grow (baby parenting class)
2023-02-27 19:30 - 21:00, 2023-03-06 19:30 - 21:00, 2023-03-13 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).

21 Shades (Black Family Support Group) - Virtual
2023-03-01 20:00 - 21:00 | VA
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

Improvaneer - ages 16+ (Virtual)
2023-03-09 19:00 - 21:00, 2023-03-16 19:00 - 21:00 | VA
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/

Trisomy Awareness Month Ceremonial Presentation
2023-03-10 10:00 - 11:00 | VA
Trisomy Awareness Month Ceremonial Presentation
Friday, March 10th @ 10am
Capitol Bell Tower, 101 N 9th St RVA 23219

Announcement
Presentation
Celebration
Meet legislators

Register here: https://virginiadsa.salsalabs.org/trisomyawarenessmonthsigningceremony

Park Playtime in Fredericksburg
2023-03-10 14:00 - 16:00 | VA
Park Playtime, Friday, March 10th from 2:00- 4:00 pm.
Chichester Park, 125 Ralph Williams Dr., Fredericksburg, VA 22405
Register: https://virginiadsa.salsalabs.org/FredericksburgParkPlaytimeMarch2023

Hopewell County Public Schools Resource Gala
2023-03-11 08:45 - 12:30 | VA
Hopewell County Public Schools Resource Gala
TWENTY – FIFTH FAMILY RESOURCE GALA
Saturday, March 11, 2023
Time: 8:45 am -12:30 pm
Hopewell High School Gymnasium, 400 S. Mesa Drive Hopewell, Virginia 23860
Mark your calendars! Don’t Forget! Don’t Be Late!
Bring the entire family for a fun filled day with lots of free information, entertainment, door prizes & goodies for the kids.
Remember there is no charge and children must be accompanied by an adult.
The GALA is being held in conjunction with Hopewell City Public Schools Fine Arts Festival and Maker’s Faire and is funded in part by the John Randolph Foundation.

River City Inclusive Gym - Ages 2-12
2023-03-11 15:00 - 15:45 | VA
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
2023-03-11 16:00 - 16:45 | VA
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

Trail Walk at Deep Run Park with Scavenger Hunt
2023-03-12 13:00 - 15:00 | VA
Join us for a Trail Walk with scavenger hunt led by Beyond Boundaries!
Deep Run Park: 9900 Ridgefield Pkwy, Richmond, VA 23233
1:00 – 2:00 pm ages 6 to 12 years old
2:00 – 3:00 pm ages 13 to adult
Snacks will be served.
We can’t wait to see you!
We strive to host inclusive, sensory friendly and accessible events that enable all individuals to engage fully.
To discuss additional accommodations or for inquiries about accessibility, please contact Dana at dzedd@virginiadsa.org or 804-256-6070.

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

Powhatan County Public Schools Family Resource Fair
2023-03-16 16:00 - 19:00 | VA
Powhatan County Public Schools Family Resource Fair
Thursday, March 16, 2023
Open House 4:00pm-7:00pm,

Powhatan High School, 1800 Judes Ferry Road, Powhatan, VA 23139

Special Night at the Children's Museum of Richmond
2023-03-17 17:00 - 19:00 | VA
Special Night at the Children’s Museum of Richmond
Join VDSA and the disability community for a Special Night on March 17 from 5-7 pm.

Reduced Noise
Lower Lighting
Sensory Activities
Cool Down Area

Downtown Location: 2626 West Broad St., Richmond, VA 23220
Register here: https://virginiadsa.salsalabs.org/SpecialNightChildrensMuseumofRichmond32023
