Virginia Down Syndrome Association

Dating Safety, Relationship Building & Socialization - Williamsburg
2024-04-07 13:30 - 14:30, 2024-03-24 13:30 - 14:30, 2024-03-17 13:30 - 14:30, 2024-03-10 13:30 - 14:30 (America/New_York) | VA
Dating Safety, Relationship Building and Socialization

6 weeks in person in Williamsburg
Sundays at 1:30 to 2:30 pm
March 3 to April 14 (March 3, March 10, March 17, March 24, April 7 & April 14)
King of Glory Church, 4897 Longhill Rd. Williamsburg VA 23188

What Will be Covered?

This group will cover subjects including communication, social skills, boundaries, conflict resolution, building relationships, and self-advocacy through activities, role-play scenarios and open conversation
About me –

My name is Allison and I am a sixth year occupational therapy student working towards my entry-level doctorate degree. I study at Elizabethtown College and currently live in Williamsburg, VA. I am leading this program as part of my capstone project under the supervision of the The Virgina Down Syndrome Association

Program led by occupational therapy student entry-level doctorate student under the supervision of the The Virginia Down Syndrome Association
Register:
https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/67436-dating-safety-relationship-building-socialization-williamsburg

Improvaneer - Virtual (5 weeks)
2024-03-28 19:00 - 20:00, 2024-03-21 19:00 - 20:00, 2024-03-14 19:00 - 20:00
Virtual Class for ages 16 to adult. Teens to adults are welcome to sign up!
Thursday Nights from 7:00-8:00 pm virtually on Zoom
Session 2: Feb. 29 to March 28 (5 weeks)
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.
-Rob Snow – CEO and Creator
https://www.theimprovaneermethod.com/
If the registration fee would prevent you from attending please use code “VIPguest” to register at no cost.

Register here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/64904-improvaneer-method

Infant & Toddler Development Series - Virtual
2024-03-28 18:30 - 20:00
Infant & Toddler Development Series – Virtual
For New Parents of Children with Down syndrome
Formally ‘Learn to Grow’, the Infant and Toddler Development Series will cover gross and fine motor skills, speech, sensory, hearing, and social skills development. There will be a new expert presenter each week to provide information and answer your questions. For parents of babies to 18 months old. **Spanish translation included! Please register by Monday 3.4.24 for translation services. ** All others please register by Wednesday 3.6.24
Learn how to support babies with Down syndrome as they grow and develop by connecting with other parents and professionals! This five-week series is free to new parents and offered virtually, so you can join from anywhere. Spanish translation will be available during the live sessions!
This program is a five-week virtual series. Here is the schedule:
Beginning March 14- April 18, 2024: All sessions will be held virtually from 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. on Thursdays with the exception of March 21st so all families can be free to celebrate World Down syndrome Day (alternate date will be Tuesday 3/19) and no session will be held on April 4th due to spring break.
Thursday, March 28- Hearing Development, presented by Judy Alonzi, Hearing Specialist
Thursday, April 11- Fine Motor/Sensory, presented by Marissa Hanks, Occupational Therapist
Thursday, April 18- Gross Motor, presented by Spencer West, Physical Therapist
Register here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/62258-infant-toddler-development-series-virtual

Latinos de VDSA Reunión Mensual - VDSA Latino Meeting
2024-03-28 13:00 - 14:30
March 28, 2024 @ 1:00PM — 2:30PM
Sala de Actividades en la oficina de la Asociación del Síndrome de Down de Virginia y Virtual (vídeollamada) 1504 Santa Rosa Rd
Suite 124, Richmond, VA 23229

Latinos de VDSA
Únete a nosotros en nuestra primera reunión mensual el 28 de Marzo a la 1 pm para comenzar a crecer nuestra comunidad y proporcionar apoyo y conexiones a los recursos. Estamos ofreciendo la opción de asistir en persona o virtualmente (videollamada) para que todas las familias tengan la oportunidad de asistir.
Register here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/68655-latinos-de-vdsa-reuni-n-mensual

Building Communication Skills - Teens
2024-03-25 16:30 - 17:00, 2024-03-18 16:30 - 17:00, 2024-03-11 16:30 - 17:00
Build communication skills for work, school, and life!
Classes are each Monday (Feb 12-Mar25th) from 4:30 -5:00 pm on Zoom. There is no class on Monday 3/4 due to Longwood spring break.
Feb. 12, 19, 26 and March 11, 18, 25.

Longwood University speech therapy students will guide you each week with new conversations on fun and rewarding topics. In this low-pressure, conversational style program you’ll learn just by connecting with friends and having a great time! This section is for teens 13-18. Older self-advocates can register for our adult session which will be from 4-4:30. Contact sklauer@virginiadsa.org if you’d like the link for that class.
Register here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/66688-building-communication-skills-for-teens

Building Communication Skills - Adults
2024-03-25 16:00 - 16:30, 2024-03-18 16:00 - 16:30
Classes are each Monday (Feb 12-Mar25th) from 4:00-4:30 pm on Zoom. There is no class on Monday 3/4 due to Longwood spring break.
Feb. 12, 19, 26 and March 11, 18, 25.
Longwood University speech therapy students will guide you each week with new conversations on fun and rewarding topics. In this low-pressure, conversational style program you’ll learn just by connecting with friends and having a great time!
This program is best for self-advocates aged 19+. If you are interested in the program for teens, contact sklauer@virginiadsa.org for the link.
Register here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/66694-building-communication-skills-for-adults

Teen Dance
2024-03-23 19:00 - 21:00
March 23, 2024 @ 7:20PM — 9:00PM

Saint Michael the Archangel Catholic Church – 4491 Springfield Road, Glen Allen
Teen Dance!!
Come out and dance!! What a fun way to celebrate World Down Syndrome Day!!
Wear Your Crazy Socks to the Dance!
Show off socks and dance the night away!
Please bring a snack, dessert or drink to share!
Register
https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/67758-just-dance-teen-dance

Kindermusick
2024-03-23 15:00 - 16:00
Join us!

Kindermusik, Saturday, March 23 from 3:00 – 4:00 pm $5 per child Siblings welcome at Little Sunshine Music Studio, 12010 Southshore Pointe Dr Midlothian, VA 23112
$5 per child. Siblings welcome.
Register here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/65201-baby-to-8-years-old-music-and-play

Spring Easter Egg Hunt
2024-03-23 12:00 - 14:00
Spring Easter Egg Hunt

March 23, 2024 @ 12:00PM — 2:00PM

Meet at 12 noon for a picnic lunch. Bring a lunch for your family
Egg hunt at 1 pm
Cost: $9 per person. Pay venue directly.

Autumn Harvest Acres: 20825 Carson Rd Dinwiddie, VA 23841

Moms' Night Out - Midlothian
2024-03-22 18:30 - 20:30
Join for good food and conversation. All at 6:30 pm

March 22, Wong’s Taco,1106 Winterfield Crossing, Midlothian, VA 23113

All moms pay for their own meals. Register on event website link.

World Down Syndrome Day
2024-03-21

Infant & Toddler Development Series - Virtual
2024-03-19 18:30 - 20:00
Infant & Toddler Development Series – Virtual
For New Parents of Children with Down syndrome
Formally ‘Learn to Grow’, the Infant and Toddler Development Series will cover gross and fine motor skills, speech, sensory, hearing, and social skills development. There will be a new expert presenter each week to provide information and answer your questions. For parents of babies to 18 months old. **Spanish translation included! Please register by Monday 3.4.24 for translation services. ** All others please register by Wednesday 3.6.24
Learn how to support babies with Down syndrome as they grow and develop by connecting with other parents and professionals! This five-week series is free to new parents and offered virtually, so you can join from anywhere. Spanish translation will be available during the live sessions!
This program is a five-week virtual series. Here is the schedule:
Beginning March 14- April 18, 2024: All sessions will be held virtually from 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. on Thursdays with the exception of March 21st so all families can be free to celebrate World Down syndrome Day (alternate date will be Tuesday 3/19) and no session will be held on April 4th due to spring break.

*Tuesday, March 19- Social Learning through Play, presented by Lathyrelle Isler, Behavior Specialist
Thursday, March 28- Hearing Development, presented by Judy Alonzi, Hearing Specialist
Thursday, April 11- Fine Motor/Sensory, presented by Marissa Hanks, Occupational Therapist
Thursday, April 18- Gross Motor, presented by Spencer West, Physical Therapist
Register here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/62258-infant-toddler-development-series-virtual

Friendship Club - Guys
2024-03-17 15:00 - 16:30
VDSA is excited to announce the Friendship Club for Guys & Gals.
Ages teen to young adult.
Guys time: 3:00- 4:30 pm
Each month will have a new topic included with fun activities.

Friendship skills
Social skills
Build social connections
Learn about emotions
Deal with confrontation
How to cope when things don’t go your way
and more

Club meeting dates are all Sundays:

March 17, April 14, May 5, June 2, July 14, Aug. 25, Sept. 22, Oct. 6 and Nov. 3 (Club party)

It is important to be able to attend the majority of the dates. Teen and young adult volunteers will be part of the Club as well.
This program is sponsored by the Commonwealth of Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services
Register here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/67281-friendship-club-gals-and-guys

Friendship Club - Gals
2024-03-17 13:00 - 14:30
VDSA is excited to announce the Friendship Club for Guys & Gals.
Ages teen to young adult.
Gals time: 1:00- 2:30 pm
Guys time: 3:00- 4:30 pm
Each month will have a new topic included with fun activities.

Friendship skills
Social skills
Build social connections
Learn about emotions
Deal with confrontation
How to cope when things don’t go your way
and more

Club meeting dates are all Sundays:

March 17, April 14, May 5, June 2, July 14, Aug. 25, Sept. 22, Oct. 6 and Nov. 3 (Club party)

It is important to be able to attend the majority of the dates. Teen and young adult volunteers will be part of the Club as well.
This program is sponsored by the Commonwealth of Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services
Register here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/67281-friendship-club-gals-and-guys

River City Inclusive Gym - 4:00-4:45 pm - Ages 9 to Adult
2024-03-16 16:00 - 16:45
4:00 – 4:45 pm – Ages 9 to Adult (Adventurers age 6 to 12) FunQuest (ages 13 to 20) and Fun4Life 21+
$10 per class
Age groups will be separated as appropriate
Sign up for each individually. Choose the dates that work in your schedule.
Location is 3 miles from Hwy 288 & Patterson Ave.

Dates: March 16, April 20,May 18, June 15

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 court.
River City Inclusive Gym, 11248 Patterson Ave, 23238
Register here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/65222-river-city-inclusive-gym

River City Inclusive Gym - Ages 2 to 8
2024-03-16 15:00 - 15:45
River City Inclusive Gym

3:00 – 3:45 pm – Ages 2 to 8
4:00 – 4:45 pm – Ages 9 to Adult (Adventurers age 6 to 12) FunQuest (ages 13 to 20) and Fun4Life 21+
$10 per class
Age groups will be separated as appropriate
Sign up for each individually. Choose the dates that work in your schedule.
Parents of children ages 2 & 3 are required to be the 1:1 with your child
Location is 3 miles from Hwy 288 & Patterson Ave.

Dates: March 16, April 20,May 18, June 15

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 court.
River City Inclusive Gym, 11248 Patterson Ave, 23238
Register here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/65222-river-city-inclusive-gym

Children’s Museum FREE Sensory Friendly Night (All ages) - Downtown
2024-03-15 17:00 - 19:00
Children’s Museum of Richmond
Children’s Museum – Downtown – March 15
Children’s Museum – Chesterfield – April 19
FREE Sensory Friendly Night. Siblings welcome.
All ages welcome
Register here:
https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/65262-children-s-museum-free-sensory-friendly-night

Infant & Toddler Development Series - Virtual
2024-03-14 18:30 - 20:00
Infant & Toddler Development Series – Virtual
For New Parents of Children with Down syndrome
Formally ‘Learn to Grow’, the Infant and Toddler Development Series will cover gross and fine motor skills, speech, sensory, hearing, and social skills development. There will be a new expert presenter each week to provide information and answer your questions. For parents of babies to 18 months old. **Spanish translation included! Please register by Monday 3.4.24 for translation services. ** All others please register by Wednesday 3.6.24
Learn how to support babies with Down syndrome as they grow and develop by connecting with other parents and professionals! This five-week series is free to new parents and offered virtually, so you can join from anywhere. Spanish translation will be available during the live sessions!
This program is a five-week virtual series. Here is the schedule:
Beginning March 14- April 18, 2024: All sessions will be held virtually from 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. on Thursdays with the exception of March 21st so all families can be free to celebrate World Down syndrome Day (alternate date will be Tuesday 3/19) and no session will be held on April 4th due to spring break.
Thursday, March 14- Speech Development, presented by Tia Javier, Speech & Language Pathologist
*Tuesday, March 19- Social Learning through Play, presented by Lathyrelle Isler, Behavior Specialist
Thursday, March 28- Hearing Development, presented by Judy Alonzi, Hearing Specialist
Thursday, April 11- Fine Motor/Sensory, presented by Marissa Hanks, Occupational Therapist
Thursday, April 18- Gross Motor, presented by Spencer West, Physical Therapist
Register here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/62258-infant-toddler-development-series-virtual

Bowling in Colonial Heights
2024-03-12 13:00 - 15:00
Join homeschoolers and adult with Ds

March 12, April 19 and May 14
1:00PM — 3:00 pm
$4 per game + shoes. You will pay the bowling alley directly.

The Bowling Alley – Colonial Heights 2237 Boulevard
Colonial Heights, VA 23834

Register here:
https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/68467-bowling-in-colonial-heights

Building Communication Skills - Adults
2024-03-11 16:00 - 16:30
Classes are each Monday (Feb 12-Mar25th) from 4:00- 4:30 pm on Zoom. There is no class on Monday 3/4 due to Longwood spring break.
Feb. 12, 19, 26 and March 11, 18, 25.
Longwood University speech therapy students will guide you each week with new conversations on fun and rewarding topics. In this low-pressure, conversational style program you’ll learn just by connecting with friends and having a great time!
This program is best for self-advocates aged 19+. If you are interested in the program for teens, contact sklauer@virginiadsa.org for the link.
Register here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/66694-building-communication-skills-for-adults

Nature Walk at Pocahontas State Park (All ages)
2024-03-10 14:00 - 15:00
Nature Walk at Pocahontas State Park
March 10, 2024 @ 2:00PM — 3:00PM

Pocahontas State Park 10301 State Park Rd.

Chesterfield, VA 23832

All ages and siblings welcome!
Register here:
https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/65260-nature-walk-at-pocahontas-state-park

Painting Class at The Art Factory (Homeschoolers and adults)
2024-03-08 12:30 - 13:30
Painting Class at The Art Factory
Creative Canvas at the Art Factory exclusive adaptive painting class for individuals with disabilities and Virginia Down Syndrome Association. This class is opening to individuals with Down syndrome or other disabilities.
Once a month on Fridays: March 8, April 12 and May 10.
For homeschoolers and Fun4Life ages 21+
$15 per class at The Art Factory. 4810 Market Square Lane, Midlothian VA 23112.
A VDSA staff member will be there. Parents and caregivers are welcome to either stay in the class, enjoy the Art Factory’s coffee area or drop off and pick up.
Seasonal canvas painting for each class.
Register Here:
https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/65181-painting-class-at-the-art-factory
