Virginia Down Syndrome Association

March Madness - Williamsburg Moms Night Out
2025-03-23 18:30 - 20:30 (America/New_York) | Sal’s by Victor, 1242 Richmond Road, Williamsburg, Virginia, 23185

Richmond - Dance Day
2025-03-25 17:00 - 19:00 | VDSA, 1504 Santa Rosa Road, Suite 124, Richmond, VA, 23229
Enjoy dancing? Join the Virginia Down Syndrome Association and Miracles in Motion for a DAY of Dance. This event provides a safe and welcoming environment for individuals to dance together, learn, and have fun with peers.
Two sessions are available: 5:00 – 5:45 pm for ages 5 to 12, and 6:00 – 6:45 pm for ages 13 to adult.
Miracles in Motion is designed to provide full dance experience to people with special needs. Providing complete dance education, along with structured choreography in a dance company setting. The classes cover many styles of dance including jazz, contemporary, ballet, tap, musical theater, and creative movement. Every session is re-structured to meet the specific needs of each dancer participating.
Register here:
https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/84198-dance-day

Virtual-Infant&Toddler
2025-03-25 18:30 - 20:00 | Zoom

Virtual - Reimagining Family Life with Disability
2025-03-26 18:30 - 19:30, 2025-04-09 18:30 - 19:30, 2025-04-23 18:30 - 19:30 | Zoom
Created by speaker and writer Amy Julia Becker, this workshop is for new and seasoned caregivers and covers the following topics:
March 26, Session 1 – Messages our culture gives around disability
April 9, Session 2 – Shifting our own mindset around disability
April 23, Session 3 – Creating a community of support
May 7, Session 4 – Taking steps towards a good future!
As a group, we will discuss our own previous and current views on disability and how we can create supports and pave a positive path as families members on this journey. Each session includes a video to view beforehand and reflection questions.
For additional information, take a look at this video by workshop creator Amy Julia Becker: https://youtu.be/Y6CzJqOtD2c?si=jkvF3Bbe8NxFs5a_
Join our Education Director, Ame Branam, who will facilitate this group. If you have any questions pertaining to content or registration, feel free to reach out at abranam@virginiadsa.org or 804-338-7694.
Register here ($5/person): https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/84341-virtual-reimagining-family-life-with-disability-workshop

Tri-Cities Holiday Bowl - Family Style
2025-03-27 17:00 - 20:00 | Holiday Bowl, 11400 Jefferson Davis Highway, Chester, 23237, United States
Join VDSA for a fun family night of bowling at Holiday Bowl located at 11400 Jefferson Davis Highway on March 27th from 5pm to 8pm! $5.25/bowler/game and $4 for shoes.
We hope to see you there!
Have questions? Contact mfreds@virginiadsa.org

Virtual - Improvaneer
2025-03-27 19:00 - 20:00, 2025-04-10 19:00 - 20:00, 2025-04-17 19:00 - 20:00, 2025-04-24 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/81220-virtual-improvaneer-winter-2025

Charlottesville Moms' Night Out
2025-03-28 19:00 - 21:00 | Fiesta Azteca, 4300 Three Notch'd Rd, Charlottesville, 22903
Please join fellow VDSA members for Moms’ Night Out
Recharge, socialize, and enjoy some downtime!
March 28th, 7:00 to 9:00 pm
Fiesta Azteca
4300 Three Notch’d Rd Charlottesville VA 22901
Resister here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/8430…

Richmond Area Moms' Night Out
2025-03-28 19:00 - 21:00, 2025-04-18 19:00 - 21:00
Join other moms in conversation.

The Boathouse Short Pump – March 28, Friday at 7:00 pm

11800 W Broad St #950, Richmond, VA 23233

Wong’s Tacos Midlothian – April 18, Friday at 7:00 pm

1106 Winterfield Crossing, Midlothian, VA 23113

Charred Hanover Mechanicsville – May 16, Friday at 6:30 pm

9325 Chamberlayne Rd, Mechanicsville, VA 23116

Resister Here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/84543-richmond-area-moms-night-out

Tri-cities Family Day Out
2025-03-30 14:00 - 16:00 | 205 Appomattox St Hopewell, VA 23860, 205 Appomattox St, Hopewell, Virginia, 23860
Join us for a stroll along the riverwalk (1 way path with only 1 exit to stop our elopers and enjoy the walk). After walk, we can play on the playgrounds. Next, we can walk up to City Point Ice Cream and Burgers for some dinner and/or dessert (236 E. Broadway Hopewell).

Top Five Questions and Concerns During Puberty
2025-03-31 18:00 - 19:30 | Zoom
Families often experience anxiety when their son or daughter with intellectual disabilities begins to exhibit changes that occur during puberty. In this workshop, parents will learn about the most frequently identified issues and concerns of parents of tweens with I/DD and practical ways to address them. Ideas for teaching, home activities, and useful resources specifically designed for individuals with intellectual disabilities will be shared.
Please come and join us on Monday, March 31st at 6:00 p.m. We will have Terri Couwenhoven, MS present on this topic virtual on Zoom. All registered participants will also have access to a virtual recording of the presentation.
Register here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/83258-top-five-questions-and-concerns-during-puberty

Fredericksburg Easter Egg Hunt Social
2025-04-05 15:00 - 17:00 | Ron Rosner Family YMCA, 5700 Smith Station Rd, Fredericksburg, Virginia, 22407
Get an Early Start on Easter and Celebrate with VDSA – Fredericksburg!
VDSA is pleased to host a Family Easter Egg Hunt Social at Ron Rosner Family YMCA
April 5th from 3pm-5pm
All ages are welcome!
Sign-up here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/85071-fredericksburg-easter-egg-hunt-social

Richmond - Family-Friendly Nature Walk
2025-04-06 10:30 - 12:00 | Huguenot Park, 10901 Robious Rd, Richmond, VA, 23235
Join VDSA for a family-friendly nature walk!
Sunday, April 6 at Huguenot Park
10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Will end with snacks and drinks / All ages and siblings welcome!
No charge
https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/84006-richmond-nature-hikes-april-6

Led by Beyond Boundaries

Richmond Grandparent Group - April 2025
2025-04-07 18:30 - 19:30 | VDSA, 1504 Santa Rosa Road, Suite 124, Richmond, VA, 23229
Connect with other grandparents on a similar journey. This group is peer-led and will promote conversation and connection for caregivers like you. This meeting will take place in-person at our Richmond office. Feel free to bring a bagged dinner!
Register here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/84961-grandparent-support-group

Richmond - Painting Class
2025-04-11 12:30 - 13:30
Richmond – Painting Class in Midlothian

Fridays
12:30 to 1:30 pm
$15 per person
Open to All Friends with Disabilities
Dates: January 10, Feb. 14, March 14, April 11 and May 9
Art Factory, 4810 Market Square Ln, Midlothian

Register here:
https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/80656-painting-class-at-art-factory-winter-spring-2024

The Learning Program
2025-04-12 09:30 - 11:30
Register for The Learning Program 2024-2025!

-8 monthly sessions held on Saturdays between October 2024 and May 2025.
-All sessions will have an in-person and virtual option, except May which is entirely virtual.
-Location: Shady Grove YMCA – 11255 Nuckols Rd, Glen Allen, VA 23059
-Cost: The cost of the program is $250 (in person), $205 (virtual) (Scholarships Available).
Dates: October 5, 2024, November 9, 2024, December 14, 2024. January 11, 2025. February 8, 2025. March 8, 2025, April 12, 2025 and May 10, 2025 (Virtual only
Time: 9:30 am to 11:30 am
-Link to apply for scholarship: https://virginiadsa.org/scholarships/
The Learning Program is an educational program developed by the Down Syndrome Foundation of Orange County (DSFOC). It 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.

Virtual option for parents living outside of Richmond
LP Level 1 (recommended ages PreK-1st grade or emerging readers)
Parent classes are taught by a local parent of a young adult with Down syndrome using the Learning Program curriculum.

During each session, parents will receive instruction in a separate parent only class. Children will receive hands-on learning in a student class with centers that focus on literacy and math led by qualified teachers and an occupational therapist.
If you have any questions, please email Ame Branam, Education Director, at abranam@virginiadsa.org
Register here:
https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/75962-the-learning-program-2024-2025

Pajama Movie Night Party
2025-04-12 17:00 - 20:00 | VDSA, 1504 Santa Rosa Road, Suite 124, Richmond, VA, 23229
You’re Invited to a Pajama Movie Night!
Get ready for a cozy night in! Join us for a pajama movie night filled with snacks, and good company in your pajamas! Don’t forget your pillow and blanket!!
Date: Saturday, April 12th from 5 pm – 8 pm
Location: VDSA’s Activity Room – 1504 Santa Rosa Road, Suite 124
For ages 13+ / Cost: $5.00
https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/85540-pajama-movie-night-party

Outdoor Adventure Club
2025-04-17 17:00 - 18:00, 2025-04-24 17:00 - 18:00 | Bryan Park, 4308 Hermitage Rd, Richmond, VA, Virginia, 23227
Spring 2025 Outdoor Adventure CLUB
Ages 13-20 (FunQuest) & 21+ (Fun4Life)
April 17 to May 22 – Thursdays from 5:00 to 6:00 pm
Bryan Park. Richmond, 4308 Hermitage Rd, Richmond, VA 23227
Led by Beyond Boundaries / Co-hosted with Jacob’s Chance
Includes: fishing, Leave No Trace, hikes, and more outdoor fun!
The cost is $50/person
https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/83955-outdoor-adventure-club

Virtual Early Childhood ages 2-6
2025-04-18 12:00 - 13:30, 2025-04-25 12:00 - 13:30 | Zoom
A Free Child Development Series for Caregivers of Children ages 2-6. VDSA and Ivy Rehab are proud to announce a collaborative series dedicated to providing invaluable child development education for caregivers of children with disabilities.
Held on Zoom Fridays 12:00-1:30pm April 18-May 9.
Registration link: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/85689-early-childhood-ages-2-6-skills-for-growth-and-development-webnair

Children's Museum Free Sensory Friendly Night
2025-04-18 17:00 - 19:00 | Children’s Museum Chesterfield, 6629 Lake Harbour Dr, Midlothian, VA, 23112
Children’s Museum Free Sensory-Friendly Night
All ages are welcome at the Children’s Museum’s Free Sensory Friendly Night.

A cool down room will be available and sensory supports provided.
Sibling welcome!
Register Here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/83777-children-s-museum-free-sensory-friendly-night

River City Inclusive Gym - Henrico/Richmond - Ages 2-8
2025-04-19 15:00 - 15:45
River City Inclusive Gym – Winter/Spring 2025 Ages 2 to 8

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

Monthly on Saturdays
Jan. 18, March 15, April 19 and June 7
3:00-3:45 pm – Ages 2-8
$10 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

River City Inclusive Gym - Henrico/Richmond - Ages 9 to adult
2025-04-19 16:00 - 16:45
River City Inclusive Gym – Winter/Spring 2025 Ages 8 to adult

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

Monthly on Saturdays
Jan. 18, March 15, April 19 and June 7
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

Virtual - School Inclusion Support Group
2025-04-30 19:00 - 20:00 | Zoom
Join us for the monthly school-inclusion focused VDSA caregiver support group on Zoom. This group is peer-led by parents of school-aged children with Down syndrome. Come ask your questions and share your knowledge and experience with others on a similar journey!
Register here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/85677-virtual-school-inclusion-support-april-2025
