We have been offering the Disability Education and Transition Conference since 2013 which serves over 400 educators and parents each year. Save the Date – Saturday February 4, 2023, for the in-person Education and Transition Conference at the Short Pump Hilton in Richmond, VA! For more information on the Education Conference, visit our Conference page here.

In 2022, we partnered with the Down Syndrome Association of Northern Virginia and the Down Syndrome Association of Hampton Roads to offer the first Virginia Down Syndrome speaker series. This conference series will be returning in 2024!

Nothing Down About It! is a FREE professional development seminar to educators throughout our service area. This webinar provides techniques on educating children with Down syndrome that can be used for all learners. The webinar can be offered anytime upon request either virtually or in-person for one hour of professional development hours. Contact kowens@virginiadsa.org for more information.

Each Fall, we offer an educational webinar on a popular topic related to educating students with Down syndrome such as reading or behavior. These webinars also provide professional development hours.

We believe every child is entitled to an education in their least restrictive environment. Below are a list of links and resources to websites and books that can support educators and school systems in supporting all children through an inclusive education approach. Please contact us if you have any questions or are looking for additional resources or information.

The National Down Syndrome Society has created “Down Syndrome: Guidelines for Inclusive Education”

A summary of the evidence on inclusive education prepared by the Alana Foundation in partnership with Abt Associates.

The TIES center is the national technical assistance center on inclusive practices and policies. It works with states, districts, and schools to support the movement of students with disabilities from less inclusive to more inclusive environments.