Welcome to the Virginia Down Syndrome Association
find information, resources, care, and connection to a supportive and welcoming community.
Welcome to the Virginia Down Syndrome Association! We are glad you are here! We are a community of individuals with Down syndrome, their family members and caregivers, friends, and professionals all committed to creating a community where all individuals with Down syndrome are valued for their unique abilities and differences. Here you will find information, resources, care, and connection to a supportive and welcoming community.
EDUCATION
EDUCATION
Through education programs, conferences, webinars, and parent chats we educate individuals with Down syndrome, their caregivers, and members of our community about Down syndrome. Our education programming covers the lifespan, from early childhood development to IEPs, behavior management, waivers, employment resources, housing resources and more!
FAMILY SUPPORT
FAMILY SUPPORT
We believe individuals with Down syndrome are valuable members of our community who have an important contribution to offer. We provide opportunities, support, resources, and advocacy to support individuals with Down syndrome in achieving their full potential. We believe all individuals with Down syndrome are unique and celebrate the unique qualities and characteristics of everyone with Down syndrome in our community.COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
We are a community within a community that celebrates and embraces individuals with Down syndrome. We listen, we learn, and we have fun! Together, we help each other every step of the journey.
Our Service Area
We proudly serve over 800 families across Greater Richmond, Charlottesville, Williamsburg, Fredericksburg, and the Central Shenandoah Valley and we look forward to welcoming you into our community.
If you do not live in our service area, we would love to help you get connected with one of the other Down Syndrome Associations in Virginia. If you are not in one of the Associations’ geographic areas, please reach out to us and we would be happy to be a resource for you.
“They have been helpful in me finding more things about how to advocate for my daughter, finding right medical help and many more things for which I am very grateful to them. I am thankful to DSAGR* for organizing such events since that made it possible for me to connect to other moms having similar journey to mine. They say it takes an army to raise a child and I would consider them part of Saisha’s army.”
“One of the most important things I did was pick up the phone and get connected with Kim Owens, Education Director at DSAGR*. Her knowledge coupled with her passion for inclusion gave me the courage and connections to advocate for what I knew to be best for Everett and our family. I will forever be grateful that the DSAGR, and their connections, stood beside us; because of the actions of many, Everett is fully included and thriving in his neighborhood school.”
“Two weeks after David was born, we received his Down syndrome diagnosis. Having a lot of questions and even more anxiety, I contacted the DADS group at DSAGR*. That very same day, another Dad contacted me, and in the process shared his own positive experience of parenting a child with Down syndrome. He encouraged me to attend the next DADS meet-up, and I’ve been involved ever since. The DADS group is friendly, inclusive, and incredibly knowledgeable, with years of experience and advice that’s always willingly shared.”
*VDSA was formerly known as DSAGR
Calendar and News
Events and Publications
Calendar of Events
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TriCities Holiday Bowl – Family Style
TriCities Holiday Bowl – Family Style
Join VDSA for a fun family night of bowling at Holiday Bowl. Cost is $5.25/bowler/game and $4 for shoes. February 27th, 5pm to 8pm Holiday Bowl 11400 Jefferson Davis Highway, Chester, VA 23237 Register Here: TriCities Holiday Bowl - Family Style
Improvaneer – Winter Session
Improvaneer – Winter Session
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 […]
1 event,
VCU Basketball Game – Richmond
VCU Basketball Game – Richmond
February 28, 2025 @ 7:00PM — 9:00PM Stuart C. Siegel Center 1200 W. Broad Street Richmond, VA 23284 18 Tickets donated by Synergy Technical Register here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/81283-vcu-basketball-game-february-2025
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Richmond – I’m Determined Self-Advocacy Training
Richmond – I’m Determined Self-Advocacy Training
Practice Self-Determination Skills for School, Work, and Life! Join us for the Virginia Department of Education's I'm Determined self-advocacy program at VDSA. Self-advocates will attend the workshop from 9:30-1 pm and caregivers are welcome for their own special session from 9:45-10:45 am. A pizza lunch will be provided for all! Contact abranam@virginiadsa.org for more information. Individuals with Down syndrome ages 13+ are welcome. This program is in-person at the VDSA Richmond office but families from all Virginia localities are welcome. Location: VDSA Office 1504 Santa Rosa Rd, Suite 124 Richmond, Virginia 23229 Register here.
TriCities Keystone Truck and Tractor Museum
TriCities Keystone Truck and Tractor Museum
Come see the Trucks and Tractors!! Join VDSA at Keystone Truck and Tractor Museum in Colonial Heights for a tour, craft and meal. 880 W. Roslyn Rd. Colonial Heights, VA 23834 March 1st, 11:00 - 1:00 pm Individual with Down syndrome is Free Tour the museum Do a craft Pack a lunch to share together or Buy your own meal at the Diner Have questions? Contact mfreds@virginiadsa.org Register Here: TriCities Keystone Truck and Tractor Museum
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Rock Your Socks – Local Pick Up
Rock Your Socks – Local Pick Up
Celebrate World Down Syndrome Day by Rocking your Socks! On March 21st every year, people all over the world come together to celebrate World Down Syndrome Day by wearing brightly colored socks. The date is symbolic because people with Down syndrome have 3 copies of their 21st chromosome, and socks were chosen because the Ds chromosomes look like mismatched socks! On March 21, 2025, Virginia Down Syndrome Association will join businesses, schools, and organizations everywhere to celebrate World Down Syndrome Day by rocking our fun socks! Local Pick Up is available for all orders. Shipping is provided only for orders of 25 pairs […]
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Virtual – School Inclusion Support Group
Virtual – School Inclusion Support Group
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/82879-virtual-school-inclusion-support-group
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Improvaneer – Winter Session
Improvaneer – Winter Session
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 […]
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The Learning Program
The Learning Program
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 […]
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Improvaneer – Winter Session
Improvaneer – Winter Session
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 […]
1 event,
Richmond – Painting Class
Richmond – Painting Class
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
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11th Education & Transition Conference
11th Education & Transition Conference
Join more than 400 general and special educators, parents, and other professionals from Virginia and the Mid-Atlantic region to discover how to better educate children and young adults with disabilities. Reynolds Community College Parham Road Campus 1651 E. Parham Road Richmond, VA 23228 9am-4pm Register here.
River City Inclusive Gym – Henrico/Richmond – Ages 2-8
River City Inclusive Gym – Henrico/Richmond – Ages 2-8
River City Inclusive Gym - Winter/Spring 2025 Ages 2 to 7 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
River City Inclusive Gym – Henrico/Richmond – Ages 9 to adult
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
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Rock Your Socks – Local Pick Up
Rock Your Socks – Local Pick Up
Celebrate World Down Syndrome Day by Rocking your Socks! On March 21st every year, people all over the world come together to celebrate World Down Syndrome Day by wearing brightly colored socks. The date is symbolic because people with Down syndrome have 3 copies of their 21st chromosome, and socks were chosen because the Ds chromosomes look like mismatched socks! On March 21, 2025, Virginia Down Syndrome Association will join businesses, schools, and organizations everywhere to celebrate World Down Syndrome Day by rocking our fun socks! Local Pick Up is available for all orders. Shipping is provided only for orders of 25 pairs […]
2 events,
Rock Your Socks – Local Pick Up
Rock Your Socks – Local Pick Up
Celebrate World Down Syndrome Day by Rocking your Socks! On March 21st every year, people all over the world come together to celebrate World Down Syndrome Day by wearing brightly colored socks. The date is symbolic because people with Down syndrome have 3 copies of their 21st chromosome, and socks were chosen because the Ds chromosomes look like mismatched socks! On March 21, 2025, Virginia Down Syndrome Association will join businesses, schools, and organizations everywhere to celebrate World Down Syndrome Day by rocking our fun socks! Local Pick Up is available for all orders. Shipping is provided only for orders of 25 pairs […]
0 events,
3 events,
Rock Your Socks – Local Pick Up
Rock Your Socks – Local Pick Up
Celebrate World Down Syndrome Day by Rocking your Socks! On March 21st every year, people all over the world come together to celebrate World Down Syndrome Day by wearing brightly colored socks. The date is symbolic because people with Down syndrome have 3 copies of their 21st chromosome, and socks were chosen because the Ds chromosomes look like mismatched socks! On March 21, 2025, Virginia Down Syndrome Association will join businesses, schools, and organizations everywhere to celebrate World Down Syndrome Day by rocking our fun socks! Local Pick Up is available for all orders. Shipping is provided only for orders of 25 pairs […]
Top Five Questions and Concerns During Puberty
Top Five Questions and Concerns During Puberty
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 Thursday, March 20th at 6:00 p.m. 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 […]
Virtual – Improvaneer
Virtual – Improvaneer
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 […]
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World Down Syndrome Day
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Richmond – Parent Night Out Respite Night
Richmond – Parent Night Out Respite Night
Self-Care Time for Caregivers! We all love our kids, and we all need some adult time too. Enjoy some time away while VDSA keep your children ages 5 to 16 safe and occupied! This event is open to families of individuals with Down syndrome and their siblings. For our Parent Night, we are accepting participants ages 5 to 16. Email Kim to join the waitlist for this event if registration is closed: kwoodbury@virginiadsa.org. The VDSA Parents Night Respite Event will take place on Saturday, March 22nd from 4 pm- 7 pm at the VDSA's office (1504 Santa Rosa Rd. Henrico, VA […]
Rock Your Socks WDSD Celebration
Rock Your Socks WDSD Celebration
Party March 22 6-8pm. Bring or wear your most funky socks (we will have some to purchase, as well). Bring your favorite craft, or toys to share. Boys bring a sweet snack, Girls bring a salty snack. I will provide lemonade, sweet tea and water. Resister here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/84028-rock-your-socks-wdsd-celebration
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Dance Day
Dance Day
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, […]
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Tri-Cities Holiday Bowl – Family Style
Tri-Cities Holiday Bowl – Family Style
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
Virtual – Improvaneer
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 […]
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Charlottesville Moms’ Night Outs
Charlottesville Moms’ Night Outs
Please join fellow VDSA members for Moms Night Out to recharge, socialize, and enjoy some downtime! March 28th, 7:00 to 9:00 pm Fiesta Azteca 4300 Three Notch’d Rd Charlottesville VA 22901
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Tri-cities Family Day Out
Tri-cities Family Day Out
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).
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Newsletters
October 2024 (English)
October 2024 (Spanish)
Annual Reports
2022 Annual Report Video
2022 Annual Report
2021 Annual Report
2020 Annual Report
2019 Annual Report
