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 650 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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Dating Safety, Relationship Building & Socialization – Williamsburg
Dating Safety, Relationship Building & Socialization – Williamsburg
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 […]
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Outdoor Adventure Club
Outdoor Adventure Club
Spring 2024 Outdoor Adventure CLUB Ages 13-20 (FunQuest) & 21+ (Fun4Life) April 11 to May 16 - Thursdays from 4:30 to 5:30 pm at Bryan Park 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 $25/person We want to include everyone!! 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/68320-outdoor-adventure-club
Infant & Toddler Development Series – Virtual
Infant & Toddler Development Series – Virtual
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 […]
3 events,
Diagnosis+ Support Group – Hybrid
Diagnosis+ Support Group – Hybrid
Diagnosis+ Support Group April 12, 2024 @ 12:00PM — 1:00PM Come learn and connect with other caregivers that understand your perspective. The theme for this session is preparing for the future as caregivers of an individual with a disability. In this session, we will enjoy a brief talk from Kathy Matthews from All Needs Planning regarding legal considerations for our families - the documents we should all have on file and how to start the process. After Kathy's talk, you will have time to connect with one another over lunch. Bring your bagged lunch to the ASCV offices and gather in-person […]
Painting Class at The Art Factory (Homeschoolers and adults)
Painting Class at The Art Factory (Homeschoolers and adults)
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: 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 […]
Painting Class in Hopewell
Painting Class in Hopewell
Painting Class in Hopewell Friday, April 12 at 1:30 to 2:30 pm $12 Register https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/69472-week-day-painting-class-in-hopewell
2 events,
The Learning Program
The Learning Program
The Learning Program Starts October 7 - 9:00 - 11:00 am -8 monthly sessions held on Saturdays between October 2023 and June 2024. -All sessions will have an in-person and virtual option (June is all virtual). -Shady Grove YMCA - 11255 Nuckols Rd, Glen Allen, VA 23059 -Cost: The cost of the program is $260 (in person), $160 (virtual) (Scholarships Available). 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, […]
21 Shades Community Gardening Event!
21 Shades Community Gardening Event!
21 Shades Community Gardening Event! (black family support group) Join 21 Shades VDSA for gardening, bbq, activities, and art by local Black artists at the Sankofa Community Garden in partnership with Happily Natural! Open to all ages and the whole family! The community gardening event is accommodating for all abilities! April 13, 2024 @ 2:00PM — 4:00PM Sankofa Community Orchard 309 Covington Rd Richmond, VA 23225 Register here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/69324-21-shades-community-gardening-event
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Friendship Club – Gals
Friendship Club – Gals
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 […]
Dating Safety, Relationship Building & Socialization – Williamsburg
Dating Safety, Relationship Building & Socialization – Williamsburg
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 […]
Friendship Club – Guys
Friendship Club – Guys
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 […]
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Bowling in Colonial Heights
Bowling in Colonial Heights
Join homeschoolers and adult with Ds March 12, April 16 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
Adult Sibling Support Group – Virtual
Adult Sibling Support Group – Virtual
Adult Sibling Support Group- Virtual April 16, 2024Â to May 21 from 7:30PM to 8:30PMÂ Caregiver Support: Adult Siblings Learn and share during this 6 week support group specially designed for, and led by, adult siblings of individuals with Down syndrome. The group will offer a mix of educational opportunities around legal, financial and housing considerations along with coping skills for emotions siblings and caregivers often experience like grief and shame. Register here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/68458-adult-sibling-support-group
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Webinar – What Families Need to Know! A Pediatrician’s Tips for Understanding Common Lab Results
Webinar – What Families Need to Know! A Pediatrician’s Tips for Understanding Common Lab Results
Join GLOBAL Down Syndrome Foundation and Dr.Kishore Vellody for an important webinar that will cover: Common labs that are often sent for people with Down syndrome and guidance on their interpretation What results should be of concern vs expected. What caregivers can do when they receive their lab results before the doctor. Wednesday, April 17 - 2:00 pm EST Kishore Vellody, MD Dr. Vellody completed his medical degree at the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine and his pediatric residency at the Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin in Milwaukee. He is a Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Pittsburgh […]
2 events,
Outdoor Adventure Club
Outdoor Adventure Club
Spring 2024 Outdoor Adventure CLUB Ages 13-20 (FunQuest) & 21+ (Fun4Life) April 11 to May 16 - Thursdays from 4:30 to 5:30 pm at Bryan Park 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 $25/person We want to include everyone!! 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/68320-outdoor-adventure-club
Infant & Toddler Development Series – Virtual
Infant & Toddler Development Series – Virtual
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 […]
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Webinar – Inclusive Mental Health and Down Syndrome.
Webinar – Inclusive Mental Health and Down Syndrome.
Join the National Down Syndrome Association on Friday, April 19th at 12pm ET for Inclusive Mental Health and Down Syndrome. Â Join NDSS and Dr. Ruth Brown and Morgan Stohlman as they share our newest resource: Practicing Inclusive Mental Healthcare for Individuals with Down Syndrome. Individuals and families can use the resource to advocate for and educate about inclusive mental healthcare for themselves and loved ones. Common mental health concerns experienced by youth and adults with Down syndrome will also be discussed. Register Here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_V8pewNp4Sva9SR_Hpkl1NQ#/registration
Children’s Museum FREE Sensory Friendly Night (All ages) – Chesterfield
Children’s Museum FREE Sensory Friendly Night (All ages) – Chesterfield
Children’s Museum of Richmond 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
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Art in the Park
Art in the Park
April 20, 2024 @ 10:00AM — 11:30AM Join us for Art in the Park! Art projects and playing are the best! April 20 - Deep Run Park, Henrico, 9900 Ridgefield Pkwy, Richmond, VA 23233 May 4 - Huguenot Park, Midlothian June 8 - Park 365, Richmond 10:00 am to 11:30 am Baby to 12 years old Siblings welcome Register here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/68547-art-in-the-park-spring-summer
River City Inclusive Gym – Ages 2 to 8
River City Inclusive Gym – Ages 2 to 8
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:Â April 20,May 18, June 15 River City Inclusive Gym class is designed to engage each athlete […]
River City Inclusive Gym – 4:00-4:45 pm – Ages 9 to Adult
River City Inclusive Gym – 4:00-4:45 pm – Ages 9 to Adult
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:  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, […]
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Step Up for Down Syndrome in Charlottesville
Step Up for Down Syndrome in Charlottesville
April 21, 2024 @ 1:00PM — 4:00PM Piedmont YMCA 151 McIntire Park Dr. Charlottesville, VA 22902 Come out and Step UP for Down Syndrome! Join us at our new location at the Piedmont YMCA for a family festival with Food, Music, Face Painting, Inflatables, Silent Auction, Community Resource Fair, and more! It will be a great afternoon of fun and celebrating all individuals with Down syndrome! Register here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/66725-step-up-for-down-syndrome-in-charlottesville
Playdate at Richlands Dairy and Creamery
Playdate at Richlands Dairy and Creamery
Come join our TriCities families for a fun playdate at Richlands Dairy and Creamery located in Wilsons, Virginia in Dinwiddie County. This event is free, but feel free to bring money for food and/or ice cream. To register, please click here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/70806-playdate-at-richlands-dairy-and-creameryÂ
Williamsburg – Mom’s Night Out
Williamsburg – Mom’s Night Out
Please join us at Second Street Bistro in Williamsburg for dinner and a relaxing evening @ 140 Second Street - Williamsburg. If you have any questions, please contact smclain@virginiadsa.org
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1 event,
Adult Sibling Support Group – Virtual
Adult Sibling Support Group – Virtual
Adult Sibling Support Group- Virtual April 16, 2024Â to May 21 from 7:30PM to 8:30PM Caregiver Support: Adult Siblings Learn and share during this 6 week support group specially designed for, and led by, adult siblings of individuals with Down syndrome. The group will offer a mix of educational opportunities around legal, financial and housing considerations along with coping skills for emotions siblings and caregivers often experience like grief and shame. Register here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/68458-adult-sibling-support-group
0 events,
1 event,
Outdoor Adventure Club
Outdoor Adventure Club
Spring 2024 Outdoor Adventure CLUB Ages 13-20 (FunQuest) & 21+ (Fun4Life) April 11 to May 16 - Thursdays from 4:30 to 5:30 pm at Bryan Park 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 $25/person We want to include everyone!! 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/68320-outdoor-adventure-club
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Parent Night Respite Night (RVA)
Parent Night Respite Night (RVA)
Take some time for yourself on Friday April 26th! Register your child (and siblings!) for the parent night respite event from 6-8pm. This event is free and open to individuals with Down syndrome and their siblings ages 5 and up. Email Sherry with questions: sklauer@virginiadsa.org. Register here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/69608-parent-night-respite-event
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Tea Party at Tea with Kip (RVA)
Tea Party at Tea with Kip (RVA)
Tea Party at Tea with Kip April 27, 2024 @ 11:30AM — 1:00PM Tea with Kip 11164 Hull St. Midlothian, VA 23112 Join VDSA for a Pre-Mother's Day Tea! Ages 13+ Girls, Boys, Moms,Dads & grandparents invited. Please let me know of any allergies: gluten free, dairy, etc. Tea with Kip will accommodate everyone! We want to include everyone. 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/68318-pre-mother-s-day-tea
2 events,
SPCA Visit and Pet Adoption Party (stuffed animal adoption)- All ages (RVA)
SPCA Visit and Pet Adoption Party (stuffed animal adoption)- All ages (RVA)
SPCA Visit and Pet Adoption Party (stuffed animal adoption) All ages and siblings welcome April 28, 2024 @ 3:00PM — 4:30PM Richmond SPCA 2519 Hermitage Rd Richmond, Virginia 23220 Each participant will receive one small “adopted” stuffed animal (cat or dog) per child to be taken home in a carrier box that he or she will decorate. Tour to see animals A special visit from one of the dogs Register here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/68628-spca-visit-and-pet-adoption-party-stuffed-animal-adoption
Dia de Campo – Hispanic Family Picnic
Dia de Campo – Hispanic Family Picnic
¡Únete a nosotros para nuestro picnic anual! Estaremos en el mismo lugar que el año pasado - ¡cerca del parque infantil! ¡Ven preparado para la diversiĂłn, mĂşsica, comida y tiempo de juego para los niños! ¡Trae a toda tu familia! RegĂstrate aquĂ: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/70209-dia-de-campo-picnic Join us for our annual picnic! We will be in the same location as last year - close to the playground! Come prepared for fun, music, food, and play time for the kids! Bring your entire family! Register here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/70209-dia-de-campo-picnic
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1 event,
Adult Sibling Support Group – Virtual
Adult Sibling Support Group – Virtual
Adult Sibling Support Group- Virtual April 16, 2024Â to May 21 from 7:30PM to 8:30PM Caregiver Support: Adult Siblings Learn and share during this 6 week support group specially designed for, and led by, adult siblings of individuals with Down syndrome. The group will offer a mix of educational opportunities around legal, financial and housing considerations along with coping skills for emotions siblings and caregivers often experience like grief and shame. Register here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/68458-adult-sibling-support-group
0 events,
1 event,
Outdoor Adventure Club
Outdoor Adventure Club
Spring 2024 Outdoor Adventure CLUB Ages 13-20 (FunQuest) & 21+ (Fun4Life) April 11 to May 16 - Thursdays from 4:30 to 5:30 pm at Bryan Park 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 $25/person We want to include everyone!! 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/68320-outdoor-adventure-club
0 events,
2 events,
The Learning Program
The Learning Program
The Learning Program Starts October 7 - 9:00 - 11:00 am -8 monthly sessions held on Saturdays between October 2023 and June 2024. -All sessions will have an in-person and virtual option (June is all virtual). -Shady Grove YMCA - 11255 Nuckols Rd, Glen Allen, VA 23059 -Cost: The cost of the program is $260 (in person), $160 (virtual) (Scholarships Available). 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, […]
Art in the Park (ages 2-12) (RVA)
Art in the Park (ages 2-12) (RVA)
Join us for Art in the Park! Art projects and playing are the best! April 20 - Deep Run Park, Henrico, 9900 Ridgefield Pkwy, Richmond, VA 23233 May 4 - Huguenot Park, Midlothian June 8 - Park 365, Richmond 10:00 am to 11:30 am Baby to 12 years old Siblings welcome Register here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/68547-art-in-the-park-spring-summer
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