Unlocking Potential…

Changing Lives!

Join the Down Syndrome Association of Northern Virginia in creating a community where individuals with Down syndrome are fully embraced, valued, and have equal opportunities to thrive, connect, and contribute to society.

Join us as we come together to celebrate, connect, and raise critical funds that empower individuals with Down syndrome and their families across Northern Virginia. This year's theme, "Together We Thrive," reminds us that when our community comes together, amazing things happen. Gather your friends, family, coworkers, and neighbors, start your team, and help us create opportunities for inclusion, advocacy, education, and lifelong support. Every step taken and every dollar raised helps strengthen our mission—and together, we can make an even greater impact. Register today and be part of the movement!

2026 Buddy Walk | October 10th | Lake Fairfax Park

Register Today!

Our Mission

The Down Syndrome Association of Northern Virginia (DSANV) is dedicated to empowering individuals with Down syndrome and their families by providing essential resources, support, programs, and events that foster inclusion, enhance well-being, and promote meaningful participation in the community

DSANV Serves: Arlington, Fairfax, Fauquier, Loudoun, Prince William, and Stafford counties, and the independent cities of Alexandria, Fairfax, Falls Church, Manassas, and Manassas Park.

Our Vision

“Empowering Potential, Embracing Community.”

Our vision is to create a community where individuals with Down syndrome are fully embraced and valued and have equal opportunities to thrive, connect, and contribute to society.

Our Core Values

Inclusion: We believe in fostering a community where individuals with Down syndrome are embraced, valued, and actively participate in all aspects of life.

Empowerment: We are committed to providing the resources, support, and opportunities that enable individuals with Down syndrome to reach their full potential and lead meaningful lives.

Collaboration: We work together with families, professionals, and the community to build a supportive network that strengthens the well-being of individuals with Down syndrome.

Respect: We honor the dignity and unique abilities of every individual, promoting understanding, acceptance, and equal opportunities for all.

Our Plan for Impact

The DSANV 2025-2030 strategic plan guides how we expand programs, reach families, and build a more inclusive Northern Virginia for individuals with Down syndrome.

View Our Strategic Plan

Provide meaningful resources and programs, focused on the areas of: education, skills development, career development, and health and wellness for individuals with Down syndrome at all stages of life.
- Expand Regional & Age-Based Programming
- Strengthen New Parent & Early Childhood Support
- Grow Tween, Teen & Adult Programming
Advance DSANV as a resource for individuals with Down syndrome and their families through new and strengthened community relationships, and increased meaningful, inclusive community events and programming.
- Strengthen Local Partnerships
- Grow Community-Based Inclusive Events
Locate/share or provide programs and resources for families of individuals with Down syndrome (across all stages of life).
- Improve Sharing of Programs & Resources
- Expand the Range of Resource Topics
Expand offerings of programs, activities, and resources, to cover DSANV territory (6 counties and 4 cities), to increase membership accessibility to programming.
- Expand Regional Presence
- Increase Accessibility of Programs
Ensure operational efficiency of the organization in keeping with professional standards and best practices.
- Maintain Strong Financial & Operational Health
- Grow Sponsorships & Partnerships
- Strengthen Communications & Website Infrastructure
Collect and report quantitative and qualitative data for use across the board, membership, and organizational partners.
- Establish Data Collection Systems
- Produce Annual Reporting & Dashboards