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 for the 2026
World Down Syndrome Day Extravaganza!
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.
"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.
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
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.
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Collect and report quantitative and qualitative data for use across the board, membership, and organizational partners.
Establish Data Collection Systems
Produce Annual Reporting & Dashboards
What’s Happening
at DSANV…
New Program Highlight:
Info Session with Playtime PT on March 11th - Join us for an informative session where we will:
Introduce Playtime PT programs, including Biking, Yoga, and Purposeful Play for infants and toddlers.
Discuss how movement is essential for all children—not only for physical development but also for building confidence, connection, learning, and joy.
Focus on the importance of accessible, meaningful movement opportunities specifically for children with Down syndrome.
Highlight how inclusive, play-based approaches can support strength, coordination, participation, and overall development.
Briefly touch on parent advocacy in the context of physical development and therapy.
Cost: FREE!
Registration: Register here.
“The programs geared toward young adults are so important in our daughter Emma’s life. She has enjoyed her bingo time with her friends while enjoying pizza, that you do monthly. This helps her with independence and social engagement that is so very important. Thanks for all you do.”
— Anonymous
