Toilet training is an incredibly complex and often frustrating process for families. Join us in this virtual information session, Dr. Lina Patel will review the medical, physical, behavioral, emotional, and environmental factors that impact children with Down syndrome more significantly. Participants will learn practical strategies to address these challenges and leave with the tools to create an individualized toilet training plan for their child
DSANV is partnering with the St. Lucy Food Project Warehouse for our Career Development Program. All members ages 16+ are welcome!
Let WDSD Weekend begin! Stop by the park next to South Run Recreation Center for a relaxed meet-up with fellow DSANV families. All ages welcome!
Featuring good food/drinks, conversation, and fun. Come out for the evening and relax with friends- new and old! All dads and male caregivers of individuals with Down syndrome are welcome!
Dine out with DSANV during WDSD Week! Bring your family and friends to The Casual Pint for a meal together — that benefits DSANV!
Dine out with DSANV during WDSD Week! Bring your family and friends to California Pizza Kitchen (Fairfax Corner) for a meal together — that benefits DSANV!
Join DSANV for an informative evening dedicated to navigating the complexities of the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process. This session features Elizabeth Tuomey and Kaitlynn Fraze, PhD, from the Tuomey Law Firm.
This is a unique opportunity to meet with a legal expert and a dedicated special education advocate to get answers to your specific questions. Whether you are new to the IEP process or looking for guidance on systems-level advocacy and evidence-based educational opportunities, this Q&A is designed to provide you with practical support for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Kick off your St. Patrick’s Day with DSANV’s first Lucky Mama Sip & Stroll! Join DSANV Regional Engagement Coordinators for a beverage at Jirani Coffeehouse followed by a 21-minute walk through Old Town Manassas.
Dine out with DSANV during WDSD Week! Bring your family and friends to Tropical Smoothie Cafe for a meal together — that benefits DSANV! Stop by the One Loudoun big screen afterwards to see our WDSD slideshow (featuring DSANV VIPs).
Inclusion in Action: Empowering our community to shape tomorrow
Join the Virginia Down Syndrome Association for our 2026 Disability Education & Transition Conference. We hope to engage educators, families, and professionals across Virginia with the knowledge, strategies, and connections needed to support individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities in their educational journeys and beyond—fostering inclusive, lifelong pathways toward independence and belonging.
Our 12th Disability Education & Transition Conference will make a return visit to J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College - Parham Campus. This year we will be in the Massey Library Technology Center Building.
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.
Join DSANV at SimplyBe Coffee for an informal meet-up with fellow parents of children with Down syndrome. Grab a cup, sit back, and chat! Children are welcome! No registration required.
For years, we have partnered with Porto Charities to bring programming and opportunities for our VIPs. It is our pleasure to invite you to their 2026 conference. Inspired by the truth that all are formed in the image of God and called to share our unique gifts, Porto Charities and the Diocese of Arlington invite you to a day of fellowship and action.
Join parents, educators, catechists, clergy, and religious to explore concrete ways we can cultivate a beautiful life of belonging for individuals with disabilities within our schools and parishes.
Calling all DSANV Chefs! Join Anna Sudha Community Kitchens for this inclusive culinary experience. Practice your cooking skills while preparing a delicious meal of homemade pizza. This class is for teens/adults with Down syndrome (Ages 13+) and their caregiver(s).
Experience the magic of inclusion under the big top! Omnium Circus returns to Washington, DC with an all-new, star-studded production celebrating the power of community, diversity, and belonging.
US Youth Soccer TOPSoccer (The Outreach Program for Soccer) is a recreational sports program for children and adults with intellectual, emotional, or physical disabilities. TOPSoccer provides people with diverse abilities an opportunity to play soccer in a structured environment that is safe, fun, supportive, and inclusive.
US Youth Soccer TOPSoccer has a free TOPS clinic on Sunday, March 1 inside the gym at Chantilly HS.
Join DSANV at Vita Nova Creatives & Coffee for an informal meet-up with fellow parents of children with Down syndrome. Grab a cup, sit back, and chat! Children are welcome!
DSANV is partnering with the St. Lucy Food Project Warehouse for our Career Development Program. All members ages 16+ are welcome!
Dine out with DSANV! Stop into Pizza NY Margherita in Gainesville for a quick bite alongside DSANV buddies, new & old.
Join DSANV at Safe Splash Swim School for a FREE open swim session with DSANV buddies. Open to VIPs of all ages. Siblings welcome! No registration required.
This FREE session, led By Jessica Kuss, NDSS Director of Community Programs, highlights key resources in health care, education, employment, and community life, while emphasizing the importance of early planning and self-advocacy. Participants will gain practical insights to help young adults build the skills, support, and confidence needed for a successful, self-directed transition.
Featuring good food/drinks, conversation, and fun. Come out for the evening and relax with friends- new and old! All dads and male caregivers of individuals with Down syndrome are welcome!
Join us for an informative and interactive session with the experts from Dash and Scout! This session is designed for parents, caregivers and adults with Down syndrome exploring to learn more about independent living.
More info soon!
Kickoff 2026 with three of DSANV‘s newest team members -- Regional Engagement Coordinators (RECs) Erin Jones, Dana Laukhuf, and Emily Sachs. During this session, attendees will learn more about the recently-added REC positions and how they align with DSANV’s five-year strategic plan. The REC team will share details of the fun-filled DSANV events planned for early 2026. At session’s end, attendees will have the opportunity to share their suggestions for future DSANV events with the REC team. We hope to see you there!
In this FREE webinar, Shelly Verma, DO, MSGPH, DipABLM, will review the five key pillars of Lifestyle Medicine, practical behavior change strategies for individuals with Down syndrome, and ways caregivers can support healthy habits with physical activity, nutrition, and emotional wellness. NDSS will also share resources to help individuals and families build the knowledge and skills needed for lifelong health.
Join DSANV at SimplyBe Coffee for an informal meet-up with fellow parents of children with Down syndrome. Grab a cup, sit back, and chat! Children are welcome! No registration required.
