Events
Music Class for Kids
Does your child love music? Join Miss Chris for this free hour of music & games. This class is recommended for children ages 0-8 with Down syndrome & their caregivers. Siblings welcome!
DSANV Ice Cream Social
Make Summer 2026 extra SWEET! Join DSANV for an ice cream social at local favorite, Swirlie’s Soft-Serve Manassas! The first 100 VIPs and immediate family members to arrive will receive a coupon for a FREE small ice cream!
Omnium Circus: I’m Possible! at Wolf Trap
Spend your summer morning with DSANV at Wolf Trap Children’s Theatre-in-the-Woods. On this magical stage tucked amongst the trees, witness a one-hour performance from Omnium Circus, a singularly inclusive and accessible circus.
Jewelry Making Class
Learn to make earrings out of clay with local artist and DSANV community member, Lindsay W. No experience required! This class is for individuals with Down syndrome Ages 13+.
New Parent Breakfast
New & Expectant Families - This breakfast is for you! Connect with other families while enjoying a relaxed meal together. For families with a child with Down syndrome 3 years old and under & families expecting a child with Down syndrome. We can’t wait to meet you!
Moms’ Night Out
Join us for a Moms’ Night Out at Lark Brewing Company! Meet new friends at this casual social get together. Food and beverage will be available for purchase.
DSANV Coffee Meet-Up
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.
iCan Swim Camp Week 1
DSANV is partnering with iCan Shine to bring the iCan Swim Camp to Northern Virginia. Teaching people with disabilities to swim is not only a good idea, it’s essential. Creating an effective swimming program for people with disabilities takes a patient understanding of each swimmer as well as a well-thought-out plan for how the lessons can be adapted to each child. This is the foundation of our iCan Swim program.
DSANV Waterpark Meet-Up
Make WAVES with DSANV! Signal Bay Waterpark features slides, water cannons, a lazy river, and MORE! All ages welcome!
Info Session: Empowering Individuals with I/DD - Consent, Boundaries, and Safe Relationships (Virtual)
Join the Down Syndrome Association of National Virginia (DSANV) and Arlene Lechner, M.Ed & Melissa Hochberg, M.Ed, Co-Founders of Ease, for an essential informational session designed for parents, caregivers, and self-advocates.
Every individual deserves the tools to navigate relationships safely and confidently. During this one-hour presentation, the experts at Ease will discuss the critical importance of education surrounding Consent, Boundaries, Relationships, and Online Safety for individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD).
iCan Swim Camp Week 2
DSANV is partnering with iCan Shine to bring the iCan Swim Camp to Northern Virginia. Teaching people with disabilities to swim is not only a good idea, it’s essential. Creating an effective swimming program for people with disabilities takes a patient understanding of each swimmer as well as a well-thought-out plan for how the lessons can be adapted to each child. This is the foundation of our iCan Swim program.
DSANV Dine-Out: Foster's Grille
Dine out with DSANV! Stop into Foster's Grille in Downtown Manassas for a quick bite alongside DSANV buddies, new and old.
DSANV Meet-Up: Outdoor Concert
Join DSANV for a free outdoor concert at the beautiful Harris Pavilion in Downtown Manassas. Camping chairs and/or picnic blankets are encouraged.
Playdate with Special Olympics
Join us for a playdate with Special Olympics Loudoun County! Meet fellow athletes-to-be and their families while learning more about local Special Olympics offerings. This playdate is recommended for children ages 2-7 with Down syndrome & their caregivers.
Music Class for Kids
Does your child love music? Join Miss Chris for this free hour of music & games. This class is recommended for children ages 0-8 with Down syndrome & their caregivers. Siblings welcome!
DSANV + Reston Bike Club’s Reston Century
DSANV joins Reston Bike Club’s 43rd Ken Thompson Reston Century. Choose from 4 different ride lengths — 100 miles, 62 miles, 31 miles, or a 10-mile family ride!
DSANV Coffee Meet-Up
Join DSANV at Ridgetop Coffee & Tea 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.
Adapted Cooking Class at Anna Sudha Community Kitchens
Calling all DSANV Chefs! Join Anna Sudha Community Kitchens for this inclusive culinary experience. Practice your cooking skills while preparing a delicious meal. This class is for teens/adults with Down syndrome (Ages 13+).
DSANV Coffee Meet-Up
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.
New Parent Breakfast
New & Expectant Families - This breakfast is for you! Connect with other families while enjoying a relaxed meal together. For families with a child with Down syndrome 3 years old and under & families expecting a child with Down syndrome. We can’t wait to meet you!
Adapted Cooking Class at Anna Sudha Community Kitchens
Calling all DSANV Chefs! Join Anna Sudha Community Kitchens for this inclusive culinary experience. Practice your cooking skills while preparing a delicious meal. This class is for teens/adults with Down syndrome (Ages 13+).
22nd Annual DSANV Buddy Walk
Join us for our 22nd annual Buddy Walk at Lake Fairfax, VA! Register to create your team, today!
Career Development
Serve the Manassas community with DSANV! We will be sorting & boxing food donations together. This program is for teens & adults with Down syndrome (ages 16+).
DSANV Coffee Meet-Up
Join DSANV at Ridgetop Coffee & Tea 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.
Info Session: Community Safety and Vulnerability Prevention Series (Virtual)
Join DSANV and Pietas Coalition for a practical, empowering session designed to strengthen safety, awareness, and confidence for individuals with Down syndrome and the families who support them. This one hour webinar provides practical guidance, real life strategies, and tolls to help prevent exploitation, abuse, and risky situations - while building communication, boundaries, and trusted relationships.
D.A.D.S Meet-Up
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!
Adapted Art Class for Teens & Adults
Calling all DSANV Artists! Join Little Painted Playdates for this inclusive art class for teens & adults with Down syndrome (Ages 13+). All skill levels welcome!
Adapted Art Class for Kids
Calling all DSANV Artists! Join Little Painted Playdates for this inclusive art class for children with Down syndrome (Ages 12 and under). All skill levels welcome!
DSANV Sprayground Meet-Up
Make a SPLASH with DSANV! Cool down at the fully-accessible Our Special Harbor Sprayground during their FREE sensory-friendly hour.
DSANV Park Meet-Up
Join DSANV for a park play date in Fauquier County. Don’t forget your picnic lunch! All ages welcome!
Moms’ Night Out
Summer is underway! Connect with fellow female caregivers at this casual social get together. Food and beverage will be available for purchase.
DSANV Splash Pad Meet-Up
Kickoff the summer season with your friends from DSANV! Cool down in Hanson Regional Park’s splash pad or explore one of its many playgrounds.
iCan Bike Camp
The vast majority of people with disabilities never experience the thrill of independently riding a two-wheel bicycle during their lifetime. Recent research shows that over 80% of people with Autism and 90% of people with Down syndrome never learn to ride a two-wheel bicycle. iCan Bike defies those odds! The program builds on more than twenty years of research at the University of Illinois. Join us for camp the week of June 22nd!
DSANV Reading Program: Phonics the R-igh-t Way
Empowering Families. Building Lifelong Readers.
DSANV is proud to launch the DSANV Reading Program: Phonics the R-ight-t Way — a 9-month pilot literacy program designed to equip parents with the tools and confidence to teach reading to their loved one with Down syndrome (ages 3 and up).
This innovative program, already one of our most well-attended pilots, features the nationally recognized Raising Robust Readers curriculum and provides families with hands-on resources to build stronger literacy foundations at home.
Program Snapshot
Timeline: September 2025 – June 2026 (no session in December)
Format: 18 sessions (monthly in-person workshops at Burke Centre Library + monthly virtual sessions on Wednesday evenings)
Instructor: Certified teacher with expertise in literacy and Down syndrome education
Included Resources: Lifetime access to the Raising Robust Readers online program, Phonics the Right Way for Down Syndrome book, and FUN-O-Guide learning tool (the first 8 families received this $105 resource free, courtesy of DSANV)
LOCATION: Burke Centre Library 5935 Freds Oak Rd, Burke Centre, VA 22015
In-Person Session Dates (2025–2026)
September 17, 2025
October 15, 2025
November 19, 2025
(No December Session – Holiday Break)
January 21, 2026
February 18, 2026
March 18, 2026
April 15, 2026
May 20, 2026
June 17, 2026
Why It Matters
Families gain practical, research-based strategies to support literacy development at every stage
Parents connect with a community of peers learning side-by-side
This pilot reflects DSANV’s commitment to offering high-impact, evidence-based programming that empowers families
Registration Status
Registration for the DSANV Reading Program: Phonics the R-ight-t Way is now closed.
We are thrilled by the overwhelming response and will share updates and future opportunities with our community as this program unfolds.
Career Development
DSANV is partnering with The St. Lucy Food Project Warehouse for our Career Development Program. All members ages 16+ are welcome!
DSANV Coffee Meet-Up
Join DSANV at Ridgetop Coffee & Tea 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.
Adapted Art Class (Ages 18+)
Calling all DSANV Artists! Join Dabble Creative Reuse Center for this inclusive art class. Learn how to create artist trading cards — a mixed media art form that is made to be personalized and traded with friends. This class is for adults with Down syndrome (Ages 18+).
Info Session: Making the Best Decisions for YOU: An Hour with Heather Trammell (Virtual)
Making the Best Decisions for YOU: An Hour with Heather Trammell
Adapted Cooking Class at Anna Sudha Community Kitchens
Calling all DSANV Chefs! Join Anna Sudha Community Kitchens for this inclusive culinary experience. Practice your cooking skills while preparing a delicious meal. This class is for teens/adults with Down syndrome (Ages 13+).
DSANV Park Meet-Up (Fairfax)
Join DSANV for a park play date on this day off for FCPS students. All ages welcome!
DSANV Park Meet-Up (Prince William)
Join DSANV for a park play date on this day off for PWCS students. All ages welcome!
Career Development
DSANV is partnering with The St. Lucy Food Project Warehouse for our Career Development Program. All members ages 16+ are welcome!
D.A.D.S Meet-Up
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!
DSANV Reading Program: Phonics the R-igh-t Way
Empowering Families. Building Lifelong Readers.
DSANV is proud to launch the DSANV Reading Program: Phonics the R-ight-t Way — a 9-month pilot literacy program designed to equip parents with the tools and confidence to teach reading to their loved one with Down syndrome (ages 3 and up).
This innovative program, already one of our most well-attended pilots, features the nationally recognized Raising Robust Readers curriculum and provides families with hands-on resources to build stronger literacy foundations at home.
Program Snapshot
Timeline: September 2025 – June 2026 (no session in December)
Format: 18 sessions (monthly in-person workshops at Burke Centre Library + monthly virtual sessions on Wednesday evenings)
Instructor: Certified teacher with expertise in literacy and Down syndrome education
Included Resources: Lifetime access to the Raising Robust Readers online program, Phonics the Right Way for Down Syndrome book, and FUN-O-Guide learning tool (the first 8 families received this $105 resource free, courtesy of DSANV)
LOCATION: Burke Centre Library 5935 Freds Oak Rd, Burke Centre, VA 22015
In-Person Session Dates (2025–2026)
September 17, 2025
October 15, 2025
November 19, 2025
(No December Session – Holiday Break)
January 21, 2026
February 18, 2026
March 18, 2026
April 15, 2026
May 20, 2026
June 17, 2026
Why It Matters
Families gain practical, research-based strategies to support literacy development at every stage
Parents connect with a community of peers learning side-by-side
This pilot reflects DSANV’s commitment to offering high-impact, evidence-based programming that empowers families
Registration Status
Registration for the DSANV Reading Program: Phonics the R-ight-t Way is now closed.
We are thrilled by the overwhelming response and will share updates and future opportunities with our community as this program unfolds.
DSANV Coffee Meet-Up
Join DSANV at Ridgetop Coffee & Tea 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.
Ice Cream Social & Fundraiser
Summer is on it’s way! Stop into Jake’s Ice Cream in Falls Church for a sweet treat alongside DSANV buddies, new and old.
NDSS Advocacy Conference
The National Down Syndrome Society is hosting its annual advocacy event in DC and all are invited to participate!
FOR: Individuals with Down syndrome of all ages & their families
DETAILS: Learn More HERE
Info Session: From One Stage to the Next—Building Confidence for Every Transition (Virtual)
From One Stage to the Next—Building Confidence for Every Transition
Transitions—whether entering early intervention, starting school, moving between grade levels, or preparing for adulthood—can feel overwhelming for children with Down syndrome and their families. This session focuses on practical, strengths-based strategies to help families support smooth, confident transitions at every stage of development.
Learning Objectives:
By the end of the session, participants will be able to:
Identify key transition points from early childhood through adolescence
Understand common challenges and opportunities during transitions
Apply strategies to support communication, independence, and emotional readiness
Strengthen family advocacy skills during transition planning processes
Collaborate effectively across systems (home, school, community)
Adapted Cooking Class at Anna Sudha Community Kitchens
Calling all DSANV Chefs! Join Anna Sudha Community Kitchens for this inclusive culinary experience. Practice your cooking skills while preparing a delicious meal. This class is for teens/adults with Down syndrome (Ages 13+).
DSANV@ Disability Resource Fair
The Arc of Loudoun’s Disability Resource Fair is a free event to learn more about the disability resources in our community. We anticipate having up to 75 vendors and resources; see the current vendor listing below. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn and connect with community resources!
Hosted by The Arc of Loudoun, this free event offers families, self-advocates, and caregivers the chance to learn more about the disability resources available throughout our community.
For more information, reach out to ally@thearcofloudoun.org.
DSANV Coffee Meet-Up
Join DSANV at Cameron’s Coffee & Chocolates 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.
Career Development
DSANV is partnering with the St. Lucy Food Project Warehouse for our Career Development Program. All members ages 16+ are welcome!
DSANV Park Meet-Up
Stop by Bluemont Park for a relaxed meet-up with fellow DSANV families. All ages welcome!