Health & Wellness
A healthy lifestyle supports a lifetime of growth, confidence, and well-being. DSANV's health and wellness programs encourage individuals with Down syndrome and their families to stay active, build healthy habits, and explore activities that promote physical, emotional, and social wellness. From adaptive fitness and recreational programs to swim safety, yoga, and wellness education, our offerings are designed to help participants thrive in every aspect of life.
-
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.
Requirements for Participation (Swimmer must meet all of below criteria):
Minimum age - 3 years old
Have a diagnosed disability
Without a tracheostomy
If G-tube stoma older than 2 months
Stay tuned for our next iCan Swim Camp openings!
Questions? Please contact Laura Danner, Program Coordinator at programs@dsanv.org.
-
DSANV is partnering with iCan Shine to bring the iCan Bike Camp to Northern Virginia. 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.
Requirements for Participation :
Have a disability
Minimum age 8 years old
Able to sidestep to both sides
Able to attend camp all 5 days
Able to walk without assistive device
Maximum weight 220 lbs.
Willing and able to wear a properly fitted bike helmet
Minimum inseam of 20” (measure from floor while rider is wearing sneakers)
Accompanied by parent/guardian willing and able to intervene or assist staff as requested in addressing any prolonged disruptive or aggressive behavior
Stay tuned for our next iCan Bike Camp openings!
Questions? Please contact Laura Danner, Program Coordinator at programs@dsanv.org.
-
Join DSANV for an unforgettable Zumba Masterclass!
This high-energy class is designed to bring the community together to dance, sweat, and smile with electrifying music and dynamic choreography. All fitness and experience levels are welcome—come as you are and leave inspired, empowered, and energized. Open to all ages and skill levels.
Stay tuned for our next Zumba Masterclass openings!
Questions? Please contact Laura Danner, Program Coordinator at programs@dsanv.org.
-
DSANV joins the Reston Bike Club's Ken Thompson Century bike ride!
Choose from 4 different distances- Century (100 miles), Metric Century (62 miles), Half Metric Century (31 miles), Family Length (10 miles)
Rider support provided at designated aid stations
Don't ride?! There will be volunteer opportunities with us at our sponsored rest stop along the course. Help us spread awareness about our mission!
This is an inclusive event. All abilities and ages are welcome!
Stay tuned for more details.
Questions? Please contact Laura Danner, Program Coordinator at programs@dsanv.org.
-
Item description
-
Down to Box has partnered with the Down Syndrome Association of Northern Virginia (DSANV) to bring specialized, high-energy boxing fitness classes to our community. Designed specifically to cater to each participant's unique needs and abilities, these 60-minute sessions provide a fun, supportive, and dynamic environment for individuals with Down syndrome and other developmental disabilities.
Each session follows a structured format featuring a warm-up, conditioning exercises, group work, movement practice, and a cool-down.
What boxers will build and gain:
Targeted Health Benefits: Incorporates tailored movements to help improve hypotonia (low muscle tone and strength commonly experienced by individuals with Down syndrome).
Skill & Athletic Development: Focuses on conditioning for speed, agility, endurance, accuracy, hand-eye coordination, and footwork while building coordination through core boxing techniques.
Confidence & Empowerment: Enhances personal confidence and teaches foundational self-defense skills.
Individual Adaptations: Modifies techniques and exercises so every boxer can participate comfortably and thrive at their own pace.
Stay tuned for upcoming events!
Questions? Please contact Laura Danner, Program Coordinator at programs@dsanv.org.
Find Your Next Opportunity to Connect!
Whether you're looking for educational workshops, social gatherings, family events, wellness programs, or opportunities to build new skills, there's always something happening at DSANV. Explore our calendar to discover upcoming events, register for programs, and find meaningful ways to connect with our community throughout the year.

