DOWNS SYNDROME ASSOCIATION OF GREATER RICHMOND INC
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Mission Statement
The Virginia Down Syndrome Association, formerly Down Syndrome Association of Greater Richmond, is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that benefits the lives of individuals with Down syndrome and their families through individual and family support, education, community awareness and advocacy.
About This Cause
VDSA helps our families by providing services that are not available to their child within the community or school. Bridging gaps in community services and providing opportunities that allow each person with Down syndrome to grow, learn, and develop life-long living skills that will improve their ability to work and live independently and to reach their full potential. Our programs and services include: First Call: A volunteer group of experienced parents who provide hospital outreach and peer mentoring. They also provide informational materials about Down syndrome(DS) and other available resources to local medical professionals and hospitals. The Learning Program: Provides direct monthly instruction in literacy, math, fine motor skills & language for pre-school children with DS & their parents. Summer Employment Academy: Providing individualized interest based work experiences to develop soft skills within the workplace for high school students. Transition Boot Camp: Transition Boot Camp is for parents of children with Down syndrome ages 13 to 20. A series of sessions are designed to give parents the tools they need to get the most out of the middle and high school secondary transition process required by IDEA. Parent Participants – a Teen Class is being offered to teens with Down syndrome. Teens attend a separate class led by a team from I’m Determined to practice self-determination skills all in a fun learning environment! HandsUp! Playgroup, Adventurers, FunQuest & Fun4Life: Social, educational, and cultural activity groups for individuals with DS ranging from birth to adulthood. D.A.D.S.: Dads Appreciating Down Syndrome provides assistance and support to fathers and families of individuals with DS through fellowship and action. Lending Library: Provides current resources pertaining to DS in various mediums for members to check-out at no cost. Advocacy: Encourages and empowers parents to advocate for their children at all levels of government. Community Engagement and Education Scholarships: Provides financial assistance for individuals with DS to participate in enriching extracurricular and educational activities (i.e. summer camp, dance classes, swimming lessons). Education Seminars: These meetings are open to the public and provide social and educational opportunities for families with individuals with DS or anyone else who works or interacts with individuals with DS. Dinner, child care for young children and activities of older children are provided. Adult Skills Development Series: This series provides training on all aspects of independent living such as money management, cooking, self-advocacy, speaking confidently, etc. Educational Conferences: DSAGR hosts an annual "From PossAbilities to Practical Applications" Disability Education and Transition Conference designed for general & special educators, parents and other professionals from throughout the Mid-Atlantic region to discover how to better educate children and young adults with disabilities. NEW! Transition track for parents and educators of transition age students! Meet and share ideas with other attendees during the networking luncheon and visit with exhibitors throughout the day!