Friendship Circle of Virginia

Children's Museum Chesterfield - Sensory Friendly Nights
2024-06-21 17:00 - 19:00 (America/New_York) | Children’s Museum of Richmond – Chesterfield, 6629 Lake Harbour Dr, Midlothian, VA, 23220
The Children’s Museum is excited to host a FREE night for families with children with disabilities on the third Friday of each month from 5:00-7:00 pm.
Families can register in advance via the link below or can register in-person upon arrival.
Please click here to register for Sensory-Friendly Nights Chesterfield.
A cool down room will be available and sensory supports provided. We can’t wait to play with you!

Jacob's Chance Event - Summer Tee Off 2024
2024-06-21 10:00 - 13:00 | The Diamond, 3001 N Arthur Ashe Blvd, Richmond, VA, 23230
Join Jacob’s Chance and First Tee for an event hosted by the Richmond Flying Squirrels featuring a variety of adaptive golf themed games, activities, and a picnic lunch! 50 participants with disabilities and their families will have the chance to be introduced to a variety of golf themed activities, including running the bases of the Diamond during a game of golf baseball!
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Volunteers will be paired 1:1 to assist participants throughout the event as needed, providing opportunities for socializing and making sure they have the BEST time!
Expect fun, laughs, and special guest appearances!
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The Next Move Program - Capable 2024
2024-06-20 17:30 - 19:30 | The Virginia House, 4301 Sulgrave Road, Richmond, Virginia, 23221
For the eighth year, Capable is returning! This year, our team is recruiting a new group of models from the disability community who are making Virginia better through their advocacy, engagement, and talents. Several top professional photographers are again donating their services to the campaign and capturing portraits of each model at The Virginia House. This year, we have also opened up the campaign to include kids! Throughout the spring, we will reveal each model’s portraits, interviews, and a model-led Instagram takeover. All of this will culminate with our exhibit of the campaign opening at The Virginia Museum of History & Culture this summer. The Capable Exhibit will be open to the general public from mid-June until the end of the year.
We are holding the annual campaign celebration and exhibit preview to celebrate our models, photographers, and the power of inclusion. It will be held on June 20, 2024, from 5:30-7:30 pm in the gardens at The Virginia Home with an expected audience of 200 guests for this outdoor event.

SOAR365 Event - Summer Series with Special Olympics
2024-06-20 17:30 - 19:30 | Park 365, 3600 Saunders Ave, Richmond, VA, 23227
SOAR365 is thrilled to announce the return of Summer Series to PARK365!
Presented by Call Federal Credit Union, we’re once again teaming up with local nonprofits to host two nights of free, inclusive fun at the best playground in Richmond.
Join us from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on June 20 and July 18 to enjoy food trucks, a DJ and more!
Both events are free, but registration is requested. Each date has a separate registration link, so please visit one or both depending on when you’d like to join us! Anyone and everyone are welcome to attend, and you can either attend just one date or both dates.
PARK365 is already home to an accessible treehouse and merry-go-round, supportive swings, colorful playgrounds and athletic courts for all to enjoy.
Each night of Summer Series, however, one of our community partners will introduce new ways to play with free, accessible activities for the whole family

Children's Assistive Technology Services (C.A.T.S.) - Equipment Scrub
2024-06-15 09:00 - 13:00 | C.A.T.S. Richmond, 2545 Gayton Centre Drive, Richmond, Virginia, 23238
C.A.T.S. Richmond will be hosting an Equipment Scrub at their location, 2545 Gayton Centre Drive, on June 15th from 9am – 1pm
We have a large portion of our facility FULL of new donations from kids who have outgrown items, and lots of children who need them next. The hard work of volunteers, college students, community groups and civic organizations helping clean the equipment has made this program successful. We honestly could not survive without you all!!!
If you could come join us and/or share the invitation with a friend we would be grateful. Let’s get these slots filled up to allow us to continue serving the Greater Richmond Area!
To sign up, please visit https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040944ACAE2FA2F49-49870667-equipment#/.

Virginia Down Syndrome Association Event - Summer Painting Classes as the Art Factory
2024-06-14 12:30 - 13:30 | The Art Factory, 4810 Market Square Lane, Midlothian, Virginia, 23112
Summer Painting Classes at The Art Factory

Once a month on Fridays
12:30 pm – 1:30 pm
$15 per class
7/12, 8/9, 9/13
FunQuest (Ages 13-21) & Fun4Life (21+)adults!
Siblings welcome.
Art Factory, 4810 Market Square Lane, Midlothian VA 23112

Virginia Down Syndrome Association Fundraiser - 2nd Annual Dancing with the Local Stars Gala
2024-06-13 17:30 - 22:00 | Altria Theater, 6 North Laurel Street, Richmond, Virginia, 23220
The 2nd annual Dancing with the Local Stars Gala will be both a fundraising event for VDSA as well as an opportunity to celebrate our families and raise community awareness. We are partnering with specialty dancers from Miracles in Motion, a non-profit dance group that provides specialized dance instruction to individuals with disabilities of all ages. These dancers, 4 of whom have Down Syndrome, will be paired with local celebrities to perform a choreographed dance and be celebrated as a pair.

Virginia Ability Event - 2024 Annual ADA Update Program
2024-06-13 11:00 - 13:00 | Performance Food Group, 12500 West Creek Parkway, Richmond, VA, 23238 Most popular places at this a
Virginia Ability invites you to attend our annual in-person ADA Legal Update Luncheon: Accommodating Invisible Disabilities in the Workplace, on June 13 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. Don’t miss out on this business educational program hosted by Performance Food Group (PFG) with guest speaker Steve Brown, Isler Dare, who will discuss why organizations should be prepared to accommodate the invisible (or hidden) disabilities of their employees.
This FREE in-person program will take place at the PFG Corporate Office located at 12500 West Creek Parkway. HR professionals can earn 1.0 hour of SHRM continuing education credits for their attendance. Lunch will be provided.
After attending this workshop, participants will be able to:

Better understand HR and legal challenges around invisible disabilities, including what qualifies;
Devise strategies to promote self-disclosure benefitting both the organization and the employee; and
Implement best practices to accommodate invisible disabilities in the workplace.

Registration Opens: 11:00 am
Luncheon and networking: 11:30 am – 12:00 pm
Session: 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm

Henrico County Public Library - Adaptive Storytime at Fairfield Area Library
2024-06-13 10:00 - 10:30 | Fairfield Area Library, 1401 N Laburnum Ave, Richmond, VA, 23223
Best for ages 1-12 and all abilities with an adult. Designed to be welcoming for neurodivergent children, this inclusive storytime incorporates movement, music, stories, sensory activities, and play. Activities presented generally fall within a preschool interest level. Siblings and therapists are welcome.
Registration is required for all attendees (including parents/caregivers) and opens one week before the storytime. Please call the Fairfield Library at (804) 501-1930 if you need help with registration.

Chesterfield Public Library - Adaptive Storytime at Clover Hill Library
2024-06-13 09:30 - 10:00 | Clover Hill Library, 6701 Deer Run Drive, Midlothian, Virginia, 23112
Does your child have specific sensory needs? Are traditional story times too much stimulation? Enjoy stories, songs and movement specially planned for neurodivergent children. Includes playtime for the children and connection time for the adults. Ages 4-8 and their caregivers. Registration begins two weeks before each program.

Chesterfield Public Library - Sensory Hour at Clover Hill Library
2024-06-13 08:00 - 09:00 | Clover Hill Library, 6701 Deer Run Drive, Midlothian, Virginia, 23112
Clover Hill Library will open an hour early to provide those with sensory issues with a quiet environment where they can safely browse and enjoy the Library.

Henrico County Public Library - Adaptive Storytime at Tuckahoe Area Library
2024-06-11 15:30 - 16:00 | Tuckahoe Area Library, 1901 Starling Dr, Henrico, Virginia, 23229
Best for ages 1-12 and all abilities with an adult. Designed to be welcoming for neurodivergent children, this inclusive storytime incorporates movement, music, stories, sensory activities, and play. Activities presented generally fall within a preschool interest level. Siblings and therapists are welcome.
Registration is required for all attendees (including parents/caregivers) and opens one week before the storytime. Please call the Tuckahoe Library at (804) 501-1910 if you need help with registration.

Henrico County Public Library - Adaptive Storytime at Varina Area Library
2024-06-11 10:30 - 11:00 | Varina Area Library, 1875 New Market Rd, Henrico, Virginia, 23231
Best for ages 1-12 and all abilities with an adult. Designed to be welcoming for neurodivergent children, this inclusive storytime incorporates movement, music, stories, sensory activities, and play. Activities presented generally fall within a preschool interest level. Siblings and therapists are welcome.
Registration is required for all attendees (including parents/caregivers) and opens one week before the storytime. Please call the Varina Library at (804) 501-1980 if you need help with registration.

Beyond Boundaries Event - 5th Annual R.I.M.B.Y. Festival
2024-06-09 12:00 - 16:00 | Hardywood Brewery, 2410 Ownby Lane, Richmond, Virginia, 23220
The RVA RIMBY Festival (Right In My BackYard) is exactly that, a free outdoor festival highlighting all of the incredible and unique outdoor activities right in the backyard of Richmond.
Join us for fun, food, drinks, music, games, and prizes.
Proceeds from this festival provide outdoor adventure and environmental education opportunities to individuals with disabilities, underserved youth, vets, and recovery programs.

Virginia Down Syndrome Association Event - Pajama and Pizza Party at the Art Factory (0 - 8 Years Old)
2024-06-08 17:00 - 19:00 | Art Factory, 4810 Market Square Lane, Midlothian, VA, 23112
Free For Individuals with Down Syndrome

Summer Saturday Nights
June 8, July 13, &/or Aug. 3
5:00 to 7:00 pm
Baby to 8 years old
Siblings welcome
$5 per person includes pizza and drinks (Ind. w/Ds free)
Art Factory Play Space, Midlothian (Hwy 288 & Hull St.)

Virginia Down Syndrome Association event - Art in the Park (ages 8-12)
2024-06-08 10:00 - 11:30 | Huguenot Park, 10901 Robious Rd, Richmond, VA, 23235
oin us for Art in the Park! Art projects and playing are the best!

April 20 – Deep Run Park, Henrico, 9900 Ridgefield Pkwy, Richmond, VA 23233
May 4 – Huguenot Park, Midlothian
June 8 – Park 365, Richmond

10:00 am to 11:30 am
Baby to 12 years old
Siblings welcome

Virginia Down Syndrome Association Event - Medicaid Launch 'n Learn with Anthem HealthKeepers Plus
2024-06-06 12:00 - 13:00 | Virginia Down Syndrome Association, 1504 Santa Rosa Rd, Richmond, VA, 23229
Have lunch and get updated on Medicaid!
Anthem HealthKeepers Plus will review current happenings within Medicaid as well as give an overview of core benefits and value added benefits. Lunch will be provided!

Sportable Event: River City Slam Wheelchair Tennis Tournament
2024-06-06 - 2024-06-09 | Collegiate School Robins Campus, 400 Blair Road, Richmond, Virginia, 23238
Sportable’s 2024 River City Slam Wheelchair Tennis Tournament returns June 6-9, 2024 at Collegiate School’s Williams Bollettieri Tennis Center.
The USTA Level 1 / ITF Futures event anticipates top class competition and nationally ranked wheelchair tennis players representing states from coast-to-coast, in both junior and adult divisions (A, B, C, D, and Quad Open).
What: River City Slam Wheelchair Tennis Tournament
When: June 6-9, 2024
Where: Collegiate Schools Robins Campus – 400 Blair Road, Richmond, VA 23238

Mothers and Autism Meetup: Colorful Connections Autism Fest
2024-06-01 11:00 - 14:00 | Harry G. Daniel Pak at Ironbridge, 6600 White pine Road, Richmond, Virginia, 23237
Mothers and Autism Meetup is thrilled to present COLORFUL CONNECTIONS AUTISM FEST! Join us for a day filled with fun activities, workshops, and connections in a vibrant and inclusive environment. This in-person event will be held at Harry G. Daniel Park at Ironbridge, so come ready to celebrate the uniqueness of individuals on the autism spectrum. Let’s create memorable moments and forge lasting friendships together. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to connect with other families and support networks. See you there!
Here’s what you can expect:
📚 Educational Workshops: Tailored sessions for mothers to learn about advocacy, resources, and effective parenting strategies for children on the autism spectrum.
🤝 Community Support: Connect with a network of mothers sharing similar experiences, and engage with organizations that understand your journey.
🎉 Fun Activities for Kids:
🏰 Bounce Houses
🏃‍♂️ Relay Races
🎈 Bubbles and More!
These activities are designed to help children break social barriers and foster peer awareness and acceptance in a fun, supportive environment.

Medical Home Plus Event – MHP’s IEP Essentials Webinar 12pm
2024-05-30 12:00 - 13:00 | VA
IEP Essentials is a live, online 45 minute workshop presented free of charge. This workshop gives parents/guardians of children with special needs the essential knowledge they must have to be effective advocates for their children’s unique educational needs. After attending this workshop, you will understand the key features of IEPs (Individualized Education Programs) and Section 504 plans, how to request an educational plan, and how to advocate for your child during the educational planning process.

Bon Air Library - Sensory Hour
2024-05-25 08:00 - 09:00 | Bon Air Library, 9103 Rattlesnake Rd, North Chesterfield, Virginia, 23235
Bon Air Library will open an hour early to provide those with sensory needs a quiet environment where they can safely browse and enjoy the library.

Virginia Down Syndrome Association Event: Painting Class at The Art Factory
2024-05-10 12:30 - 13:30 | Art Factory, 4810 Market Square Lane, Midlothian, VA, 23112
Creative Canvas at the Art Factory exclusive adaptive painting class for individuals with disabilities and Virginia Down Syndrome Association. This class is opening to individuals with Down syndrome or other disabilities.
Once a month on Fridays: Jan. 12, Feb. 9, March 8, April 12 and May 10.
For homeschoolers and Fun4Life ages 21+
$15 per class at The Art Factory. 4810 Market Square Lane, Midlothian VA 23112.
A VDSA staff member will be there. Parents and caregivers are welcome to either stay in the class, enjoy the Art Factory’s coffee area or drop off and pick up.
Seasonal canvas painting for each class.
Register here:
https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/65181-painting-class-at-the-art-factory

Northstar Event - Career Center Open House
2024-05-09 15:30 - 17:30 | Northstar, 11501 Nuckols Road, Glen Allen, VA, 23059
EVENT DETAILS:
Northstar Career Center Open House
May 9, 2024
3:30p-5:30p
11501 Nuckols Road, Glen Allen, VA 23059

Northstar Career Center promotes career opportunities for students with disabilities who have academic, physical, or social challenges ages 16-24.

Students learn the skills necessary for competitive careers through hands-on instruction, work-flow management, and furthering those skills with work site experiences.
Event link: https://northstarva.org/event/northstar-career-center-open-house-2/

Friendship Circle - Disability Inclusion Day at the Diamond
2024-05-09 08:00 - 17:00 | The Diamond, 3001 N Arthur Ashe Blvd, Richmond, VA, 23230
Friendship Circle of Virginia is so excited to host the 3rd Annual Disability Inclusion Day at the Diamond – Highlighting Disability Inclusion and Mental Health, on Sunday, May 19, 2024 at 1:35pm. This event is presented by fas mart for the 3rd year in a row.
Disability Inclusion Day at the Diamond highlights the importance of an inclusive community by bringing people with and without disabilities together to experience a baseball game in a supportive, inclusive environment. Friendship Circle of Virginia has added accessibility supports so that people with disabilities and mental health conditions and their loved ones can participate in America’s favorite pastime in an iconic RVA way. Open to the entire RVA community!
Request your free tickets at InclusionDayRVA.comHighlights Include:-Increased accessible seating (first come first serve)-Sensory break bags-Sensory Zone-Kids field activities-ASL services-Audio Description Services-Additional quiet space-Sensory friendly gate-Closed captioning-Lower speaker volume-Giveaway-Dietary Accommodations-Adult changing area
National Anthem sung by American Idol finalist, Shayy Winn!

Nest Academy - Nest 5th Fun Walk
2024-05-04 10:00 - 12:00 | 465 Broad Street Road Manakin Sabot, VA 23103, 465 Broad Street Road, Manakin Sabot, VA, 23103

Medical Home Plus - MHP's IEP Essentials Webinar 7pm
2024-05-02 19:00 - 20:00 | VA

Medical Home Plus Event - MHP's IEP Essentials Webinar 12pm
2024-05-02 12:00 - 13:00 | VA

VDSA Event - Pre-Mother's Day Tea
2024-04-27 13:30 | Tea with Kip, 11164 Hull Street Rd, Midlothian, VA, 23112, United States
THIS SATURDAY
4 Course Tea Lunch for Pre-mother’s day.
Parents, Grandparents and siblings invited
Adults with Down syndrome are welcome to be dropped off for Tea and join friends
Saturday, April 27 from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm
Cost $28 per person (or register at VIP for not cost as VDSA wants to welcome everyone).
Pearls for the ladies and bow ties for gentlemen upon arrival
Ages 13 plus

SMVA Event - Minds of All Kinds
2024-04-19 16:00 - 20:00 | Science Museum of Virginia, 2500 West Broad Street, Richmond, VA, 23220

FCVA Event - April Birthday Circle @ Loving Acres
2024-04-14 14:00 - 16:00 | Loving Acres, 10800 Chalkley Rd, Richmond, VA, 23237
Alexis Nichols Birthday Circle – Loving Acres Farm Sanctuary

Named after friend, former board member, and animal lover, Alexis Nichols.
We will meet at Loving Acres for a tour of the farm, crafts, and treats.
Parking is limited! We encourage carpooling.
10800 Chalkley Rd, Richmond, VA 23237
