Friendship Circle of Virginia

Virginia Down Syndrome Association Event - Pontoon Boat Ride
2024-07-16 16:00 - 18:00, 2024-06-25 16:00 - 18:00 (America/New_York) | VA
​Join VDSA for summer pontoon boat rides!

All ages welcome
Parents must accompany any children under the age of 15 (Life vests are required)
Adults with Ds can be drop off
Families are welcome but limited space
Please ensure your child is comfortable with an almost 2 hour sitting boat ride.
June 25 and July 16
4:00 – 6:00 pm

Virginia Down Syndrome Association Event - Pajama and Pizza Party at the Art Factory (0 - 8 Years Old)
2024-07-13 17:00 - 19:00, 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.)

VA Deafblind Project Event - Deafblind Family Field Day
2024-07-13 11:00 - 19:00 | VA
We are so excited.. and we just can’t hide it! Join us for Deafblind Family Field Day in Richmond, Virginia! This event will bring together families across Virginia with deafblind children and young adults! Free to attend with overnight lodging provided for families who will need to travel. Siblings welcome to join the fun, too!

Registration Link: https://forms.gle/i285FqTzWgu9CWbv6

Questions about Field Day, send us an email (vadeafblind@vcu.edu)

Virginia Down Syndrome Association - Shenandoah Valley Picnic
2024-07-13 11:00 - 14:00 | Oakdale Park, 134 Mt Crawford Ave, Bridgewater, Virginia, 22812
Join us for the annual Summer Picnic on Saturday, July 13 from 11 am to 2 pm in Bridgewater.
We look forward to meeting you!

Virginia Down Syndrome Association Event - Summer Painting Classes as the Art Factory
2024-07-12 12:30 - 13:30, 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 Event - Future Planning with Eli's Village
2024-07-11 18:30 - 19:30 | VA
Eli’s Village is hosting a future planning webinar! Join us for an exclusive webinar tailored for families with loved ones with disabilities. Discover comprehensive planning strategies encompassing financial, legal, and public benefit aspects as you prepare for your family’s future. This presentation will guide you through essential considerations and empower you to make informed decisions on topics such as Special Needs Trusts, ABLE Accounts, Decision Making Models and more. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain invaluable insights and peace of mind.

Richmond Urban Dance - Sensory Friendly Hip Hop
2024-07-11 17:15 - 18:00 | Richmond Urban Dance, 900 Catherine Street, Richmond, Virginia, 23220
RUD is excited to present this class for adaptive dancers. Our Sensory Friendly Hip Hop class is a fun and supportive class designed to fit the needs of your child. It will allow them to engage in follow along hip hop dance and creative movement in a safe and loving environment. Each student will have one on one instruction and will be encouraged to express themselves through music and movement in a fun and creative way. No experience is required. Recommended for ages 6-16. Parents discretion on age. Dress attire is tennis shoes and comfortable clothing. A max of 10 dancers will be accepted per class. This is an open class. Drop ins are welcome. Consistent attendance is encouraged. Preregistration required. Class times and locations: Thursdays at 5:15pm at The House. 900 Catherine Street

Friendship Circle of Virginia - Parent Panel Webinar
2024-07-10 20:00 - 21:00 | VA
“How to ask what you don’t know”: Gain insight from experts at every stage across the lifespan for things to know, advocate for, and what to ask. link to be emailed the week prior to the event
Parent Panel Kickoff

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The Life Project - 5th Annual Farming and Assistive Technology Workshop
2024-07-09 11:00 - 17:00 | VSU Randolph Farm, 4415 River Rd, Petersburg, Virginia, 23803
Please join us at Randolph Farm for:

Assistive Technology—with a live hands-on demonstration

Aquaponics | Value Added Ag.

Land Succession

Farmer Panels

Food trucks

We have developed an awesome roster of workshop seminars and interactive programs that will engage and empower you to take your agriculture lifestyle to the next level. This is a workshop you don’t want to miss!
Register at the-lifeproject.com/life-conference.
For more information, contact James (Tony) Edwards at 804-720-2588 or jtedwards@vsu.edu.
If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in this activity, please contact the Small Farm Outreach Program office at smallfarm@vsu.edu or call (804) 524-3292 / TDD (800) 828-1120 during business hours of 8 am. and 5 p.m. to discuss accommodations five days prior to the event.

Tablespoons Bakery - Baking Workshop
2024-07-09 08:00 - 2024-07-12 12:00 | VA
A four-day workshop for teens and young adults. It is for high school students with and without disabilities and high school graduates with disabilities. We have 7 spots remaining and expect them to go quickly!

Our program offers a comprehensive introduction to the food service and retail industry. It’s an ideal platform for those seeking their first taste of our field, individuals considering a career switch to food service, or former students who wish to refresh the skills they acquired during their internship session with us.

Each day will consist of a blend of hands-on job training and some related classroom content – perfect for building independence, confidence, and critical skills to share on a resume.

Please connect with Bri from our team to register, for any questions, or to share your support needs: Brianne@tablespoonsbakery.com

Bridge 9 Theater - Sensory Friendly Improv
2024-06-22 11:00 - 14:00 | Pine Camp Cultural Arts and Community Center, 4901 Old Brook Rd, Richmond, Virginia, 23227
At Bridge 9 Theater we believe that improv should be accessible and inclusive. We are thrilled to bring Sensory Friendly Improv Shows to RVA. Our founder Rachel Garmon-Williams developed the first Sensory Friendly Improv show in RVA in 2017. Since that time they have helped other improv institutions develop sensory friendly performances from North Carolina to Chicago, ComedySportz to Second City and beyond! If this is the space for you we hope you will join us!
What makes THIS different from the regular improv show?
• A pre-visit social story and preparatory materials
• Glow sticks raised when a loud noise is coming
• Reduction of the sound and bright lights on stage
• Low lighting in the theater so patrons can easily and safely move
around throughout the performance
• Limited crowds and spaced out seating to allow more comfort
• Designated break space
• Tablets and smartphones for communication welcomed
• Relaxed house rules – feel free to get up, move around, and vocalize as
you can feel free to be yourself

Thisability event - N.E.S. Cornhole
2024-06-22 10:00 - 13:00 | N.E.S. Cornhole Lounge, 2443 Old Brick Road, Glen Allen, Virginia, 23060
Lunch and cornhole event for families and individuals with disabilities

Chesterfield Public Library - Sensory Hour at Bon Air Library
2024-06-22 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.

Children's Museum Chesterfield - Sensory Friendly Nights
2024-06-21 17:00 - 19:00 | 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 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 - 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
