Friendship Circle of Virginia

ASCV Event-Safety Seminar with Chesterfield Police Department (Ages 12+)
2025-05-03 08:30 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | Eanes-Pittman Public Safety Training Center, 6610 Public Safety Way, Chesterfield, VA, 23832, United States
Join the Autism Society of Central Virginia and the Chesterfield Police Department for a FREE Safety Seminar on Saturday, May 3, 2025, from 8:30 AM to 1:00 PM!

This interactive seminar (designed for ages 12+) will feature officer-led scenarios where you can practice what to do if you’re pulled over while driving or stopped while walking. Learn essential skills such as how to make a 911 call and what to do in the event of a fire.

In addition, community resource representatives will be on hand to provide helpful information and answer your questions.

Light refreshments will be available, and we look forward to seeing you there for this informative and empowering event!

This event is free, registration is required.

Nest Academy Event- 6th Annual Fun Run & Walk
2025-05-03 09:00 - 12:00 | 465 Broad Street Road Manakin Sabot, VA 23103, 465 Broad Street Road, Manakin Sabot, VA, 23103
Come roll with us as we celebrate Nest! 9:00 AM- Registration 9:30 AM- Run/Walk/Roll Starts 9:00 AM- 12:00 PM- Vendors, Food, Alpacas, and Music Silent Auction begins Friday, May 2nd at 10:00 AM and closes on Saturday, May 3rd at 11:45 PM

Nest Academy RVA is turning another year older, and we’re celebrating with our 6th Annual Fun Run & Walk! Join the fun with our silent auction, alpacas, music, and more! Your support helps us make a positive impact in the community.
Let’s make this Fun Run & Walk an unforgettable milestone in our journey! Thank you for being a part of the Nest Academy RVA family!

ThisAbility Event- Caregiver Paint and Lunch
2025-05-03 13:00 - 15:30 | Market Street Coffee, 111 N. Market St., Petersburg, VA, 23803, United States
CAREGIVERS, THIS ONE’S FOR YOU! 🎉 You give so much to others — now it’s your turn to be celebrated! 💖 Join us for a FREE Caregiver Paint & Lunch event hosted by ThisAbility

ASCV Event-Sensory-Friendly Safety Fair (All Ages)
2025-05-03 14:00 - 16:00 | Eanes-Pittman Public Safety Training Center, 6610 Public Safety Way, Chesterfield, VA, 23832, United States
Join the Autism Society of Central Virginia and the Chesterfield Police Department for the Sensory-Friendly Safety Fair on Saturday, May 3, 2025, from 2-4 PM!

We invite you to this exciting, sensory-friendly event designed for all ages! Meet local first responders, get to know public safety personnel, and explore emergency vehicles up close. You’ll also learn about valuable community resources and essential safety tips.

Enjoy a fun-filled afternoon with games, face painting, delicious food, and more! This event is FREE, so bring the whole family for an afternoon of learning and enjoyment!

This event is free, registration is required. Please register each person who will be attending.

VSDA and Beyond Boundaries Event: Family-Friendly Nature Walk
2025-05-04 15:00 - 16:30 | Deep Run Park and Recreation Center, 9900 Ridgefield Pkwy, Richmond, Virginia, 23233
Join VDSA for a family-friendly nature walk!
Sunday, May 4th at Deep Run Park
3:00 pm – 4:30 pm
Will end with snacks and drinks / All ages and siblings welcome!
No charge
Led by Beyond Boundaries

All Abilities Family Swim
2025-05-05 16:30 - 18:00 | Goldfish Swim – Glen Allen, 9782 Gayton Rd, Richmond, VA 23238, Richmond, VA, 23238
Goldfish Swim School – Richmond West End is hosting their 3rd All Abilities Swim on Monday, May 5th, for FCVA families! This session is now open to all children and teens in the disability community, so bring your friends and spread the word! This is the same private swim time with your child in a supportive environment while the facility is closed to the public. Instruction is available if desired, to build confidence and skills in the water.

Goldfish has a state of the art heated indoor pool with a warmed pool deck. All ages and all disabilities welcome! All children are required to have a parent/guardian in the pool within arms reach of them. Lifejackets will be provided for anyone who needs them. Goldfish does not currently have a chair lift, but they do have stairs and a bench within the pool if you need help getting lowered in with assistance.

THIS EVENT IS FREE!! Kick off summer and come on Monday, May 5th, 4:30 to 6:00pm, space is limited so sign up here to reserve your spot today!

ASCV and Jacob's Chance Event- Pickleball for Teens & Adults
2025-05-06 17:30 - 2025-05-20 18:30 | The Springs Rec Center, 302 Lee Ave., Henrico, VA, 23075, United States
Join us for a fun and inclusive Pickleball Clinic in partnership with Jacob’s Chance! This adaptive program is perfect for teens and adults of all abilities who want to learn and enjoy the exciting game of pickleball in a supportive environment.No prior experience is needed, our coaches will guide participants through the basics, including paddle skills, movement, and gameplay. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to improve, come join us for active fun, social connection, and skill-building!

Dates: May 6th, 13th, & 20th (Registration is for all three dates)

VDSA Event: Painting Class
2025-05-09 12:30 - 13:30 | Art Factory, 4810 Market Square Lane, Midlothian, VA, 23112
Richmond – Painting Class in Midlothian

Fridays
12:30 to 1:30 pm
$15 per person
Open to All Friends with Disabilities
Dates: January 10, Feb. 14, March 14, April 11 and May 9
Art Factory, 4810 Market Square Ln, Midlothian

VDSA Event- Family Roller Skating at Chester Skateland!
2025-05-13 18:00 - 20:30 | Chester Skateland, 2300 Southland Dr., Chester, VA, 23831, United States
Join VDSA for a Fun Family Skate Night at Chester Skateland!
Admission: including 30 minutes of teaching lesson and 2 hours of family skate
$5 with/without skates
$5 SkateMate (if needed)

VDSA Event: Richmond – Project Lifesaver Information Session
2025-05-14 18:30 - 19:30 | Virginia Down Syndrome Association, 1504 Santa Rosa Rd, Richmond, VA, 23229
Deputy Jones with Henrico County Sheriff’s Office will be giving an information session on Project Lifesaver. Project Lifesaver is the premier search and rescue program operated internationally by public safety agencies, and is strategically designed for “at risk” individuals who are prone to the life threatening behavior of wandering. The primary mission of Project Lifesaver is to provide timely response to save lives and reduce potential injury for adults and children with the propensity to wander.
This program will be presented in-person at the Virginia Down Syndrome Association office on Wednesday, May 14th from 6:30pm-7:30pm.

Children's Museum of VA Event- SENSORY-FRIENDLY NIGHTS – Downtown
2025-05-16 17:00 - 19:00 | Children’s Museum of Richmond – Downtown, 2626 W Broad St, Richmond, 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.
A cool down room will be available and sensory supports provided. We can’t wait to play with you!

VDSA Event: Spring Tea in Paris
2025-05-24 11:30 - 13:00 | Tea with Kip, 11164 Hull Street Rd, Midlothian, VA, 23112, United States
Spring Tea in Paris
Ages 13 and up
Accommodations for allergies and food dislikes
Gluten Free – separate and no cross contamination
For the Ladies: Pearls and hats available upon arrival
For the Gentlemen: Hats and bowties available upon arrival
We want to include everyone
If the registration fee would prevent you from attending, please use code “VIPguest” to register at no cost.

VDSA Event- Grandparents Group – June 2025
2025-06-02 18:30 - 19:30 | Virginia Down Syndrome Association, 1504 Santa Rosa Rd, Richmond, VA, 23229
A support group where we share our experiences with our grandchildren. We enjoy a bagged dinner together and learn from each other.

Sportable Event- River City Slam Wheelchair Tennis Tournament
2025-06-05 08:00 - 2025-06-08 17:00 | Collegiate Schools Robins Campus, 400 Blair Rd., Richmond, VA, 23238, United States
Sportable’s 2025 River City Slam Wheelchair Tennis Tournament returns June 5-8, 2025 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).

VDSA Event: River City Inclusive Gym – Henrico/Richmond – Ages 2-8
2025-06-07 15:00 - 15:45 | River City Inclusive Gym, 11248 Patterson Ave, Richmond, VA, 23238
River City Inclusive Gym – Winter/Spring 2025 Ages 2 to 8

Monthly on Saturdays
$10 per session
Space is limited and Siblings welcome

VDSA Event: River City Inclusive Gym – Henrico/Richmond – Ages 9 to adult
2025-06-07 16:00 - 16:45 | River City Inclusive Gym, 11248 Patterson Ave, Richmond, VA, 23238
River City Inclusive Gym – Winter/Spring 2025 Ages 9 to Adult

$10 per session
Space is limited and Siblings welcome

Children's Museum of Va- SENSORY-FRIENDLY NIGHTS – Chesterfield
2025-06-20 17:00 - 19:00 | Children’s Museum of Richmond – Chesterfield, 6629 Lake Harbour Dr, Midlothian, VA, 23220

4th Annual Disability Inclusion Day at the Diamond
2025-06-29 13:35 - 16:30 | The Diamond, 3001 N Arthur Ashe Blvd, Richmond, VA, 23230
Friendship Circle of Virginia’s 4th Annual Disability Inclusion Day at the Diamond offers a variety of accommodations to make this Richmond Flying Squirrel’s baseball game accessible to all!

Celebrating Inclusion & Mental Health – In partnership with the Richmond Flying Squirrels, this event highlights the importance of an inclusive community by bringing together people with and without disabilities to experience a baseball game in a welcoming environment.
Accessibility Supports – Friendship Circle of Virginia has added a large number of accessibility supports such as ASL interpretation, Closed Captioning, Audio Description Services, a Sensory Zone, and more so that individuals with disabilities and mental health conditions can fully participate.
Free & Open to the RVA Community – The event is completely free (the only cost is parking), ensuring that everyone can take part in this special day.

As part of this initiative, we will distribute 10,000 FREE tickets to individuals with disabilities and their families through nonprofits and via ticket requests. Tickets are now live on our DIDD website: InclusionDayRVA

Minds of All Kinds
2025-07-12 16:00 - 20:00 | Science Museum of Virginia, 2500 West Broad Street, Richmond, VA, 23220
Join us for a sensory-friendly evening
You’re going to dig this paleontological adventure! Enjoy a less crowded environment as you get hands-on with dinosaur-themed activities designed to pique curiosity and inspire discovery. The event features accommodations for sensitivities to lights and sounds.

VDSA Event: Shenandoah Valley 10th Annual Summer Picnic
2025-07-19 11:00 - 14:00 | Oakdale Park, 134 Mt Crawford Ave, Bridgewater, Virginia, 22812
We’re excited to come together for our 10th annual summer potluck picnic! 10 years!! Wild.

Bring the family and enjoy this outdoor event in fellowship and fun at the park.
Hot dogs and burgers will be provided. Water, drinks, and sanitizer, too. Feel free to bring a side dish or dessert.

FCVA and Beyond Boundaries Event: Family Pontoon Ride
2025-07-20 13:00 - 16:00 | Osborne Park and Boat Landing, 9680 Osborne Turnpike, Henrico, VA, 23231, United States
FCVA Families are invited to enjoy a relaxing pontoon ride on the James with Beyond Boundaries!

VDSA: Richmond Grandparents Group
2025-08-04 18:30 - 19:30 | Virginia Down Syndrome Association, 1504 Santa Rosa Rd, Richmond, VA, 23229

2nd Annual All Abilities Sports Day
2025-08-24 15:00 - 17:00 | James M. Holland Recreation Complex at Beulah, 6901 Hopkins Rd, North Chesterfield, VA, 23234
Join Friendship Circle of Virginia, Jacob’s Chance, and Sportable for an inclusive sporting event designed for individuals of all abilities!
Suggested age range 5-40.
This event pairs attendees one to one with volunteers in the community for friendship and fun giving participants the opportunity to try various adaptive sports with Jacob’s Chance and Sportable! Lineup: Basketball, Pickleball, Seated Volleyball, and Goalball!
Enjoy snacks, crafts, and a sensory area provided by Friendship Circle. Don’t miss this opportunity for fun and community engagement!
This event is in partnership with Chesterfield County Department of Parks and Recreation and generously sponsored by Wegmans.

ASCV Event- Elementary Bowling
2025-08-25 13:00 - 14:30 | Bowl America Short Pump, 4400 Pouncey Tract Rd, Glen Allen, Virginia, 23060
Bowling is a program for autistic youth in elementary school. This is a great opportunity for participants to socialize in a fun and supportive setting. Players are grouped with peers by age. Volunteers and staff are on-site to assist participants as they bowl within their age groups.

AGES/TIMES
Elementary-age (ages 5-12): 1:00 PM arrival, play until about 2:30 PM (groups will play up to 2 games)NOTES

You only need to register a ticket for the participants bowling (you don’t need to register a ticket for caregivers)
Due to limited capacity, please only register autistic individuals in the household.
Caregivers must stay onsite while their loved one is bowling.

Fees: Pay-what-you-can tiered pricing structure – register at the rate that works best for you/your family:

Reduced Rate – $10/participant
Standard Rate – $15/participant
Supporter Rate – $20/participant

ASCV Event: Preschool Meetup at Sunshine Play Cafe
2025-08-28 16:00 - 18:00 | Sunshine Play Cafe, 9200 Stony Point Pkwy Suite 158b, Richmond, VA, 23235, United States
Enjoy regular fun activities in the community while getting to meet other families! This month, our preschool families are invited to join us for a play date at Sunshine Play Cafe!
AGES
Birth to 5

*The Sunshine Play Cafe requires all children to wear grippy socks. You may bring your own grippy socks if you already have them, or they may be purchased on-site for $3. All caregivers must also wear socks, but they do not have to be grippy.

Fees:

Caregivers – Free
Reduced Rate – $10/PreK participant
Standard Rate – $15/PreK participant
Supporter Rate – $20/PreK participant

VDSA Event: Virtual - Comprehensive Caregiver Support
2025-09-05 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual
Connect with other caregivers and individuals with a dual diagnosis in a loosely facilitated discussion format.

VDSA Event: Art in the Park (ages 2-12)
2025-09-06 10:00 - 12:00 | Crump Park, 3400 Mountain Rd., Glen Allen, VA, 23060, United States
Join us for Art in the Park! Art projects and playing are the best!
Baby to 12 years old.
Siblings welcome.

ASCV Event: RVA Duck Race and Festival of Inclusion
2025-09-06 11:00 - 16:00 | Browns Island, S 7th St, Richmond, VA, 23219
Returning to Brown’s Island on September 6, 2025, the Autism Society of Central Virginia will host the iconic race and Richmond’s largest sensory-friendly festival. Beyond the race, this exciting day will feature live music, food vendors, family-friendly zoned areas, and so much more!

PEATC Event- Friendship Building Strategies
2025-09-09 18:00 - 19:00 | Virtual
Participants will explore the nature of their friendships and consider students with disabilities developing positive relationships with other students. The presentation will also describe the importance of creating opportunities for these students to belong to their school and their community to gain a sense of acceptance. Attendees will be provided strategies for parents as well as educators to use in facilitating friendships for all children, especially children with disabilities.

PEATC Event- Addressing Behaviors Confidently
2025-09-09 18:00 - 19:30 | Colonial Heights Technical Center, 3451 Conduit Road, Colonial Heights, VA, 23834, United States
Learn how to help your child be successful at home and school. This presentation will teach the basics of social and emotional skills like coping with feelings and making decisions. We will share examples of how to respond to interfering behaviors and big emotions and you’ll learn about school behavior support options available including Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) and Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP).
Leave with practical strategies for addressing behavior confidently and resources for supporting your child’s learning.
IN-PERSON WORKSHOP
Refreshments and on-site childcare will be provided.
