Friendship Circle of Virginia

Northstar Event: Post-Secondary Programs: Life After Graduation
2026-01-13 17:00 - 18:30 (America/New_York) | Virtual
Northstar Career Center presents: “Post-Secondary Programs: Life After Graduation.”

Join us!
Northstar Career Center presents:
Post-Secondary Programs: Life After Graduation
Learn about:

IDEA versus ADA: How accommodations work after high school graduation
Degree programs versus non-degree programs
Ways to individualize your timeline beyond the four year mentality

Keynote speakers:

Kelly Magee – Courage to Succeed
Sarah Thompson – Commonwealth Autism

For more information about Northstar, visit: NorthstarVA.org

Moms’ Night Out Paint Party
2026-01-13 19:00 - 21:00 | Art Factory, 4810 Market Square Lane, Midlothian, VA, 23112
You are invited to a Moms’ night out at The Art Factory!

Treat yourself to an evening designed just for YOU! Our Moms’ Night Out Painting Class is a relaxed and social event where you can unwind, laugh, and explore your creative side-no experience needed!

This Moms’ Night is hosted by Virginia Down Syndrome Association in partnership with All Needs Planning, Carroll Compass Consulting, Friendship Circle of Virginia, and Jacob’s Chance.

PEATC Event: Cracking the Code: 504s and IEPs
2026-01-15 18:30 - 19:30 | Virtual
Confused about the difference between a 504 Plan and an Individualized Education Program (IEP)? You’re not alone!

Join us for a webinar that decodes these school supports. We’ll break down what each option is designed to do, who qualifies, the services and accommodations they offer, and how each one helps unlock success for students with disabilities.
Uncover clues to help you determine which option might be the best match for your child’s learning needs and walk away with key information to make confident decisions and to advocate for your child.
Ready to crack the code?

Children's Museum of Richmond Event: Sensory Friendly Nights – Chesterfield
2026-01-16 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 check-in at the front desk upon arrival.
A cool down room will be available and sensory supports provided. We can’t wait to play with you!

3rd Annual Disability Expo
2026-01-18 10:00 - 14:00 | Dewey Gottwald Center, 301 W Leigh St, Richmond, VA, 23220
Friendship Circle of Virginia is proud to present the 3rd Annual Disability Expo, generously sponsored by QTS Data Centers and teh Jewish Community Federation of Richmond!
Join us at the Dewey Gottwald Center for this powerful, community-wide event that brings together nonprofits, service providers, and businesses offering vital resources and support for individuals with disabilities, from infants to seniors, and their families.
Whether you’re seeking services and program, looking to connect, or just want to learn more, there’s something for everyone.
“As a parent of a child with multiple disabilities who is transitioning to high school, the Friendship Circle Disability Expo helped me connect with so many resources in and around the Richmond area that I didn’t know existed for our family. I left feeling informed, empowered, and supported by my community.” – A Parent
“What an incredible event! So beneficial to gather all the resources in one space!” – A non-profit organization
All are welcome! Come explore, discover, and connect!

PEATC Event: Disability Benefits: Virginia’s Medicaid Waivers
2026-01-20 17:30 - 18:30 | Virtual
There are state government benefits available to individuals with disabilities. It’s important to understand that benefits such as personal assistance and community support can play an important role in planning for the future. Navigating state disability services can be difficult, time-consuming, and overwhelming. This workshop explains Virginia’s Medicaid Waivers, eligibility for services, and how to obtain this state benefit.

FCVA and VDSA Event: January Birthday Circle @ the SMVA
2026-01-25 14:00 - 16:00 | Science Museum of Virginia, 2500 West Broad Street, Richmond, VA, 23220
In partnership with the Down Syndrome Association of Virginia
Teen friends, friends with disabilities, siblings, and parents are invited to explore the science museum for this out of this world birthday event!!
Light refreshments and cupcakes will be provided.
RSVP Below – RSVP by January 21
***Any families who have attended our events but have not yet “joined our circle” are encouraged to do so. There is no membership fee.***

Sportable Event: River City Classic Wheelchair Basketball Tournament
2026-01-31 00:00 | Henrico Sports & Events Center, 11000 Telegraph Road, Glen Allen, VA, 23060
The River City Classic will return in the 2025-2026 NWBA season at Henrico Sports & Events Center. The premier wheelchair basketball tournament will feature top adult and youth teams from across the East Coast.
January 31 + February 1, 2026

Contact:

Tyler Rowe, Tournament Director
804.340.2991 I Tyler@sportable.org

Sportable Event: Virginia Adaptive Sports Festival
2026-01-31 10:00 - 14:00 | Henrico Sports & Events Center, 11000 Telegraph Road, Glen Allen, VA, 23060
The East Coast’s largest showcase of sports and recreational opportunities for people with disabilities.

The Virginia Adaptive Sports Festival is for you if you want to…
…PARTICIPATE and try out one of our sports adapted for people who have limited mobility, a physical or visual impairment. No matter your age or disability, we have something for you! From wheelchair sports teams to individual sports like archery, cycling or kayaking, there are 20+ sports to try out and choose from
…SPECTATE and watch the River City Classic wheelchair basketball tournament as well as sport and vendor demos! You will not want to miss the action!
…VOLUNTEER and learn about how you can make an impact in the lives of individuals with physical disabilities and visual impairments
…SPONSOR the Virginia Adaptive Sports Festival and help make sports accessible and inclusive!

Contact
Vera Gillespie
804.340.2991 I vera@sportable.org
