Events
Collaborative Playgroup
Event Description:
DSANV was invited to join a playgroup for families who have children with Down syndrome, aged 0-12. Come for playtime, story time, and create art together!
This event is led by a librarian from the DC Public Library.
Cost: FREE
Register: If you plan to attend, please email DCPLaccess@dc.gov or claire.fogarty@dc.gov.
![Extended School Year & Summer Camps Info Session [Virtual]](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/674dce90cd4a1b3a6438e935/1734543419259-VVP7F7HI7RKMXRVO2GWA/download-3.jpg)
Extended School Year & Summer Camps Info Session [Virtual]
Join us for a virtual info session that covers TWO important topics!
Gary Shulman will be joining us to share important considerations for summer camps. Gary has presented for the ARC on numerous occasions, and we are thrilled to have him join us.
Fairfax County Public Schools’ Extended School Year (ESY) team will also be joining to discuss all things ESY.
DSANV Goes to the Movies!
Event Description:
Join DSANV for a morning matinee movie at University Mall Theatres!
Movie- TBD based on schedule released one week in advance.
Cost: $10 per person. Includes movie ticket, popcorn, and a drink!
Register: Register here.
This is an inclusive event. All ages and abilities welcome, but please note that those under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Tell your friends!
Spirit Club comes to DSANV
Event Description:
Spirit Club will lead an 8-week adult fitness class for DSANV members aged 18 and up. Come work up a sweat with your friends!
Cost: $75
Register: Register here.
This is an inclusive event. All abilities welcome! Must be 18 or over to participate.
Career Development Project 3 Begins
DSANV in partnership, with Fairfax County Public Schools’ Extended School Year team, will be packing ESY materials for the summer program. This program will run for 4 weeks. (Jan. 17, Jan. 24, Jan. 31, Feb. 14)
Virtual Book Club
Join us for a winter book club featuring books from the Tom and Ricky Mystery Series. This club will meet monthly on the first Tuesday of each month. Future dates are: Feb 4, March 4, April 8. Participants take turns reading an adapted version of the text and discuss the story via comprehension activities.
Friday Night Bingo (Virtual)
Virtual bingo supported by the wonderful volunteers from Young Men’s Service League.
The Learning Program
Event Description:
This program supports parents in learning how to be an effective first teacher to their little one with Down syndrome. Areas specifically targeted are literacy, math, communication and fine motor skills.
Pre-K: 8:00-9:00
Levels 2-3: 9:15-11:00
Level 1: 9:30-11:00
Registration: Registration for TLP for the 24-25 school year is closed.
Spirit Club
Event Description:
Week 2 of Spirit Club’s 8-week adult fitness class for DSANV members aged 18 and up. Come work up a sweat with your friends!
Cost: Program cost- $75.
Register: Registration coming soon!
This is an inclusive event. All abilities welcome! Must be 18 or over to participate.
Speech Accessibility Project
Event Description:
Come learn about the Speech Accessibility Project, a research study at the University of Illinois that is making speech recognition technology more accessible for adults with Down syndrome. Join to get more info and find out how you can support!
Cost: FREE!
Registration: Register here. Participants will be provided with Zoom link upon registration.
This event is for self-advocates ages 18 and up and their parent/guardian. All abilities welcome! It is recommended that self-advocates be accompanied by a parent/guardian, as this project will involve a bit of teamwork!
DSANV Dine Out Week Begins!
Event Description:
We’ve teamed up with 5 restaurants across the area to host dine-out fundraisers, each day (minus St. Patrick’s Day), leading up to World Down Syndrome Day!
Each night features a different restaurant and location- some nights even have two options to choose from! Pick the restaurants closest to your house, or those that you most enjoy!
3/16- Casual Pint in Falls Church
20% of food and beverage purchases from 12-9 PM, dine-in and carry out. Must mention DSANV.
3/17- Happy St. Patrick’s Day- NO DINE OUT
3/18- Texas Roadhouse in Chantilly
10% of food sales from 3-10 PM, must mention DSANV.
3/19- MOD Pizza in Vienna
20% of sales from 10:30 AM-10 PM. Use code “MODGIVE20” online. Must mention DSANV in-person.
3/19- Texas Roadhouse in Manassas
10% of food sales from 3-10 PM, must mention DSANV.
3/20 Royal Restaurant in Alexandria
15% of sales from 7AM-10 PM. Use code “DOWN” online. Must mention DSANV in-person.
3/20 Resq BBQ in Leesburg
10% of sales from 11AM-9 PM. Dine-in and carry-out. Must mention DSANV.
Cost: Each restaurant will be giving us a percentage back from every purchase made on these dates!
Registration: Registration not required.
This is an inclusive event- everyone is welcome! Please share with your networks and on your social media- come one, come all!
DSANV Dine-Out Fundraiser
Event Description:
Bring your friends and family out for a meal together, to benefit DSANV! Not sure what they have to offer? View their menu here.
Cost: Casual Pint will be giving us 20% back from all food and beverage dine-in AND carry out orders. They are also setting up a link to collect individual donations! MUST MENTION DSANV to participate in fundraiser.
Registration: Registration not required.
This is an inclusive event- everyone is welcome! Please share with your networks and on your social media- come one, come all!
Spirit Club
Event Description:
Week 3 of Spirit Club’s 8-week adult fitness class for DSANV members aged 18 and up. Come work up a sweat with your friends!
Cost: Program cost- $75.
Register: Registration coming soon!
This is an inclusive event. All abilities welcome! Must be 18 or over to participate.
DSANV Dine-Out Fundraiser
Event Description:
Bring your friends and family out for a meal together, to benefit DSANV! Not sure what they have to offer? View their menu here.
Cost: Texas Roadhouse will be giving us 10% back from today’s sales! MUST MENTION DSANV to participate in fundraiser.
Registration: Registration not required.
This is an inclusive event- everyone is welcome! Please share with your networks and on your social media- come one, come all!
Kendra Scott Fundraiser Begins
Event Description:
Today begins a 4-day fundraiser at Kendra Scott jewelry.
Cost: 20% of all sales will go directly back to us! Shop online using code GIVEBACK-IPZRL or in-store at the Fairfax Mosaic District store location. Purchases may also be placed by phone. MUST MENTION DSANV to participate in fundraiser in person or by phone.
Registration: Registration not required.
Please share this fundraiser information within your social networks!
DSANV Dine-Out Fundraiser
Event Description:
Go out to eat OR carry-out MOD Pizza, to benefit DSANV! Not sure what they have to offer? View their menu here.
Cost: MOD Pizza will be giving us 20% of fundraiser sales. Use code MODGIVE20 if ordering online. MUST MENTION DSANV to participate in fundraiser.
Registration: Registration not required.
This is an inclusive event- everyone is welcome! Please share with your networks and on your social media- come one, come all!
DSANV Dine-Out Fundraiser
Event Description:
Bring your friends and family out for a meal together, to benefit DSANV! Not sure what they have to offer? View their menu here.
Cost: Texas Roadhouse will be giving us 10% back from today’s sales! MUST MENTION DSANV to participate in fundraiser.
Registration: Registration not required.
This is an inclusive event- everyone is welcome! Please share with your networks and on your social media- come one, come all!
DSANV Dine-Out Fundraiser
Event Description:
Bring your friends and family out for a meal together, to benefit DSANV! Not sure what they have to offer? View their menu here.
Cost: Texas Roadhouse will be giving us 15% back from today’s sales! Use Code- DOWN for online orders and mention DSANV in-person to participate.
Registration: Registration not required.
This is an inclusive event- everyone is welcome! Please share with your networks and on your social media- come one, come all!
DSANV Dine-Out Fundraiser
Event Description:
Bring your friends and family out for a meal together, to benefit DSANV! Not sure what they have to offer? View their menu here.
Cost: Resq BBQ will be giving us 10 percent back from all food and beverage dine-in and take-out orders! MUST MENTION DSANV to participate in the fundraiser.
Registration: Registration not required.
This is an inclusive event- everyone is welcome! Please share with your networks and on your social media- come one, come all!
D.A.D.S Meet-Up
Join the D.A.D.S for their first monthly meet-up of 2025! Featuring good food/drinks, conversation, and fun. Come out for the evening and relax with friends- new and old!
World Down Syndrome Day EXTRAVAGANZA
Event Description:
Join us for a fabulous community SOCK HOP dance celebrating those we know and love with Down syndrome. This is a night to embrace extra chromosomes, celebrate unique journeys, and cherish the purest hearts.
Featuring food trucks, a DJ, and fun! Shop our first ever “Made with Heart Market” showcasing hand-crafted items from talented individuals with Down syndrome, paired with local businesses that embrace inclusive hiring.
Cost: $15-$21 a person
Registration: https://charity.pledgeit.org/WDSDwithDSANV
This is an inclusive event. All ages and abilities are welcome! This is a family and community event. It is not a drop-off event. Bring your friends and family- the more, the merrier! Click here to feature your loved one with Down syndrome on the big screen at One Loudoun AND at our event.
Share this event with friends at school or neighbors using this downloadable print and share “valentine” invite.
Music and Movement for Ages 1-5
Music and movement will work on appropriate developmental goals and parent/child bonding, all while using music! Led by a Board-Certified Music Therapist, this class will include singing, dancing, and playing instruments.
Music and Movement for Ages 6-12
Music and movement will work on appropriate developmental goals and parent/child bonding, all while using music! Led by a Board-Certified Music Therapist, this class will include singing, dancing, and playing instruments.
Spirit Club
Event Description:
Week 4 of Spirit Club’s 8-week adult fitness class for DSANV members aged 18 and up. Come work up a sweat with your friends!
Cost: Program cost- $75.
Register: Registration coming soon!
This is an inclusive event. All abilities welcome! Must be 18 or over to participate.
Pizza and Bingo with Washington Speech (Hybrid)
Join us for virtual bingo with Kim, from Washington Speech.
![Su Voz Importa! Info Session [Virtual]](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/674dce90cd4a1b3a6438e935/1734543281017-74MP84AKZBXHWIZGYJHM/download-3.jpg)
Su Voz Importa! Info Session [Virtual]
Join long-time Trusts and Estates Attorney, and fellow parent of a child with special needs, Michael Toobin, for a virtual info session on obtaining guardianship of your teen/young adult. Zoom link will be provided upon registration.
Inclusive Martial Arts Classes with OSA Martial Arts
Event Description:
Join Instructor Sethi from OSA Martial arts for two inclusive martial arts classes. Come for one, or do both! The class schedule is as follows:
1:00-2:00- Taekwondo
2:00-3:00- Yudo
Cost: $5 per person
Registration: Register here. Reminder that you must be at least 6 years old to register for Yudo.
Spirit Club
Event Description:
Week 5 of Spirit Club’s 8-week adult fitness class for DSANV members aged 18 and up. Come work up a sweat with your friends!
Cost: Program cost- $75.
Register: Registration coming soon!
This is an inclusive event. All abilities welcome! Must be 18 or over to participate.
Spirit Club
Event Description:
Week 6 of Spirit Club’s 8-week adult fitness class for DSANV members aged 18 and up. Come work up a sweat with your friends!
Cost: Program cost- $75.
Register: Registration coming soon!
This is an inclusive event. All abilities welcome! Must be 18 or over to participate.
Spirit Club
Event Description:
Week 7 of Spirit Club’s 8-week adult fitness class for DSANV members aged 18 and up. Come work up a sweat with your friends!
Cost: Program cost- $75.
Register: Registration coming soon!
This is an inclusive event. All abilities welcome! Must be 18 or over to participate.
Spirit Club
Event Description:
Week 8 of Spirit Club’s 8-week adult fitness class for DSANV members aged 18 and up. Come work up a sweat with your friends!
Cost: Program cost- $75.
Register: Registration coming soon!
This is an inclusive event. All abilities welcome! Must be 18 or over to participate.
21st Annual DSANV Buddy Walk
Event Description:
Join us for our 21st annual Buddy Walk! This year’s walk features an elongated walking path and our usual fall festival fun!
Additional details and registration coming this summer.
Pizza and Bingo with Washington Speech (Hybrid)
Join us for virtual bingo with Kim, from Washington Speech.
D.A.D.S Meet-Up
Join the D.A.D.S for their first monthly meet-up of 2025! Featuring good food/drinks, conversation, and fun. Come out for the evening and relax with friends- new and old!
Guardianship “How To” Info Session [Virtual]
Join long-time Trusts and Estates Attorney, and fellow parent of a child with special needs, Michael Toobin, for a virtual info session on obtaining guardianship of your teen/young adult. Zoom link will be provided upon registration.
Book Club’s- Share the Love- Special Event
Join us for a winter book club featuring books from the Tom and Ricky Mystery Series. This club will meet monthly on the first Tuesday of each month. Future dates are: Feb 4, March 4, April 8. Participants take turns reading an adapted version of the text and discuss the story via comprehension activities.
The Learning Program
Event Description:
This program supports parents in learning how to be an effective first teacher to their little one with Down syndrome. Areas specifically targeted are literacy, math, communication and fine motor skills.
Pre-K: 8:00-9:00
Levels 2-3: 9:15-11:00
Level 1: 9:30-11:00
Registration: Registration for TLP for the 24-25 school year is closed.
Mom’s Night Out
Join us for the first Mom’s Night Out event of the year! This first quarterly event will be an early Valentine’s Day celebration (wear red or pink) and features Korean BBQ!
Friday Night Bingo (Virtual)
Virtual bingo supported by the wonderful volunteers from Young Men’s Service League.
Virtual Book Club
Join us for a winter book club featuring books from the Tom and Ricky Mystery Series. This club will meet monthly on the first Tuesday of each month. Future dates are: March 4, April 8. Participants take turns reading an adapted version of the text and discuss the story via comprehension activities.
![What is Jill’s House Info Session [Virtual]](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/674dce90cd4a1b3a6438e935/1734543386387-PUHGQYAAAJ85LE5HI88W/download-4.jpg)
What is Jill’s House Info Session [Virtual]
Join us for a presentation all about Jill’s House! Hear about the types of supports they can provide to families and what awesome experiences they can provide to your child!
Cooking Club- Valentine’s Day Celebration
Join us as we learn to cook waffles and yogurt parfaits. Once the cooking is over, enjoy making a Valentine’s Day craft!
What is Jill’s House Info Session [Virtual]
Join us for a presentation all about Jill’s House! Hear about the types of supports they can provide to families and what awesome experiences they can provide to your child!
New Parent Breakfast
If you are an expectant parent or have been parenting your child with Down syndrome for 3 years or less, this breakfast is for you! Join us for homemade pancakes, breakfast casseroles, and fresh fruit. Meet other new families, as well as other DSANV members who may be able to answer some of your questions.
Special Needs Trusts Info Session [Virtual]
Join long-time Trusts and Estates Attorney, and fellow parent of a child with special needs, Michael Toobin, for a virtual info session on Special Needs Trusts. Zoom link will be provided upon registration.
Online Cooking Club- NFL Playoff Treats
Cooking club is back this month with another online class! Join Stacy in her kitchen as she teaches you how to make some tasty NFL Playoff Treats! You will receive a pictorial recipe plus a list of needed materials/ingredients a week prior to the event.
Music and Movement PILOT Program
Music and movement will work on appropriate developmental goals and parent/child bonding, all while using music! Led by a Board-Certified Music Therapist, this class will include singing, dancing, and playing instruments.
Career Development Project 2 Begins
DSANV in partnership, with Fairfax County Public Schools’ Extended School Year team, will be packing ESY materials for the summer program. This program will run for 4 weeks. (Jan. 17, Jan. 24, Jan. 31, Feb. 14)
D.A.D.S Meet-Up
Join the D.A.D.S for their first monthly meet-up of 2025! Featuring good food/drinks, conversation, and fun. Come out for the evening and relax with friends- new and old!
Pizza and Bingo with Washington Speech (Hybrid)
Join us for virtual bingo with Kim, from Washington Speech.
Zumba Event & Fundraiser
Join your friends at DSANV for a fun afternoon of lively dancing at Lost Rhino Brewing Co.
After you work up a sweat, stay for lunch. A portion of your purchase will support DSANV’s mission and programs.
This is an inclusive event. All abilities and ages are welcome!
Collaborative DSA Event for DC Residents
Attention DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA parents-this one is for you! Metro area DS organizations have teamed up with Children’s National Medical Center to share this opportunity for YOU to connect with other parents in DC.
We get that services and school atmosphere are different for DC residents and we agree that the support of your fellow parents is key to your family’s success. Check out additional information provided in the registration link below. Invite your DC friends!
The Learning Program
Event Description:
This program supports parents in learning how to be an effective first teacher to their little one with Down syndrome. Areas specifically targeted are literacy, math, communication and fine motor skills.
Pre-K: 8:00-9:00
Levels 2-3: 9:15-11:00
Level 1: 9:30-11:00
Registration: Registration for TLP for the 24-25 school year is closed.
Friday Night Bingo (Virtual)
Virtual bingo supported by the wonderful volunteers from Young Men’s Service League.
Virtual Book Club
Join us for a winter book club featuring books from the Tom and Ricky Mystery Series. This club will meet monthly on the first Tuesday of each month. Future dates are: Feb 4, March 4, April 8. Participants take turns reading an adapted version of the text and discuss the story via comprehension activities.
Year-End Campaign Ends
Today is the last day to support our year-end campaign! Help us to expand in our programs and resources for 2025! Click here to donate or sponsor a program! Thank you so much for your support!
Cookies, Crafts & Cocoa with Santa
Come celebrate the holidays with DSANV! This calm, sensory-friendly event features:
visits with Santa (pictures taken on your phone)
decorate cookies and gift bags
make crafts with Santas elves
bust a move in the dance room
Bingo [Virtual]
Virtual bingo supported by the wonderful volunteers from Young Men’s Service League.
Advocating on Capitol Hill
Join the largest group of family and self-advocates on Capitol hill to advocate for the Deondra Dixon INCLUDE project. Led by the Global Down Syndrome Foundation (GLOBAL,) this project seeks to gain authorization for Down syndrome research from the National Institutes of Health (NIH.)
DSANV Townhall
Join our Executive Director, Heather Padgett, and DSANV Board of Directors for the last of our virtual Townhalls. Our five-year strategic plan will be revealed as well as feedback from our spring community survey. Come prepared to share feedback and ideas! Hope to see you there!
Bingo & Pizza
Join us for pizza, bingo, and fun! Dinner of pizza and salad from 6:00-6:30. The games begin at 6:30 with support from our friends in the Young Men’s Service League! Winners of each game take home a prize!