Virginia Down Syndrome Association

The Learning Program provides early literacy one Saturday a month to children ages 3 - 9. This helps level the educational gap in school to increase their opportunities to learn alongside their typical peers. Parents also participate by attending a separate class to learn how to implement the program at home and how to transfer these techniques into their child's daily school learning. The transition boot camp educates parents on what a good transition program can be and equips them with the tools to work with their child's school to create the best possible transition program for their child. There is a huge gap in what should happen and what actually does happen within the school setting. These programs cost upwards of $30K to run per year

VDSA's social programs provide opportunities for social experiences with peers within the community. These programs foster friendships, independence and community experiences to help improve self-esteem and community involvement. All people with Down syndrome are valued members of their communities and we want the community to value them. Many of our new families come to VDSA through our social groups and they become valued members and continue to receive services throughout their life. These programs cost between $20K and $25K to run each year.

Moving On! is a NEW adult program that will develop key skills needed to live independently. This program is specifically designed to help adults with DS learn to live independently in their current living environment. Each series will focus on a specific topic area such as:
• Understanding Financial Literacy which taught 19 adults money management, safely using an ATM, saving money, and why money is important.
• Kitchen safety and small appliance use will be an 8 week course that will take place weekly in September and October
• Public Speaking and Workplace Conversation is the 3rd class in the series and will take place in January/February 2019. Students will learn proper workplace conversation, how to start or join a conversation, and how to be an advocate for their own needs in the workplace and community

This program will also help identify areas that are challenging so proper supports can be obtained.

This series is held quarterly (virtually) on topics such as early literacy, nutrition, oral motor, development, toilet training or other topics requested by the families who have children with DS 0-5 years old. This is also time to help families develop a much needed support network with other parents.

The Annual Disability Education and Transition Conference brings together over 400 educators, parents and self-advocates from all over Virginia together to strengthen education for all children with disabilities. In 2018, the conference was expanded to add a Transition Tract to help educators and parents understand the transition process. Attendees enjoy 11 breakout sessions, IEP consults, educator awards, 27 exhibitors and the opportunity to network with other parents and education professionals. 99% of respondents said they would return to the conference next year!

Our Summer Employment Academy gives eight high school students with Down syndrome the opportunity to practice employment soft skills as well as have a career exploration experience through a variety of job sites. This 4-week summer program is a partnership between our organization and numerous businesses around the community. Participating businesses learned more about the benefits of employing a person with Down syndrome and how they are supported in the work place. Students gained valuable soft employment skills, on-site career exposure, increased their opportunity for future employment, and helped identify longer term employment goals.

Education seminars are offered throughout the year and are open to the public free of charge. These seminars cover a wide variety of topics such as oral and motor development, IEP and Transition services, behavior, potty-training, Special Needs Trusts, and Able Accounts.