Peer Assisted Learning and Support (PALS)
The PALS Groups provide a forum for adult clients to share ideas and feelings in a group setting. At meetings, clients learn about a variety of visually impaired-related topics, new aids and appliances, and will receive support and encouragement from others going through similar challenges.
Understanding what others have experienced will help you better understand your own vision loss and encourage you to accept the loss and learn skills necessary for everyday independence.
PALS Program Goals:
- Build the confidence of visually impaired adults by teaching effective Orientation and Mobility skills
- Educate clients on ways to cope with vision loss, and how everyday tasks can be modified and handled
- Encourage clients to try new aids and appliances
- Minimize feelings of isolation and depression that are often associated with vision loss
- Provide opportunities to be involved in the community by participating in activities and outings
Virtual PAls
The Virtual Pals group meets over Zoom on the Second and Fourth Mondays from 10:00 to 11:30 AM. If necessary, we will meet in the afternoon. Please contact Dan Norris for the link to join the meeting: Phone: (802)505-4006 ext. 101 Email: DNorris@vabvi.org
Local Monthly PALS Group Meetings
Colchester Group
Location: Colchester American Legion, 3650 Roosevelt Hwy., Colchester
Time: 11:00 AM-2:00 PM
Dates: First and third Wednesday of each month
Contact: Dan Norris: DNorris@vabvi.org
Rutland Group
Location: The Maples Senior Living, Brook House, 3 General Wing Road
Time: 10AM – 11:30AM
Dates: Second Thursday of each month
Contact: Julia Soleau: 802-775-6452 ext. 18, Email: jsoleau@vabvi.org
Middlebury Group
Location: The "Meadows" room at the Residence at Otter Creek- 250 Lodge Road, Middlebury
Time: 1:00 PM- 2:30 PM
Dates: Third Wednesday of each month
Contact: Julia Soleau: 802-775-6452 ext. 18, Email: jsoleau@vabvi.org
Brattleboro Group
Location: Winston-Prouty Campus, Thomas Hall, 130 Austine Drive, Brattleboro
Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Dates: Third Tuesday of each month
Contact: Melinda Underwood: 802-254-8761 Email: munderwood@vabvi.org
Springfield Group
Location: Westview Terrace Apts., Community Room, Springfield
Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Dates: Third Wednesday of each month
Contact: Melinda Underwood: 802-254-8761 Email: munderwood@vabvi.org
Newport Group
Location: American Legion, 35 Veterans Blvd., Newport
Time: 9:30 AM – 2:00 PM
Dates: First Wednesday of the month
Contact: Sarah Barton: sbarton@vabvi.org
Lyndon/St. Johnsbury Group
Location: The American Legion, 4854 Memorial Drive, St. Johnsbury
Time: 9:30 AM – 2:00 PM
Dates: Third Wednesday of the month
Contact: Sarah Barton: sbarton@vabvi.org
Barre Group
Location: Community National Bank – 316 North Main Street, Barre
Time: 9:30 AM – 1:30 PM
Dates: Second & fourth Wednesday of each month
Contact: Sarah Barton: sbarton@vabvi.org
Phone for Venue: (802) 476-6565
White River Junction Group
Location: Bugbee Senior Center Library, 262 North Main Street, WRJ
Time: 1:30-3:30
Dates: Third Thursday of each month
Contact: Melinda Underwood: 802-254-8761 Email: munderwood@vabvi.org
Phone for Venue: (802) 229-0501
