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 facilitator Jerry Doody discusses PALS
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 Jerry Doody for the link to join the meeting: Phone: (802)505-4006 ext. 333 Email: jdoody@vabvi.org
Local Monthly PALS Group Meetings
Essex PALS Group
Location: Grace Methodist Church- 130 Maple Street, Essex Junction, Vermont 05452
Time: 9:30 AM-1:00 PM
Dates: First and third Wednesday of each month
Contact: Sharon Wille Padnos
Phone: Sharon; 802-863-1358 ext. 226 Email: spadnos@vabvi.org or Agnes; 802-863-1358 ext. 228 Email: aclift@vabvi.org
TBD- Monthly Schedule
Rutland PALS Group
Location: The Maples Senior Living, Brook House, 3 General Wing Road
Time: 10AM – 12PM
Dates: Second Thursday of each month
Contact: Julia Soleau
Phone: Julia; 802-775-6452 ext. 18, Email: jsoleau@vabvi.org
Middlebury PALS group
Location: The Residence at Otter Creek- 250 Lodge Road, Middlebury, VT
Time: 1:00 PM- 3:00 PM
Dates: Third Wednesday of each month
Contact: Julia Soleau
Phone: Julia; 802-775-6452 ext. 18, Email: jsoleau@vabvi.org
Brattleboro PALS Group
Location: Vermont Hall, 130 Austine Drive, Brattleboro, VT 05301
Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Dates: Third Tuesday of each month
Contact: Melinda Underwood
Phone: 802-254-8761 Email: munderwood@vabvi.org
Springfield PALS Group
Location: Community Room – Westview Terrace, Springfield, VT 05156
Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Dates: Third Wednesday of each month
Contact: Melinda Underwood
Phone: 802-254-8761 Email: munderwood@vabvi.org
Newport PALS Group
Location: State Building Room, Community National Bank – 100 Main Street, Newport, VT 05855
Time: 9:30 AM (coffee) Meeting: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Dates: First Monday of each month
Contact: Jerry Doody
Phone: (802)505-4006 ext. 333 Email: jdoody@vabvi.org
TBD - Monthly Schedule
Lyndon PALS Group
Location: The American Legion – 4854 Memorial Drive, Lyndon, Vermont 05849
Time: 9:30 AM (coffee) Meeting: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Dates: Third Monday of each month
Contact: Jerry Doody
Phone: (802)505-4006 ext. 333 Email: jdoody@vabvi.org
TBD - Monthly Schedule
Barre PALS Group
Location: Community National Bank – 316 North Main Street, Barre, Vermont 05641
Time: 9:30 AM (coffee) Meeting: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Dates: Second Wednesday of each month
Contact: Jerry Doody
Phone for Jerry: (802)505-4006 ext. 333 Email: jdoody@vabvi.org
Phone for Venue: (802) 476-6565
TBD - Monthly Schedule
Montpelier PALS Group
Location: Vermont Center for Independent Living – 11 East State Street, Montpelier, Vermont 05602
Time: 9:30 AM (coffee) Meeting: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Dates: Fourth Wednesday of each month
Contact: Jerry Doody
Phone for Jerry: (802)505-4006 ext. 333 Email: jdoody@vabvi.org
Phone for Venue: (802) 229-0501
TBD - Monthly Schedule
St. Albans PALS Group
Location: Church Of The Rock – 1091 Fairfax Road, St. Albans City, Vermont 05478
Time: 9:30 AM (coffee) Meeting: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Dates: First and third Tuesday of each month
Contact: Jerry Doody
Phone: (802)505-4006 ext. 333 Email: jdoody@vabvi.org
TBD - Monthly Schedule
Woodstock PALS Group-discontinued until further notice.
Bennington PALS Group-discontinued until further notice.
