Vermont Association for the Blind and
Visually Impaired (VABVI)

Peer Assisted Learning and Support (PALS) Groups

Peer Assisted Learning and Support (PALS) Groups: The PALS Groups were developed in the mid 1990's to provide a forum for adult consumers to gather, share ideas, feelings, and learn about a variety of blindness-related topics and aids, and ultimately receive support and encouragement from others going through similar challenges. Currently, there are eleven groups meeting monthly around the state, each with a VABVI professional to facilitate the program.

During the session, consumers have an opportunity to share with each other, meet with a certified Orientation & Mobility Instructor, or Rehabilitation teacher, enjoy lunch, and listen to a guest speaker of general interest. For many, especially those new to vision loss, the groups provide a safe and secure environment that encourages them to accept their loss and learn the skills necessary to get on with living. Some goals of the PALS program are to:

• Build the confidence of visually impaired adults by teaching them effective Orientation and Mobility skills;
• Educate clients on ways to cope with vision loss, and how everyday tasks can be modified and handled;
• Encourage them to try out aids and appliances, and develop group interaction skills.
• Minimize the feelings of isolation and depression often associated with vision loss.
• Provide opportunities to be involved in the community by participating in activities and outings;
• Work with consumers to provide the skills they need to stay in their own homes. VABVI can do this for approximately $700 annually, much less than the $40,000+ annual cost of nursing home care.

VABVI helps convey the abilities of blind and visually impaired clients, not only to the public at large, but also to the clients themselves. Adults who participate in the PALS groups are able to become more comfortable traveling around their community; therefore they maintain their independence and their sense of belonging.

Some of the comments we have received from consumers are as follows:

• "It's a scary feeling being blind. This group takes that scariness away."
• "I've made a lot of friends - it's good to get out."
• "I come to learn about new things!"
• "I get information about resources."
• "I go to group to learn about the new technology that's coming out."
• "I come to group to meet people and learn what they've been doing in spite of their vision loss. This makes me think that if I learn their strategies, I can do more."
• "It's the inspiration that I receive at the support group"
• "Learning about things like marking my appliances makes my life a lot easier."
• "I've been coming to the group longer than anyone. I can't begin to tell you now much the help I receive from VABVI means to me."