Vermont Association for the Blind and
Visually Impaired (VABVI)

The IRLE education program provides the support, tools and materials necessary for Vermont's blind and visually impaired children and teens to succeed, and to reach their full potential. Some goals of the IRLE program are to:

• Improve the daily living skills of our students;
• Help them develop and understand interpersonal relationships;
• Increase their independence and self-confidence;
• Teach advocating for oneself;
• Improve orientation and mobility.

These goals are realized through a comprehensive period, up to a week, of intensive hands-on activities, workshops, and field trips. The students learn to develop and hone sound reasoning skills, how to incorporate problem solving skills in everyday living situations, and ultimately gain a better understanding of their visual impairment.

The students learn specific training and life skills that they can use everyday after they leave the program. We expect that IRLE education helps exercise some of their life skills and social skills, in turn resulting in increased confidence and self-esteem