The desire to belong to a community and feel valued by people who are important to us is a need that we all have. This sense of belonging dramatically impacts quality of life. The encouragement to pursue one’s interests is a key element in developing self-confidence and a sense of identity. Education fosters hope and a sense of purpose. Unfortunately, there can be many roadblocks for individuals with developmental disabilities to access opportunities for inclusion in continued learning beyond traditional post-secondary education.
The statewide Peer Growth and Lifelong Learning program (PGLL) aims to bridge those barriers by offering a welcoming and encouraging environment for individuals to connect with peers and pursue learning on their own terms. PGLL offers learning and teaching experiences to adults with developmental disabilities in an approach that increases each person’s ability to become an expert in topics of interest through supported research, inquiry, and community networking. The program is monitored by the State Department of Disabilities, Aging and Independent Living (DAIL) to ensure performance measures meet quality standards across agencies.
Upper Valley Services (UVS), one of several agencies in the state, operates three PGLL campuses. Each campus meets weekly in community venues and follows a traditional semester-based schedule. With assistance from a UVS PGLL Campus Lead and a PGLL Coordinator, participants curate their own curriculum based on classes they want to teach to an audience of their peers. With assistance, each person researches and presents a topic of interest to their peers on their scheduled class day in the format of their choosing that best compliment their preferred learning style. Class topics cover a broad spectrum, such as: Paleontology; American Sign Language; Navigating Relationships; Meditation; Cooking; Water, Fire, and Travel Safety; and an exploration of a variety of arts, crafts, music, and leisure activities.
The PGLL experience fosters close-knit bonds between participants while simultaneously strengthening professional and social skills. The classroom is a nurturing space for both light-hearted bonding over shared interests and vulnerable discussions about complex life issues. Class topics are often digested with follow-up group discussions and questions. Each participant learns from sharing personal experiences with one another. PGLL provides a safe environment for learning where mistakes are seen as opportunities for growth with the judgement-free support from peers.
During the summer months, classes are primarily exploration based, and partnership focused. Campuses have visited nature centers, Vermont State Parks, science centers, museums, historical sites, and community art centers to spark new interests and learn about local educational and cultural resources.
Participants share a rich connection with the community and have also utilized existing and new relationships with individuals and organizations to enhance their learning experience in the classroom as well. This has included guest speaking appearances from local firefighters, social justice groups, State Representatives, and members of specialized trades and professions.
Participants and families have expressed what this unique opportunity to learn, share, and grow with peers means to them.
“[In PGLL] I am able to share ideas and people will listen.” – Moretown Campus participant
“PGLL helps me to come out of my comfort zone and connect with new people.” – Bradford Campus participant
“I really like coming to classes. It helps me. It helps me get up and speak.” – Randolph Campus participant
“PGLL is a place where individuals can be themselves but also learn, share their experiences, acquire new tastes, and make friends. Each person is respected but also gently challenged to expand their horizons through interacting with others, adding to their skill bases, and on occasion venturing into unfamiliar places, with guidance.” – Parents of Bradford Campus participant
In a world where inclusion and lifelong learning are not always accessible, the Peer Growth and Lifelong Learning program stands as a beacon of hope and progress. By fostering a safe, supportive, and engaging environment, PGLL empowers individuals with developmental disabilities to build confidence, pursue passions, and form meaningful connections with peers and the broader community. The program’s commitment to nurturing individuality and shared growth not only enriches the lives of its participants but also strengthens the fabric of our communities. Together, we can continue to champion programs like PGLL, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive.
For more information or to inquire about these services, please visit the Upper Valley Services website online at www.uvs-vt.org/.
This article is part of a series, collaboratively produced by members of Vermont Care Partners, a statewide network of sixteen non-profit, community-based agencies providing mental health, substance use, and intellectual and developmental disability supports.
Read the story on VTDigger here: Continued learning builds life skills, community connections, and confidence.