Local meetings for people with vision impairment and supporters
Picture of a man with a white cane standing in between two women amongst a crowd
All Support Groups:
In locations throughout Maine, support groups invite people with vision impairment or blindness and their partners/family/friends to connect, network, and share resources! Members discuss how to overcome challenges (big and small), as they mentor, and support one another by listening and offering encouragement. Discussions are confidential and members are welcome to talk of other struggles besides vision loss as it affects other aspects of life. Speakers present on topics relevant to vision loss and aging and time is allotted for open conversation and questions.
The Dover Low Vision Group:
DAY: 1st Friday of each month
TIME: 10am-11:30am
PLACE: Central Hall Commons, Dover-Foxcroft
CONTACT: Nancy – (207) 564-0036
Employees of Maine’s Division for the Blind and Visually Impaired (DBVI) also attend to provide information and access to services.
More Information and schedule for the Dover Low Vision Group
Visually Impaired Persons (VIP) Sharing:
DAY: 2nd Wednesday of each month
TIME: 10:30am
PLACE: Oxford Lanes Bowling Alley – Route 2 – Rumford, ME
CONTACT: Phil – (207) 562-8724
Meetings are followed by a lunch in the area.
More Information and schedule for the VIP Sharing Group
Visually Impaired Support Team Alliance (VISTA):
DAY: 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month
TIME: 7:00 – 8:30 PM
PLACE: ZOOM (includes a call-in number as well)
CONTACT: Linda Richards – (207) 872-5930 (home), (207) 680-0290 (cell) or email Linsue1313@gmail.com
More Information and schedule for the VISTA Group
The Lewiston Auburn Support Group:
DAY: 1st Saturday of each month
TIME: noon-1pm
PLACE: George’s Pizza – 563 Center Street – Auburn, ME
CONTACT: Leon – (207) 212-1455
More Information and schedule for the Lewiston Auburn Support Group
A Visually Impaired Persons (VIP) group in Boothbay Harbor:
DAY: 1st Tuesday of each month
TIME: 1pm-2:30pm
PLACE: Community Center (Meadow Mall) – 185 Townsend Ave – Boothbay Harbor, ME
CONTACT: Mollie – (207) 633-3810 or Joan – (207) 633-2498
There is no meeting in July.
More Information and schedule for the VIP group in Boothbay Harbor
Bangor Low Vision Support Group:
DAY: 2nd and 4th Monday of each month
TIME: 1pm-2:30pm
PLACE: Career Center – 45 Oak Street – Suite #3 – Bangor, ME
CONTACT: Sue
Sessions are led by Maine’s Division for the Blind and Visually Impaired (DBVI) or The Iris Network staff, addressing participants’ areas of interest where members share their experiences and needs.
More Information and schedule for the Bangor Low Vision Support Group
The Sunshine Club:
DAY: 1st Tuesday of each month
TIME: 11am-1:00pm
PLACE: Eric’s Restaurant & Catering – 105 College Ave – Waterville, ME
CONTACT: Betty – (207) 872-2967 or (207) 557-5181
More Information and schedule for the Sunshine Club
The Rainbow Club:
DAY: 2nd Monday of each month
TIME: 10am
PLACE: Emmanuel Lutheran Episcopal Church – 209 Eastern Ave – Augusta, ME
CONTACT: Donna – (207) 248-2661
Lunch cost is $7.00
More Information and schedule for the Rainbow Club
Education and Support Group:
DAY: 4th Thursday of each month (or 3rd Thursday for November/December)
TIME: 10am-11:30am
PLACE: The Iris Network – 189 Park Ave – Portland, ME
CONTACT: Amy – (877) 421-8263 ext. 5944
This group is hosted by the Visual Impairment Services Team at the Veteran’s Administration (VA) of Maine. This is a closed group for veterans enrolled in the VA Maine Visual Impairment Services Team (VIST) program.
More Information and schedule for the VIST Education and Support Group
Dual Sensory Impairment – NFB Chapter Information for Maine
DAY: 2nd Thursday of each month (except summer months)
TIME: 7:00-8:30pm
PLACE: FREE via phone conference
CONTACT: Dana – (207) 239-1227 (leave a message and she will call you back) or duelsense@gmail.com
More Information and schedule for the Dual Sensory Impairment Group
Maine Bowlers Association:
DAY: 2nd & 4th Saturday of each month
TIME: 10:00am
PLACE: 1-7-10 Bowling – Augusta, ME
CONTACT: Rolf – (207) 215-372
Spectrum Accessibility
CONTACT: (844) 762-1301
Spectrum accessible products: audible TV guide for customers, Roku’s audio guide with Spectrum TV application and large print remotes.
Talking Books Program
CONTACT: (800) 762-7106
Federally-funded program which provides recorded books and special players free to persons who are blind, visually impaired, physically handicapped, or who have a doctor-certified reading disability.