A metal circle fob watch with cover. Raised dots and columns and clock hands indicate time. Manufacturer of watch is marked inside other cover of watch with a number 541927. Belonged to David Williams, born 1850's, and item was passed down through the family. Back of watch also opens to reveal a secondary compartment. Metal clock with Braille numbersassistive devices, david williams

A battery operated device that is rectangular in shape with a sensor plate on top and an on/off switch on one end. At the other end is a round lid that screws off to allow a round 9 volt battery to be inserted. It was designed so that when placed outdoors would emit a noise at the first drop of rain, enabling vision impaired people to retrieve their washing from the line. 1 plastic box with metal plateRain warning device Made for the Royal National Institute for the Blind by Data Acquisition Ltd A price sticker reads: $49.assistive devices, royal national institute for the blind

A plastic pill container which stores a week's worth of tablets divided by times of the day, each time of the day and day of the week is brailled on the box. Includes child resistant safety lock and on back of inside of container cardboard lift out to list medicine and dosage. Clear plastic box with red frontage with days and times of day markedGrid table on front as follows: Sun, Mon, Tues, Wed, Thurs, Fri, Sat (along top) 7am-9am, 11am-1pm, 4pm-6pm, 9pm-11pm (on left hand side of box) 1, 2, 3, 4 (repeated between compartments) Morning, Afternoon, Evening, Bedtime (on right hand side of box) On reverse of box is a table that can be filled in: Prescription for Medicine, Dosage, Number of tablets, Doctorassistive devices, mediset

A Cyma Amic alarm clock, composing of brass and metal. Raised dots to indicate each hour of the day instead of numbers, hands on clock exposed so can be felt by vision impaired person and alarm function is a round raised brass plate with a dot so can be set. Back of clock has alarm function and wind-up mechanism, no braille information, each function has engraved picture or words. Clock sits on a small square base.Metal clock with raised dotsassistive devices, braille

An alarm clock with tactile points for numbers and raised hands and alarm hand for the time. Back of clock has settings for alarm and wind up mechanism. Has a code 470884 on the back. Clock sits on metal base.Metal clock with raised dotsassistive devices, swiss

A black talking watch with plastic watchband. It consists of a LCD display and voice response. It is stored in a black cardboard box which has instructions on it.LCD watch with black plastic bandAbove watch display: Talking Left hand button below display: Mode Right hand button below display: Talking Upper circular button below middle of display: Hr. Lower circular button below middle of display: Minassistive devices, audio equipment

This device, which consists of 2 slideable cork balls on nylon thread, is designed to gauge the height of liquid (hot or cold) in a receptacle such as a tumbler, jug, bowl without having to touch the liquid with the fingers. Print instructions are included with the instrument on how to operate the instrument, the instructions mention a braille copy is included, however this copy is missing. 2 slideable cork balls on nylon thread with instruction leaflet, inside cardboard boxRoyal National Institute for the Blind Liquid dispenser Catalogue no. 9290assistive devices, equipment

To assist visually impaired people writing addresses, this guide was produced and could be placed over any envelope. 'Association for the Blind' is written in gold lettering at the top of the template.Plastic plate with 5 rectangular spacesassistive devices, association for the blind

To assist visually impaired people using their signature, this guide was produced and could be placed over any paper or form. Plastic plate with 1 rectangular spaceAssociation for the Blind Vision Victoria Signature templateassistive devices, association for the blind

An aid for learning the points of the compass. A circular aluminium plate mounted on a wooden base and embossed with 16 raised lines radiating from the center. 16 small plates each brailled with a different compass direction are provided. The set is accompanied by an instruction sheet. 1 silver aluminium plate on a larger black wooden circle with 16 metal spikes around edge housed in a cardboard box and 16 rectangular aluminum plates.assistive devices, orientation and mobility

The Epson HX-20 (also known as the HC-20) is generally regarded as the first laptop computer, announced in November 1981, although first sold widely in 1983. Hailed by Business Week magazine as the fourth revolution in personal computing, it is generally considered both the first notebook and handheld computer. The typist could hear the message and check that it was correct. Used by visually impaired people who could not read Braille. Talking typewriter with brown keys in brown plastic case'Keynote" on left hand side.audio equipment, assistive devices

American Printing House pocket brailler consisting of a rectangle shaped structure made out of a brown coloured plastic with 7 keys and 3 buttons and a mustard coloured vinyl cover with attached handle and a power cord. Braille letters are achieved by punching the various keys. Serial number: Louisville 1354.Brown coloured plastic rectangular Brailler with covering vinyl bag with handle.braille equipment, assistive devices

This black wooden antique hinged book magnifier was typical of the elegant way that Victorian age designers combined both practicality and style into the salon. Folded down, this box would sit on a side table until required, whereupon it would expand to allow the user to read items in their hand. A platform designed to hold reading materials would be elevated into position, and the magnifier allowed for three different levels of height. On top of the magnifier are engraved decorations - one of a bow and the other of a globe, telescope and scroll.1 wooden box with fold out top and inset glass magnifier.assistive devices, equipment

This pocket watch is believed to have been owned by Tom Marks, a past president of the AFB, and is an example of how Braille could be integrated into everyday items at the early part of the 20th century. Braille numbers are located on top of each printed number. Steel metal watch with copper trims. Sixty minute markers on white face and black numerals of the clock face. Minute and hour hands are of blue anodised material. Embedded seconds dial, sixty divisions marks with blue anodised sweep hand.Metal pocket watch with raised Braille numbers on facetom marks, assistive devices

This brown painted metal case was used to carry and store a Braille Writer. It has metal caps on the corners and is lined with green felt. The handle on the front is leather. Two steel catches on the front hold it closed. Brown painted metal case with green felt lining and leather handle Marked on hinges 'U.K Patent No. 427897 and others'.braille equipment, assistive devices

Designed to create an impression on paper, the slate allows users to create Braille by guiding the stylus into the correct alignment to produce Braille, through the applied use of pressure that creates a depression on one size of the paper and a raised dot on the alternative side. In this example, the frame has two hinges which allow it to sit over the paper edge, and a single line of Braille could be written.2 metal Braille frames for single line usagebraille equipment, assistive devices

The Optacon OPtical-to-TActile-CONverter is a compact, portable reading aid for the blind. It is about the size of a textbook, and weighs less than 2kg. It works by converting a printed image into a tactile image that a blind person can feel with one finger. After a period of training and practice, a blind person can use the Optacon to read ordinary books, magazines, newspapers, and other printed materials. The Optacon was developed after intensive research at Standford University, California, USA and was trialed by clients of the Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind (now part of Vision Australia) in 1973. It has three main sections: 1 a miniature camera, 2 an electronics section, and 3 a tactile stimulator array. The miniature camera, about the size of a pocket knife, is mounted in a housing that has rollers for easy movement along a line of print. The camera is connected to the electronics section by a lightweight cable. The electronics section and the tactile stimulator array are in the main chassis. The array consists of 144 tiny metal rods arranged in six vertical columns and 24 horizontal rows. Each of the rods can vibrate independently. The tips of these rods protrude through holes in a concave finger plate where the index finger is placed flat in order to read. These three components act together to convert the image of a printed letter or other shape into a pattern of vibrating rods, a tactile image of the letter or shape. The letter shape is tactually perceived as an image that moves from right to left on the finger, showing the left or leading edge of the letter first. Letters are felt sequentially rather than all at once, and the image should be kept moving. The Optacon converts a printed O into a tactile form that resembles a crater with a vibrating rim -- a completed circle. C would have a gap or opening on the right side of the curve. The letter F would be felt, sequentially, as a vertical line with two trailing horizontal lines. Because it can convert any ordinary printed image into a corresponding tactile image, the Optacon is not restricted to any special typestyle or language. The camera has a zoom lens that compensates for differences in the size of type. The standard Optacon lens can accommodate type sizes from 6 point to 20 point. With the optional F4A magnifier lens, type sizes as small as 4 point can be read. Powered by a rechargeable battery, and comes with its own battery charger. The battery is contained within the main chassis, and is not removable by the user. There are four basic controls on the Optacon: the Magnification Adjustment zoom button located on the camera section on the side opposite the rollers; and the On-Off switch, the Stimulator Intensity Adjustment knob, and the Threshold Adjustment knob located on the right side of the front panel. The Circuit Breaker protrudes from the right-hand wall inside the chassis compartment. From left to right when the back panel is facing you, are located: the jack for connecting the battery charger; the Battery Check button; the Normal-Invert switch; and the Input/Output I/O connector for use with the Visual Display, when using the Repeater Cable to connect two Optacons to one another or with other accessories. Designed not be removed from the leather case during normal operation, the On-Off switch is a slide switch located on the right side of the front panel. It slides up and snaps into place in the on position. 1 black with orange front, rectangular device in leather case assistive devices, audio equipment

The sewing palm was used by visually impaired workers in the mat making workshop at the Royal Victorian for the Blind Institute during the binding of mats to protect their palms from the 17cm-long curved mat making needle.1 leather folded band with indented metal square attached and leather lacing fastening at back assistive devices, employment

A hollow wooden box with an 8 pointed hole cut in top. A wooden block fits into the hole. The block is rectangular and one end has a straight bar along one side, the other end has two pointed parts on one side. There are no accompanying instructions.1 square light brown wooden box with block inserted assistive devices, education aids and devices

A hard white plastic ball is currently (2015) used in Australia and it is slightly larger and has holes in it so sound can be released from the bottle tops and led weight. This ball has been in use since the beginning of the 2003/2004 season.1 white plastic cricket ball with metal bellsrecreation, assistive devices

Collapsible white cane cylindrical in shape made from metal, plastic and rope. Handle is a red plastic textured moulding. Tip is also red with a red plastic protrusion. Shaft is painted white. Made in 5 sections. Internal rope holds the sections together. 5 metal/plastic pieces joined together with an elasticized cordassistive devices, orientation and mobility

This shorter white cane for a child with detachable, rotating ball tip, is more than just a stick that is used to alert others that they are blind or an early warning signal that a pathway is blocked. A cane actually allows a child who is blind access to four major developmental areas that are impacted the most due to the disability. A cane is a developmental tool that is imperative in neuro-development, sensory development, physical development, social development and emotional development of a child. 3 metal/plastic pieces joined together with an elasticized cordassistive devices, orientation and mobility

This white cane was included in the 1991 time capsule. It is a Royal brand cane and folds up into 4 sections. An elasticised handle loops around the wrist, when unfolded and in use. When folded, the handle loops around the 4 parts, keeping them folded.4 metal/plastic pieces joined together with an elasticized cordorientation and mobility, assistive devices

Cane is thick with walking stick handle to support weight as well as be an identification that the person using it is blind or vision impaired. It is white with a red tip on the lower part of the cane, a rubber grip on end and brown plastic handle.4 metal/plastic pieces joined together with an elasticized cordassistive devices, orientation and mobility

This collapsible cane is in four sections joined to each other by braided rubber tubing. Original paper wrapping has instructions on the outside including: 'The top section can easily be identified as it is the thickest of the four and is threaded with an elastic cord for carrying purposes'. An elasticized handle loops around the wrist, when unfolded and in use. When collapsed , the handle loops around the four parts, keeping them folded.4 metal/plastic pieces joined together with an elasticized cordassistive devices, royal national institute for the blind

Small red and white plastic object with sensors in one end and a white switch and black knob on the other end. A black strap is attached to the base and the letters 'RNIB' are inscribed on the red plastic.1 red and white sensory with black dial and white buttonRNIBassistive devices, royal national institute for the blind

This timepiece uses Braille to indicate the position of the numbers, which the wearer could then use to orient themselves and tell the time from the metal hands. The 12 position is indicated by three dots, with the 3,6,9 positions by two dots. The user would start with a finger at the centre of the face and work outwards to the end of each hand to determine position and hence be able to figure out the time. Since the watch is designed and made for touching, the metal hands are particularly robust.Silver pocket watch with Braille to indicate number position. Clock face = "Algex in Cabloc 17 jewels Swiss made" On back watch sticker "Ali".assistive devices, braille

This two level Liquid Level Sensor is an aid which prevents cups from being overfilled with 2 levels of liquid. The unit simply hangs over the side of a cup or glass with the probes on the inside. Ideal for making a cup of tea or coffee with milk. Simply pour in the hot water stopping when a pulsating tone is heard then pour in milk stopping when a continuous tone is heard. Can also be used as a single level sensor such as for non mixed drinks. Handy magnets on the back of the unit allow for easy storage on fridge or other metal object. Uses a 12V battery. 1 black liquid sensor with 2 magnets assistive devices, equipment

The Mowat Sensor model MS 01, is a pale green, palm-sized, plastic battery-operated device with a darker green switch on top. It is partially open at one end with two grilles. A microphone plugs into the other end with a wrist strap. It came with a brown vinyl carry case and owner's manual, which are not included. This handheld device for the visually impaired uses high frequency sound to detect objects within a narrow beam. The sensor vibrates if an object is present, responds to closest object within the beam. The vibration rate increases as user approaches object. There are two range settings: short, responds to objects less than 1 meter away (indoor use) and long, responds to objects of sufficient size up to 4 meters. The sensor can be handheld or carried in pocket or purse. As a facility intended for partially sighted people, the compass also includes an in-built color indicator (visible through the semi-transparent enclosure), which indicates the direction using a combination of three colours. Weight: 185 grams. Comes with dark brown vinyl case.1 pale green coloured plastic rectangle sensor with a brown nylon, plaited wrist strap Model MS01assistive devices, orientation and mobility

Wooden clock with embossed metal to mark hours as well as tactile hands. A metal plate fixed to the top has Braille as well as print. Door at the rear opens to reveal the clock's inner workings. Four metal balls on the base sit on two runners. Believed to have been created by St Dunstans.Wooden clock with metal hands, indicators and name plateSt Dunstans 1915-1965 (also written in Braille)assistive devices, st dunstans