To identify AFB committee members, a name badge was struck.. Names were printed in black on a white background, with the logo of the Association for the Blind - in black and blue - to the left of the name. The words 'Association for the Blind' sit below the symbol, whilst 'Blind Members Council' is located beneath the wearer's name. This badge was donated by Norma Crook. 1 plastic name badge with AFB logoassociation for the blind, badges

Badge of Tilly Aston replicated from a photograph of her during her teenager/early adulthood. Rectangle in shape with a bronze background. 1 plastic badge with image of Tilly Astonassociation for the blind, badges, tilly aston

Metal badge with blue background and yellow text 'Open Your Eyes to the' around the top edge of the badge, with white text 'Association for the Blind' around the lower edge of the badge. In the middle are two circles with '100 years' and '1995-96' in yellow writing on a yellow vertical striped background. This badge was produced to commemorate the centenary of the AAFB/AFB and raise funds and awareness.Large badge with blue background and yellow and white writingassociation for the blind, badges

These metal badges consist of silver writing (Association for the Advancement of the Blind) around the outside and the word 'Representative' between two lines in the middle, against a dark blue enamel background. It is the only identification badge held in the collection for the AAFB, which became the Association For the Blind in 1960. Metal badge with silver writingbadges, association for the advancement of the blind

Black box containing a Matrix Braille writing machine, with a 24mm-wide paper spool attached to the feeding mechanism. Corner of box is hinged and lifts up to reveal keyboard. Top half of box lifts to reveal Braille writer which is bolted to a wooden base that can be lifted out. The base is secured with a metal latch. Machine has black Bakelite keys with rubber pads beneath make this a "silent" machine; wooden case has black leather-like covering, hinged lid, metal clasps, and leather handle on the side. "Model G, Matrix, Coventry Gauge & Tool Company, Ltd., No. 1183, For The Royal National Institute for the Blind, London W.I." is stamped on the front,Black vinyl-covered case containing black metal writer and paper spool"Model G, Matrix, Coventry Gauge & Tool Company, Ltd., No. 1183, For The Royal National Institute for the Blind, London W.I." is stamped on the front.braille equipment, royal national institute for the blind

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

A 'Brunsviga' adding Machine used to educate people who were blind or vision impaired in arithmetic during in the early 1900s. The firm Grimme, Natalis & Co (GNC) was established in 1871 to build sewing machines and domestic appliances at Braunschweig (Brunswick) in Germany. In 1892 engineer Franz Trinks was instrumental in securing the manufacturing rights to the Odhner calculator patents. The first machines were built according to W.T. Odhner's 1890 design, and were distributed under the brand name "Brunsviga". Trinks continued to develop and refine the Brunsviga calculator over a period of almost 30 years. The brass rotor disks are 71mm in diameter, with the nine setting levers spaced on 9mm centres. The moving carriage has 10 places in the counter register and 18 in the accumulator, but the tens-carry mechanism only covers 10 of the 18 places. The carriage is positioned manually by releasing a latch and moving the assembly by hand to the required position. The registers are cleared by a full turn of the large wing nuts on either end. The mechanism is very basic, with no safety interlocks and no added features.Metal machine on wooden base.Brunsviga Patent Braunschweigoffice equipment and supplies, royal victorian institute for the blind

A machine used to copy content of one master cassette onto another at up to 16 times normal playing speed. Machine is contained in a black vinyl-covered case with the power cord wrapped up into a recess on one side. Black plastic rectangular Telex cassette duplicator with power cord.Telex is embossed on the bottom right-hand corner of the case-lid and front of machine. 'Copyette 1 & 1' printed on top of machine.audio equipment, royal victorian institute for the blind

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

A talking book player that allowed the user to change the tone and speed of cassettes played in it. Designed to handle both 4 track and 2 track cassettes, these players were the perfect solution to having both commercial (2 track) and recordings for the blind (4 track) materials without needing separate players. Tonal changes in particular were sometimes required by older listeners, as aging reduces the ability to distinguish high pitch sounds. Speed variability also allowed those who read faster to increase narration, and to slow down reading patterns for listeners with acquired brain injury or other conditions that affected cognitive processing of language.Blue plastic rectangular talking book player with buttons for navigational controls and 5 buttons.Model tbci serial no 8017. Machine number: 8157audio equipment, royal victorian institute for the blind

Over the years, Clarke & Smith retained the method of using a 'tapete' to store audio material, but changed the players to reflect improvements in technology (both audio and housing). This 'toaster' style model used a combination of components made at it's English factory and overseas suppliers. However compact discs were beginning to evolve and organisations, such as RNIB, wanted more versatility over playback machines.Plastic rectangular cream coloured audio player with buttons for navigational controls, power cord and 5 buttons (b/c 1010150)Clarke + Smithaudio equipment, clarke and smith

APH began producing it's own line of products to satisfy it's clients, outsourcing the manufacturer to overseas companies. This talking book machine, had an optional carry case, and dials to control tone, volume, speed, front buttons to record, rewind, forward, play, and stop tape. Playing both 2 and 4 track tapes, it also had Braille signs next to some of the buttons.Plastic rectangular light brown audio player with buttons for navigational controls, power cord, outlets for ear or head phones and black vinyl protective zip up cover Model no. 3-5194A.audio equipment, royal victorian institute for the blind

Wanting to improve upon the limitations of existing Braillers, the Perkins School for the Blind resolved to develop a new machine that would produce uniformity in embossing, was lightweight and was easy to use. By the 1940's, David Abrahams (a teacher at the school) had developed his prototype, but manufacturing restrictions created by World War 2 halted proceedings. In the waiting period, students at the school used the prototype and Abrahams perfected his device. During the post-war era, Howe Press agreed to take on production of the Perkins Brailler and it became of the most popular and commonly used Braillers around the world since it's commercial release in 1951. Also included is a booklet of photocopied instructions with honeycomb binding.Metal Braille writer with nine grey keys, carriage return key and paper rollers on either side, with grey vinyl cover, and photocopied instruction booklet.'Perkins Brailler' embossed on front of machine and in silver on cover. Sticker on top of machine reads "This equipment remains the property of Braille and Talking Book Library 31-51 Commercial Road, South Yarra 3141 Phone: (03) 267 6022." Metal plate attached to front below keys "Designed by David Abraham, Manufactured and Distributed by Howe Memorial Press, Perkins School for the Blind, Watertown, Mass. U.S.A." Stamped on base of front: G0345braille equipment, perkins school for the blind

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 cricket ball is made of cane wicker and was used in cricket games with visually impaired players by people who lived or were educated at the Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind from the 1920's through till 1972. It is a circular shape made of plaited strips of woven natural cane and is lighter than a conventional cricket ball. The hollow center of the ball contains pieces of twisted metal pieces which rattle as the ball is moved to aid players in tracking the ball's movement. The stumps also had bells attached so fielders knew when the batsman was out. Blind cricket was invented in Melbourne in 1922 when two blind factory workers started playing a game using a tin can containing rocks. The game soon gained popularity and the Victorian Blind Cricketers' Association was formed. Mr William Paterson, a volunteer worker and advocate for blind people for over 60 years, was instrumental in acquiring and developing the sports ground and clubhouse in Glenferrie Road Kooyong, Victoria on behalf of the Association for the Advancement of the Blind (now called Vision Australia). In 1928 play began on the world's first sports ground for blind cricketers, in the first official blind cricket match. Blind cricket is now played internationally. This particular cricket ball was awarded to William Paterson Esq in 1928 in recognition of his support in establishing the world's first blind cricket ground in Kooyong. On the front of this ball is attached a small metal crest with an inscription: 'Presented to W.H. Paterson, Esq as a token of esteem for his interest in Blind cricket being the first ball bowled on the cricket ground for Blind Kooyong 7. 4.28'.1 wicker cricket ball with metal shield attached and metal bells in the hollow centre'Presented to W.H. Paterson, Esq / as a token of esteem for his/ interest in Blind cricket/ being the first ball bowled /on the cricket /ground for Blind /Kooyong / 7. 4.28'. recreation equipment, awards

A Royal Humane Society of Australasia silver medal for bravery was awarded to Mrs Isadore Susannah Smith who, although blind, went to the aid of her husband, Arthur who was also blind, when he fell against a gas fire on July 2nd, 1967. Mrs Smith suffered second degree burns to her hands and wrists when she removed his burning pieces of clothing. On the front shows a woman in Ancient Greek clothing standing at left placing wreath on head of young man kneeling at right below Southern Cross; around edge is ' Virtute Paratum' and on the back is at centre within olive wreath 'Awarded to Isadore Smith 2.7.67'around edge is , Royal humane society of Australasia Instd. A.D. 1874. 1 silver coloured medallion and ribbon bar with ivory, brown and yellow striped ribbon. Women in ancient Greek clothing with 'Virtute Paratum' on front. Back is inscribed with 'Isadore Smith 2.6.67' inside a wreath.medals, isadore smith

Used to teach geographical information, this tactile globe was most likely produced by the RNIB and used at the RVIB Burwood School. Equator is raised and marked in black rubber. Topography land masses and meridians are tactically represented, and includes place names in Braille. A different shade of green is used to represent land masses, and major rivers are shown as well.Green plastic tactile globe with metal stand.Variouseducation aids and devices, rvib burwood school

This book contains the set up and clues for cross word puzzles that can be constructed with the RNIB crossword board. The board is contained inside a wooden box, which also has compartments for storing yellow and red rubber markers that fit into a grid that sits on the lower side. Red smooth markers are used for blanks, whilst the yellow markers have three turnable pieces, which can be adjusted to represent each letter in Braille.1 braille book and 1 wooden box containing yellow and red rubber markers that fit into the grid inset in the box.'From the Evening News book of crossword puzzles no. 18' Catalogue 29444recreation equipment, games

A bust of Louis Braille was gifted to the Victorian Association of Braille Writers in 1929 by the sculptor Guilliame Daniel Duprat. The bronze bust sits upon a blackwood plinth, with an inscribed nameplate below the chest, and a revolving medallion at the base of the stand.Sculpture of man on wooden plinth with inscribed medallion on axis and base plateOne side of medallion: Offert par le Ministere des Affaires Etrangeres (curved edge) Louis Braille Centenary Presented by French Government to The Victorian Association of Braille Writers Melbourne 1929 Reverse side: Republique Francaise Baseplate: Presented by Mrs George Swinburne to commemorate the Centenary of Louis Braille. Copied from the plaster cast. Made & Donated by G.D. Delprat Esq. 1929 victorian association of braille writers, guilliame daniel duprat

During the 1970's RVIB conducted fund raising through the use of Instant Bingo machines in Melbourne's pubs and clubs. For 20 cents per card, a Lucky Envelope would be provided and amounts from $1 (if all the numbers were green), $2 (gold), $5 (blue), $10 (grey) or $25 (red) could be won. Machines were emptied/refilled by RVIB volunteers and the profits gained were expended by the Institute for services to the blind. Wooden box with brown veneer and metal shutes for money inserted and tickets dispensed, with separate locks for doors in top for envelope restocking and base for money collection. royal victorian institute for the blind, fund raising

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

Produced by Lions International to commemorate the 100 years since the birth of Helen Keller, who was a pioneer in changing attitudes and rallying support for the blind and vision impaired community in the United States of America, as well as around the world.Silver medallion with profile of short-haired woman turned to the leftHelen Keller in profile with the words 'Helen Keller Centennial 1880-1980' on front side. "While they were saying among themselves it can not be done it was done' - Helen Keller (script on back) collectibles, medals

Tilly Aston was the founder of the Association for the Advancement of the Blind, which became the Association for the Blind, Vision Foundation and later Vision Australia. Her work in expanding the options available to blind and vision impaired Victorians triggered the push for similar conditions inter-state, and she was a pioneer force in challenging perceptions of both the sighted and less-sighted communities. This bust of Tilly Aston was donated by Malcolm and Beverley Daubney and unveiled at the 1997 Annual General Meeting for the Association for the Blind (now Vision Australia) on the 19th September 1997.Bronze relief of Tilly AstonMatilda (Tilly) Aston 1873-1947 Founder of the Association for the Blind Generously donated by Malcolm & Beverley Daubney September 1997tilly aston, association for the blind, malcolm daubney

From 1979, the John Wilson Award was awarded to individuals who made a significant difference to the lives of those around them. In 1980, it was presented to Sister Elizabeth Lindsay, who cared for children in the RVIB from 1935 until 1945 as the first Matron of the RVIB nursery, and her guardianship of one particular child, whom she took in and cared for.1 wooden block with two metal insertsAssociation for the Blind The Guiding Light John Wilson Award for sustained devotion and personal contribution to the blind Presented to Elizabeth Inez Lindsey 10th October 1980association for the blind, sister elizabeth lindsey

Blue synthetic dog coat with red tartan brushed cotton lining. The words ' SEDA' and 'SEEING EYE DOGS australia' are writtin in white on both sides of the coat, with the SEDA logo located above the words. On one side, a set of four paw prints are adjacent to the writing. Velcro straps secure the coat to the dog across the stomach and chest. 1 blue and white dog coat with red tartan lining SEDA SEEING EYE DOGS australiaseeing eye dogs australia, fundraising

Blue synthetic dog coat with the words 'SEEING EYE DOG', 'Sponsor a Puppy call 1800 787 797' and '1800 Puppys' in white on both sides of the coat. An L plate, also in white, is located above the words 'Seeing Eye Dog'. Velcro straps secure the coat to the dog across the stomach and chest. Signed by ex-football player Garry Lyon and two other football players (signatures illegible, 09 and 27 against their names). 1 blue and white dog coat"L" SEEING EYE DOG Sponsor a Puppy call 1800 787 797 1800 Puppysseeing eye dogs australia, garry lyon

Blue synthetic puppy coat with red tartan brushed cotton lining. The words ' SEDA' and 'SEEING EYE DOGS australia' are writtin in white on both sides of the coat, with the SEDA logo located above the words. On one side, a set of four paw prints are adjacent to the writing. Velcro straps secure the coat to the puppy across the stomach and chest. 1 blue and white puppy coat with red tartan lining SEDA SEEING EYE DOGS australiaseeing eye dogs australia, fundraising

Blue synthetic puppy coat with the words 'SEEING EYE DOG', 'Sponsor a Puppy call 1800 787 797' and '1800 Puppys' in white on both sides of the coat. An L plate, also in white, is located above the words 'Seeing Eye Dog'. Velcro straps secure the coat to the puppy across the stomach and chest. 1 blue and white puppy coat"L" SEEING EYE DOG Sponsor a Puppy call 1800 787 797 1800 Puppysseeing eye dogs australia, fundraising

Blue edged tea towel with images of golden Labrador puppies and a black Labrador dog in a red harness. The words 'Our gift of independence' and 'Seeing Eye Dogs Australia' is printed amongst the images, on a white background. Common household items were often created to raise money for SEDA and to reinforce the work involved in training dogs from puppy to adult stage. 1 woven cloth tea towel with illustrationsseeing eye dogs australia, fundraising