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

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 side hinges which allow it to sit over the paper edge, and four lines of Braille could be written.1 plastic Braille frame with 4 lines of 28 cells with side hingebraille equipment, equipment

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, a postcard sized frame fits over a notebook of the same size, and allows the user to fill the page without re-positioning the slate.1 metal Braille frame and 1 vinyl covered metal ring binder with braille pagesbraille equipment, equipment

This wooden box and other small gifts were given to performers at Carols by Candlelight as a small thank you for donating their time and talents at the concert. The Carols by Candlelight logo of two candle adult shaped figures stand beside a smaller candle child shaped figure, with the words 'Carols by Candlelight 2001' arching over the top of the figures and 'RVIB' at the base of the figures.1 dark brown wooden box with hinged lid and green lining on baseCarols by Candelight 2001 RVIBcarols by candlelight, royal victorian institute for the blind, fundraising

Rectangular box of matches sold at Carols by Candlelight. White box with 'Carols by Candlelight 1990' in blue lettering, with a Hungry Jacks logo in the centre. On the reverse side, also in blue lettering, 'Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind Carols by Candlelight 1990'.1 box of white headed matchesCarols by Candelight 1990 Hungry Jacks logocarols by candlelight, fundraising

A wooden coaster with the Carols by Candlelight logo of two candle adult shaped figures stand beside a smaller candle child shaped figure, with the words 'RVIB Carols by Candlelight' arching over the top of the figures and 'Qantas presents' above this.1 round wooden coaster with inscriptionQantas presents RVIB Carols by Candelightcarols by candlelight, royal victorian institute for the blind, fundraising

Rectangular box of matches sold at Carols by Candlelight. On one side are three small images of a white flame against a circular purple background, with two red and one green flame hearths, and the words 'vision australia's carols by candlelight presented by MYER'. On the reverse side is white lettering on a green background with the words 'To donate call 1300 84 74 66 Proceeds from this event go to Vision Australia." Underneath this on a white background is the Channel 9 logo and 'telecast partner' in purple lettering. 2 box of green headed matchesVision Australia's Carols by Candelight presented by Myercarols by candlelight, fundraising

Rectangular box of matches sold at Carols by Candlelight. On one side is a purple and white background and the words 'vision australia's carols by candlelight presented by MYER', beside a multi-coloured star and spot pattern. On the reverse side is purple lettering on a white background with the words 'Proceeds from this event go to Vision Australia. To donate call 1300 84 74 66". Underneath this is the Channel 9 logo and 'telecast partner' in purple lettering, beside the same multi-coloured star and spot pattern featured on the other side. 1 box of white headed matchesVision Australia's Carols by Candelight presented by Myercarols by candlelight, fundraising

A battery operated illuminating candle which lights up a small red flame when the red button is depressed. This candle was most likely sold at the Carols by Candlelight concert.1 plastic candle with lightcarols by candlelight, royal victorian institute for the blind, fundraising

Rectangular box of matches sold at Carols by Candlelight. White box with blue lighthouse logo on one side, with the words in blue lettering 'Please Support', and on the reverse side in black lettering 'Happy Christmas to your Family' with the Coles Myer Ltd. logo in red and blue.1 box of red headed matchesPlease support Royal Victorian Institute for the Blindcarols by candlelight, fundraising

Metal candle holder with white candle given out as a souvenir of the 2000 Carols by Candlelight concert to official guests. The words 'RVIB Carols by Candlelight 2000' are engraved on the lid.1 silver plated candle holder with candleRVIB Carols by Candlelight 2000carols by candlelight, royal victorian institute for the blind, fundraising

Carols by Candlelight pass attached to a purple Vision Australia lanyard. The pass is on a red background with musical notes and small flames in a lighter red tone, and the letters 'AAA' and 'No: 39'. A white background dominates the pass, and contains white flames with red or green flame hearths against a purple circular background, with one white musical note against a red circular background. 'vision australia's carols by candlelight' is beneath this, in purple (the first two words) and green lettering. 'presented by the city of melbourne' is below this in gray lettering with the City of Melbourne logo.1 laminated pass with Vision Australia purple lanyardcarols by candlelight, vision australia, fundraising

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 travel pass was used by NSW State Rail Authority to ascertain that the bearer was indeed a blind person and entitled to free travel. This example was numbered 4017 and was issued in the name of Mr N.L. Walker. It outlines what the named is authorised to obtain including 'Free Travel' which includes first or economy class, whichever is desired on State Rail Authority or Urban Transit Authority rail, bus and ferry services (except Hydrofoil) for journeys wholly within the stipulated N.S.W. areas and on Australian Government bus services in Canberra and also outlines details for 'Concession Travel'. 1 rectangular travel pass with blue cloth cover and black text On the cover of this Travel pass it states; 'N.S.W. Transport Authorities Blind Person's Permit, Including Attendant, Expires 30th June, 1982'. royal blind society of nsw, nsw state rail authority

A set of 70 (incomplete as full set believed to be 85 cards) black and white and colour stereoscopic charts, divided into series Includes geometric, pictorial and photographic examples of charts and Schlechteres Auge test. An instructional leaflet is also included. These featured images thought to strengthen the eye muscles.1 rectangular fawn cardboard box sleeve which contains specially printed cards with pictures and text6th editionequipment, emil hegg

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

To encourage the development of audio books, a series of awards were established by the National Library of Australia in 1988, and sponsored by TDK from 1991 until their demise in 2000. Open to both commercial and non-commercial publishers, it aimed to recognise the quality achievements by individuals and publishing houses and to promote the inclusion of audio books into the mainstream market. In 1994 the winner of the Unabridged Fiction Category was "White Eye" by Louis Braille Books.1 wooden cassette box shaped like a book and with ability to hold cassettes insidelouis braille audio, awards, association for the blind

In 1987 a farewell was held for John Wicking, former President of the AFB. The presentation of a medal "Rara Avis" (rare bird) and on the reverse 'Nil Taurus excretis' (no bull excretement) was made to the bemused honouree. Upon the front face of the plate is an image of Mr Wicking wearing a name plate 'The Guiding Light', as he climbs an 'Association for the Blind' sign to reach the guiding light at the top. On the reverse is a drawing of a bull snorting.Medal chain with metal plate attached upon which paper images are pasted, either side of the plate is plastic gold braiding holding white painted wicker upon which 'Rara Avis' and 'Nil Taurus Excretis' has been Dymo labelled.john wicking, association for the blind

The Braille Lite harnessed the advantages of a computer to write in Braille and provides responses either in Braille or synthetic voice. Weighing around a kilogram, it was considered a lightweight notebook that also could be connected to other computers and stored Braille in it's inbuilt hardware. 1 beige rectangle with 7 raised buttons, a long space bar and refreshable braille display in black, held in a black plastic carrying case + printed instruction bookBraille Lite (R) Sticker attached over 'Blaze Engineering'.braille equipment, stephen jolley

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

The black nylon blind cricket ball was in use since 1974 until the end of the 2002/2003 season. It was hand woven around a wire frame, with lead for weight and bottle tops for sound placed inside.1 black nylon cricket ball with metal bellsrecreation, victorian blind cricket association

The plastic ball has bells inside to make it audible when it is hit by the rectangular wooden 'Swish bat'. 'Swish' is a fast, invigorating game, and was developed by blind people in Australia and has been played here for many years. It is played on both a recreational and competitive level; and allows blind, vision impaired and sighted people to compete on almost equal terms. Swish is like table tennis, but instead of hitting a ball over a net, the ball is hit under a net and must travel along the surface of the table. The net is at a height that so that those players with various degrees of sight do not have an advantage over blind players. Swish is either played as a doubles or singles competition. The game can be played from one game to the best of five, and the first to eleven or the advantage of 2 after eleven.1 swish ball with 26 holes containing 3 metal bellsrecreation, swish

The plastic ball has bells inside to make it audible when it is hit by the rectangular wooden 'Swish bat'. 'Swish' is a fast, invigorating game, and was developed by blind people in Australia and has been played here for many years. It is played on both a recreational and competitive level; and allows blind, vision impaired and sighted people to compete on almost equal terms. Swish is like table tennis, but instead of hitting a ball over a net, the ball is hit under a net and must travel along the surface of the table. The net is at a height that so that those players with various degrees of sight do not have an advantage over blind players. Swish is either played as a doubles or singles competition. The game can be played from one game to the best of five, and the first to eleven or the advantage of 2 after eleven.1 swish ball with 28 holes containing 4 metal bellsrecreation, swish

The wooden bat is used to play the game 'Swish' which is a fast, invigorating game, and was developed by blind people in Australia and has been played here for many years. It is played on both a recreational and competitive level; and allows blind, vision impaired and sighted people to compete on almost equal terms. Swish is like table tennis, but instead of hitting a ball over a net, the ball is hit under a net and must travel along the surface of the table. The net is at a height that so that those players with various degrees of sight do not have an advantage over blind players. The ball has bells in it to make it audible and it is about the size of a tennis ball and made of plastic with holes in it. Swish is either played as a doubles or singles competition. The game can be played from one game to the best of five, and the first to eleven or the advantage of 2 after eleven.1 light brown, wooden rectangular paddle or batting surface with a short handle recreation, swish

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