Two material mats that were made in the workshop at RVIB2 matsroyal victorian institute for the blind, employment

Locally produced, this ink supplier recommended buyers select their ink as it would assist the blind. Although this cannot be substantiated yet, the company may have donated a portion of profits to either the RVIB or AFB.1 glass bottle with cork stopper and inkStoneyfell (on bottle) Made by the blind Non-corrosive blue-black writing ink Suitable for fountain pens Price 1/- 4 oz. approx. Use this ink and help the blind help themselves. F & M Pty Ltd, Prahranfundraising, office equipment and supplies

A silver plated cup with five leaf clover and small flower in in the middle, as well as handles with engraved leaves. Inscribed on the mug is: 2nd World Blind Bowls Tournament. G. Hoppitt. Leicester 1981. A plastic cup rests in the middle of the trophy, possibly a candle holder. When Clarrie Hoppitt attended a demonstration of blind bowling, he immediately offered his services to teach blind people how to play. His wife Grace was just as impressed and also began teaching, leading to her attendance at the 2nd World Blind Bowls Tournament and this cup as a souvenir of her participation in the event.1 silver plated cup with plastic insert2nd World Blind Bowls Tournament G. Hoppitt Leicester 1981nameplates, royal blind society of new south wales, grace hoppitt

A metal mug with an enamel badge for the Blinded Soldiers Bowling Club Victoria. Logo is blue, gold, white and red and features a gold torch with red flames against a blue and white background. 1 silver mug with metal badgeblinded soldiers bowling club, nameplates

A metal cup engraved with 'Melbourne Red Cross Younger Set' sits on top of a plastic base, which has a dark coloured plate attached to the front side. On the front plate is engraved "Memorial SWISH - Trophy, Commemorating Annual Contests between the R.V.I.B. and Younger Set Teams". On the rear side are engraved the winners of the trophy: 1975 - RVIB, 1976 - RVIB, 1977 - RVIB, 1978 - MRCYS. The Melbourne Red Cross Younger Set were an auxiliary of RVIB that helped provide awareness and raised funds for services. Swish is a form of table tennis that is played without sight. The ball contains a bell and is hit with a rectangular bat under the board that acts as a net. This cup represented the annual game between the Auxiliary and RVIB players.1 pewter cup resting on top of a plastic platform with an engraved plate Memorial SWISH - Trophy, Commemorating Annual Contests between the R.V.I.B. and Younger Set Teams 1975 - RVIB, 1976 - RVIB, 1977 - RVIB, 1978 - MRCYSnameplates, royal victorian institute for the blind

The first tape based talking book machine from the late 1950s, produced by Clarke & Smith, that allowed the listener to hear up to 20 hours of recordings. Although bulky (each tape cartridge alone weighed over 2 kgs), the MK1 was the first magnetic, multi-track tape produced and considered quite novel for it's time. The cartridge designed to be played on the Clarke & Smith Model12 Talking Book gramophone was designed to house the pick up mechanism (the phono cartridge which contains the stylus) in the lid, so that visually impaired people could just close the lid to play the record. Initially these players designed to handle only 24 rpm, but soon added 33 rpm and 16 rpm options via the dial located on the left hand corner of the disk base. Directions for using as well as reminders to use on alternating current only are located inside the lid. On the side of the player are two plastic dials: one for turning on and volume, the other for tone.Metal record player housed in a brown wooden carry case, with a speaker grill in the front, two plastic dials on the side and an electric cord extending from the back of the case.Manufactured for Nuffield Talking Book Libraryaudio equipment, clarke and smith

Life Governorships were awarded to individuals who undertook significant work or monetary donations to Vision Australia Foundation. This Honour Board was located in the Warrnambool office, and recognises the names of these people. 1985 J. Amoore 1985 M. Officer 1985 M. Coulthard 1990 G. King 2001 M. Godkin1 wooden board with letteringHonour Roll Vision Australia Foundation Warrnambool Centre Life Governors 1985 J. Amoore 1985 M. Officer 1985 M. Coulthard 1990 G. King 2001 M. Godkinnameplates, vision australia foundation

Example of a Braille magazine imported from the United States for readers in Australia. Playboy was produced by the National Library Service in Braille and exported to Braille libraries around the world. Magazines were costly to produce in-house, as they often held timely information that were not as relevant to the reader by the time that the transcription and embossing process was finished, and each issues required the process to be restarted each time a print issue was created. Working from the magazine itself, rather than an electronic file, and with no automated process yet developed, this issue in 1974 would have been scribed by hand and manually checked before being sent to the large embossing and binding machines for distribution. 1 Braille volume of Playboy magazinePlayboy - entertainment for men, August 1974, Volume 21, No 8, Part IVbraille library of victoria, braille books

Small signboard advertising 3RPH. To th left of the sign a figure speaks into a microphone beneath a curved arc of lines representing sound waves.Black and White 3RPH sign with two holes in top cornersAssociation for the Blind 3RPH 1629 Radio for the Print Handicapped 3rph radio station, signs and signboards

Silver hand bell with 'RVIB 1935-1945' inscribed. Unsure of origin, however assuming that this was made as a commemorative piece as Neil Maxwell arrived at the RVIB in 1945.1 silver hand bell with clear plastic bed on handle and inscriptionRVIB 1935-1945royal victorian institute for the blind, neil maxwell

Used to raise both funds and awareness, this matchbooks were produced with colourful illustrations on the front (a lamp shining above the octagonal Braille Library building) and rear (a female brailling at home). Inside a message 'As a Thank-Offering for my sight I give this gift to the Honorary Treasurer, Braille Library, S.E.1', as well as matches printed alternately with 'Braille Library' and 'South Yarra'.1 book of red headed matchesThe Light That Never Fails Free Lending Library For The Blind, Commercial Rd, S. Yarra The Victorian Association of Braille Writers Braille is a series of tiny raised dots by which the blind can readfundraising, marketing

Three commemorative, but also usable, spoons with 'Lady Nell' and 'Seeing Eye Dog School' on a beige background, around a blue and beige circle with a dog in harness in the middle. An orange background as the outer rim makes it resemble an eye. The bowl and handles of the three spoons vary in design. Spoon collecting was a popular hobby during the late 1970s and early 1980s amongst souvenir hunters who found it an easily portable way to track their travels and interests. 3 silver plated spoons with various bowl and handle shapesfundraising, lady nell seeing eye dog school

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 1995 the winner of the Unabridged Fiction Category was "Dark Places" by Louis Braille Books.1 wooden cassette box shaped like a book and with ability to hold cassettes inside1995 TDK Australian Audio Book Award Dark Places by Louis Braille Bookslouis braille audio, awards, association for the blind

A wooden ruler with raised metal dots marking the spacings on the ruler. Made prior to 1971, when metric measurements were introduced, this 18-inch ruler is a demonstration of how easily a simple visual measuring tool could be adapted for varying degrees of sight by the use of tactile markings. 1 wooden ruler with metal pins as measurement pointsassistive devices, royal national institute for the blind

Wood and rubber stamp used by RVIB Charlton Auxiliary volunteers on documents and envelopes.1 small wood and rubber stamp with wordingRoyal Victorian Institute Charlton Auxiliary For the Blindroyal victorian institute for the blind, office equipment and supplies, auxiliaries

Silver wristwatch with inscribed cover and Braille watch face.Silver wristwatch with Braille numbers"CYMA" on watch face "The Fred Sutcliffe Watch 24-2-60" on watch coverassistive devices, braille, fred sutcliffe

44 cards (A-I) featuring four members of the Doctor, Musician, Painter, Carpenter, Barber, Scientist, Gardener, Tailor and Motorist families. Produced by RNIB, these cards were designed for various kinds of players with both print and Braille upon each card. 36 playing cards with Braille across top of card in red box Catalogue No. 9086recreation, games

The Queensland Musical, Literary and Self Aid Society for the Blind was established on 13 March, 1917. Many children who were blind and who had studied music with Mr Hebert Leon Newman at the 'Queensland Blind, Deaf and Dumb Institution wished to continue after leaving school but could not afford to do so. Mr Olsen, the librarian, who was blind, conceived the formation of a Society to meet this need as well as providing an after work social centre and to address the limited job opportunities available for adults who were blind. The committee of the Blind Deaf and Dumb Institution encouraged the new Society by providing a grand piano and seating accommodation for 100 people in their library. In 1921 he established the John Olsen Literary Competition, then became the Edwin Dickinson Literary Competition and later the Vision Australia Dickinson Literary Awards. When he died in 1926, this tablet was made to recognise his contribution to Braille literacy and work involved to encourage Braille in the community.Marble tablet engraved and with coloured lettingIn Affectionate Memory of John Olsen Founder Queensland Musical, Literary & Self-Aid Society for the Blind President 1919-1926 Died 9th January 1926queensland musical, literary and self-aid society for the blind, john olsen

In the 1960's, the RVIB approached engineer George Glover to produce equipment to allow blind people to shoot, based upon that made available at St Dunstan's Hospital in the UK. The rifle range opened in February 1966 at the rear of St Kilda Road with 30 members, and soon became involved in matches with sighted rifle clubs in the area. The club had many successful years, competing against teams from Canada and New Zealand in 1968.RVIB Rifle Club 1st International Challenge Team 1966 (Lg. -R) P. Hull (referee), J. Mallia, R.J. Hughes, R.C. Teague, J.O. Hoffman (Capt.), I.V. Leggett F.G. Berry, J.D. Machin, W.R. Leggett, W.G.C. West (referee), A.W. Alley (coach)rvib rifle club, recreation

The Wickings were key supporters of the Association for the Blind, with John Wicking becoming President of the Association for the Blind for over 10 years, and his wife Janet taking a key role in supporting blind who are blind or have low vision. Personally involved in the development of low vision centres, this plaque recognises the work they undertook at Kooyong.Framed photograph with wording underneathThis centre is dedicated to the memory of John and Janet Wicking whose extraordinary generosity will continue to touch the lives of people who are blind or have low vision for many years to come.association for the blind, john wicking, janet wicking, nameplates

The Wickings were key supporters of the Association for the Blind, with John Wicking becoming President of the Association for the Blind for over 10 years, and his wife Janet taking a key role in supporting blind who are blind or have low vision. Personally involved in the development of low vision centres, this plaque recognises the work they undertook through the naming of Vision Australia's head office in their honour.1plastic plaque with print and brailleVision Australia blindness and low vision services On Saturday 28th August 2010, Vision Australia's Kooyong Head Office was officially dedicated as the J.O. and J.R. Wicking Centre in recognition and celebration of the significant contribution of John and Janet Wicking to the blindness and low vision community in Australia.association for the blind, john wicking, vision australia, nameplates

In 1987, Australia Post released Christmas stamps and two first-day covers (envelopes with stamps affixed) with the Carols by Candlelight theme. The top first-day cover has a red candle in a gold old-style candlelight holder, with five stamps showing groups of people who are singing and holding similar candles. A large '50th Performance of Carols by Candlelight, Melbourne, Vic 3000, 24 Dec 1987' mark is stamped on the envelope, which has a background image of the Myer Music Bowl, a candle and songbook. The lower first-day cover has a boy holding a red candle in his right hand and a songbook in his left, singing. Two stamps, different to the ones in the envelope above, are affixed to the envelope and consist of groups of people holding red candles and singing. One '50th Performance of Carols by Candlelight ...' cancellation mark is stamped. In between the two envelopes is a photograph which shows the Myer Music Bowl at night, from the rear of the large crowd who are holding candles and songbooks.royal victorian institute for the blind, carols by candlelight

Coin collections have a long and varied history. Coins were often collected in churches in a box located near the entrance/exit, and later via a collection plate that was passed amongst the congregation Funds were used to repair the church or feed the poorest of the parish. The donation of coins is and was considered part of religious life and mentioned in Christian, Jewish and Islamic texts. With the need and expansion of charitable works occurring outside religious life, charity boxes began to spread into hospitals, orphanages and asylums. The need for non-fixed boxes grew with the rise in charities and their activities outside a fixed building. Collection boxes could be large (and therefore hard to move) or could be held by individuals acting as collection agents, working at a specific location, moving between dwellings or at events. In this example, the boxes were placed in a semi-permanent location, such as a shop counter or bar, for people to donate money. Periodically it would be emptied by a collector, who either unlocked the padlock that was usually attached or replaced it with a new box.2 wooden boxes with paper label, perspex or glass,metal hinges and locking mechanism.Blind Babies, Children & Adults Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind Phone 51 1381 All services provided by the RVIB are free - thanks to your helproyal victorian institute for the blind, fundraising

Large round sign with yellow lighthouse shining yellow lights either side on blue background. Around the outside of the circle in yellow writing is: Royal Victorian Institute (upper half) and For the Blind (lower half). The words 'Mid Western' and 'District Office' sit either side of the lighthouse.Blue and yellow large round signRoyal Victorian Institute for the Blind Mid Western District Officenameplates, royal victorian institute for the blind

Made from a large, heavy, irregular shaped piece of stone. One fascia has been cut lengthwise at an oblique angle & polished. On this face are 2 bronze medallions. One shows 2 hands and the other, 'Braille Book of the Year' is written in Braille. This award was presented for the first time at a presentation dinner on the 3rd May 1974 to Mr. Keith Dunstan. Mr. Barrett Reid of State Library, Dr. Stephen Murray - Smith from Melbourne University and Mr. Lloyd O'Neil, publisher formed the literary panel.1 stone block with 2 bronze medallions, one inlaid with hands and the other with BrailleBraille Book of the Year (in Braille)braille and talking book library, awards, sculpture

Plaque commemorating D.L. Palmer, Musician to the Blind, 1882-1955. David Palmer was a music teacher and Director of Music at the Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind (R.V.I.B.) for over 40 years and conducted the R.V.I.B. choir and orchestra. The orchestra had about twenty musicians, all of whom were vision impaired, and was popular with the public for dances and events. Mr Palmer and the other music teachers would transcribe over a thousand sheets of music every year for the orchestra into Braille. Created by sculptor Andor Mészáros (1900-1972), this plaque was located in the foyer of Ormond Hall. During an interview with Australian Women's Weekly (28/10/1959, p7), the sculpturor - Andor Meszaros - said that he worked with half-closed eyes to create the memorial. It shows a profile, with wavy lines that sweep across the eye and around the ear to represent how one sense will become more importance when another is lost. His son, Michael Meszaros, was involved in the collaboration.1 bronze plaque with raised lines depicting profileAndor Meszaros 1959awards, sculpture, royal victorian institute for the blind, david palmer, andor meszaros, michael meszaros

Eva Fisher was a valued member of the AFB and wished to commission a sculpture for the grounds in the front of Paterson Hall. Noted sculptor Ian Bow was commissioned and created Urban Cycle, a seven panel metal sculpture that follows the development of the local area. Prior to receiving the commission, Ian Bow went through a period of temporary vision loss, which gave him insight into how the sculpture could be appreciated by the blind and low vision community. The different stages are: Harmony - Two pelicans amongst reeds. Intrusion - Frog, kookaburra, mice, fish, lizard and butterfly. Expansion - Doors, windows and roofs under tree canopies. Industry - A factory with large chimney blowing smoke. Density - Multiple boxes, some with figures inside, are crowded beneath a bridge and dome. Decay - Boxes with broken doors and unfinished concrete. Renewal - A church with a Calvary cross over roughened surface.Heptagonal cast aluminium sculpture with seven panels arranged around a central metal pole.Thanks to the generosity of Evangeline Annie Fisher this sculpture, entitled 'Urban Cycle', was created by Ian Bow in 1975 and depicts stages of development of a city through the use of tactile forms. Further information is available at Reception. Vision Australia. Blindness, Low Vision, Opportunity.association for the blind, eva fisher, ian bow, sculpture

The Lady Nell Seeing Eye Dog School was founded at Wonga Park in April 1960. This plaque commemorates the official opening by Hon. T.W. Mitchell and reads: This plaque marks the opening of the Lady Nell Seeing Eye Dog School by the Hon. T.W. Mitchell M.L.A. on the 10th April 1960. Later that year, a property at 16 Thanet Street Malvern was purchased, and the school relocated to that site.This plaque marks the opening of the Lady Nell Seeing Eye Dog School by the Hon. T.W. Mitchell M.L.A. on the 10th April 1960nameplates, lady nell seeing eye dog school

Silver trophy with oversized handles on either side. Engraved 'Illawarra Cup'. 1 silver cup with handles either sideassociation for the blind, awards