Dorina Nowill, the President of the World Council for the Welfare of the Blind (later known as the World Blind Union) and Vice-President John Wilson discuss items at a meeting in the Brighton offices of the Association for the Blind.B/W photograph of Dorina Nowill and John Wilson in a meeting.Mrs Dorina Nowill, President of the World Council for the Welfare of the Blind, and Mr John Wilson, Vice President, in discussion during meetings at the Association for the Blind, Brighton.dorina nowill, john wilson, world blind union, association for the blind

Metal badge consisting of an oval shaped medallion coloured with a dark blue edge and light blue centre, white cane across length of medallion and inscriptions written around the edge. Clasp is silver coloured metal on both tie pins and badges. Marked: On front of badge : Association for the Blind.1 metal pin 1 metal badgeAssociation for the Blindwhite cane day, badges

In 1994 the Association for the Blind began to use the phrase 'New beginnings' to signify a shift in the way that work was undertaken. Some new signage was created with this in mind, and this sign has 'New beginnings' and the Association for the Blind symbol of a square (filled with horizontal lines crossed by two diagonal lines), in black and blue and a circle in the middle with lines inside it. This sign was previously situated on the wall of the conference room at Kooyong in the Vision Resource Centre.1 plastic sign with AFB logoAssociation for the Blind New Beginningsassociation for the blind, signs

To identify members of its Auxiliary, badges were provided. These consisted of a oval with a gold lighthouse on a light green background and the words 'For the Blind' in gold across the middle, either side of the lighthouse. Around the outside, 'Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind' was written in gold against a black background, with 'Auxiliary' across the middle of the lighthouse. 1 metal pin with gold lighthouse and shining light'Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind' 'Auxiliary'royal victorian institute for the blind, badges

To identify members of its Auxiliary, badges were provided. These consisted of a oval with a gold lighthouse on a pale blue background and the words 'For the Blind' in gold across the middle, either side of the lighthouse. Around the outside, 'Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind' was written in gold against a royal navy blue background, with 'Auxiliary' at the base of the badge. 1 metal pin depicting a golden lighthouse'Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind' 'Auxiliary'royal victorian institute for the blind, badges

Article on the 11th Australian Blind Indoor Bias Bowls Championship, held at Chisholm Institute. Both Neil Maxwell and Ivan Molloy were interviewed and photographed during the competition.Photocopy of newspaper article on 11th Australian Blind Indoor Bias Bowls Championshipnon-fictionelizabeth maxwell, neil maxwell, association for the blind, ivan molloy

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

These meetings were held at the Kooyong office and the minutes include Present, Chair, Apologies, Minutes, Matter arising from minutes, Correspondence, Life governors, Election of members, Nominations, Reports from Regional Blind Members groups. Some highlights include: 27/10/1986 it was reported that tactile maps of the Melbourne Metropolitan Railway network are now available. 6/2/1987 as special meeting had been called to discuss in detail what action should be taken regarding the proposed $2 coin. John Cook advised that BMC had been invited to send a representative to Canberra to meet with other Blind consumers and representatives from the Mint and Treasury. The BMC agreed the coins needed further testing. 29/2/1988 The Treasury received further letters regarding the $2.00 coin. It was agreed this matter could not be pursued any further. 26/11/1990 it was reported that the commissioned by BMC of the Association's founder Miss Tilly Aston, was officially unveiled by Mrs Jean Ross and Mrs Diana Jones at the 95th Birthday Celebration Concert. The portrait was then hung in the foyer of the Vision Resource Centre. Suitably framed photographs of the founder's portrait to be circulated to all branches. The visits to primary schools by BMC members continued as part of the School's program as did the BMC radio program on 3RPH. Minute book for Blind Members Councilassociation for the blind, blind members council

To identify staff members, badges were provided. These consisted of a circle with a gold lighthouse on a mid-blue background. Around the outside, 'Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind' was written in mid-blue against a gold background.Metal pin with enamel image of lighthouseRoyal Victorian Institute for the Blindroyal victorian institute for the blind, badges

Poster created to promote and advertise blind running. Two runners, a man and woman, run on a athletics track and hold a tether between them as guidance. B/W photograph mounted on boardBlind Sport needs your supportrecreation, blind sports victoria

Henry Stainsby (1859-1925), Supt. of the Birmingham Royal Institution for the Blind, (later General Secretary of the British & Foreign Blind Association) along with Birmingham manufacturer Albert Wayne, introduced their Shorthand Braille Writer, circa 1910-1940. Used at the Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind. These machines were often supplied with a case, to deaden the sound when in use. The machine was designed to take down verbatim reports from dictation. As the strip of paper passes automatically through the machine, no time is needed to adjust the paper or the machine for each line. Speeds of 80 - 140 words per minute can be obtained.Contained in a dark blue case which folds down to reveal the keys, this portable Braille writer has six flat keys in front and a space key, attached to a marking device at the back. A roll of thin white paper is mounted on an attachment to the side of the machine, and the paper is threaded along a channel at the top of the machine and comes out the other side in a continuous roll. A red round rubber guard is just behind the keys. Royal National Institute for the Blind label attached.braille equipment, royal victorian institute for the blind

With numbers increasing, the AFB began printing their own paper badges rather than relying on metal ones. The blank template could then be modified with a name, if desired. In this example, a laminted card is attached to a metal and plastic clip. The front of the badge has the guiding light symbol next to the words 'Association for the Blind', a space underneath and then 'Volunteer' at the bottom of the card.Large badge with yellow background and black writingAssociation for the Blind Volunteer badges, association for the blind

In 1995, the Association for the Blind celebrated it's centenary with the release of a silver coloured medallion that was available for purchase. On the front is a cameo of a woman wearing a pendant and an old fashioned ruffled blouse. Around the outside is written 'Tilly Aston' and '1873-1947' . On the reverse is brailled 'They're sowing the tiny seeds of action!' on the outer rim and in the middle is the figure '100' with a small spray of laurel each side. Beneath this are the words 'Association for the Blind Centenary 1995'. The medallion is inset to a blue velour box, with a white lining on the lid and a round circle in gold with 'Association for the Blind Centenary', '100' and '1895-1995'. A small yellow paper leaflet briefly describes the setting up of the Association for the Advancement of the Blind by Tilly Aston. Silver coloured medallion with illustrations, in box with accompanying leafletBox - Association for the Blind centenary, 100, 1895-1995association for the blind, awards

In 1995, the Association for the Blind celebrated it's centenary with the release of a gold coloured medallion that was available for purchase. On the front is a cameo of a woman wearing a pendant and an old fashioned ruffled blouse. Around the outside is written 'Tilly Aston' and '1873-1947' . On the reverse is brailled 'They're sowing the tiny seeds of action!' on the outer rim and in the middle is the figure '100' with a small spray of laurel each side. Beneath this are the words 'Association for the Blind Centenary 1995'. The medallion is inset to a blue velour box, with a white lining on the lid and a round circle in gold with 'Association for the Blind Centenary', '100' and '1895-1995'. A small yellow paper leaflet briefly describes the setting up of the Association for the Advancement of the Blind by Tilly Aston. Gold coloured medallion with illustrations, in box with accompanying leafletBox - Association for the Blind centenary, 100, 1895-1995association for the blind, awards

In 1995, the Association for the Blind celebrated it's centenary with the release of a bronze coloured medallion that was available for purchase. On the front is a cameo of a woman wearing a pendant and an old fashioned ruffled blouse. Around the outside is written 'Tilly Aston' and '1873-1947' . On the reverse is brailled 'They're sowing the tiny seeds of action!' on the outer rim and in the middle is the figure '100' with a small spray of laurel each side. Beneath this are the words 'Association for the Blind Centenary 1995'. The medallion is inset to a blue velour box, with a white lining on the lid and a round circle in gold with 'Association for the Blind Centenary', '100' and '1895-1995'. A small yellow paper leaflet briefly describes the setting up of the Association for the Advancement of the Blind by Tilly Aston. Bronze coloured medallion with illustrations, in box with accompanying leafletBox - Association for the Blind centenary, 100, 1895-1995association for the blind, tilly aston

Blank letterhead for documents sent out by the Victorian Blind Indoor Bias Bowls Association, during 1980's.A4 page with photocopied letterhead of a cartoon lawn bowl with female and male on topnon-fictionVictorian Blind Indoor Bias Bowls Associationelizabeth maxwell, neil maxwell, office equipment and supplies, victorian blind indoor bias bowls association

Fives images of the workshop machinery used by the Queensland Industrial Institute for the Blind in the manufacture of various products. 1 - Pitched brooms being made by Stewart Jewell (left) and Jack Dollier (right). 2 - Unknown worker at a basket station making a cane basket, surrounded by finished examples. 3 - Snowy Willis oversees the operation of the machine that bores holes into brush heads. 4 - Unknown worker operating a coir matting machine. There were apparently 10 such machines in use at the time this image was taken. 5 - Snowy Willis checking the bobbins being filled from a giant spool. In the background are empty bobbins stacked against walls and filled bobbins on spool holders. 6 - Roy Anderson checks the wadding on a recently filled mattress, whilst in the background Ellen McDevitt uses a portable sewing table to sew the ends of a filled mattress.6 x B/W photographs of the workshop machinery used by the Queensland Industrial Institute for the BlindC2-657: 2, Brush shop - pitch set brooms being made by blind workers C2-664: Basket shop - some of the various types of baskets made C2-654: Snowy Willis. Brush shop - a semi automatic brush stock boring machine in operation. C2-666: Matting shop - one of the ten coir matting looms in use. 1960. C2-659: Matting shop - bobbin winder and bobbin bank. C2-655: 15. 2 col wide. Bed shop wadding a fibre mattress. Also showing special sewing machine and movable table used in sewing the mouths of filled mattresses.queensland industrial institute for the blind, stuart jewell, jack dollier, snowy willis, roy anderson, ellen mcdevitt

To honour the commitment of its staff, badges were awarded to commemorate years of service or honorary positions. These consisted of a circle with a gold lighthouse on a contrasting background. Around the outside, 'Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind' was written in gold' against various backgrounds, with '50 years' or 'Life Governor' at the base of the badge.Metal pin with gold lighthouse with shining lightRoyal Victorian Institute for the Blind 50 years Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind Life Governorroyal victorian institute for the blind, badges

Cream badge with black lettering 'Association for the Blind' around the upper edge, 'Mrs Kath Martini' in larger font in middle, and 'Kooyong' on the lower edge.Round cream badge with black writingAssociation for the Blind Mrs Kath Martini Kooyongbadges, association for the blind

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 series of handbills produced to advertise upcoming concerts for the Blind Variety Entertainers, who toured around the state raising funds for the Association for the Advancement of the Blind. Combining comedy, songs, impersonations, acrobatics and musical interludes, these performers toured annually and visited various regional towns across the state of Victoria.1 rectangular white handbill with red and blue text with blue illustrationFriday January 23 Association for the Advancement of the Blind and Home for Adult Blind, Brighton Beach Presents The Blind Variety Entertainers The Most Popular Company now on tour A Unique Combination of Comedy and Classics It's a Show you cannot afford to miss Box Planassociation for the blind, marketing

A series of early twentieth century photographs were sourced and reprinted on to chipboard panels for use by the Royal Blind Society of NSW publicity department, to demonstrate the work and activities that blind people did at the Sydney Industrial Blind Institute (later RBS NSW, now Vision Australia). The source of these photographs is unattributed and the remaining panels of the set have not been located.Working Braille shorthand machine - Panel 11, Photo 13 A corner of the girls' sitting room - a lesson in Braille music (blind pupil and blind teacher) - Panel 1, Photo 2 The Industrial Blind Institution, Boomerang Street, Sydney. No.1 workshop, east side - basketmaking - Panel 2, Photo 3royal blind society of nsw, education, employment

Blue perspex sign, rectangular in shape, with white adhesive printing. The Association's symbol of the stylised Guiding Light is in the top left hand side. Marked: Front of sign : "ASSOCIATION / FOR THE BLIND / NEW BEGINNINGS." The New Beginnings trademark was used from 1994 until 1999, to signify the changes that the organisation was going through. In 1999/2000, the organisation was renamed Vision Australia Foundation.Acrylic blue rectangular sign with white writing and AFB logoAssociation for the Blind New Beginningsassociation for the blind, signs and signboards

These meetings were held at the Kooyong office and the minutes include Present, Chair, Apologies, Minutes, Matter arising from minutes, Correspondence, Life governors, Election of members, Nominations, Reports from Regional Blind Members groups. Some highlights were: 1/8/1979 Mr Maxwell reported from an article in Sound Magazine which stated that if the present circulation of 2,600 copies of the Large Print Age was not increased it may have to be discontinued. 5/3/1980 a letter of thanks was sent to Sister Toni Cocks for her effort in arranging for Telecom to produce the raised large print telephone dials at no charge to the visually impaired. 2/3/1982 The Secretary reported that the ANZ Bank cheque templates will be launched Australia wide on March 16 and will be on display at the Kooyong Family Fair. 2/7/1982 The Secretary reported that the National Bank has produced a cheque template and that Westpac is proposing to do the same 4/51982 includes a draft copy of AFB philosophies. Minute book for Blind Members Councilassociation for the blind, blind members council

Photo of W2 429 at Glen Huntly Depot, c1960. Side on view. Has all the blinds drawn. Photo by Bob LilburnYields information about W2 429 at Glen Huntly Depot.Black and white photograph of W2 429 at Glenhuntly Depot, c1960. Side on view. Has all the blinds drawn. Photo by Bob LilburnHas on the rear in ink "MMTB 429 Glenhuntly Depot" and "Sold 11 July 1967 (Robinvale)"trams, tramways, w2 class, tram 429, glen huntly depot

To honour the commitment of its Auxiliary, badges were awarded to commemorate 25 years of service. These consisted of a oval with a gold lighthouse on a blue background and the words 'Auxiliary' in gold across the middle of the lighthouse and '25 years' either side of the lighthouse at the base. Around the outside, 'Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind' was written in gold against a navy blue background. 1 metal pin with gold lighthouse and shining light'Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind' 'Auxiliary'royal victorian institute for the blind, badges

To recognise the efforts made towards to the successful running of the Association of Blind Cricketers, certificates were awarded. In this example Mrs H. Bradley became a Life Governor on September 10, 1967, as signed by N.H. Nook (?) President and Mervyn W. Hoslner (?) Secretary. 1 cream coloured sheet with decorative borderAssociation of Blind Cricketers This is to certify that Mrs H. Bradley has been elected a Life Governor of the Association of Blind Cricketers of Victoriaassociation of blind cricketers of victoria, hazel bradley

Braille is a system of touch reading and writing for blind persons in which raised dots represent the letters of the alphabet Braille is read by moving the hand or hands from left to right along each line. Residents of Moorabbin Shire used these cards at social gatherings. In the early 1800s Charles Barbier, who served in Napoleon Bonaparte’s French army, developed a unique system known as “night writing” so soldiers could communicate safely - without lamps- during the night. Louis Braille, born Coupvray, France 1809 lost his sight at a very young age, 1819 he was enrolled at the National Institute of the Blind in Paris.and began to modify Charles Barbier’s “night writing” code in an effort to create an efficient written communication system for fellow blind individuals. . He spent the better part of the next nine years developing and refining the system of raised dots that has come to be known by his name, Braille. The code was now based on cells with only 6-dots instead of 12 ..Braille died in 1852 but his code spread around the world France 1854, USA 1860 , and blind individuals from all over the world benefit from Braille’s work daily. Today, braille code is transcribed in many different languages worldwide.Blind individuals from all over the world benefit from Braille’s work daily and these cards were used by residents of Moorabbin ShireCardboard pack of ordinary playing cards with braille imprints left top of each card. Pack is incompleteFront: PLAYING / CARDS / for the BLIND / To be obtained from the / NATIONAL INSTITUTE / FOR THE BLIND / Great Portland Street / LONDON W1. Hand written : O'Dean Lounge braille louis, barbier charles, visually impaired, braille playing cards, braille, library, braille sheet music, braille ketboards