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

Initially donations were thanked by individuals or via typed notes. The next step was the use of pre-printed certificates of honour, which could then have the donor's name hand-written or typed in. These examples are interesting as they show the use of the initial draft of the guiding light symbol, of a black outline flame and semi-circle on a white background, and the continuance of the circle, but in white on a black background. Light blue flowery motifs vertically fill the top left hand side and horizontally the bottom right hand side of the page. Signed by the President (unknown/John Wicking) and Secretary (John Wilson) they were presented to staff of the Association for their contribution of $11,000 for the Guiding Light Appeal in 1968, the staff of the Blind Citizens Community Centre for their $5000 contribution in 1974, and the staff of Mirridong for their $1500 contribution in 1974. A4 sized certificates with blue decoration and black and white AFB half circle logassociation for the blind, fundraising, john wicking

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

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

The award reads as follows: "1999 Australian Direct Marketing Awards, Bronze Award (bronze coloured 14 sided figure logo) Addressed Mail - Small Flat Mail (category), Feely Book Mailer (title) Bristow & Prentice Response Advertising (agency) RVIB (client) Streetfile (sponsor) (signature) Chairman Presented by the Australian Direct Marketing Association and Australia Post."1 x A4 sized paperroyal victorian institute for the blind, awards

Letter to the Trustees outlining the outcomes of a recent meeting, as the minute book was unable to be located. Below is a summary of the letter. The death of W.H. Paterson is mentioned and the recommendation to the Committee that the clubhouse by named in his honour was unanimously accepted, however requires the agreement of the Trustees. The remainder of the letter covers the past five years. The Victorian Association of Blind Cricketers are requesting the erection of a shelter shed and scoring boxes. Complaints have been received about horses using the park, which have been passed to Malvern Council who advise they have also received similar complaints from the general public. A fence is required but a lack of finance has delayed this action. The Clubhouse is being used for more activities including a dance class, indoor bowling club, pottery and craft work, therefore a new switchboard and rewiring were completed. In October 1955, the State Government offered funding through local councils, however despite a representation to the Minister, the Malvern Council were not willing to expend funds to the Association as they had committed to build an Elderly Citizens Club. A large signboard was repainted and a new signboard erected at the front entrance, along with a light controlled by a clock. The Clubhouse has also been used one night per month by the local branch of the RSL and occasional use by the Teachers College for inter College sports. There has been cooperation with the L.T.A.V. (Lawn Tennis Association of Victoria) during tennis championships, and although the Committee recognise the need to do more with the area, the impending homes been built at Ballarat and Bendigo have been a limited factor. Signed by J.W. Wilson3 pages of type letter on letterheadAssociation for the Advancement of the Blind, Under the Distinguished Patronage of His Excellency the Governor of Victoria and Lady Brooks Founded 1895 (image of shining lantern) Incorporated 1944 10-12 Queen Street, Melbourne, C.1. Phone: MU 4189 MU 1955 Homes at: Brighton Beach Windsor Ballarat Bendigo On the left hand side of the page: President: Bruce Small, Esq. Vice President: Hubert Opperman, O.B.E. Treasurer: W.J.S. Horsfall, F.C.A. Secretary: J.W. Wilson Objects: To promote the welfare of the Blind intellectually, physically and socially. To grant financial assistance in cases of necessity. To provide Homes and Hostels of an undenominational character for the Blind. To visit the Blind. To care for the adult Blind, especially the aged and infirm. Donations will be subject to the concessional allowances provided by the Income Tax Act. At the base of the page: Homes and help for aged blindassociation for the advancement of the blind, john wilson, kooyong club house

Carbon copy of a letter to State Savings Bank of Victoria accompanying copy of agreement between the Trustees of the Kooyong Club House and the Association for the Advancement of the Blind, requesting that the same is returned after perusal.1 single sheet of typed paperA female dressed in a loose gown holds a lantern from which the words 'Association', 'Advancement', 'of the Blind' and 'For the' are written in the rays coming from it. Below her feet are the words "Light of the Blind". 'Founded 1895' is written below the lantern, whilst in the top right hand corner is filled with: Homes at Brighton Beach Bendigo Hostels at South Yarra Windsor Offices: MU 4189 118 Queen Street, Melbourne C.1. All communications to be addressed to Secretary. Below the female figure, in the lower left hand side of the page: President: Miss Tilly Aston General Secretary: G.R. Fowler Objects: To promote the welfare of the Blind intellectually, physically and socially. To grant financial assistance in cases of necessity. To provide permanent or convalescent Homes and Hostels of an unsectarian character for the Blind. To visit the Blind.association for the advancement of the blind, kooyong club house

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

To recognise the efforts made towards to the successful running of the Association for the Blind, certificates were awarded bestowing Life Governorships on individuals who had made significant contributions such as George Ronald Rose became a Life Governor on 22nd August 1967 for his invaluable contributions to the Bendigo Mirridong home, particularly securing the support of the Lions Club in the building of the home in 1957. This certificate is signed by President H. M. Lightfoot and Secretary J. W. Wilson.1 cream coloured sheet with decorative border on top right hand side and lower right hand corner, and the black and white symbol of the Association in the lower right hand corner consisting of a half circle with a flame and another half circle in blackAssociation for the Blind Life Governor This is certify that ... was elected a Life Governor on the ... day of ... 19..association for the blind, george rose

To recognise the efforts made towards to the successful running of the Association for the Blind, certificates were awarded bestowing Life Governorships on individuals who had made significant contributions such as Katharine Margaret Rose became a Life Governor on 27th August 1963 for her invaluable contributions in supporting blind people around Bendigo since 1939. The certificate is signed by President H. M. Lightfoot and Secretary J. W. Wilson.1 cream coloured sheet with decorative border on top right hand side and lower right hand corner, and the black and white symbol of the Association in the lower right hand corner consisting of a half circle with a flame and another half circle in blackAssociation for the Blind Life Governor This is certify that ... was elected a Life Governor on the ... day of ... 19..association for the blind, katharine (kitty) rose

To recognise the efforts made towards to the successful running of the Association for the Blind, certificates were awarded bestowing Life Governorships on individuals who had made significant contributions such as Mae Palmer of East Hawthorn became a Life Governor on 24th March 1969 for her contributions. This certificate is signed by President H. M. Lightfoot and Secretary J. W. Wilson.1 cream coloured sheet with decorative border on top right hand side and lower right hand corner, and the black and white symbol of the Association in the lower right hand corner consisting of a half circle with a flame and another half circle in blackAssociation for the Blind Life Governor This is certify that ... was elected a Life Governor on the ... day of ... 19..association for the blind, mae palmer

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 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

In 1951 plans were made for the construction of a gymnasium to be situated in the grounds of St Kilda Road. These 4 plans specify the building construction notes, present front and east elevations, and show how part of the hall could be transformed into bedrooms in the future. There are 2 copies of each plan, consisting of identifical copies of the east elevation and different notes printed/handwritten on the front, side and top elevations. These were presented to the RVIB Board in Feburary 1951, according to the stamp on the back.2 architectural plans showing proposed gymnasium buildingPercy E Everett Chief Architectroyal victorian institute for the blind, plans

This letter outfit (RNIB catalogue no. 9096) is primarily intended for teaching blind and partially sighted children the rudiments of spelling and word building.There are 60 letter squares in the set, and on each of these appears a printed letter, both capitals and lower case, the capital being at the top with the braille equivalent in the middle of the tile. The letters can be joined together by pressing the projecting tab on one square into the slot on the right hand side of another. The blue plastic base board is divided into 5 rows and can be used to store words created. 60 plastic tiles with braille and large print in maroon box with pink lideducation aids and devices, braille

A strategy board game invented in England in the 1880's, it involves placing coloured discs in lines and capturing (or flipping) opponent discs that stand in the way. Sold these days under the name 'Othello' (which links the changing relationship between discs to the Shakespearian play), the red side of the disc is smooth and the white is ridged. RNIB Catalogue no. 9434. 1 wooden box with 64 red/white reversible pieces recreation equipment, games

This wooden board has two differently designed sides: one with four strips running the length of the board and the other with seven strips of wood running across the width of the board. These strips and various ridges around the edge and in the 'lanes' assist players as they play card games. The attached booklets describe the sides as Squares (4 strips) or Streets (7 strips), which could be used to play a variety of card games described. On the Squares side: Carpet, Count Nogo, Frames and Poker Patience and on the Streets side: Triangles and Henley could be played in addition to the traditional game of Patience. The board was designed to be used with a distinct sized card (RNIB no. 9087) that could fit between the strips. Wooden board with card dividers with accompanying printed and braille booklet. recreation equipment, games

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

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

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

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

To recognise volunteers, lapel pins were struck by the Association for the Blind. These consisted of the Association for the Blind symbol of a Guiding Light (a round circle with two uneven triangles either side and a single line passing either side of the circle), in gold against various backgrounds. Around the outside in gold lettering is written 'Association for the Blind' and 'Honorary Service' on a a royal blue background. Red background - 3 years of service Green background - 5 years of service Gold background - 10 years of serviceMetal pin with Guiding Light image and writingAssociation for the Blind Honorary Serviceassociation for the blind, badges

To signify the various positions within the organisation to the sighted community, an assortment of badges were created identifying individuals and the roles they played. These consist of a rectangle with the position written in gold writing on a pale blue background and 'RVIB' written vertically in gold against a blue background to the side of the badge. People volunteering their time were called 'Voluntary Helper'Metal pin with gold writing on blue backgroundRVIB Voluntary Helperroyal 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

Participants of the 1966 RVIB Centenary Conference were provided with a name badge. It consisted of a golden coloured metal, with the blue lighthouse logo of the Royal Victorian Institute of the Blind, and the dates '1866' and '1966' either side of the centrally placed symbol. Below this, also in blue, is 'Centenary Conference'. A paper card can be inserted into the badge for the wearer's name. 1 gold coloured metal name card holder with name card'Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind' ' Centenary Conference' '1866-1966' 'Mrs Wertheim'royal victorian institute for the blind, badges

Two people wait in a line to board to double-decker bus in Sydney, holding their white cane and feeling the side of the bus. A female in a white coat looks on from the side of the bus near the person about to board. A man (possibly Wally Urgacz) and a woman use their canes to alight from the bus, with the guidance of a woman in a white coat. 4 B/W photographs of two people boarding a bus1967 - Mobility - historical - Bus orientation Bus orientation, locating doorways, safe ways of mounting steps, RBS V NB: Inefficiency of short collapsible cane in descending bus steps. Women aged 67 with some peripheral vision. RBS IV Learning bus orientation with long cane. Man aged 65 (light perception only) RBS VI Mobility training for doorways and seating arrangement in bus. Annual report 1968 Royal Blind Society of New South Wales royal blind society of nsw, white cane day, orientation and mobility, wally urgacz