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

Throughout the 1970's until the 1990's, Mitchell Manufacturing produced a popular range of bicycles for the general public and hiring companies alike. The Lighthouse bicycle was first developed, then superceded by the Mitchell bicycle. Using a combination of overseas sourced materials, these were assembled in the Royal Blind Society of NSW's headquarters in Enfield, and provided employment to range of blind and vision impaired workers. In one image, Neville Wran and Maj General Paul Cullen toast to the success of the company.16 B/W electronic images of bicyclesroyal blind society of new south wales, mitchell manufacturing, neville wran, paul cullen

In 1974, the Royal Blind Society established within it's manufacturing division a facility to build high quality tandems for blind and partially sighted members of its sports club. By the end of 1978, the manufacturing division expanded and a new series of high quality, hand built racing cycles were developed to suit the individuals needs of the cycling enthusiast. A demand in the bicycle hire industry prompted the development of a strong universal bicycle and the new 24" Mixti family cycle was born. By 1979 the Royal Blind Society was manufacturing both family bicycles and tandems for the bicycle hire industry in N.S.W., Victoria and the A.C.T. Both cycles received an enthusiastic reception, so much so, that in 1982 they were the first bicycle manufacturer to win an Australian Design Award. In these two advertising leaflets, the specifications for the Ladies, Family and Gents bicycles are supplied along with images of each bicycle.2 x A4 col. pages of advertising materialroyal blind society of new south wales, mitchell manufacturing

Photographs taken of various activities that occurred at the Association for the Blind's nursing home in Bendigo - Mirridong. These include clients sitting outside (for possibly the opening of a new wing or a street parade), staff participating at a local fete, volunteers/staff playing games with residents, reading newspapers, receiving visitors and awards for gardening activities.8 B/W photographs of clients, staff and volunteers at Mirridongassociation for the blind, mirridong home (bendigo)

A woman smiles as she places a cup of tea in front of a nursing home resident at the Association for the Blind's Ballarat home.1 B/W photograph of resident and staff at Kelaston Nursing Homeassociation for the blind, kelaston home (ballarat)

Two sighted women sit in an outside porch at the Braille Library in South Yarra, transcribing the books in front of them into Braille, using a stylus and frame. This image shows sighted volunteer Braille transcribers. At this time all Braille was manually transcribed using a hand frame and metal stylus. These volunteers worked at Australia's first Braille Library created by the Victorian Association of Braille Writers.Black and white image of two Braille writersbraille equipment, victorian association of braille writers

As a way of raising funds, an art exhibition and sale of paintings was held at the William Street offices of the Royal Blind Society before they moved to their new offices in Enfield. This was one of a series of events held to say goodbye to the former building and to pay for the creation of purpose built offices outside of the CBD. 6 page booklet providing a brief history and overview of current situation, including a list of auction itemsroyal blind society of nsw, fundraising

Individual thank you letters were sent out to those who made a certain level of donation directly to the organistion. In this example, Mr C. Bruce Miller of 11 Moorakyne Street, Malvern is thanked for his donation of 5 pounds and 5 shillings and the letter is personally signed by J. W. Wilson in 1958 and 1961 respectively.2 letters to Mr C. Bruce Millerassociation for the blind, john wilson, fundraising

As financial and in-kind contributions began to increase, the Association utilised certificate templates to acknowledge and thank donors. In these examples, an estate for financial support to the low vision clinic/George Vowell Centre, an individual for his support during an appeal for Elanora and a bequest from a family. All certificates are hand-signed by the Chief Executive Officer/Appeal Chairman and President. Multiple A4 certificates of appreciationdorothy constance riegelhuth, wallace cameron, oriel j grattan, bird family, association for the blind, john cook, john moule, don argus, hermann muncheberg

The gardens of Mirridong were well maintained as these certificates for First Prize in the Bendigo District Garden Competition acknowledge in 1992 and 1993.2 x A4 certificates of appreciationmirridong home (bendigo), bendigo district garden competition, association 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

The Guiding Light symbol appears on the next issue of certificates from the Association, using the sphere and triangle shapes that would also become part of name badges and other items around the organisation. These certificates reflect the financial support of the Reach Out Appeal by the Mirridong Social Club in 1981 (signed by Kitty Rose and John Wilson), Elanora, Head Office and George Vowell Centre staff in recognition of their services to residents and blind members in 1982 (signed by John Wicking and John Wilson).A4 sized certificates with guiding light logoassociation for the blind, john wicking, john wilson, katharine (kitty) rose

Musicianship was a pursuit encouraged by the RVIB, who then established orchestras as a way of raising funds for the organisation. To this end, tours were often given around the state, so that the general populace could appreciate both wonderful musical talent and the work of the institution. In these images, various ensemble members and their instruments are displayed. Digital files of blind orchestra membersrvib orchestra, fundraising

A boy sits in the board room at the RVIB building in St Kilda Road, holding a Taylor's mathematical slate. Developed by Rev. William Taylor in the mid-late 19th century, this English invention provided a device that allowed pegs to represent a variety of numbers upon an array, rather than using raised numbers. Various models were produced around the world before it's eventual demise around the early 1970's.B/W image of a boy holding a metal grid in his laproyal victorian institute for the blind, braille equipment

Image of boys and men around and in a grassed area at RVIB, that is bordered by wooden railing. A single-storey bluestone building and two wooden buildings surround the grass. Some children rest on the railing whilst others play in the grass or walk around the area. Three adults talk amongst the boys. Boys and men standing behind or by a fence bordering a grassed arearoyal victorian institute for the blind, education

On November 21, 2010 Seeing Eye Dogs Australia (SEDA) hosted an annual public open day at its National Kennel and Puppy Centre in Kensington. People were invited to learn more about SEDA and participate in guided tours where they could explore the extensive facilities, which featured a rehabilitation therapy pool, breeding centre, public viewing platform directly into the heart of its kennels and puppy play centre. Demonstrations of Seeing Eye Dogs at work helped visitors gain a better understanding of how SEDA helps to transform the lives of people who are blind or have low vision, and potentially how they can contribute to the $30,000 cost required to train a Seeing Eye Dog.379 digital photographs of SEDA open day in 2010seeing eye dogs australia, fundraising, leona holloway

Interior of the Vision Australia office at 1300 Howitt Street, Ballarat, taken by Michelle Prentice during a visit.15 digital photographs of Vision Australia's Ballarat officevision australia, ballarat

Interior view of Vision Australia's office at 45 Princess Highway, Dandenong.7 digital photographs of VA Dandenong Officevision australia, buildings

Artist impression of the new building for Vision Australia's office in Macaulay Road, Kensington in 2009.4 digital files depicting artists view of Macaulay Road officevision australia, macaulay road kensington

Interior and exterior view of Vision Australia's office at 346 Macaulay Road, Kensington.11 digital photographs of VA Macaulay Road Officevision australia, macaulay road kensington