From 1979, the John Wilson Award was awarded to individuals who made a significant difference to the lives of those around them. In 2000 it was presented to Neil and Elizabeth Maxwell who have contributed over 40 years of service to blind sports (cricket, bowls, swish), governance (with various auxiliary and council positions), fundraising and public awareness.1 wooden block with two metal insertsVision Australia Foundation John Wilson Award for sustained devotion and personal contribution to people who are blind or vision impaired Neil and Elizabeth Maxwell 6 October 2000association for the blind, neil maxwell, elizabeth maxwell

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 metal Braille frame with four lines of Braille windowsPerkins Model 140 RVIB sticker has been attached to the back of the framebraille equipment, assistive devices

Braille hand frames and styluses were the primary way to produce Braille for over a century. The stylus was used to make a separate indentation for each dot, and the hand frame to keep dots within the same cell. Braille rows are produced from right to left. The process was very time consuming. Volunteer transcribers for the library could take an average of ½ hour to produce one page of Braille using this method. For example: “Oliver Twist” required approximately 600 sheets equating to 300 hours of work! This wooden slate, which was used to make the system portable, served as a firm base needed to sustain puncture pressure. The frame can also be slotted into both sides of the slate, thereby ensuring that the lines of Braille were straight across the page. The metal clasp at the top of the frame held the wooden which kept paper from slipping. This donation includes the signature of Miss Bertha Yoxon, who was a student that transcribed braille around the 1920's for the Victorian Association of Braille Writers, and the owner of this board and textbook. Some originals of her work and a translated letter from her friend James Grubb accompany the frame. 1 wooden board and Braille paper, with 1 Braille text bookbraille equipment, victorian association of braille writers

Tactile map of Australian states and territories, as well as various countries and islands in the South Pacific region, including Papua New Guinea, Indonesia and the Malay peninsula. 1 paper map with tactile metal markers in red and brown framesqueensland braille map and model club, r.f. tunley

This tactile map of Europe was created in 1939, and brailled by the Queensland Braille Map and Model Club. Cut and mounted by G. Vann with geographical inforamtion provided by Miss E Southern. The Queensland Braille Map and Model Club was a volunteer organisation which produced tactile maps from the 1920s to the late 1940s. These were sent as presents to schools, organisations and missions for people who were blind or vision impaired around Australia, New Zealand, Syria, India, Canada, Papua New Guinea and Africa. Due to free postage of Braille obtained by Tilly Aston and her compatriots, the maps were transported gratis within Australia and at a cheap rate overseas. When this map was made, East Prussia, Danzig and the Levant States were all separate countries. Some information about each country (name, area in sq miles and population) is written on a small door on the right hand side, which can be opened to reveal the same information in Braille. At the base is a braille and handwritten note "Information about maps gratis from Miss E Southern "Kingsley" George St, Brisbane. "For lending to the Blind" is written at the base of the wooden frame.1 paper attached to wooden mount with metal labels, on the right hand side a small door with country information on the front and opens to reveal the same in Braille. queensland braille map and model club, r.f. tunley

A black and white map of Victoria showing the railway lines where mail is transported and the individual towns listed next to the dot that provides location of such. Underneath is written "Map of Victoria showing the localities beyond the suburbs of Melbourne to which library books are sent to blind members. Books are carried over the railways FREE there is no charge to the readers." Through the work of Tilly Aston, braille postage was provided free by the Victorian Railways which greatly assisted the Braille Library in reaching members who resided outside of Melbourne. This map was produced to show the extent of the work by the Victorian Association of Braille Writers and the need for reading materials across the state.Paper of Victorian railway lines mounted in framevictorian association of braille writers, marketing

Cast iron numberplate (white on black background) mounted on wood, with a braille and a written nameplate which reads: "Presented by the Victorian Railways Commission to the R.V.I.B. School for Blind Railway Club. This number plate came from steam locomotive class A2 number 932, which hauled the 'Sydney Limited', the 'Overland' and mainline passenger trains during its 48 years of service that ended in 1961." Cast iron numberplate on wood royal victorian institute for the blind, rvib school

Six photographs set into a white, wooden frame, each with their own description at the base of the picture. Image 1 is of two girls, one with a doll in a pram and the other holding a doll. Image 2 has four children with a large doll dressed as a sailor. The caption runs under both pictures: "They love their dolls." Image 3 is of a girl in a pinafore washing doll's clothes in a bucket on a table which also contains a miniature clothesline, iron and washing basket, the caption reads "Washing day for the dolls". Image 4 shows children touching the tactile picture of Prince Charming and Snow White on a horse, with the caption "They follow by touch the story of the seven dwarves." Image 5 is of a baby in a chair with a cushion and a blanket "The Institute's youngest blind boy". Image 6 shows Matron holding two babies, with the caption "The Institute offers them it's care from 'the cradle to the grave".6 black and white photographs ; in white frame Descriptions below each photographroyal victorian institute for the blind, rvib nursery

Framed program advertising the 'The famous Royal Blind Entertainers from the Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind' held at the Mechanics Hall, Netherby on Wednesday 3rd May 1939. "Biggest variety show of 1939. See some of the speciality acts here! Night of Music and Laughter - Be Sure to Book Your Seat!!! Proceeds in aid of the Blind Babies, Children and Adults of Victoria. Advance Representative - Robert Reid. Concert Manager - Jack Stewart. Authorised Ticket Sellers - B. Redpath & H. Robinson. Popular prices - No Tax." Pictures of two blind children, the Royal Blind Entertainers, Harry Keegan of Radio Fame - Yodeller and Musical novelties, Gordon Girdwood - Musical entertainer and Jack Stewart - Famous comedy skits and Novelty entertainer. The program also mentions famous blind artists, Messrs Austin Anderson, Walter Heggarty, Norman Rees, George Wootton and Terry Scanlon - comedy and tap dancing. 4 page leaflet in wooden frame.royal victorian institute for the blind, fundraising

To commemorate the contribution of Mr MacLennan, this tablet was commissioned and on display in the foyer of the Braille Library in Commercial Road. It consists of a wooden frame, with a copper inset of Scottish thistles (to the left and right) and gum leaves and nuts (above and below) surrounding a sepia photograph of Mr MacLennan. A blue glass plate below the photograph reads "The social, friendly, honest man/ What e'ver he be/ 'Tis he fulfils great / Nature's plan / And none but he. Burns". To the left and right of this are accompanying blue glass plates with interwoven lines. At the base of the tablet is another blue glass plate: "To perpetuate the memory of the late/ William Hector MacLennan/ Who died on Sept. 18th 1929/ He was one of the founders of this Association/ and President of the Social Committee from its inception/ 1894-1929". Brown wooden memorial tablet with inset of copper and photograph victorian association of braille writers, william hector maclennan

Basket weaving and brush making was a source of income for those who worked in the workshops at RVIB and other institutions in New South Wales and Queensland. A diverse range products could be produced with cane, such as cane chairs, cots, washing baskets and trolleys, and the Institution sought to highlight these in the annual report. Over time the demand for, and supply of, cane changed - particularly during World War 2 when Asian sources were under attack or destroyed. At home, other materials such as plastics as well as the ability to import cheaper pre-produced products further reduced the demand for workshop pieces. This cane basket was used at QBIC for transporting heavy items. The side has been reinforced with wood and four metal bands to help the cane keep it's shape and take the weight of heavy items. The base has two pieces of board and rotating wheels are attached to the middle of the lower board which allows it to sit above ground level and be wheeled over flat surfaces. A rope handle is attached to two sides as well.1 deep cane basket with two wheelsQBIC Industries - Asset Number: 1430-1 Description: Push Trolley 7 Location: 18R Block Cane Shop employment, qbic industries

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. This Mitchell bicycle was donated by the Deacon family whose son Paul worked at Mitchell Manufacturing during this time.1 x mens bicycle frame and tyres painted white with gold letteringMitchell Plate attached to cross bar: This Mitchell Bike was assembled by Paul Deacon (1965) Enfield Blind Society NSWroyal blind society of new south wales, mitchell manufacturing

Framed green flag with yellow stitched writing (10th Prahran Boy Scouts Royal Blind Institute) and a stitched Boy Scout emblem in the centre. In 1921, the new superintendent (S. Hedger) introduce a new range of activities for the children at the school, including the development of a Scout group.Green flag with yellow stitching in frameroyal victorian institute for the blind, recreational activities

Dolls house used by children who resided in the RVIB nursery. Possibly made by R.F. Tunley, as the design resembles one used at Narbethong House and a picture taken at RVIB nursery refers to children playing with the Sunbeam House, however no name plate indicates this.Wooden dolls house with two doorsroyal victorian institute for the blind, richard tunley

Ceramic Cottage jam potStamped on base "Karutomoware Made in Japan"karutomoware, cottage jam pot, marutimoware, cottage house ornament

"Congratulations ... and sincere thanks from the R.V.I.B. to the management and patrons of all hotels who contributed so magnificently in 1985. Fred Berry" Hotels were involved in fundraising for the RVIB through the placement of Lucky Envelopes machines. To honour this establishments and those which had raised the most funds, a poster was produced listing each hotel and the amount that was collected throughout 1985. The United Kingdom Hotel in Clifton Hill reached first place and a photograph of hotel management and RVIB staff was taken. Other pictures on the poster include RVIB clients playing cricket, using machinery and learning to walk with a white cane.1 rectangular white poster with red and black text with black and white illustrationsroyal victorian institution for the blind, fundraising, fred berry

Appeal poster for people to include a bequest to the RVIB in their wills. It features a kneeling boy, holding flowers, with his eyes partially closed and dressed in a jacket and short pants. At the base of the poster is written: Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind, 557 St Kilda Road, Prahran, Phone 5113811 yellow and grey poster with red, white and black text with grey illustrationWhen you make or amend your Will include a Bequest to HELP the Blind Babies and Children of Victoria ...royal victorian institute for the blind, fundraising

Basket weaving and brush making was a source of income for those who worked in the workshops at RVIB and other institutions in New South Wales and Queensland. A diverse range products could be produced with cane, such as cane chairs, cots, washing baskets and trolleys, and the Institution sought to highlight these in the annual report. Over time the demand for, and supply of, cane changed - particularly during World War 2 when Asian sources were under attack or destroyed. At home, other materials such as plastics as well as the ability to import cheaper pre-produced products further reduced the demand for workshop pieces. This laundry basket was reinforced with a solid heavy base that gave it both strength and the ability to remain upright as clothing items were placed inside. This cane laundry basket made in the basket shop of RVIB for use in the organisation possibly between 1930-1940, not for sale. Held with staff in the Enterprises section since the move to 201 High Street in the early 1990s.1 cane basket with lidroyal victorian institute for the blind, employment

Basket weaving and brush making was a source of income for those who worked in the workshops at RVIB and other institutions in New South Wales and Queensland. A diverse range products could be produced with cane, such as cane chairs, cots, washing baskets and trolleys, and the Institution sought to highlight these in the annual report. Over time the demand for, and supply of, cane changed - particularly during World War 2 when Asian sources were under attack or destroyed. At home, other materials such as plastics as well as the ability to import cheaper pre-produced products further reduced the demand for workshop pieces. Generic style basket that would have been used for shopping or any household task requiring movement of multiple items. Cane baskets were the original green alternative to plastic shopping bags. Note that the handle is deliberately askew, for easier carrying against the hip.1 cane basket with askew handleemployment, royal victorian institute for the blind

Basket weaving and brush making was a source of income for those who worked in the workshops at RVIB and other institutions in New South Wales and Queensland. A diverse range products could be produced with cane, such as cane chairs, cots, washing baskets and trolleys, and the Institution sought to highlight these in the annual report. Over time the demand for, and supply of, cane changed - particularly during World War 2 when Asian sources were under attack or destroyed. At home, other materials such as plastics as well as the ability to import cheaper pre-produced products further reduced the demand for workshop pieces. A milk bottle basket was designed for milkmen to deliver their wares quickly from door to door, without the bottles impacting upon each other. The milk basket was made in the basket shop of the RVIB for use in the organisation. It was used to carry milk bottles, then containers to the various tea rooms and could have been part of the kitchen equipment for the RVIBCane basket with handle and dividers to carry milk bottlesroyal victorian institute for the blind, equipment, employment

Basket weaving and brush making was a source of income for those who worked in the workshops at RVIB and other institutions in New South Wales and Queensland. A diverse range products could be produced with cane, such as cane chairs, cots, washing baskets and trolleys, and the Institution sought to highlight these in the annual report. Over time the demand for, and supply of, cane changed - particularly during World War 2 when Asian sources were under attack or destroyed. At home, other materials such as plastics as well as the ability to import cheaper pre-produced products further reduced the demand for workshop pieces. This style of washing basket was commonly used by families until the introduction of cheap plastic baskets.1 cane basket with 2 side handlesemployment, royal victorian institute for the blind

The Taylor Slate was developed by Rev. William Taylor in England in the mid 19th century it was in common use until the early 1970's and enabled blind or vision impaired students to do maths calculations by arranging metal pegs in the slate. The main part of the slate is a metal sheet with 432, 8 sided holes which small metal pegs are inserted. The pegs have different shapes on their ends. These are used to represent different numbers and symbols depending on the way the pegs are placed in the slate and which combinations of pegs are used.2 silver rectangular metal mathematical slates including tray education, braille equipment

Given its sturdy construction, this cane was primarily used as a support device and demonstrates how initially canes which were painted white, retained their existing colour on the crook. Not everyone could afford to have a smooth cane and on this example you can see and feel where branches were stripped off from the main section. These would have also provided a tactile way to identify one cane from another.Short wooden support cane with rubber tipassistive devices, white cane

Ideal because of it's light weight, metal canes were developed, some with a rubber grip that could slide down the cane and allow the user's hands to hold the cane comfortably. This cane has a noticably small crook which, given it's long length, was presumably not used by the owner to hold it. The tip of the crook and end of the cane are enveloped in plastic protectors.White metal cane with rubber on handle and tipassistive devices, orientation and mobility

Basket weaving and brush making was a source of income for those who worked in the workshops at RVIB and other institutions in New South Wales and Queensland. A diverse range products could be produced with cane, such as cane chairs, cots, washing baskets and trolleys, and the Institution sought to highlight these in the annual report. Over time the demand for, and supply of, cane changed - particularly during World War 2 when Asian sources were under attack or destroyed. At home, other materials such as plastics as well as the ability to import cheaper pre-produced products further reduced the demand for workshop pieces. This cane basket was used for storage as well as transporting heavier items. The base has been reinforced with two thick boards that allow the basket to hold more weight than regular baskets, and this also allows it to sit higher and the contents slightly above ground level.1 deep cane basket with two side handlesemployment, royal victorian institute for the blind

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

Believed to have been made by Tilly Aston, this tray cloth is an example of the type of skills the Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind school taught its female students. Handicrafts was a possible method of income, and the emphasis was on producing usable pieces rather than highly decorative ones. It is a rectangular shaped tray cloth made from cotton and silk thread. The centre piece is cream coloured and consists of 2 layers of pulled thread work The cloth is edged with a beige coloured lace border. Linen cloth with crocheted edgingtilly aston, royal victorian institute for the blind

At 130 cm, this cane is meant to be held at chest height by the user. In the 1940's the long cane 'two point touch' technqiue was pioneered by Richard Hoover, which combines swinging the cane from side to side and tapping either side of one's shoulders to identify obstacles and changes in walking surfaces.Wooden white cane with crooked handle with metal join and metal tipassistive devices, orientation and mobility

From 1979, the John Wilson Award was awarded to individuals who made a significant difference to the lives of those around them. In 1983, it was presented to Herbert John Brumby for his work as a volunteer, auxiliary member and committee member.1 wooden block with two metal insertsAssociation for the Blind The Guiding Light John Wilson Award for sustained devotion and personal contribution to the blind Presented to Herbert John Brumby 21st October 1983association for the blind, herbert john brumby