On the 21st June 2008 Vision Australia hosted a farewell celebration at 557 St Kilda Road for people who attended the RVIB School and Residential Rehabilitation and Training Centre. This CD has been produced as a memento of this occasion. CD1 contains the official proceedings of the day. CD2 contains a compilation of interviews and memories that people shared on the day.21 sound files of official proceedings and interviewsroyal victorian institute for the blind, burwood school, employment

The Feelix library was developed to help children who were blind or have low vision experience the connection with books via tactile objects. Each print book was hand selected, a clear Braille overlay placed on the pages, and items relating to the story were made or purchased and added to the kit. The kit (book and objects) was held inside a cardboard suitcase and sent through the mail in a bright orange, zippered plastic padded pouch with a carry strap. Launched at the Melbourne Zoo on 11 February 2003, ambassador Sigrid Thornton read 'The Story about Ping' by Margery Flack and Kurt Wiese to a group of five children, who played with the other objects in the suitcase as well as those for 'The Tiger who Came to Tea' by Judith Kerr. These included a soft toy duck in bright plaid fabric, a shiny metal tea pot, a cassette recording of the story, tactile books for both stories, and metal cups.36 digital photographs of Sigrid Thornton and five children at launch of Feelix libraryroyal victorian institute for the blind, feelix, sigrid thornton

The Feelix library was developed to help children who were blind or have low vision experience the connection with books via tactile objects. Each print book was hand selected, a clear Braille overlay placed on the pages, and items relating to the story were made or purchased and added to the kit. The kit (book and objects) was held inside a cardboard suitcase and sent through the mail in a bright orange, zippered plastic padded pouch with a carry strap. Launched at the Melbourne Zoo on 11 February 2003, ambassador Sigrid Thornton read 'Owl Babies' by Martin Waddell to the crowd. These images were taken of the families who attended, including Zoos Victoria CEO Laura Mumaw, Minister for Community Services Sherryl Garbut and RVIB CEO Doug Kent.36 digital photographs of families and official guests at launch of Feelix libraryroyal victorian institute for the blind, feelix, sigrid thornton, sherryl garbut, laura mumaw, doug kent, louise curtin

The Feelix library was developed to help children who were blind or have low vision experience the connection with books via tactile objects. Each print book was hand selected, a clear Braille overlay placed on the pages, and items relating to the story were made or purchased and added to the kit. The kit (book and objects) was held inside a cardboard suitcase and sent through the mail in a bright orange, zippered plastic padded pouch with a carry strap. Launched at the Melbourne Zoo on 11 February 2003, these images were taken of the families who attended, including Zoos Victoria CEO Laura Mumaw, Minister for Community Services Sherryl Garbut and RVIB CEO Doug Kent, and the Feelix kits displayed on the day.37 digital photographs of families and official guests at launch of Feelix libraryroyal victorian institute for the blind, feelix, sigrid thornton, sherryl garbut, laura mumaw, doug kent, louise curtin

An overview of activities and achievements during the past financial year. Articles in annual report include: acknowledgement of the passing of Dr Trevor Anderson (President) during the year, merge of organisations, equipment upgrade at Burwood School and transition of early education program out to Southern and Eastern offices and publication of "Little Steps to Learning" and 'Thanks Mate I'll Try That'.1 printed volume of information about the RVIB during the financial yearroyal victorian institute for the blind, annual report, trevor anderson, doug kent

An overview of activities and achievements during the past financial year. Articles in annual report include: continuing involvement with Project Nexus (to merge with RBS and VAF), NILS becoming a separate entity, launch of History Project, launch of Feelix at Melbourne Zoo with patron Sigrid Thornton, funding of "Little Steps to Learning" by Paul Newman Foundation, RVIB For Sight Week, RVIB Gold Ball, Dare to Date ball and hosting Southern Cross games.1 printed volume of information about the RVIB during the financial yearroyal victorian institute for the blind, annual report, jade sanderson, trevor anderson, doug kent, sigrid thornton, rhonda burchmore, ray martin, hi-5, vanessa amorosi, chad kelly, kushbu lal, wanda egerton, russell short

An overview of activities and achievements during the past financial year. Articles in annual report include: launch of Project Nexus (to merge with RBS and VAF), 'Egypt by Touch' exhibition, inaugural Dare to Date ball and Aqua Dance party, production of Braille and Large Print in Tetun language for Timor, publication of "I'm posting the pebbles", and the RVIB Fair held for the first time since 1985.1 printed volume of information about the RVIB during the financial yearroyal victorian institute for the blind, annual report, trevor anderson, doug kent, chris baillie, lui palombi, debbie deshayes, jenny pring, chery kurnow, robyn guymer, chris edwards, jamie kelly, tim mitchell, molly meldrum, john so

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

In 1983 the Swan Hill Guardian became the first Talking Newspaper produced by the RVIB. In the three years since then 18 other rural newspapers followed and in 1986 there was a concerted push to add Melbourne papers to this network. This document provided an outline of the process of establishing a paper, and the role community groups and public libraries played in this.2 foolscap page document about the Talking Newspaper Serviceroyal victorian institute for the blind, talking newspaper service

Oral history recording and transcript of interview of Margaret Fialides by Alan Nuske. Recorded as part of 'The Years Between: an oral history of the RVIB 1866-1991'. Staff recall how they came to be involved with the organisation and changes made during their tenure.1 oral history interview with Margaret Fialidesroyal victorian institute for the blind, allan nuske, margaret fialides, 3rph radio station, library, burwood school, oral history

Oral history interview and partial transcript of David Blyth and Margaret Bull by Alan Nuske. Recorded as part of 'The Years Between: an oral history of the RVIB 1866-1991'. Former students and staff recall their days at RVIB, the impact of what they learned and experienced there, and how the attitudes to blindness and low vision changed over the years. 4 audio recordings of recollections from former RVIB attendeesroyal victorian institute for the blind, allan nuske, david blyth, margaret bull, oral history

Oral history interview and partial transcript of David Blyth by Judith Buckrich, with Jess Blyth and Michele Prentice. Recorded as part of 'Lighthouse on the Boulevard'. Former students and staff recall their days at RVIB, the impact of what they learned and experienced there, and how the attitudes to blindness and low vision changed over the years. 4 audio recordings of recollections from former RVIB attendeesroyal victorian institute for the blind, david blyth, oral history, judith buckrich, michele prentice, jess blyth

Oral history interview and partial transcript of Peter Cronin by Judith Buckrich, with Michele Prentice. Recorded as part of 'Lighthouse on the Boulevard'. Former students and staff recall their days at RVIB, the impact of what they learned and experienced there, and how the attitudes to blindness and low vision changed over the years. 1 audio recording of recollections from former RVIB attendeesroyal victorian institute for the blind, oral history, judith buckrich, michele prentice, peter cronin