Raw results from a four year survey by the RVIB Rehabilitation or Training Unit, including causes of blindness, age, visual acuity, durating of blindness, nationality, educational level achieved, occupation, type of residence, mobility, employment and subjects undertaken. Collected by C.H. Nipper during his writing of 'The Past and the Present 1866-1971' (a history of the RVIB). 4 foolscap pages showing raw statistical dataroyal victorian institute for the blind, orientation and mobility, education

Plans of the RVIB building in St Kilda Road, with handwritten annotations regarding their usage in the 1920s and 1930s. Recollections come from a discussion between David Ditchfield and Michele Prentice. Copy sent to Faye Woodhouse from Allom Lovell and Associates for the Conservation Management Plan.3 floor plans on A3 pages with handwritten notesAllom Lovell + Assocroyal victorian institute for the blind, plans, david ditchfield

Assignment undertaken by T.M. Davidson on the historical study of an aspect of Victorian education - education of the visually handicapped 1867 - c.a. 1950. Collected by C.H. Nipper during his writing of 'The Past and the Present 1866-1971' (a history of the RVIB). 18 pages of foolscap printed pagesroyal victorian institute for the blind, education, t.m. davidson

Address given by Lawrence McCredie to a Rehabilitation Conference, held at Ormond Hall in February 1963. Collected by C.H. Nipper during his writing of 'The Past and the Present 1866-1971' (a history of the RVIB). Professor McCredie was the first blind person appointed to the board of the RVIB in 1956 and was involved until it's merger in 2005.10 pages of foolscap printed pagesroyal victorian institute for the blind, lawrence mccredie, rehabilitation

A report at the end of one year's study at Perkins School for the Blind in Boston, Massachusetts. It covers the expectations raised by the story of Helen Keller, classification of students, the need for representation and work on communication techniques, and observations made on tours of various educational institutions in the USA and Holland. Collected by C.H. Nipper during his writing of 'The Past and the Present 1866-1971' (a history of the RVIB). 19 pages of foolscap printed pagesroyal victorian institute for the blind, education, deaf-blind, a.r. reynolds

Advice provided to parents and carers of young children who were blind or vision impaired. It covers stimulation, physical movement, activities the child can undertake or be done with them, recommendations for toys and how to structure their physical environment. Collected by C.H. Nipper during his writing of 'The Past and the Present 1866-1971' (a history of the RVIB). 9 pages of foolscap printed pagesroyal victorian institute for the blind, education, child rearing

Copy of pamphlet produced by RVIB to answer questions about the abilities of blind switchboard operators and how systems could be adapted for their use. Collected by C.H. Nipper during his writing of 'The Past and the Present 1866-1971' (a history of the RVIB). 4 paged paged pamphlet with photographsroyal victorian institute for the blind, employment, owen jones, john keast, gail thornton, doug sloan

Copy of an article on the author's experiences of mobility with a short cane and a long one. Collected by C.H. Nipper during his writing of 'The Past and the Present 1866-1971' (a history of the RVIB). 1 photocopied page from magazineroyal victorian institute for the blind, orientation and mobility

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

Poster advertising the need to get immunised for Rubella, a cause of deafness. Space donated by the Royal Victorian Instituted for the Blind. Notes the Deafness foundation. Used on a Melbourne tram.trams, tramways, advertisements, posters

Royal Blind Entertainers, Town Hall, Bendigo Wednesday and Thursday 3rd-4th, 1938. The Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind presents a programme from the following: The Famous Royal Blind Orchestra. Jack Stewart, Ern Pike, Gordon Girdwood, Harry Keegan, Jack Byrns, J. H. Croker, Will Rule, Terry Scanlon, F. Sutcliffe.entertainment, theatre, town hall

A tube sent from the University of Melbourne transporting Hugh Jeffrey's university diploma. It is addressed to The Principal, Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind, St Kilda Road Prahran.1 cardboard tube with address handwrittenhugh jeffrey, awards

Richard Sutcliffe played saxophone with the Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind Orchestra. He was the arranger for the Orchestra and would re-work popular tunes into Braille copies for the other members. He also performed on radio with his saxophone quintet.B/W image of a saxophone playerdick sutcliffe, rvib orchestra

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

Travelling entertainment has been one popular way that charities have been able to raise revenue over the past 170 years. The Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind toured regional Victoria regularly to help raise awareness, showcase their talents and fundraise to provide care and education for vision impaired men, women and children. Double sided printed ticket for a concert in the Bendigo Town Hall featuring blind artists and dancers from the Royal Institute of the Blind.Obverse; Under the Patronage of the Mayor and Mayoress (Cr, and Mrs J. A. Michelson) and / Councillors of the City of Bendigo / 30 Blind Artists !! / FIRST APPEARANCE IN BENDIGO of The Famous Orchestra and / Concert Party of Blind Artsits and Blind Children Dancers from the / ROYAL VISTORIAN INSTITUTE for the BLIND, / (ST KILDA ROAD MELBOURNE) / WILL GIVE THEIR / FIRST BENDIGO ENTERTAINMENT / IN THE BENDIGO TOWN HALL, / on TUESDAY, MARCH 22nd, 1927, at 8PM / His worship the Mayor will Preside / Tickets 2/- box plan at the Premier Piano Company from March 14th. / PROCEEDS IN AID OF INSTITUTE S.W Hedger, Superintendent and Secretarymayor and mayoress michelson, vision australia, city of bendigo town hall, city of greater bendigo community partnerships, city of greater bendigo events

In this scanned image used in the 1888 and 1889 RVIB annual reports, the RVIB Brass Band holds their instruments at the ready. This 12 piece band was made up of blind students and workers, and had two drummers holding the beat for 10 brass instruments. The Brass Band stands outside the front doors of what was then the Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind building at St Kilda Road.B/W scanned image of the Brass Band of the RVIBrvib orchestra, fundraising

The Eureka A4 was invented in Melbourne by Milan Hudacek, and designed to capitalise on the growth of IBM PCs. It attached to the PC and allowed blind and vision impaired people to utilise screen orientated programs. It had a sockets for telephone lines, a Braille keyboard, an inbuilt disk drive, speed and volume controls as as well outlets for data ports and headphones. The Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind (now a part of Vision Australia) received both the Eureka Award and the Qantas Rolls Royce Award in 1990 for its participation in the development and promotion of the Eureka A4 computer. It was the first computer of its kind, designed specifically for people who are blind or vision impaired.1 black rectangular box with grey and orange keys with advertising leafletSerial no: 1897braille equipment, assistive devices, milan hudacek

John Richard "Jack" Stevenson was born in Bendigo in 1886 and moved to Albury as a child. He later moved to Wodonga where he established a carrier’s business in the 1920s. As a young man he was involved in bands in Albury and Wodonga. He was also a member of the Masonic Lodge in Wodonga for over 40 years. John was also made a life member of the Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind. In his later years, John’s main interest was lawn bowls. He was a foundation member of the Wodonga Bowling Club. In 1956 John was recognised as the Club’s first Life Member. He was for some time the greenkeeper and a trustee of the club but retired from that position in 1956. As a member of the Club, John served as secretary for 11 consecutive years from 1937 to 1948 and was club champion for 4 years in 1939, 1940, 1941 and 1943. John passed away in Wodonga on 24th September 1964.This Badge was presented to a member of the Wodonga community who was a businessman and active member of several organisations.A badge issued to their first life member by the Wodonga Bowling Club. The badge is coated in enamel in white, blue and gold. It is attached by a short chain to a bar and pin to allow it to be attached to a lapel.On front: PRESENTED TO/ 1955/ LIFE MEMBER." Around the lower edge: "WODONGA BOWLING CLUB" On reverse " JACK STEPHENSON/FIRST/LIFE MEMBER"wodonga bowling club, john richard stevenson, sport and recreation wodonga

Set of 13 different pre decimal and decimal MMTB tram tickets. All numbers in black ink, printed on off white paper unless noted otherwise. Two various sizes. .1 - 10d - black printing on red paper - Bj859105 .2 - 10c - brown ink, with Red P and diagonal stripe in red - A508245. .3 - 20c - blue ink, with Red P and diagonal stripe in red - B244641. .4 - 1/- - black ink on brown paper - Af243147. .5 - 1/9 - black ink on blue paper - Ay707793. .6 - 1/10 - black ink on green paper - Aa898467. .7 - 1/6 - black ink on yellow paper - Yo529926 - with a Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind advert on rear. .8 - 2/2 - black ink on grey paper - Ad032677 .9 - 7d / 6c - multiple currency ticket - black on orange paper - An523030. .10 - 4d - green - Ab426372 .11 - 7d / 6c - multiple currency ticket - black on off white paper, over stamped "City Section" - An596491 .12 - 6d - red - Ng965785. .13 - 7d - blue over stamped "City Section: - Ab688270trams, tramways, mmtb, tickets, concession fares

In 1980 the John Wilson Award was given to Elizabeth Inez Lindsey. The citation reads: The Committee, Blind Members and Staff of the Association for the Blind pay tribute to, and record for posterity, the sustained love and devotion of Elizabeth Inez Lindsey to the blind children entrusted to her care between 1935-1945 as the first Matron of the Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind Nursery, and her continuing influence for good in their lives hereafter. In particular, at his request, we recall her greatness of heart in applying for the guardianship of Barry Farnsworth, despite his serious disability, and her acceptance of him into her own home where she lavished affection and cared for him physically, mentally and spiritually as long as she was able and thereafter to this day continued faithfully and unwaveringly to serve and protect his interests. We present our respects to Sister Lindsey who has consistently reflected, in and through her life of service, enduring love and compassion and now honour her in the presentation of the John Wilson Award. 1 A3 cream page in gold frameassociation for the blind, elizabeth lindsey

At the top of the shield is a Lions International symbol consisting of two lions heads facing outwards either side of the words 'Lions International' and the letter 'L' in between them. At the base of the shield is a blue and gold coloured badge, consisting of two rifles crossed in front of the RVIB lighthouse, with the words 'Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind Rifle Club' around the outside. Between the two symbols is engraved "In memory of the late George Glover Past President-Lions Club of Bennettswood - Patron and Life Member of the R.V.I.B. Rifle Club. George developed and donated equipment in order that the blind may enjoy rifle shooting and compete with others. His work done will continue to serve." In the 1960's, the RVIB approached engineer George Glover to produce equipment to allow blind people to shoot, based upon that made available at St Dunstan's Hospital in the UK. The rifle range opened in February 1966 at the rear of St Kilda Road with 30 members, and soon became involved in matches with sighted rifle clubs in the area. Passionate about the sport, Mr Glover continued work and supporting the club until his death in 1977.1 wooden shield with engraved silver plategeorge glover, rvib rifle club

Framed portrait of David Robertson who was the first President of the Association for the Advancement of the Blind, from 1895-1899. It is part of a series of paintings commissioned by the VAF Board to commemorate the work of past presidents of the organisation. Mr Robertson sits with his hands resting upon a wooden cane. He is wearing dark spectacles, a gray suit and waistcoat, white shirt with starched collar and pleated front, and a red and blue striped necktie. On his left lapel is a blue and red medal. David Robertson was educated at the Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind and was trained as a basket maker. He was one of eight foundation members of the Association for the Advancement of the Blind (now Vision Australia Foundation ) which was formed in 1895 in order to encourage blind people to manage their own affairs and build their self esteem. He was appointed the inaugural president and served as such from 1895 to 1899 and again in 1913 as well as acting as vice president from 1900 to 1902 and in 1911 and 1915. Known as a level headed and wise peacemaker he was elected chairman of the first interstate conference of blind people, which took place in Melbourne in 1913. From this evolved the Federal Council of Organizations of the Blind, which undertook to consider all matters affecting blind people. 1 art original in gold frameThe plaque at the base of the painting reads 'David Robertson / Inaugural President of / Association for Advancement of the Blind'.david robertson, association for the advancement of the blind

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

Manila folder, Wotan flat file, with built in fold back metal clips (see images 19 and 20) holding 9 plastic sheets that have been made to hold railway (Edmondson pasteboard) or tramway paper tickets. Sheet 1 - 25 No. MMTB tickets, ranging from 3d to 2/6 and two decimal conversion tickets, including 5 tickets which have been overstamped "City Section". On the rear are adverts for Blind Babies (Royal Victorian Institute for the blind), John Randle hair salon, Leighton home builders and the Promote Thomastown Committee. Sheet 2 - 25 No. MMTB tickets - decimal currency - two conversion tickets and other decimal currency tickets ranging from 6c to 25c. Included are 6 overstamped City Section tickets. Sheet 3 - 25 No. MMTB decimal currency tickets - ranging from 25c to $1 with one ticket overstamped "City Section". Includes one ticket with a red P overstamp. Sheet 4 - 22 No. MMTB tickets - 13 tickets overstamp P, for Pensioner, one bus transfer ticket, 3 non-cash tickets, one city concession tickets and four machine issued bus tickets. Sheet 5 - small sheet with four pockets with three tickets, - MMTB 1981 single journal ticket, MMTB day tripper $2 and MMTB bus ticket. Sheet 6 - 13 No. MMTB Section tickets, hospital travel, Australia post, incapacitated soldier and special police department concession. Sheet 7 - 8 MTA paper tram tickets and 9 The Met paper tram tickets. Sheet 8 - 23 Ballarat or Bendigo tickets, both pence and decimal currency including 6 BTM or BTPS tickets. Sheet 9 - 10 VR motor coach tickets, both pence and decimal and one single ticket - East Kew to East Camberwell. See Reg Item 5424 for a further folder of tickets from the same donor.trams, tramways, tickets, mmtb, vr, the met, btps, btm, ptc

Framed portrait of Thomas Marks who was President of the Association for the Advancement of the Blind 1900, 1935-1937. It is part of a series of paintings commissioned by the VAF Board to commemorate the work of past presidents of the organisation. Mr Marks sits at a table, wearing black tails and pants, a white pleated dinner shirt and black evening dress bow-tie. One hand rests next to a cup and saucer, the other rests on his lap. Tom Marks was educated at the Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind. He was a founding member of the Association for the Advancement of the Blind (now Vision Australia) at its establishment in 1895. He went on to serve as President of organisation in 1900 and was later appointed as a part time paid secretary – an office he occupied from 1904 to 1927. He again served as President from 1935 to 1937 during which time he celebrated his 80th birthday. As the living conditions of many blind people were deplorable at this time – they were often confined to a room or shed without any social contacts – it was realized that support for blind persons was needed to serve as a refuge for the oppressed, a home for the indigent, a rest home for the sick and a convalescent home to provide both respite care and permanent accommodation. Mr Marks had a reputiation of having good contacts and being able to use people with more knowledge than himself. An able musician, Tom Marks was often employed in the homes of wealthy families. As a result he met Mr and Mrs Grimwade who were already supporters of Vision Australia. They organized a gymkhana to raise money for the nucleus of a building fund. From this time Tom Marks was involved in the finances of the centres at Brighton, Ballarat and Bendigo, which were the ultimate result of the fund. He was also part of a team that negotiated the financial agreement between the RVIB and Vision Australia over fund raising and the allocation of money, which lasted from 1930 to 1939. 1 art original in gold frameThe plaque at the base of the painting reads 'Mr Thomas Marks / President 1900, 1935-1937/ Association for Advancement of the Blind'. association for the advancement of the blind, thomas marks

Framed portrait of Tilly Aston who began the Association for the Advancement of the Blind, a forerunner to the Association for the Blind. It is part of a series of paintings commissioned by the AFB Board to commemorate the work of past presidents of the organisation. Tilly sits with one hand resting against a table, and the other in her lap. She is wearing a black collared dress with a white lace neck ruff held with an opal pin. Two medals (the Jubilee medal and Coronation medal) are pinned to the chest, each consisting of a red and white bowtie with a brass medallion. Tilly Aston was born in Carisbrook, Victoria, in 1873. When she was very young her parents noticed she was having problems with her vision. They took her to a doctor who diagnosed her with no sight in her right eye and the prognosis of loss of vision in the left eye. As a result of this she was totally blind by the age of 7. Despite this her parents endeavoured to give Tilly as many of life’s advantages that their limited means could supply. From an early age she was taught singing, music, poetry, arithmetic, encouraged to read and observe the natural world around her and be independent. At the age of 8 she was sent to the Asylum and School for the Blind (later called the Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind). She excelled in a wide range of subjects and matriculated in 1889. With the help of a public fund was able to attend Melbourne University, being the first blind Australian to do so. Unfortunately the lack of Braille text books made it impossible for Tilly to continue her studies and she left in second year. Tilly was determined that other blind people would not have the same negative experience she had had. In 1894 she organised a meeting to form the Victorian Association of Braille Writers with the aim of producing and supplying Braille to blind Victorians. Braille was produced by trained volunteers with ? recruited in the first six month. Other rights and services for blind people remained very limited. In 1895 Tilly organised a meeting, which formed the Association for the Advancement of the Blind (now Vision Australia). The Association was instrumental in obtaining many benefits for blind people including a blind pension, voting rights and transport concessions. It also established the first nursing homes for blind people, at a time when many blind people were homeless and destitute. Tilly went on to be Australia’s first blind teacher. She was also a very talented musician, author of seven books and was very gifted at arts and crafts. She knew Esperanto and corresponded with people all around the world including Helen Keller. Tilly passed away on November 1st 1947. Her legacy continues through the work Vision Australia which provides services for thousands of blind Australians. A memorial bell dedicated to her is also situated in the King Domain Gardens. 1 art original in gold frameThe plaque at the base of the painting reads 'Miss Matilda (Tilly) A. Aston / President 1904, 1910, 1943 to 1947/ Association for Advancement of the Blind'. association for the advancement of the blind, association for the blind, tilly aston