Victorian Association of Braille Writers had subcommittees including the 'Entertainment Committee' which organised concerts, lectures including fortnightly socials and dances throughout the year. These minutes contain information on attendees, meeting chair, apologies, minutes acceptance, matters arising from the minutes, accounts, reports, matters arising from reports, donations, general business and the date of the next meeting. It was noted at the June 4, 1953 meeting that the Braille Cottage at Chelsea had been sold to Mr and Mrs Smith of Ascot Vale, both who are blind readers for £1,950.1 volume of handwritten pages and typewritten sheets glued on to pagesvictorian association of braille writers, recreation

Victorian Association of Braille Writers had subcommittees including the 'Entertainment Committee' which organised concerts, lectures including fortnightly socials and dances throughout the year. These minutes contain information on attendees, meeting chair, apologies, minutes acceptance, matters arising from the minutes, accounts, reports, matters arising from reports, donations, general business and the date of the next meeting. This minutes includes a copy of the 41st & 42nd Annual Report 1935-1936 of the Entertainment Committee it noted that the Boat House, which was the gift of Mrs Cecil Macmeikan 10 years ago, was wholly destroyed during the storm in November however was repaired the next year. The Boat House has been a wonderful source of pleasure for day trippers, and many picnics have been arranged, enabling the blind to meet their friends and have an outing at the seaside at a nominal cost. 1 volume of handwritten pagesvictorian association of braille writers, recreation, boat house

These minutes include Present, Apologies, Correspondence, Registrations, Reports and Interviews with workers. 16/12/1938 it was noted the Secretary created a brochure called 'Social Justice for the Blind' and other publications for promotion of the organisation. It was also reported re the Institutions decision to pay Christmas pay on the basis of Married pensioners, £3-7-6, Married non-pensioners £4-7-6 per week and single men £2-2-6 per week. The child allowance has been discontinued. Meetings were often held in private homes or in spaces provided by churches.1 volume of handwritten notesassociation of victorian blind workers, royal victorian institute for the blind

These minutes contain information on attendees, meeting chairs, apologies, recommendations, correspondence, subscriptions and donations and general business. Reports are also included from the Auxiliaries, Appeal funds, Auditors, Library and home teacher, the Blind Workers workshop, and the Women's Hostels located at William St and "The Haven" at Woollahra. 8/7/1937 it was acknowledged that Mr. Henry J. Hedger, the Superintendent of the Institution had passed away on the 5/7/1937 after 57 years of service. 19/7/1937 it was reported that the Library teacher, Miss E.A. Campbell who had been with Institution 30 years had met with a tram accident and died on 16/7/1937. 17/12/1937 it was proposed that the Record Talking Book machines be loaned out on a nominal rental fee of 2/-.1 volume with glued in typed pagessydney industrial blind institution, henry j. hedger

These minutes contain information on attendees, meeting chairs, apologies, correspondence, subscriptions, donations, legacies and general business. Reports are also included from Auxiliaries, Auditors, Library and Home teacher, Directors, The Black and White committee, Victor Maxwell House, Helen Keller Hostel, The Victor Maxwell Kindergarten, The Sandy Robertson Kindergarten, Alexis Albert House, Silver Lighthouse committee, 'Heathfield' and other Woollahra properties. 20/1/1958 it was noted that considerable developments were taking place with respect to the recording of books on discs to tape and the Society will adopt system of recording set out by R.N.I.B. 24/2/1958 an order for 100 small silver plated lighthouses had been decided on to be presented to outstanding benefactors of the Society. 15/8/1959 'Lighthouse', home for aged Blind women was opened. 5/9/1958 The President welcomed the first 6 residents to Alexis Albert House, home for aged Blind men. 6/9/1958 The Newcastle Blind Centre was opened. 23/9/1963 it was unanimously resolved that 5 Lots comprising of the estate left by the late Mrs F. I. Skovronksi were to be sold. 1 volume with sheets pasted on to pagesroyal blind society of new south wales, alexis albert hostel, victor maxwell kindergarten, sandy robertson kindergarten, helen keller hostel

These minutes contain information on attendees, meeting chairs, apologies, matters arising out of minutes, correspondence, subscriptions, donations and general business. Reports are also included from Honorary Treasurer, Finance, Corporate Services, Accommodation Services, Rehabilitation, Library Services, Marketing, Mitchell Manufacturing, Administration Support, Information Technology and Personnel. 30/9/1989 presents a detailed report from the General Manager regarding the proposed sale of Mitchell Manufacturing with the approach from Australia Foundation for the Disabled. 30/11/1989 the General Manager announced the decision to Mitchell Manufacturing staff that afternoon and he reported that so far the transfer had preceded smoothly and that staff now seemed to accept that they would benefit from it. 25/3/1991 The Chairman, Mr. Cribb reported that the Library staff had moved into the new building. 1 volume of minutes from committee meetingsroyal blind society of nsw, mitchell manufacturing

These minutes contain information on attendees, meeting chairs, apologies, matters arising out of minutes, correspondence, subscriptions, donations and general business. Reports are also included from Honorary Treasurer, Finance, Corporate Services, Accommodation Services, Rehabilitation, Library Services, Marketing, Mitchell Manufacturing, Administration Support, Information Technology and Personnel. 6/9/1993 The General Manager reported on the Strategic Overview and Implementation Plan. The core services would be Library Services, Rehabilitation Services and Technology Services. RBS would withdraw from providing Mobility Services and Talking Magazines unless by contract. In both cases there was existing services of a comparable standard and hence clients would not be adversely affected. RBS reduce its staff by 38 positions. 25/11/1996 Council members agreed that the Library Services Department be merged into the Information Technology Services Department. 28/1/1997 The CEO stated an opportunity for RBS to become a member of an international consortium known as DAISY (Digital Accessible Information SYtem). Whose main goal is establish a World Standard Digital Talking Book System for people who are blind and vision impaired. 1/4/1997 it was reported there are now 6 agencies including RBS comprising the Australia & New Zealand Group, as member of the DAISY consortium. Council approved that the CEO attend the first meeting of the Consortium on April 18-20. 1 volume of printed sheets glued to pagesroyal blind society of nsw, audio books

This A-Z register lists professional members from 1957 to 1966 of the Australian and New Zealand Association of Teachers of the Blind.1 volume of handwritten entries of member informationroyal victorian institute for the blind, st lucy's school, st edmund's school, st paul's school for the blind, queensland deaf and blind school

The minutes contain present, apologies, minutes of last meeting, correspondence, financial, general business. The Australian Association of Teachers of the Blind (AATB) noted in the minutes on 17/1/1958 that the Council on behalf of the Association invite the New Zealand teachers of the blind to join AATB. The New Zealand teachers had accepted to join AATB and the name of the organisation had been updated to The Australian and New Zealand Association of Teachers of the Blind (ANZATB). The membership comprised of Honorary Life Members, Professional Members, Associate Members and Affiliate Members. The minutes do not document an official name change however from July, 1970 the minutes had been headed as Australian and New Zealand Association of Teachers of the Visually Handicapped (ANZATVH).1 volume of handwritten and typed pages, glued or taped to pagesroyal victorian institute for the blind, st lucy's school, st paul's school for the blind, st edmund's school, queensland deaf and blind school

Formed in 1951, this register contain the minutes of the Executive Committee. The meetings were held in the premises of various blindness agencies around Australia. The Australian National Council for the Blind (ANCB) was formed in 1951. 11/11/1953 The Secretary reported that the ANCB had been admitted to full membership of the World Council for the welfare of the Blind and welcomed to being a body whereby matters appertaining to Blind welfare work throughout the world may be referred to the various organisations in Australia through this source. 1 volume of glued pagesroyal victorian institute for the blind, sydney industrial blind institution, queensland industrial institute for the blind

These minutes contain information on attendees, meeting chairs, apologies, correspondence, subscriptions, donations, legacies and general business. Reports are also included from Auxiliaries, Auditors, Library and Home teacher, Directors, The Black and White committee, Victor Maxwell House, Helen Keller Hostel, The Victor Maxwell Kindergarten, The Sandy Robertson Kindergarten, Alexis Albert House, Lighthouse, Silver Lighthouse committee, Sheltered Workshops, Newcastle and Wollongong branches, 'Heathfield' and other Woollahra properties. 25/3/1968 it was resolved that Braille services be reorganised to Library, Transcription and Braille instruction for blind persons. This plan created 2 new positions for blind persons. 20/7/1969 it was resolved that a Burwood Building Fund would be opened with the donation of $2,000 by Mr. W. G. Waterhouse. 27/10/1969 it was resolved that sheltered workshop employees who retired after 25 years service would be presented with a gold Braille watch. 19/1/1970 it was resolved that the Society agrees to accept a first mortgage on the security of the William Street property. 22/3/1971 The General Manager had reported that Burwood Council had arranged to purchase the Palatial Theatre and had agreed to lease the building to the Society for 12 months. 1 volume of sheets glued to pagesroyal blind society of nsw, annual reports

These minutes contain information on attendees, meeting chairs, apologies, correspondence, subscriptions, donations, legacies and general business. Reports are also included from Auxiliaries, Auditors, Library and Home teacher, Directors, The Black and White committee, Victor Maxwell House, Helen Keller Hostel, The Victor Maxwell Kindergarten, The Sandy Robertson Kindergarten, Alexis Albert House, Lighthouse, Silver Lighthouse committee, Newcastle Branch, 'Heathfield' and other Woollahra properties. 22/3/1965 it was noted to assist blind persons with the transfer to Decimal Currency an application had been made to the Commonwealth Treasurer for early release of specimen coins and notes. 24/1/1996 it was resolved that a dollar note gauge be supplied to all blind persons in N.S.W. 30/11/1966 it was noted the Management Committee had recommended to Council that the Society should transfer all its activities currently conducted at Williams Street to Mitchell Street and that the William Street be offered for sale at not less than $700,000. 1 volume of typed sheets glued to pagesroyal blind society of nsw, annual reports

These meetings were held at the Kooyong office and the minutes include Present, Chair, Apologies, Minutes, Matter arising from minutes, Correspondence, Life governors, Election of nominees, Nominations, Reports from Finance, Welfare, Brighton, Ballarat, Kooyong, Regional Centres, Nursing homes, Blind Members' auxiliary, Social activities, General business, Guest speakers. The AFB Blind Members' Council Annual Reports are also included beginning with June 30th 1977. Some highlights include: 25/5/1976 it was reported that the newly formed Tandem Bicycle Club would be holding their meetings at Kooyong the first Sunday of each month. 30/6/1978 it was reported that in April the Kooyong complex of buildings was named H.M. Lightfoot Centre after the immediate past President of AFB. The Council has been successful in having included in the learner driver book of road rules a question on the significance of the white cane. 30/7/1979 The Chairman, Mr Sitlington, represented Blind Members at the opening of the Ballarat Day Centre, Kelaston, in April. 30/6/1980 it was reported that the BMC welcomed 119 new members during the past twelve months. The Chairman, Mr Sitlington, represented Blind Members at the opening of the new George Vowell Nursing Home and Day Centre. 20/2/1981 a letter from the Chairman of VicRail, Mr Reiher, giving assurance that audio announcements will still be made in conjunction with the computer board. Minute book for Blind Members Councilassociation for the blind, blind members council

These meetings were held at the Kooyong office and the minutes include Present, Chair, Apologies, Minutes, Matter arising from minutes, Correspondence, Life governors, Election of members, Nominations, Reports from Regional Blind Members groups. Some highlights were: 1/8/1979 Mr Maxwell reported from an article in Sound Magazine which stated that if the present circulation of 2,600 copies of the Large Print Age was not increased it may have to be discontinued. 5/3/1980 a letter of thanks was sent to Sister Toni Cocks for her effort in arranging for Telecom to produce the raised large print telephone dials at no charge to the visually impaired. 2/3/1982 The Secretary reported that the ANZ Bank cheque templates will be launched Australia wide on March 16 and will be on display at the Kooyong Family Fair. 2/7/1982 The Secretary reported that the National Bank has produced a cheque template and that Westpac is proposing to do the same 4/51982 includes a draft copy of AFB philosophies. Minute book for Blind Members Councilassociation for the blind, blind members council

These meetings were held at the Kooyong office and the minutes include Present, Chair, Apologies, Minutes, Matter arising from minutes, Correspondence, Life governors, Election of members, Nominations, Reports from Regional Blind Members groups. Some highlights are: 30/6/1990 under the capable leadership of Mrs Elsie Germon the schools programme has been re-convened. Regular visits are being made to primary schools. Speakers are accompanied by sighted guides. 9/8/1991 Executive Director, Mr John Cook reported merger of the Braille & Talking Book Library with AFB. First radio appeal for 3RPH raising over $30,000, opening of the new Baringa Day Centre at Shepparton. 30/6/1996 the annual report highlighted the Centenary of AFB it was noted that self-help has always been the major emphasis underpinning the work of the Blind Member's Council. The Tilly Aston Fund raised over $1/2 million for the new National Information Centre. The peer support work and monitoring of services, ensures that we give back something to AFB, for the support we receive. BMC representatives made 70 visits across the State. The Council registered the Tilly Aston Rhododendron as a lasting way of acknowledging the work of our founder. 19/9/1997 The Chairman welcomed those present to the second combined meeting of the AFB and the Tilly Aston Customer Council. The Council welcomed the change in Articles and Memorandum of the Association and the formation of the Tilly Aston Customer Council which allowed all customer of the Association automatic membership and input to the monitoring of services. Minute book of Blind Members Council annual reports and general meetingsassociation for the blind, blind members council

These meetings were held at the Kooyong office and the minutes include Present, Chair, Apologies, Minutes, Matter arising from minutes, Correspondence, Life governors, Election of members, Nominations, Reports from Regional Blind Members groups, White Cane Day October 15th promoted. Some highlights include: 3/12/1982 the film, 'A world that is dark', which was made by AFB for television release is now available on video. 31/8/1984 the Blind members' brochure includes sections titled 'Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow' which outlines the history, present position and the aims for the future of the AFB, 'Information about Blind Members' and Blind Members' Council', List of AFB homes and centres' and 'An invitation from Bryan Sitlington to be a Blind Member accompanied by an application form. It will be available to all visually impaired people, their family and friends, AFB staff and suitable for distribution at doctor's surgeries. 14/12/1984 it was reported 29 new Blind members were elected at the September meeting and the 1,000th member was among them. 8/6/1984 Mr John Blanch reported that the General Committee had approved, although rather reluctantly, Mr John Wilson's resignation and had appoint Mr John Cook as his successor. 13/9/1985 Mr John Blanch reported that following Mr Pat Lightfoot's resignation he had contacted Mr John Wicking to offer him the position of sighted representative on Blind Members' Council. John Wicking had been approached for role on the BMC however he was unable to attend Fridays. It was moved to move the meetings to the last Monday of the Month, after approaching John Wicking again. Council members agreed that if John Wicking took the position it would be good as would have been held by Pat Lightfoot and John Wicking, both past Presidents of AFB. Mrs Margaret Canavan and Mr Alan Cooper had been selected to attend a garden party at Government House with Her Majesty the Queen and His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburg on Thursday March 6. Minute book for Blind Members Councilassociation for the blind, blind members council

These meetings were held at the Kooyong office and the minutes include Present, Chair, Apologies, Minutes, Matter arising from minutes, Correspondence, Life governors, Election of members, Nominations, Reports from Regional Blind Members groups. Some highlights include: 27/10/1986 it was reported that tactile maps of the Melbourne Metropolitan Railway network are now available. 6/2/1987 as special meeting had been called to discuss in detail what action should be taken regarding the proposed $2 coin. John Cook advised that BMC had been invited to send a representative to Canberra to meet with other Blind consumers and representatives from the Mint and Treasury. The BMC agreed the coins needed further testing. 29/2/1988 The Treasury received further letters regarding the $2.00 coin. It was agreed this matter could not be pursued any further. 26/11/1990 it was reported that the commissioned by BMC of the Association's founder Miss Tilly Aston, was officially unveiled by Mrs Jean Ross and Mrs Diana Jones at the 95th Birthday Celebration Concert. The portrait was then hung in the foyer of the Vision Resource Centre. Suitably framed photographs of the founder's portrait to be circulated to all branches. The visits to primary schools by BMC members continued as part of the School's program as did the BMC radio program on 3RPH. Minute book for Blind Members Councilassociation for the blind, blind members council

The Braille Lite harnessed the advantages of a computer to write in Braille and provides responses either in Braille or synthetic voice. Weighing around a kilogram, it was considered a lightweight notebook that also could be connected to other computers and stored Braille in it's inbuilt hardware. 1 beige rectangle with 7 raised buttons, a long space bar and refreshable braille display in black, held in a black plastic carrying case + printed instruction bookBraille Lite (R) Sticker attached over 'Blaze Engineering'.braille equipment, stephen jolley

A hard white plastic ball is currently (2015) used in Australia and it is slightly larger and has holes in it so sound can be released from the bottle tops and led weight. This ball has been in use since the beginning of the 2003/2004 season.1 white plastic cricket ball with metal bellsrecreation, assistive devices

The black nylon blind cricket ball was in use since 1974 until the end of the 2002/2003 season. It was hand woven around a wire frame, with lead for weight and bottle tops for sound placed inside.1 black nylon cricket ball with metal bellsrecreation, victorian blind cricket association

The plastic ball has bells inside to make it audible when it is hit by the rectangular wooden 'Swish bat'. 'Swish' is a fast, invigorating game, and was developed by blind people in Australia and has been played here for many years. It is played on both a recreational and competitive level; and allows blind, vision impaired and sighted people to compete on almost equal terms. Swish is like table tennis, but instead of hitting a ball over a net, the ball is hit under a net and must travel along the surface of the table. The net is at a height that so that those players with various degrees of sight do not have an advantage over blind players. Swish is either played as a doubles or singles competition. The game can be played from one game to the best of five, and the first to eleven or the advantage of 2 after eleven.1 swish ball with 26 holes containing 3 metal bellsrecreation, swish

The plastic ball has bells inside to make it audible when it is hit by the rectangular wooden 'Swish bat'. 'Swish' is a fast, invigorating game, and was developed by blind people in Australia and has been played here for many years. It is played on both a recreational and competitive level; and allows blind, vision impaired and sighted people to compete on almost equal terms. Swish is like table tennis, but instead of hitting a ball over a net, the ball is hit under a net and must travel along the surface of the table. The net is at a height that so that those players with various degrees of sight do not have an advantage over blind players. Swish is either played as a doubles or singles competition. The game can be played from one game to the best of five, and the first to eleven or the advantage of 2 after eleven.1 swish ball with 28 holes containing 4 metal bellsrecreation, swish

The wooden bat is used to play the game 'Swish' which is a fast, invigorating game, and was developed by blind people in Australia and has been played here for many years. It is played on both a recreational and competitive level; and allows blind, vision impaired and sighted people to compete on almost equal terms. Swish is like table tennis, but instead of hitting a ball over a net, the ball is hit under a net and must travel along the surface of the table. The net is at a height that so that those players with various degrees of sight do not have an advantage over blind players. The ball has bells in it to make it audible and it is about the size of a tennis ball and made of plastic with holes in it. Swish is either played as a doubles or singles competition. The game can be played from one game to the best of five, and the first to eleven or the advantage of 2 after eleven.1 light brown, wooden rectangular paddle or batting surface with a short handle recreation, swish

Collapsible white cane cylindrical in shape made from metal, plastic and rope. Handle is a red plastic textured moulding. Tip is also red with a red plastic protrusion. Shaft is painted white. Made in 5 sections. Internal rope holds the sections together. 5 metal/plastic pieces joined together with an elasticized cordassistive devices, orientation and mobility

This shorter white cane for a child with detachable, rotating ball tip, is more than just a stick that is used to alert others that they are blind or an early warning signal that a pathway is blocked. A cane actually allows a child who is blind access to four major developmental areas that are impacted the most due to the disability. A cane is a developmental tool that is imperative in neuro-development, sensory development, physical development, social development and emotional development of a child. 3 metal/plastic pieces joined together with an elasticized cordassistive devices, orientation and mobility