The growing need for assistive equipment and the increased demands upon the Association for the Blind, bigger premises were needed to house these services. In 1987 the Victorian Premier ceremonially layed the foundation stone for the new building that would become the Vision Resource Centre designed to meet this need. It was built using funds from the Vision Victorian Appeal and completed in 1989.2 digital images of metal plaqueAssociation for the Blind The foundation stone for the Vision Resource Centre was graciously unveiled by the Honourable John Cain, M.P., Premier of Victoria, on the 16th October, 1987. Association for the Blind The official opening of the Vision Resource Centre was performed by His Excellency, Dr. Davis McCaughey, A.C. Governor of Victoria, on the 3rd May 1989.association for the blind, john cain, dr davis mccaughey

Plaques recognising the funds donated by AFB supporters as part of the Vision Victoria Appeal, that helped build the Vision Resource Centre at Kooyong 1987-1989. The need for services for people with low vision was recognised by the AFB, who undertook to provide a range of services including diagnosis of low vision, advisors on how people with low vision could best utilise their existing sight, and objects designed to assist in everyday living. Initially operating out of a flat facing Glenferrie Road, which the Association had purchased, the growing demand demonstrated that a larger dedicated area was required. Thus began the project to develop a Low Vision Clinic on the land previously occupied by flats eventually purchased by the Association. 2 digital images of wooden board with white etched writingIn recognition of the assistance given the to the Low Vision Clinic by the many generous friends of the Association for the Blind The Association for the Blind acknowledges with appreciation the contribution made to the Low Vision Clinic by the following major donors: The Victorian Government Springfield Auxiliary Kooyong Fair Committee Mr Claude Kingston O.B.E. Mr A.T. Marriott Mr W. P. Fleming Mr A.J. Jennings-Smith H. and L. Hecht Trust Collier Trust William Buckland Foundationassociation for the blind, h & l hecht trust, william buckland trust

The first tape based talking book machine from the late 1950s, produced by Clarke & Smith, that allowed the listener to hear up to 20 hours of recordings. Although bulky (each tape cartridge alone weighed over 2 kgs), the MK1 was the first magnetic, multi-track tape produced and considered quite novel for it's time. The cartridge designed to be played on the Clarke & Smith Model12 Talking Book gramophone was designed to house the pick up mechanism (the phono cartridge which contains the stylus) in the lid, so that visually impaired people could just close the lid to play the record. Initially these players designed to handle only 24 rpm, but soon added 33 rpm and 16 rpm options via the dial located on the left hand corner of the disk base. Directions for using as well as reminders to use on alternating current only are located inside the lid. On the side of the player are two plastic dials: one for turning on and volume, the other for tone.Metal record player housed in a brown wooden carry case, with a speaker grill in the front, two plastic dials on the side and an electric cord extending from the back of the case.Manufactured for Nuffield Talking Book Libraryaudio equipment, clarke and smith

Invitation card for Neil and Elizabeth Maxwell to the Centenary Garden Party. The card includes both the invitation itself and the programme of events during the party and served as an entry card. Held at Government House, the Garden Party was designed to recognise the 100 years of volunteering that has been undertaken by those present and in the past.Invitation card for Mr and Mrs Maxwell to Centenary Garden partynon-fictionelizabeth maxwell, neil maxwell, association for the blind

Annual report of the Association for the Advancement of the Blind outlined activities and events over the year, including an increase of membership to 150, the unfortunate illness of Mr Holgate, that attendance at meetings has improved due to the possible transfer of them into the city, the Secretary is now paid for their work due to the amount required, a number of goods designed for the blind have been imported by the Association from England and are being sold, some of which (the embossed music) has formed the beginning of a small music braille library, instruction in light handicrafts in the homes of the blind is continuing and now includes a knitting machine, concerts are still being undertaken with the focus on publicity for the Association and covering performing fees rather than as a fundraiser, and there are plans to create a fund scheme for sick workers.1 volume of printed material with some illustrationsassociation for the advancement of the blind, annual reports

Annual report of the Association for the Advancement of the Blind outlined activities and events over the year, including the growth of membership to 219, over 400 visits were made to people in their homes, all items designed for blind in England and have sold and a new order will be drawn up with members invited to add their items, the Correspondence Club continues to flourish with Brazil and Chile, via Esperanto, now involved and there are insufficient correspondents to keep up with demand from American writers.1 volume of printed material with some illustrationsassociation for the advancement of the blind, annual reports

Three older women sit in lounge chairs, along a wall covered with a trailing leaf design. On the right, the lady is dressed with a scarf and a rug on her lap as she feels something between her fingers. To the far left, a similar rug appears on the lap of a woman who is speaking to a visitor or possible staff member. In the middle, a lady sits with hands in her lap, looking directly towards the camera. This image was used for publicity purposes, as per the imprint on the back.1 B/W photographs of three older females sitting inside58/8 Association for the Blind 7 Mair Street Brighton Beach 3188 Please return to P.R. Departmentassociation for the blind, elanora home (brighton)

Three commemorative, but also usable, spoons with 'Lady Nell' and 'Seeing Eye Dog School' on a beige background, around a blue and beige circle with a dog in harness in the middle. An orange background as the outer rim makes it resemble an eye. The bowl and handles of the three spoons vary in design. Spoon collecting was a popular hobby during the late 1970s and early 1980s amongst souvenir hunters who found it an easily portable way to track their travels and interests. 3 silver plated spoons with various bowl and handle shapesfundraising, lady nell seeing eye dog school

To reduce the costs of car wraps used to advertise Seeing Eye Dogs Australia, an alternative design was proposed which provided impact but did not completely cover the sides of the vehicle.vision australia, seeing eye dogs australia, advertising

Created prior to the Mowat-Wormald development, this prototype emits a beam of ultrasonic sound that detects reflection from objects and obstacles as well as vibrate when the object is within range. The rate of vibration increases the distance reduces and was designed to be used in conjunction with other mobility aids such as a cane or a dog. With a simple toggle switch, it could be operated easily or stored safely away due to it's compact size.A small black rectangular metal container with mesh on one aend and a switch and tuning dial on the other end.Model MS01assistive devices, orientation and mobility

44 cards (A-I) featuring four members of the Doctor, Musician, Painter, Carpenter, Barber, Scientist, Gardener, Tailor and Motorist families. Produced by RNIB, these cards were designed for various kinds of players with both print and Braille upon each card. 36 playing cards with Braille across top of card in red box Catalogue No. 9086recreation, games

The Eureka A4 was a Melbourne invention, 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. The Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind supported the project and in this image, David Blyth and the managing director of Robotron Milan Hudecek, pose for a publicity shot at the launch of the Eureka A4 Notetaker in July 1997. Black and white photograph of two men at the Eureka A4 computer standDavid Blyth, Director of Community Services at the Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind, carrying a Eureka A4, while Milan Hudecek, Managing Director of Robotron Pty Ltd looks on.royal victorian institute for the blind, braille equipment, david blyth, milan hudecek