Female holds a cassette tape whilst looking at a sheet of paper in her other hand. The tape has been pulled from a cardboard box which has a reference number (eg: C90), a title and the sequential number (Side 5) listed on the front side of the box. Multiple boxes are nestled on wooden shelves, each with a black band that is attached below the box to assist in pulling them on and off the shelves. Books on cassettes were physically bulky and were stored separately for easy retrieval and return when borrowers were done. When a tape was dispatched, the requisite number of cassettes were removed and placed into mailing pouches for dispatch. Upon return, the cassettes were placed in individual boxes, that allowed staff to retrieve selected parts of a book if needed or incomplete books were returned. Underneath the image is written "Up to date talking book cassette library". Digital image of woman holding a cassette taperoyal blind society of new south wales, talking books

1. Male sits at a desk with a Wang computer terminal in front of him and Optacon device to his left. The Optacon was a device that allowed printed material to be turned into Braille through the use of a small camera connected to a vibrating array that produced the Braille. To his right is a cassette recorder, another computer and recorder, whilst a long cane rests against a wall. The man is possibly wearing a sonic guide and listening to the cassette whilst he types on to the screen. 2. Male sits in an office with an Opticon to his left, which he is using, and a manual typewriter in front of him. The typewriter has the camera of the Opticon clamped into position over the typewriter. Behind the man is a reception desk, with a bell and small switchboard visible on upper counter of the desk, and a coffee mug, portable cassette recorder, telephone books and piles of paper stacked neatly under the upper counter.Digital image taken from pictures on chipboard15 - Group with 13, 14 please - no caption available 12 - Group with 13, Optacon captionemployment, royal blind society of new south wales

An older female and male sit either side of a desk. The lady holds a pen and a sheet of large print music in front of her, with a small pile of similar sheets to her right. The man holds a pen and looks at sheets of paper (presumably music) whilst sitting next to a box with the title 'Family Fun Box Organ course' to his left. In the background are filing racks, The Australian Hymn book and Braille volumes in various bindings. Over time, the RBS built up a considerable music collection thanks to the work of its dedicated supporters such as Dulcie Magnus.Digital image of two people working together to produce braille music Second century 24royal blind society of new south wales, braille music

Framed certificate. "This diploma is awarded to Tonkin Zulaikha Harford, client: Royal Blind Society of NSW for new Library services building, Royal Blind Society of NSW, Enfield in recognition of an architectural work of outstanding merit by the jury appointed to select buildings which most deserve this recognition among those nominated for an award in the year 1990 in the area of the New South Wales chapter of the Royal Australian Institute of Architects." Embossed with the seal of the chapter and signed by the Chairman of the Jury and the President of the NSW chapter.Digital image of framed award for architectureroyal blind society of new south wales, award

The duplication of services between state based blindness and low vision agencies was not viable in the long term, with telecommunications and technology improving rapidly in the late 20th century. In 1999, a decision was made to merge the library and alternative production services of the RVIB and RBS, as a precursor to a possible larger merger in the future. Thus the National Information Library Service (NILS) was created. As part of establishing a new culture between staff who had retained their positions, a vision, mission and values statement was created under the new service name.1 digital imageNational Information Library Service Mission statement: NILS provides a recognised and specialised gateway through which people who are blind, vision impaired or who have a print disability access dynamic information and recreational reading. Vision: to enable unhindered access to knowledge, information and recreational reading for people who are blind, vision impaired or who have a print disability. Key strategic themes: Know our clients current and future needs and expectations. Explore opportunities for collaboration with other agencies, government and enterprises to source, organise and make available materials and resources of an acceptable quality. Optimise digital technology for the production and delivery of materials in an equitable, cost effective and timely way, identify opportunities for innovation by anticipating social and technological trends in the wider community. Enhance our internal capability. Establish and develop a positive and healthy NILS culture. Values: our values inform our policy, work practices, recruitment and service delivery ethic. Integrity - we are open and honest with all our stakeholders. Excellence - we strive to be superior in all we do. Innovation - we learn continuously in order to lead the way. Responsiveness - we actively listen to all our stakeholders. Equity - we focus on inclusiveness and participation for all our clients and staff. A joint venture between the Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind and the Royal Blind Society of New South Wales. royal blind society of new south wales, royal victorian institute for the blind, national information library service

Colour photograph taken of the Royal Blind Society of New South Wales building in Enfield, as viewed from Henley Park. A red buildng with grey stairwells and window fixtures, surrounded by a concrete balcony that overlooks the park. Digital Image of Enfield building taken from parkroyal blind society of new south wales, buildings

A brown plastic laminate inscribed in white writing. On the reverse of the laminate is the previous attempt by the manufacturer, with the words 'June 1976 by the President of the Royal Blind Society of New South Wales, Sir Alexis Al' with an extra line next to the A. It has been taped over but is clearly visible through the masking tape, however this plate would have been attached to the wall, and the mistake not able to be seen by the public. Manufacturers have made spelling errors or had wood or marble crack as commemoration plates were created, but it is interesting to note that with the change in medium (a plastic), there was the opportunity to re-do the job using the same materialsDigital image of laminate board with white letteringThis plaque was erected to commemorate the opening of extensions to these Royal Blind Society premises on 26th June 1976 by the President of the Royal Blind Society of New South Wales, Sir Alexis Albert, C.M.G., V.R.D., B.Ec. W. G. Cannington O.B.E. President F.A. Crighton J.P. Hon. Secretary A.S. Pickering J.P. Hon. Treasurer C.J. Roworth Manager.royal blind society of new south wales, plaques

A brown wooden award depicting a wooden lawn bowls ball with two white metal canes crossed behind it. The award is inscribed with the following individual silver plates: Frank Yates Trophy -- Charlestown -- 8/6/63 J. McDonald, C. Dodd, R. Bramble, S. Mascord -- 5/10/63 J. McDonald, C. Dodd, R. Bramble, S. Mascord -- Balmain -- 13/6/64 C. Harlinar, R. O'Connor, H. Hussey, F. Yeats -- A. Snowden, K. Barron, D.Evans, P. Gilbert 1964 -- Balmain B.B.C. 9/4/72 -- William St. Blind W.B.C. Balmain 10/2/74 -- Balmain BBC 8/4/78 -- B.S.W.B.C. Enfield 1979 -- William St. Blind W.B.C. Balmain 31/5/70 -- Balmain B.B.C. 14/2/71 -- Partially Blinded Solders Assoc. NSW Branch -- Blind Women William Street v Blind Men Balmain -- Balmain Blind Bowling Combination -- P.B.S.A. 4 Rinks 22/8/65 -- William St. Blind W.B.C. Belfield B.C. 23/6/68 -- B.B.B.C. 1975 -- Balmain B.C. 15/10/67 -- B.B.B.C. 4 Rinks 27/2/66 -- Blamin B.B.C. 2/3/69 -- Balmain Charlestown -- Balmain B.B.C. 12/10/69.Digital image of wooden shield with smaller silver plaques and wooden ball top crossed by mini white canesroyal blind society of new south wales, awards

A metal circle sits on a brown wooden board. Within the circle are the words 'Royal Horticultural Society of Victoria' around the upper edge, an outline of a tree with a bush either side in the middle of the circle, and 'Award' below this. A gold coloured plate rests below this and reads: Community Horticultural Award 1987-88 This award was presented to The Association for the Blind George Vowell Centre, Mt Eliza in recognition of its outstanding contribution to the extensive uses of horticulture in an innovative programme being experienced in a practical way by visually-impaired elderly persons who are assisted by a strong volunteer group and staff. President: Val Sinclair 26 November 1988Wooden rectangle with 1 large round and 1 rectangular plaqueassociation for the blind, george vowell centre (mt eliza), awards, royal horticultural society of victoria

A silver plated cup with five leaf clover and small flower in in the middle, as well as handles with engraved leaves. Inscribed on the mug is: 2nd World Blind Bowls Tournament. G. Hoppitt. Leicester 1981. A plastic cup rests in the middle of the trophy, possibly a candle holder. When Clarrie Hoppitt attended a demonstration of blind bowling, he immediately offered his services to teach blind people how to play. His wife Grace was just as impressed and also began teaching, leading to her attendance at the 2nd World Blind Bowls Tournament and this cup as a souvenir of her participation in the event.1 silver plated cup with plastic insert2nd World Blind Bowls Tournament G. Hoppitt Leicester 1981nameplates, royal blind society of new south wales, grace hoppitt

Employment is a key area that blind or vision impaired people are under-represented. These photographs were taken to demonstrate and provide examples of how blind and visually impaired workers can undertake skilled positions. One image comes was used by the Royal Blind Society publicity department (the man using a writing guide).employment, royal blind society of nsw

Explanation and instruction on the setting out of braille volumes by E. Kell, Secretary of the Braille Writers Association of New South Wales. There are pencil markings on the fourth page.6 pages of typewritten notes with pencil markings on one pageroyal blind society of nsw, braille, braille writers association of new south wales

A well dressed lady sits in a lounge room reading Braille. "Isadore Smith was presented with the Royal Humane Society's Silver Medal for bravery when she tried to put out her husband's blazing clothing in their South Yarra home in 1967. Mrs Smith is now (sic) a resident at the hostel at Brighton Beach." - 1968 AFB Annual Report3 b/w photographs of Isadore Smithassociation for the blind, elanora home (brighton), isadore smith

An overview of activities and achievements during the past financial year. Articles in annual report include: opening two new offices in Coffs Harbour and Canberra, merging library services with RVIB and VAF, development of the "Do It Yourself" package with the University of Sydney and launched by Benita Collings, Behind the Budget luncheon with H.G. Nelson, Wendy Harmer and Peter Berner, a tactile art exhibition with the Sydney's Object Gallery, building a new volunteer Speakers Network and profiles of volunteers Clarys Churchill and Ian Carswell, and clients Emily McNeil, Tess Herbert, Nelson Rufatt, Jonathan Mondy, Fiona Williams, James Pittar, Rita Lucas, Noni Guthrie, Alexandra Sugis and Elizabeth Ford.1 printed volume of information about the RBS during the financial yearroyal blind society of nsw, annual reports, lauren rapley, emily mcneil, graeme innes, pearl stapleton, dick smith, clarys churchill, tess herbert, benita collings, erica chiandotto, nelson rufatt, natalie kaine, jonathan mondy, annette hayes, fiona williams, james pittar, rita lucas, cem oztan, noni guthrie, alexandra sugis, elizabeth ford, paula-jane robinson, ian carswell, andrew daddo, wendy matthews, tayla fitten, dion milton, peter berner, wendy harmer, h.g. nelson, marie bashir, walter bolin, victoria maggs, katherine purcell, michael simpson, john landau, denis lister, carol ireland, stephanie peebles, barry chapman, christopher cullen, charles cowper, frank martin, ivan cribb, keith barton, michael brown, john mumford, owen van der wall, roslyn lambert, tony miller

Financial report for the Royal Blind Society of New South Wales for the financial year ending 30 June 2003.1 volume of text and imagesroyal blind society of new south wales, corporation records

Articles in the annual report include: establishment of Vision Assist service to help people use their remaining sight, creation of an Equipment Resource Centre at Enfield, a 1300 number set up to improve access to services, development of JobPhone to listen to employment classifieds in Fairfax newspapers, Talking Newspaper Service in Lismore, Narooma and Manly celebrated their 10th birthdays whilst the 29th title was launched in Lake Macquarie, introduction of an Audio Description Services for arts lovers, operation of several primary and high school aged camps for peer support, beginning of joint venture with RVIB to combine transcription and library services, and being named 'Australia's Best Run Charity' in 1999 by The Australian newspaper.1 volume of text and imagesroyal blind society of new south wales, corporation records

Financial report for the Royal Blind Society of New South Wales for the financial year ending 30 June 2000.1 volume of text and imagesroyal blind society of new south wales, corporation records

Business card used by Ron Black in his role as a Public Relations officer. It was found inside an album of images that he used when speaking about the Royal Blind Society of New South Wales and it's programs.1 white with burgundy print and RBS logoroyal blind society of nsw, ron black

Recording of La Fiamma for the Talking Newspaper Service in Sydney. 10 negatives of coloured images of narrator in studio and 1 printed proof sheetroyal blind society of nsw, talking newspaper service

In 1986 the Royal Blind Society of New South Wales commissioned Quest films to make commercial about the Society and it's programs.93 colour transparencies, 84 black and white transparencies and 7 printed proof sheetsroyal blind society of nsw, quest films, fundraising

Newspaper articles about blindness, visually impaired or blind people and activities.Scanned copies of newspaper articles collected by Lady Nelllady nell seeing eye dog school, royal victorian institute for the blind, association for the blind, royal institute for the blind (sa), villa maria society, queensland industrial institute for the blind, guide dogs for the blind association of victoria, australian national council of and for the blind, phyllis gration, max medlyn, christopher finnen, dawn goebel, arthur mackey, walter jacobs, kevin o'mahoney, jean smith, pam marks, white cane, assistive devices, garry stinchcombe, matey fisher, robert gordon, ruth keoden, winsome mclean, arthur wilkins, len childs, bob elliott, graham miller, jack birkett, norman pressey, don westaway, norman salmon, mark houran, yvonne simpson, irmo guglielamana, jenny ziviani, shaun oliver, peter goss, albert poelstra, ewan gouldon, uncle ben's of australia, dr henry nowik, mary martin, kathleen wenzer, donna hayes, ken campbell, barry murphy, michael riley, jack dowdle, harold gration, leah francis (nee wilson), john dingle, alex mcnish, peter richards, irene mye, jim finn, cec mcillwraith, terry carlson, keith smith, gordon stent, frank taylor, don verlander, olive moody, roslyn sackley, ross johnson, jako mikulic, jewel blanche, william mckennariey, vicki barclay, grantley dee, ray hannah

A series of early twentieth century photographs were sourced and reprinted on to chipboard panels for use by the Royal Blind Society of NSW publicity department, to demonstrate the work and activities that blind people did at the Sydney Industrial Blind Institute (later RBS NSW, now Vision Australia). The source of these photographs is unattributed and the remaining panels of the set have not been located.Working Braille shorthand machine - Panel 11, Photo 13 A corner of the girls' sitting room - a lesson in Braille music (blind pupil and blind teacher) - Panel 1, Photo 2 The Industrial Blind Institution, Boomerang Street, Sydney. No.1 workshop, east side - basketmaking - Panel 2, Photo 3royal blind society of nsw, education, employment

As well as assistance in education and employment, agencies also provided support for adapting around the home. In this example, one woman is shown by a worker how to feel the temperature points in a pressure cooker. They stand in a kitchen, in front of an upright Davell cooker, next to a fridge and with steel utensils hanging on the wall behind the cooker.orientation and mobility, royal blind society of nsw

Closed Circuit Television allows people to view items placed upon a board, which slides up, down or across. Developed initially as either a security measure by Leon Theremin (1925) or by Siemans (1947) for rocket launchers, their magnification ability is used for reading by those with a vision impairment. In this image a young person sits in front of a screen which has the words "But Lisa said/Cigarettes just/They're bad" on it. An abstract painting hangs on the brown wall to the side of the desk.royal blind society of nsw, equipment

Front of the Royal Blind Society of NSW's Newcastle branch. The building has two storeys, large glass windows and a staircase is also visible.Black and white photograph of the RBS branch in Newcastleroyal blind society of new south wales, newcastle

Cooking often requires skill and adaptation. In this kitchen, a woman with low vision removes a dish hot from the oven of an upright cooker. Dressed in a pinafore and oven gloves, she carefully maneouvres the dish outwards. Above her, a tea kettle sits on the hob, next to the sink. In the background, spice jars are lined up on the bench, each with a large written label on them. Woman is not named, but possibly Joy Kerr, who gave talks and wrote a book on cookery for people who are blind or vision impaired.royal blind society of nsw, education

Colour photograph taken of the Royal Blind Society of New South Wales building in Enfield, as viewed from Mitchell Street. The two storey building has a car park underneath, with a separate external car park in the front of the building and a sloping driveway and footpath up to the covered entrance. To the right of the driveway is a short term visitors park. Gum trees are planted amongst a well kept lawn. Image was taken around the later 1970s-mid 1980s. A "Royal Blind Society' sign points up the driveway.Digital Image of Enfield building taken from Mitchell Streetroyal blind society of new south wales, buildings

Jacket worn by Mrs G Hoppitt, who accompanied the Australian blind bowling team to the 2nd Fespic Games in Sydney.1 gold coloured jacket with cream lining and Australian coat of arms on breast pocketAustralia 2nd Fespic Games Sydney 1977uniforms, recreation, grace hoppitt, royal blind society of new south wales

Souvenir mini banner from the 1982 Fespic Games in Hong Kong.White satin mini banner with black writing and red fringingFespic Games 1982 Hong Kong Oct. 31st to Nov. 7th 1982recreation, royal blind society of new south wales