Until suction became available in the 1930s, maintenance of a clear airway during oral and nasal surgery relied on posturing of the patient, mopping with sponges or the temporary placement of swabs or throat guards. Removal of surgical debris such as polyps, blood clots or foreign bodies could only be effected by the finger or devices such as probangs. The Probang is inserted blind (perhaps guided by a finger), the main shaft can then be held in the left hand whilst the right hand withdraws the inner tube. This results in a fanning out of the linear strands which are visible proximal to the tip. Held in this position the instrument is withdrawn and is supposed to scoop out the offending mass. Long flexible metal rod covered in gum resin sheath with a ring grip at the proximal end and a smooth metal rounded edge tip for insertion into the airway for clearing of obstructive matter.Stamped onto gum resin sheath: MADE FOR / CARL ZOELLER BRISBANE / GERMANY Stamped onto gum resin sheath in gold leaf: [indecipherable - presumably manufacturer's label]probang, flexible, oral, airway, horsehair, anaesthesia, obstruction, dr sharkey, lidcombe state hospital

Articles in annual report include: the retirement of Mrs Esme Dunell MBE - former matron (nurse) of the nursery worked since 1960, 1971 she was awarded Churchill fellowship to investigate work for blind child in other countries, supporting the Anti Rubella Crusade, Margaret Fialides staff member awarded Churchill Fellowship study tour of major libraries and production centres for talking books in Europe, UK and USA, occupational centre in Raleigh Street keeps 36 people employed, establishment of a Vocational Development department, purchase of high-speed duplicators for the library, and the RVIB stand at Royal Melbourne show won 1st prize in their section.1 volume of text and illustrationsroyal victorian institute for the blind, corporation records

A black and white map of Victoria showing the railway lines where mail is transported and the individual towns listed next to the dot that provides location of such. Underneath is written "Map of Victoria showing the localities beyond the suburbs of Melbourne to which library books are sent to blind members. Books are carried over the railways FREE there is no charge to the readers." Through the work of Tilly Aston, braille postage was provided free by the Victorian Railways which greatly assisted the Braille Library in reaching members who resided outside of Melbourne. This map was produced to show the extent of the work by the Victorian Association of Braille Writers and the need for reading materials across the state.Paper of Victorian railway lines mounted in framevictorian association of braille writers, marketing

Portraits of the 14 men who comprised of the Committee of Management for the Sydney Industrial Blind Institution. The largest photograph is of a bearded man writing at a desk (Rt Hon Sir Alfred Stephen PC GCMG CB President). Directly above him (in clockwise direction), J Dawson Hon Tresr, W. Beaumont, J W Hood, J F Weller, Thos Buckland, R L Tooth, A E Tooth, John J Keep. A second row extends below this (from left to right) E O Smith, A W Weeks, E Sinclair Hon Sec, Arthur Blacket, A Consett Stephen.1 framed mounting board with 14 sepia toned portraitssydney industrial blind institution, sir alfred stephen

A talking book player that allowed the user to change the tone and speed of cassettes played in it. Designed to handle both 4 track and 2 track cassettes, these players were the perfect solution to having both commercial (2 track) and recordings for the blind (4 track) materials without needing separate players. Tonal changes in particular were sometimes required by older listeners, as aging reduces the ability to distinguish high pitch sounds. Speed variability also allowed those who read faster to increase narration, and to slow down reading patterns for listeners with acquired brain injury or other conditions that affected cognitive processing of language.Blue plastic rectangular talking book player with buttons for navigational controls and 5 buttons.Model tbci serial no 8017. Machine number: 8157audio equipment, royal victorian institute for the blind

An annual tactile art exhibition held by the Royal Blind Society of New South Wales encouraged artists to create artworks that were meant to be touched by admirers. In 1999, more than 230 artists submitted entries, with then 66 finalists showcasing their work at Customs House. This program provides information on each of the 66 works selected for exhibition, as well as an information and advertising leaflets from Robert Mac G Design, who created the three prizes for the winning artists. Most works were available for purchase, as indicated on the 'Opening bid for silent auction' sheet, with all proceeds going towards providing services to the 15,000 clients of RBS.1 v. unpaged with list of opening bid prices and three leaftletsroyal blind society of new south wales, fundraising

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

"The Board, Tilly Aston Customer Council and Staff acknowledge and record for posterity the outstanding service given to blind and vision impaired people in Victoria. This exceptional contribution was made in a selfless and warmhearted manner and continues Vision Australia's tradition of caring and sharing. Inherent in the many attributes displayed were the admirable qualities of leadership, loyalty, consistency of purpose, and a great generosity of spirit. In recognition of this distinguished service we now pay tribute to and honour Neil and Elizabeth Maxwell in the presentation of the John Wilson Award on 6th October 2000." Signed by John Cook - Chief Executive Officer, ? Chairman, Tilly Aston Customer Council and Malcolm Daubney, President.1 white A3 page with blue border around edgevision australia foundation, neil maxwell, elizabeth maxwell

C.C. Thorold in the main classrooms with the Tasmanina blackwood honour board above the door. Lines written on the black board are from Richard II, Act IV, Scene 1: Mine eyes are full of tears, I cannot see: And yet salt water blinds them not so much But they can see a sort of traitors here. Nay, if I turn mine eyes upon myself, I find myself a traitor with the rest; For I have given here my soul's consent To undeck the pompous body of a king; Made glory base and sovereignty a slave, Proud majesty a subject, state a peasant.

John Moule was President for the Association for the Blind from 1992 until 1999. Shortly after his commencement, political changes forced the realignment of government departments and expenditure, requiring a reduction in nursing home accommodation and staffing levels. With the demand increasing for services, and the need for a financially sustainable model, he oversaw the increasing amount of government support for the AFB as well as the successful centenary appeal. In this image, John Moule Man is dressed in pinstripe suit, light coloured shirt and striped tie, and stands outside a building. A coloured version of an image taken during this photo shot appeared in the 1995 AFB Annual Report.1 B/W photograph of John Moule in pinstripe suit, light coloured shirt and striped tie standing outside a buildingassociation for the blind, john moule

The Optacon OPtical-to-TActile-CONverter is a compact, portable reading aid for the blind. It is about the size of a textbook, and weighs less than 2kg. It works by converting a printed image into a tactile image that a blind person can feel with one finger. After a period of training and practice, a blind person can use the Optacon to read ordinary books, magazines, newspapers, and other printed materials. The Optacon was developed after intensive research at Standford University, California, USA and was trialed by clients of the Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind (now part of Vision Australia) in 1973. It has three main sections: 1 a miniature camera, 2 an electronics section, and 3 a tactile stimulator array. The miniature camera, about the size of a pocket knife, is mounted in a housing that has rollers for easy movement along a line of print. The camera is connected to the electronics section by a lightweight cable. The electronics section and the tactile stimulator array are in the main chassis. The array consists of 144 tiny metal rods arranged in six vertical columns and 24 horizontal rows. Each of the rods can vibrate independently. The tips of these rods protrude through holes in a concave finger plate where the index finger is placed flat in order to read. These three components act together to convert the image of a printed letter or other shape into a pattern of vibrating rods, a tactile image of the letter or shape. The letter shape is tactually perceived as an image that moves from right to left on the finger, showing the left or leading edge of the letter first. Letters are felt sequentially rather than all at once, and the image should be kept moving. The Optacon converts a printed O into a tactile form that resembles a crater with a vibrating rim -- a completed circle. C would have a gap or opening on the right side of the curve. The letter F would be felt, sequentially, as a vertical line with two trailing horizontal lines. Because it can convert any ordinary printed image into a corresponding tactile image, the Optacon is not restricted to any special typestyle or language. The camera has a zoom lens that compensates for differences in the size of type. The standard Optacon lens can accommodate type sizes from 6 point to 20 point. With the optional F4A magnifier lens, type sizes as small as 4 point can be read. Powered by a rechargeable battery, and comes with its own battery charger. The battery is contained within the main chassis, and is not removable by the user. There are four basic controls on the Optacon: the Magnification Adjustment zoom button located on the camera section on the side opposite the rollers; and the On-Off switch, the Stimulator Intensity Adjustment knob, and the Threshold Adjustment knob located on the right side of the front panel. The Circuit Breaker protrudes from the right-hand wall inside the chassis compartment. From left to right when the back panel is facing you, are located: the jack for connecting the battery charger; the Battery Check button; the Normal-Invert switch; and the Input/Output I/O connector for use with the Visual Display, when using the Repeater Cable to connect two Optacons to one another or with other accessories. Designed not be removed from the leather case during normal operation, the On-Off switch is a slide switch located on the right side of the front panel. It slides up and snaps into place in the on position. 1 black with orange front, rectangular device in leather case assistive devices, audio equipment

This dress belonged to Mrs Lillias Parker (nee Johnston, 1820-1904). Born in England, Lillias was married in London in 1844 to Samson Parker (c. 1820-1886). The couple lived in Bendigo, Victoria for much of their lives, with Samson first arriving around 1853 and establishing a business with Samuel Macord as tent makers and fruiterers. He later had a successful business as a hat and cap manufacturer and a sewing machine agent. Lillias' obituary suggests that she was one of the first women settlers to live in Bendigo and noted her reputation for philanthropy and her interest in the welfare of the blind and vision impaired, having herself experienced loss of sight many years before.Two piece day dress of mulberry figured silk. The dress comprises a separate bodice (.1) and skirt (.2). The bodice fastens centre front with fabric covered shank buttons and has twelve bones encased along the interior seams and darts. Two piece fitted sleeve and high stand collar. Bodice is backed with a caramel coloured printed cotton. The skirt has a slight train and is backed with a caramel coloured twill-woven cotton. lillias parker, 1890s, bendigo, goldfields

The C2 Talking Compass is a miniature hand-held battery-operated eight-point compass with digitized voice output. At the top of the compass there is the speaker and the activation button. A three-position slide switch on the side is used to switch the compass off (central position) and select one of the two in-built languages or voices. The compass pronounces the eight compass points in clear digitised speech. It represents an excellent mobility tool for an active blind or vision-impaired person. Unobtrusive, light-weight and reliable, it augments it's user's orientation sense, and contributes to his or her safety and self-confidence. The compass relies on 2 x 12V batteries. Weight: 61 grams.1 semi-transparent light-blue oval shape compass with blue nylon, plaited wrist strapassistive devices, orientation and mobility

Articles in annual report include: a short history of the AFB, President's Report, report on Ballarat, Bendigo and Brighton Homes, financial information, the work of the Welfare Service division, opening of two flatlets for aged blind at Ballarat, resignation of Celeste Baird as choirmaster after 17 years and A Williams stepping into the role, need for a better clubhouse which has been little changed since it was built over 30 years ago, students from Ballarat Teachers college read to home residents, publication of 'Courage' magazine to keep everyone up to date on Association events, and a profile on Russian migrant Alex Momot and how the AFB assisted him settle into Australia.1 printed volume with black and white illustrationsassociation for the blind, kelaston home (ballarat), elanora home (brighton), mirridong home (bendigo), alex momot, rosalie tyers, e irvine, l adamson, mrs r clarke, matron e mcleod, a sharry, matron rosewall, mrs s mcenroe, celeste baird, e goulding, mrs a bulluss, mrs a n roach, mrs m macdowell, mrs t carson, mrs j stanley smith, pam barker, mrs l thomas, mrs a mansfield, mrs l rogerson, elsie henderson, mrs murphy, mrs w christian, h h mackenzie, sister b agar, annual reports

Annual report of the Association for the Advancement of the Blind outlined activities and events over the year, including withdrawal of the Country Concert Party due to the influenza epidemic, efforts being made to develop a Sewing Guild, continuation of Bark Plaiting to make small baskets, introduction of a French Polishing and Boot Repairing classes, the need for a separate building at Brighton to house the ill and the establishment of fund towards this with a 100 pound donation from the Felton Bequest, and the unfortunate increase in deaths amongst members due to the epidemic including past President T. Lowe, Country Concert Party singer Miss N Gray, and the return from active service of Dr Grey.1 volume of printed material with some illustrationsassociation for the advancement of the blind, annual reports

Carols by Candlelight is a Christmas concert held at the Sidney Myer Music bowl. Programs and candle holders were sold, and collections made during the event to raise money for the Austin Hospital and the Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind. 3KZ also recorded the concert, which was played on radio on Christmas Day with a phone number to ring to donate. Prior to the Carols program at 9pm, the performance was opened by the Melbourne Lord Mayer and the process of torchbearers (100 girls dressed in white flowing dresses walk slowly in time with the music to the stage, trained by Vera Hopton) as a prelude to the event. This was the first year donations would belong solely to the RVIB, rather than shared with the Austin Hospital.1 volume with photographs and illustrationscarols by candlelight, lawrence warner, royal victorian institute for the blind, gwen bowdler, e. leo curtis, mrs curtis, charles scott, jim hilcke, jim archer, margot sheridan, vera hopton, alan ball, william valentine morgan

A function at Legacy House. It could have been the launch of Badge Week in 2001 as David Grierson is president. 00731.1 President David Grierson with a guest. 00731.2 L/ Terry Walsh with a guest in uniform. 00731.3 L/ Ray Ward with John James and Norman Carlton 00731.4 Phil Davies, Julie Rodgers from State Trustees and L/ Terri Knight. 00731.5 L/ Denise Milic and Toby Lawson from Blind Media. 00731.6 unknown and Major General David McLachlan and L/ David Ford. 00731.7 Peter Liefman (State President of VVAA -Vietnam Veteran Association of Australia), Alistair Ross and Wayne New of the Patriotic Funds Council of VictoriaA record of a function for Legatees at the start of Legacy Week in 2001.Colour photo x 7 of guests at Legacy house.Printing on the back "

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. On May 22, 2007 Sigrid Thornton visited the Feelix library at the RVIB Burwood School for a special story time with Kate, William, Seth, Claudia, Amelia, Liam, Dominic, Anna and others.66 digital images of Sigrid Thornton's visit to the Feelix libraryroyal victorian institute for the blind, feelix, rvib burwood school, sigrid thornton, trish anderson, robyn sainsbury-vale

Photograph of one of the three Victorian Railways "Luxury" cars that were sold to the MMTB following the closure of the final section of the St Kilda - Brighton tramway on 28-2-1959. The tramcar has been placed on No. 15 trucks to enable movement around the workshops. Two of the trams, No. 52 and 53 were modified with longer running boards, full driver's bulkheads to replace the blackout blinds, route number boxes, removal of the red oil lamps above the headlight, conversion to from Broad gauge (5'3") to standard gauge, changes to destination boxes, seating and many other changes. Reference Destination City, Edition 5, page 103.Yields information about the former VR "Luxury" trams sold to the MMTB in 1959.Black and white photograph of one of the three Victorian Railways Trams sold to the MMTB at Preston Workshops.tramways, mmtb, trams, victorian railways, st kilda brighton electric tramway, preston workshops, vr class

"The Australian Ski Year Book" was first published in 1928 by the Kosciusko Alpine Club and the Ski Club of Australia, which with the Kiandra Ski Club, were the oldest organisations for skiing in Australia. In later years organisations from Victoria, Tasmania and New Zealand were included. It was published on behalf of N.S.W. Ski Council, Ski Club of Victoria, Ski Council of Tasmania, Ski Council of the Federated N.Z. Mountain Clubs. It aimed to provide an annual record of the sport of ski running in Australia, and of events elsewhere which would be of interest to Australian ski enthusiasts. This edition includes an article about the first "Ski for Light" event held at Falls Creek in September 1980. It took the form of a week of cross-country ski instruction for blind and partially-sighted skiers. The week was organised by Peter Rickards (Recreation Officer at the Association For The Blind in Melbourne). During the week, the participants were introduced to track skiing and touring without tracks, as well as some aspects of downhill technique. Peter Rickards said that the value of good tracks was clearly demonstrated because although bad weather persisted throughout the week, the tracks cut by the Falls Creek Management Committee had made it possible for the partially-sighted skiers to ski unassisted. Coaching was provided by Peter Beckman, with the able assistance of several physical education students from the Ballarat College of Advanced Education. Peter Rickards described the week as "most successful" and said plans were being made to make it an annual event. This item is significant because it is an issue of a long-running Australian ski publication which includes items about Falls Creek, Victoria..The Australian Ski Year Book of 1981 contains images, articles and advertising to document the development of the Australian Ski Industry. This issue included an article reporting on the first "Ski For Light" event held at Falls Creek as well as an advertisement for the Sundance Inn.australian skiing, "ski for light falls creek 1980

Cyril and Joyce Hayward migrated from England in 1955 and quickly became involved in the Arts in Warrnambool. They both became life members of the Warrnambool Theatre Company. Mrs. Joyce Hayward along with her husband Cyril, had a 30 year association with the Warrnambool Theatre Company. They acted, directed and produced a number of works from the 1950’s through to the 1980’s. Mrs. Hayward taught drama and speech at Warrnambool High School and St Ann’s College. They both worked towards reviving the Warrnambool Arts Council.. They were involved in Christ Church choir, readings for the blind, Probus and Penguin club. They retired to Bribie Island in 1985. Joyce Hayward died aged 97 in 2007.Joyce and Cyril Hayward played a significant part in the development of the Performing Arts and Education in Warrnambool over a 30 year period. They both received the Warrnambool Citizenship award. This letter expresses the gratitude of Council and citizens of Warrnambool to the Haywards for their contribution. Cream paper with body of letter typed and signed by the Mayor, a councillor and Town Clerk at the time. It has the City of Warrnambool crest at the top in light and dark blue with gold lettering and at the bottom left corner is the City of Warrnambool seal in red.Cr R.K. Patterson, Cr T, A, McCormack, V. G. Robson, Town clerk. warrnambool, cyril hayward, joyce hayward, citizen award, performing arts centre.

On November 21, 2010 Seeing Eye Dogs Australia (SEDA) hosted an annual public open day at its National Kennel and Puppy Centre in Kensington. People were invited to learn more about SEDA and participate in guided tours where they could explore the extensive facilities, which featured a rehabilitation therapy pool, breeding centre, public viewing platform directly into the heart of its kennels and puppy play centre. Demonstrations of Seeing Eye Dogs at work helped visitors gain a better understanding of how SEDA helps to transform the lives of people who are blind or have low vision, and potentially how they can contribute to the $30,000 cost required to train a Seeing Eye Dog.379 digital photographs of SEDA open day in 2010seeing eye dogs australia, fundraising, leona holloway

Articles in the annual report include: opening two field offices in Riverina and North Coast, C.L.D. Mears awarded in awarded Companion of Order of Australia, Technical Aids for the Disabled provided switchboard simulators for vocational training programs, review of Lighthouse and Community Cottages is required, Roselands Nursing Home cared for 104 residents, installation of computerised book and circulation system, the workshop area began trading as Mitchell Manufacturing, and the creation of a biennial Royal Blind Society National Sculpture award sponsored by James Hardie and the Visual Arts Board. Please note: page 21 is not scanned. Titled 'Extra curricular involvement of staff' the Braille on the reverse side impacted upon the visibility of the text.1 volume of text and imagesroyal blind society of new south wales, corporation records

Certificate reads "Certificate of Registration. Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind, 557 St Kilda Road, Melbourne VIC 3004 Australia complies with the requirements of The Disability Standards (Disability Employment and Rehabilitation Program) Standards 2002, dated July 1 2002 for the following capability: This registration covers the Disability Services Management System for the provision of employment services, including personalised support services to people with a disability in an open and supported employment environment." Signed: Alex Ezrakhovich, General Manager Certification. Certificate #: DSC20047. Issue Date: 1st April 2003. Certified Date: 19th March 2003. Expiry Date 19th March 2006. The second certificate reads the same except for 201 High Street, Prahran.2 certificates with black writingAt the top of the page is a black and white image of a shell next to 'Disability Support Certification' which also has a red tick across the first 2 words.royal victorian institute for the blind, registration

Contract of sale dated 3rd November, 1959 between Mrs. A. Hemley (seller) and Mr. G.F. * Mrs. P.E. Stacey (buyer). Solicitor for vendor and purchaser: H.E. Every, Dispensary Walk, Bendigo. Property at 44 Wood Street, Long Gully, being part of Crown allotment 4 section P described in certificate of title volume 8088 folio 607. Also that piece of land comprised in certificate of title volume 8202 folio 301 and that piece of land comprised in certificate of title volume 8202 folio 302. Together with all floor coverings, blinds, curtains, electric light fittings and shades. Price 3,700 pounds. Attached 2 copies of statement pursuant to section 34 of the estate agents act 1956 signed by H.A. Wilkinson and 1 copy of engagement or appointment in writing pursuant to section 33 of the estate agents act 1956 signed by the vendor.organization, business, h.a. & s.r wilkinson real estate