O&M advisor Malcolm Simpson works with an elderly female, as she uses her white cane along a residential street.Coloured photograph of bearded man walking beside an elderly female as she uses a white caneroyal victorian institute for the blind, orientation and mobility

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. A woman works at a switchboard, using an assistive device, whilst another woman sits beside her. A young man dressed in a blue coverall and goggles, uses a bandsaw to cut through an object, whilst another uses a circular saw to cut wood. A man in a workshop, with a large toolset on the wall, operates a machine.employment, royal victorian institute for the blind

In a room panelled with white boards on a grey wall, two man stand in front of a raised television screen. Both wear name badges, which are unreadable, and are dressed in suits and ties. The man wearing a heavy silver chain around his wrist and glasses presents two white boxes, marked Voice Tapes on the side, to the other man. It is unknown what occasion this was taken upon.royal victorian institute for the blind, audio equipment

Although basketry and weaving work was discontinued at RVIB, workers were employed to undertake a new range of activities. Once of these involved assembling goods and re-packaging them. Showbags, cutlery for airlines and other items were handled by the workshop teams at RVIB, who could put together different components to make a shelf ready product. In this example, workers are using plastic to create an unknown item, which could then be shipped out to the warehouse.royal victorian institute for the blind, employment

A young boy, dressed in blue top and trackpants, sits on the floor with his teacher. Whilst he touches the rug, she holds his chin in one hand and has the other, as if lifted off his shoulder. The teacher is possibly dressed in a black exercise outfit, and may have been undertaking physical therapy with him.1 digital image of a female sitting on the floor with a young boyrvib burwood school, occupational therapy

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

Weaving is a craft activity that has been a part of many day centres. In this image, a blind woman sit in front of a loom, holding the threads, her lips slightly pursed, as if in conversation. Another woman stands beside her and looks down at the work, her hand holding the weaving slightly forward as she looks at the stitches.royal victorian institute for the blind, day centres

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

The Queensland Musical, Literary and Self Aid Society for the Blind was established on 13 March, 1917. Many children who were blind and who had studied music with Mr Hebert Leon Newman at the 'Queensland Blind, Deaf and Dumb Institution wished to continue after leaving school but could not afford to do so. Mr Olsen, the librarian, who was blind, conceived the formation of a Society to meet this need as well as providing an after work social centre and to address the limited job opportunities available for adults who were blind. The committee of the Blind Deaf and Dumb Institution encouraged the new Society by providing a grand piano and seating accommodation for 100 people in their library. In 1921 he established the John Olsen Literary Competition, then became the Edwin Dickinson Literary Competition and later the Vision Australia Dickinson Literary Awards. When he died in 1926, this tablet was made to recognise his contribution to Braille literacy and work involved to encourage Braille in the community.Marble tablet engraved and with coloured lettingIn Affectionate Memory of John Olsen Founder Queensland Musical, Literary & Self-Aid Society for the Blind President 1919-1926 Died 9th January 1926queensland musical, literary and self-aid society for the blind, john olsen

Kelaston (Ballarat Day Centre) was formerly known as the Ballarat Home for the Aged Blind. This plaque recognises work that was done by the home during the Governor's visit in 1964.From Shire of Ballarat to The Ballarat Home for the Aged Blind In recognition of services rendered during The visit by the Governor on 17th July 1964kelaston, plaques

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. The club had many successful years, competing against teams from Canada and New Zealand in 1968.RVIB Rifle Club 1st International Challenge Team 1966 (Lg. -R) P. Hull (referee), J. Mallia, R.J. Hughes, R.C. Teague, J.O. Hoffman (Capt.), I.V. Leggett F.G. Berry, J.D. Machin, W.R. Leggett, W.G.C. West (referee), A.W. Alley (coach)rvib rifle club, recreation

Radio was a key way of communicating with the blind and low vision community across Victoria, ensuring that news and information could be shared quickly and publicly. Some centres raised funds to develop their own studios, with local content programs, based in AFB offices. Mildura began 3MPH in 1998 as the result of major fundraising for equipment and support from AFB. Additionally a low vision clinic was also officially opened in that same year.3 plastic plaques with black writing on silver background3MPH Major Donors The Association for the Blind wishes to thank the following major donors who contributed towards the establishment of 3MPH Rotary Club of Mildura Deakin Inc Wentworth Shire Council Lions Club of Mildura The H & L Hecht Trust W C F Thomas Charitable Trust Mildara Blass Limited 3MPH Honorary Taskforce Members Shirley Penny, Chairperson, Kevin Ashelford, Lois Beckwith, Rob Duffield, Cr Don McKinnon, Ross Lake, Bruce Penny, Cr Eddie Warhurst This plaque commemorates the official opening of the Mildura Low Vision Clinic by the Chief Executive Officer of the Association for the Blind Mr John Cook, 5th August 1998. This plaque commemorates the official opening of Radio 3MPH 107.5FM by the Mayor of the Mildura Rural City Council, Cr Eddie Warhurst, 12th March 1998.association for the blind, 3mph, mildura

Mary Pauline Daly was a gracious benefactor of the Braille and Talking Book Library. Born in Chewton to Ellen Horan and Denis Daly, she passed away in Parkville and this photograph of her is in recognition for her generous gift to the library.Miss Mary Daly 1894-1987 who bequeathed her entire estate to Braille & Talking Book Librarybraille and talking book library, mary daly

The Conder Shield was sponsored by Major Wally Conder, a keen sportsman (amongst other occupations,) who sought to promote wrestling and boxing during his time as president of the Victorian Amateur Wrestling and Boxing Association. Presented to the winning club of the Inter-Club Gymnasium Competition, over a series of matches in individual athleticism. These included skipping, roller cycling and chinning bar, as well as light-weight, middle-weight and welter-weight wrestling. The clubs that vied for this shield were the Trojans (from the RVIB), Bonbeach Surf and Life Saving Club and Beattie's Physical Culture School. In 1934, the Trojans team consisted of Neil Westh, Charlie Bradley, A. McDonald, T. Hanlon, B. Cook and coach/captain V. Blucher. Mr Henry Vincent Blucher was a former police constable to lost his sight in 1931 due to a car accident, and who had previously held the title of Victorian novice middleweight. Metal plates on shield read: V.A.G.A. Inter-club gym contest 1933-34 Won by "Trojans" B.P.C.C. V.A.G.A. Inter-club gym contest 1935 Won by V.R.I. Gym Club Won by "Trojans" 1936 Won by "Trojans" 1937 Runners Up Bonbeach 1934 Runners Up Trojans 1935 Runners Up "Achilles" 1936 Runners Up "Achilles" 1937 Achilles Runners Up 1938 Presented by W.T. ConderImage of wooden shield with metal plaques and map of AustraliaInter-Club Gymnasium Competition conducted by Victorian Amateur Gymnasium Associationrecreation, royal victorian institute for the blind, awards

Henry Stainsby (1859-1925), Supt. of the Birmingham Royal Institution for the Blind, (later General Secretary of the British & Foreign Blind Association) along with Birmingham manufacturer Albert Wayne, introduced their Shorthand Braille Writer, circa 1910-1940. Used at the Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind. These machines were often supplied with a case, to deaden the sound when in use. The machine was designed to take down verbatim reports from dictation. As the strip of paper passes automatically through the machine, no time is needed to adjust the paper or the machine for each line. Speeds of 80 - 140 words per minute can be obtained.Black metal typewriter which has seven keys and a small reel of paper415 Stainsby-Wayne Embossed Shorthand Typewriter Patented * Alfred Wayne * Birm, ENGbraille equipment, royal victorian institute for the blind

An image taken of a man holding a rifle whilst two other men, one wearing a Canada Rifle Club blazer, look on. 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. The club had many successful years, competing against teams from Canada and New Zealand in 1968, and had the support of ICIANZ which provided them with free munitions as well as teams to compete against. In 1977, George Glover passed away and some of the skills required for maintenance of the equipment was lost, however the club continued until the late 1980's/early 1990s.1 Black and White image of man at shooting galleryrvib rifle club, royal victorian institute for the blind

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 as switchboard operators. In the first image, a man wearing a headset sits behind a small switchboard and on the desk is a sign that reads "Please buzz for attention. Our receptionist/telephonist is blind". In a second image, two people sit at a desk. The woman uses a device to locate a key on the switchboard whilst wearing a headset. Beside her a man points to the key and holds a telephone receiver to his ear. In the third image, a seated man reaches forward to find a socket in the switchboard, with an audio jack attached to his finger. Beside the switchboard a man stands and holds his wrist, possibly guiding him.employment, royal victorian institute for the blind

Providing more than education or employment, blind and low vision organisations recognised that many people needed assistance in navigating paper forms to access support from the government. In these photographs a woman from RVIB helps a man fill in the paperwork required for the Invalid Pension. A brochure for this is situated on the corner of the coffee table that the forms rest on. The man sits between the woman and a television.royal victorian institute for the blind

Early childhood educator Sandie Mackevicius holds a small boy as he reaches overhead for some wooden rods that are suspended from the ceiling. Beside them is a large square cube with holes, that children can play in, and outside the window there is a grassed area bordered by trees. The curtains are distinctly patterned and the room stretches out behind them. This image was probably taken at RVIB School.rvib school, royal victorian institute for the blind, sandie mackevicius

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

The Guiding Light structure was installed at AFB's Brighton office due to the efforts of President Bruce Small. Although removed some years ago, the structure was a symbol used by the Association for the Blind as a visual way to represent it's work within the community. 2 black and white images of the Guiding Light at Elanora Guiding Light symbol presented by Sir Bruce Small, connected with AFB's new wing Elanora S.E.C. of Victoria Printing and Photography Centre 23 Oct 1969 Neg No: E.E. 336/2, 336/3.association for the blind, state electricity commission of victoria

In 1987, Australia Post released Christmas stamps and two first-day covers (envelopes with stamps affixed) with the Carols by Candlelight theme. The top first-day cover has a red candle in a gold old-style candlelight holder, with five stamps showing groups of people who are singing and holding similar candles. A large '50th Performance of Carols by Candlelight, Melbourne, Vic 3000, 24 Dec 1987' mark is stamped on the envelope, which has a background image of the Myer Music Bowl, a candle and songbook. The lower first-day cover has a boy holding a red candle in his right hand and a songbook in his left, singing. Two stamps, different to the ones in the envelope above, are affixed to the envelope and consist of groups of people holding red candles and singing. One '50th Performance of Carols by Candlelight ...' cancellation mark is stamped. In between the two envelopes is a photograph which shows the Myer Music Bowl at night, from the rear of the large crowd who are holding candles and songbooks.royal victorian institute for the blind, carols by candlelight

Five photographs of groups of staff members at RVIB. Image 1 - Maree Littlepage, Christine Harding, ?? Image 2 - ? and Sandie Mackevicius Image 3 - Group photograph in driveway: Blue letters: A - Chris Headland, B - Barbara Williams, C - Ramona Mandy, D - Barbara Royce, E – Tess Rousso, F – Robyn Gale, G – Peter Cronin, H – Chris Edwards, I – Glen Morrow, J – Graeme Craig, K – Barbara McKenzie, L – Marg Harvey, M – Judy Williams, N – Len Stephens, O – Nina Sutton, P – Sherry Cunningham, Q – Marissa Depitta, R – Uli Pfisterer, S – Rosemary, T – Maree Sheehan, U – Linda Rivette, V – Rachel Grealy, W – Fiona Pelusi, X – Maree Littlepage, Y – Danielle, Z – Sophie Tzoukalis. (Between Pelusi and Stephens, Christine Harding. Green letters: A – Emma Rogers-Wilson, B – Rory Fraser, C – Gary Stinchcombe, D – Alex Zolradkovic, E – Nicola Misso, F – Mary Barron, G – Barbara, H – Kathy Lazzaro, I – Linda Morris, J – Pam McAleese. Image 4 - ?? Image 5 - Robyn Gale, ??RVIB - St Kilda Road - 1998royal victorian institute for the blind, staff

Coin collections have a long and varied history. Coins were often collected in churches in a box located near the entrance/exit, and later via a collection plate that was passed amongst the congregation Funds were used to repair the church or feed the poorest of the parish. The donation of coins is and was considered part of religious life and mentioned in Christian, Jewish and Islamic texts. With the need and expansion of charitable works occurring outside religious life, charity boxes began to spread into hospitals, orphanages and asylums. The need for non-fixed boxes grew with the rise in charities and their activities outside a fixed building. Collection boxes could be large (and therefore hard to move) or could be held by individuals acting as collection agents, working at a specific location, moving between dwellings or at events. In this example, the boxes were placed in a semi-permanent location, such as a shop counter or bar, for people to donate money. Periodically it would be emptied by a collector, who either unlocked the padlock that was usually attached or replaced it with a new box.2 wooden boxes with paper label, perspex or glass,metal hinges and locking mechanism.Blind Babies, Children & Adults Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind Phone 51 1381 All services provided by the RVIB are free - thanks to your helproyal victorian institute for the blind, fundraising

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

Janine Morrison raises a golf club, which Peter Rickards slightly adjust before she swings, down the fairway. Behind Peter is Maurice Gleeson. All 3 staff members wear Association for the Blind t-shirts.association for the blind, recreation, janine sadhu, peter rickards, maurice gleeson

Unsubstantiated photograph of the Asylum for the Blind in 1875. The four storey bluestone building rises above a group of trees planted in the garden. A picket and wire/string fence border the unpaved circular driveway. 2 black and white images of the Guiding Light at Elanora Blind Asylum School, St Kilda Road Victoria c. 1875 Charles Nettleton 1826-1902 Spencer Scott Sandilands 546 High Street, East Preson, 3181 Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, Tel: (03) 529 8011 Fax: (03) 521 1754 33 George Street, The Rocks, 2000 Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, Tel: (02) 241 4251 Fax: (02) 2414535 Rare Prints, Antiquarian Books, Old Maps, Australiana, Antiques, Photographs, Framing c.1875 Charles Nettleton School from the Blind Original Photograph $65 Guaranteed over 100 years oldroyal victorian institute for the blind, buildings

Black and white photograph of the Brighton branch for the Association for the Blind at 7 Mair Street, Brighton. Known as Elanora, it provided nursing home support for elderly people who were blind or had low vision. The building still stands in 2020, albeit with some facade changes and the addition of a covered area to the entrance that is set back from the street. 1 black and white image of Brighton branch of the AFB buildings, association for the blind

Prize awarded to Vision Australia Foundation as special prize for their success at the Whittlesea Agricultural Show. Unfortunately no records have yet been located to understand what this success involved, however handicrafts would be likely possibly.Image of paper certificate and sash awardedWhittlesea Agricultural Show Special Prize awarded to Vision Australia Foundation Exhibit: Most Successful Group 2003 Group: Sa Founded 1859 I.J. Ewert Esq., President Mrs J Sutherland J.P., Secretaryawards, vision australia foundation