In May 1984, the Rheumatism and Arthritis Association of Victoria (RAAV) launched Arthritis Week at the Independent Living Centre. In this photo, Jenny Davidson and Rosemary Coster (both of whom assisted consumers during the event) are pictured standing in front of some of the displays of arthritis aids. This photo appears (as a black and white photo) on page 5 of the 1983-1984 Annual Report. It is captioned: "Arthritis Centre and Executive members helped at the Independent Living Centre display during Arthritis Week. Jenny Davidson, staff (left), and Rosemary Coster, Executive, are shown here answering questions about aids and equipment."B&W photo of two women standing in front of some display boards affixed to the wall. On the board on the left, various arthritic aids are on display. On the board on the right, a range of underwear and wash cloths are on display.[In black pencil] 100% (crossed out) 105% (plus some scribbled lines on one side). [Archivist's note, on a yellow sticky note] 1989/1990?rheumatism and arthritis association of victoria, raav, national arthritis week, naw, launch, independent living centre, arthritic aids, arthritis aids, disability aids, assistive equipment, jenny davidson, afv staff, rosemary coster, executive member, 1984

This coin holder has five holes for holding coins, and was designed to assist vision impaired people to store and find coins.1 black pentagonal shaped coin holderPop Coinassistive devices, equipment

The Fitover sunglasses are designed to be worn directly over your prescription glasses. This wrap-around style blocks light from above and both sides which can benefit, alleviate and prevent many symptoms of common eye diseases by providing 100% UVA/UBA protection from harmful UV rays. 1 pair of black fitover glassesassistive devices, equipment

The Liquid 2 Level Sensor is an aid for people with vision impairment to fill cups and glasses with 2 levels of liquid. The unit simply hangs over the side of a cup or glass with the probes on the inside. Ideal for making a cup of tea or coffee with milk. Simply pour in your hot water stopping when a pulsating tone is heard. Pour in milk stopping when a continuous tone is heard. Your cup is now filled to approximately 15mm from the top and ready to drink. Can also be used as a single level sensor such as for non-mixed drinks. Handy magnets on the back of the unit allow for easy storage on fridge or other metal object.Yellow plastic round container with blue base and four yellow wiresassistive devices, equipment

This device, which consists of 2 slideable cork balls on nylon thread, is designed to gauge the height of liquid (hot or cold) in a receptacle such as a tumbler, jug, bowl without having to touch the liquid with the fingers. Print instructions are included with the instrument on how to operate the instrument, the instructions mention a braille copy is included, however this copy is missing. 2 slideable cork balls on nylon thread with instruction leaflet, inside cardboard boxRoyal National Institute for the Blind Liquid dispenser Catalogue no. 9290assistive devices, equipment

This black wooden antique hinged book magnifier was typical of the elegant way that Victorian age designers combined both practicality and style into the salon. Folded down, this box would sit on a side table until required, whereupon it would expand to allow the user to read items in their hand. A platform designed to hold reading materials would be elevated into position, and the magnifier allowed for three different levels of height. On top of the magnifier are engraved decorations - one of a bow and the other of a globe, telescope and scroll.1 wooden box with fold out top and inset glass magnifier.assistive devices, equipment

This two level Liquid Level Sensor is an aid which prevents cups from being overfilled with 2 levels of liquid. The unit simply hangs over the side of a cup or glass with the probes on the inside. Ideal for making a cup of tea or coffee with milk. Simply pour in the hot water stopping when a pulsating tone is heard then pour in milk stopping when a continuous tone is heard. Can also be used as a single level sensor such as for non mixed drinks. Handy magnets on the back of the unit allow for easy storage on fridge or other metal object. Uses a 12V battery. 1 black liquid sensor with 2 magnets assistive devices, equipment

Black plastic rectangular watch with digital display and grey button on front, with the word "Talking" on front. On the back are three small buttons labelled "Mode", "Hr." "Min". The watch is attached to a metal key-ring on chain. 1 black rectangle with grey button and LCD display"Talking" on front of watchassistive devices, audio equipment

A black talking watch with plastic watchband. It consists of a LCD display and voice response. It is stored in a black cardboard box which has instructions on it.LCD watch with black plastic bandAbove watch display: Talking Left hand button below display: Mode Right hand button below display: Talking Upper circular button below middle of display: Hr. Lower circular button below middle of display: Minassistive devices, audio equipment

The Epson HX-20 (also known as the HC-20) is generally regarded as the first laptop computer, announced in November 1981, although first sold widely in 1983. Hailed by Business Week magazine as the fourth revolution in personal computing, it is generally considered both the first notebook and handheld computer. The typist could hear the message and check that it was correct. Used by visually impaired people who could not read Braille. Talking typewriter with brown keys in brown plastic case'Keynote" on left hand side.audio equipment, assistive devices

American Printing House pocket brailler consisting of a rectangle shaped structure made out of a brown coloured plastic with 7 keys and 3 buttons and a mustard coloured vinyl cover with attached handle and a power cord. Braille letters are achieved by punching the various keys. Serial number: Louisville 1354.Brown coloured plastic rectangular Brailler with covering vinyl bag with handle.braille equipment, assistive devices

This brown painted metal case was used to carry and store a Braille Writer. It has metal caps on the corners and is lined with green felt. The handle on the front is leather. Two steel catches on the front hold it closed. Brown painted metal case with green felt lining and leather handle Marked on hinges 'U.K Patent No. 427897 and others'.braille equipment, assistive devices

Designed to create an impression on paper, the slate allows users to create Braille by guiding the stylus into the correct alignment to produce Braille, through the applied use of pressure that creates a depression on one size of the paper and a raised dot on the alternative side. In this example, the frame has two hinges which allow it to sit over the paper edge, and a single line of Braille could be written.2 metal Braille frames for single line usagebraille equipment, assistive devices

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

Designed by Raymond Lavender, American Printing House for the Blind, it was produced between 1962-1982. A modernized Braille writer, the Lavender allowed the paper to exit through the cover in a way similar to a typewriter. The keys are rectangular and the design is compact with no protruding parts. The cover, which is an integral part of the design, snaps on the case. The case and cover are made of Cycolac, a high impact resistant plastic. After the writer was in use for some time, it was discovered that the plastic material tended to warp and production was discontinued. (Information from the American Printing House for the Blind website). Lavender Braille Writer consisting of an oblong shaped structure made out of a beige coloured metal base with cream coloured keys and a beige coloured hard plastic cover. Braille letters are achieved by punching the various keys. A metallic handle is included.Beige coloured plastic rectangle object with cream buttons and silver returns lever with covering boxbraille equipment, assistive devices

With the advent of audio content available through i-phones and other small devices, the demand for a dedicated audio, easily portable player for the blind and vision impaired became louder and louder. Two organisations competed to deliver this and Canadian company Humanware developed the Victor Classic as a table top player that relied on discs. As CDs had been introduced into the library some years before, this allowed borrowers to have the advantages of 4 track cassettes within a digital medium. The Victor Reader Classic used simple features that made it easy for clients to navigate through a book or magazine. The player played both DAISY and music CDs. The function keys included controls for variable tone, volume, speed and creation of bookmarks, sleep time and you could navigate by chapter and page on DAISY books. A carry handle is included for ease of use.Grey square object with buttons for navigational controlsaudio equipment, assistive devices

A portable note taker that allow the operator to input either Grade 1 or Grade 2 Braille and have the information read back to you. It holds up to 640K of RAM or 600 Braille pages.Cardboard box containing a cream coloured plastic rectangle device with 7 black keys, 1 carry bag, 1 adapter, 1 computer cable, 1 x 3 1/4 in. Blaze demo programs disk, 1 x 3 1/4 in. Resource disk, 2 cassette tapes "Braille'n'Speak manual" by Olga Espinola, 1 print book "Quick Reference: Braille'n'Speak command list", 2 Braille books "Braille'n'Speak Quick Reference" and "A user's guide to Braille'n'Speak" both by Olga Espinola.braille equipment, assistive devices

With the advent of audio content available through i-phones and other small devices, the demand for a dedicated audio, easily portable player for the blind and vision impaired became louder and louder. Two organisations competed to deliver this and Canadian company Humanware developed the Victor Stream. A portable hand-held device that could deliver audio content from SD card and was small enough to fit into a pocket or handbag. It could read a variety of formats, such as DAISY, MP3 and txt files, and had a built in voice recorder via the inbuilt microphone or an external one. As part of the trial to introduce new deliver mechanisms for audio content, the Stream was in demand as books could be downloaded directly to it and were aimed at those who were comfortable using the technology with minimal support.Black and silver rectangle with silver buttonsaudio equipment, assistive devices

The American Foundation for the Blind developed this new model in their experimental shop in 1932 and contracted with the typewriter manufacturer to produce the machines and continued production until 1947. It's sleek silver look was a change of look from the previously manufactured Hall Braille Writer, and improvements included a carriage return, the ability to add spaces between lines and a back space key. It was found in the Braille and Talking Book Library in South Yarra, Victoria, Australia and was used by either staff or volunteers at Vision Australia Library.Stainless steel braille writer in the shape of a typewriter. The braille writer consists of a heavy moulded machine with 6 black plastic keys.On front of writer: "American Foundation for the Blind Inc. New York." "Manufactured for the Foundation by L.C. Smith & Corona Typewriters, Inc." On back: "Licenced by Underwood Elliot Fisher company/ Serial no. 5-2422.braille equipment, assistive devices

The Stainsby Braillewriter was utilised by Braille tutors and volunteers as well the blind and visually impaired. Stored in a brown cardboard lockable case and this complete kit consists of a metal Braille writing machine; a long slim rectangular device with carriage and six silver keys and a bell, a metal board to attach Braille writer, a metal hinged Braille paper clamp and an instructional booklet. 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 portable brailler writer around 1903. An "improved" version, featuring aluminum parts and a paper clamp allowing accurate interpointing or interlining, was announced in "Outlook for the Blind" as early as 1927 and available generally by 1933 in the RNIB catalog. By 1978, RNIB sold the Improved Stainsby in a number of formats, including a large version available with interlining and inter-pointing board, and a small version with a folding board. Both large and small models came in ordinary and reverse keyed versions. Silver Brailler, rectangular with six silver keys and a bell, with paper board and clip, in cardboard suitcaseM8839 M88 (Brailler) M 8839 (Board) On the outside of the suitcase an address label reads "Braille Library, 31-51 Commercial Road, South Yarra". braille equipment, assistive devices

The Tellatouch was developed in the American Foundation research laboratory and resulted from one of the first AFB research projects, a major effort in the mid-1940s to help deaf-blind people. The device helped end social isolation for hundreds of deaf-blind children and adults. The Tellatouch provides a means of communication between a sighted (or blind) person and a deaf-blind person who can read braille. The keyboard has three rows of ten keys each and a standard braille keyboard on the fourth row. At the rear of the machine is a round metal plate with the braille cell in the center. The deaf-blind person rests a finger on the braille cell. Pins rise to form the equivalent of the letter key that is struck. The body of the device covered in beige vinyl, with a hinged lid at the front which lifts up to reveal the keyboard. The lid is secured with a metal latch at the front.Beige vinyl machine with leather carry strapbraille equipment, assistive devices

This portable braille writer was made for the Royal Institute for the Blind, England. It embosses a roll of paper tape. A folding arm, which extends 29 centimetres beyond the width of the braille writer, holds the tape. The braille writer has six conventional keys and a spacing key. The bottom of the wooden carrying case serves as a base and is lined with green felt. It was manufactured by J.M. Glauser and Sons, who produced several braille writers in the period 1930-1950.Metal portable braille writer in a wooden box "JMG No. 17" is stamped on top of the machine.braille equipment, assistive devices

Produced by General Electric (GE) for American Printing House for the Blind in Kentucky, this player has dials to control tone, volume, speed, side and buttons to record, rewind, forward, play, pause and stop tape. Handling both 2 and 4 track tapes, these players were targeted towards the vision impaired, as it allowed greater freedom to adjust recording styles to suit individual listeners. Plastic rectangular brown audio player with buttons for navigational controls, a handle and black vinyl carry pouch.audio equipment, assistive devices

Oscar Picht invented this braille writer in Bromberg, Germany, where he was the Director of the Provincial School for the Blind. Seven keys facilitate the typing of Braille. All in a wooden box with a metal handle on the front and a hook and eye on either. The box looks handmade and was the property of Alfred W Phillips of Ascot Vale in 1934.Steel Brailler, black with gold decorative lines in a wooden box Picht - the makers' name is painted on the front. Alfred W Phillips 1934 Ascotvale - is written above the paper on lid From P M Govett Hartwell - is written on the upper right side of lidassistive devices, braille equipment

The original Hall Braille writer was modelled on the typewriter and was the first successful mechanical point writer. Frank Haven Hall, Superintendent of the Illinois Institution for the Blind, introduced his invention to the public on 27 May, 1892 at Jacksonville, Illinois. It was manufactured by Harrison and Seifried, Chicago, ca 1892. The carriage moves one space to the left as the keys are released. The styli in the embossing heads are controlled by the keys as are the bars on a typewriter. The styli operate from the back so that letters appear in the normal position for reading. Braille writers enable all dots in a Braille cell to be created simultaneously. This model was found in the Braille and Talking Book Library in South Yarra prior to the staff departure in 2000. Presumably used by either staff or volunteers at the library.Braille writer with a key board like a piano with black wooden keys on an ivory board. The body is made from heavy cast iron with a black lacquer.Painted in gold on top of the machine: "The Hall Braille Writer / patent pendingbraille equipment, assistive devices

The St Dunstans braille writer was modelled on the German Picht model, which enabled the writer to read what was written immediately by place the embossed character upwards of the carriage. Named after the organisation, it used a different finger technique than the Stainsby-Wayne machine that was predominantly available, and was lighter to carry.Black and silver Braille typewriter, with six keys and a large key (space bar) in front. At the back of the keys is a roller arrangement (similar to a typewriter) where paper is placed.St Dunstans Mark II. Ser. No. 575braille equipment, assistive devices

Tatrapoint Standard is a manual braille writer designed for use by individuals who are blind or have low vision. It is manufactured in the Slovakian republic. This mechanical, six-key brailler uses normal braille paper on a roll. It has a robust design, and is quiet, safe, and easy to operate. Features include adjustable left and right margins, a bell that rings five cells before the end of the line, carriage release and backspace keys, and built-in Dymo tape clips for embossing dymo tape. Precise paper transport allows exact readjustment for corrections in previously written text.Blue metal body with 7 keys and silver metal scrollbraille equipment, assistive devices

A plastic device to enable a sighted person to communicate with a person who is Deaf-Blind in either standard Braille or Moon. The centre radius of the disc has the ordinary alphabet printed in black. Moving outwards from the centre, are the corresponding letters embossed in Braille, then on the outer edge are the corresponding letters in Moon. The user moved the indicator arm around the disc until the desired letter and corresponding symbol was positioned under the cut-out in the centre of the arm. The deaf-blind person could then touch the disc to determine the letters being communicated. Numbers and punctuation are not included.White plastic disc with black indicator armbraille equipment, assistive devices

The Sound Scriber Dictaphone allowed recordings to be imprinted into a soft disk that could then be replayed later. This was useful for blind stenographers who could transcribe the audio recording. The lid contains a speaker into which sounds are made, the front knob is allows for 'Talk' or 'Listen' and three other dials on the device allow for the tubes to be turned on/off, starting/stopping the turntable and the recording volume to be 'Dictation' or 'Conf". There are two measuring tapes placed near the recording head and the Listen head, which show the minutes in the recording. The large disk that is placed on this machine has been stopped at the 12 minute mark. At the rear of the device are two plugs, one of which is for electrical supply. This model of dicta phone remained popular until magnetic tapes.1 hinged leather case over a metal and wood machineSound Scriberaudio equipment, assistive devices

The Apple IIe was one of the first computers to become popular among blind and vision-impaired users due to its Textalker screen reader and Echo II synthesizer.Beige plastic CPU and keyboard audio equipment, assistive devices