Document provided to people with impaired vision to enable free travel on MMTB vehicles. Gives condition of travel, was to expire on 1/12/1981 with space for date of issue and the bearer's name. Signed by Mr Aird, MMTB Secretary,Demonstrates a free pass issued to people with impaired vision and entitled to free tram and bus travel.Yellow cloth (rexine) covered document on one side, paper on the other titled "Blind Person's Tramways Pass", No. 2002, stamped "Sample Issue Only". The yellow cloth has been given a sealed finish with the paper insert glued to the inside. stamped "Sample Issue Only" on the inside.tramways, tickets, mmtb, blind persons, passes

Issued to Blind People as a travel concession for tramways in the Provincial cities of Geelong, Ballarat and Bendigo.Demonstrates the method that the SECV used to enable free or low cost travel for Blind people with an attendant.Yellow cloth backed paper ticket with white front, printed in black ink - titled "Blind Person's Pass". Has number "372" stamped on. Form number "TYE 2-221" in top left hand corner. Has space for the name of the Bearer, Branch to be written, conditions of use, and space for manager to sign with date .../.../195...." At base of ticket has "910/43". .2 - No. 375 .3 - No. 382sec tramways, ballarat, blind persons, tickets, provincial cities

Public Transport Victoria Blind Person's travel pass expiring 30/6/1996 - printed with PTC words in the background with space for a passport sized photo and the name of the person issued to. On the rear are the conditions of use. Available on V/Line and The Met services.Demonstrates a PTC Blind person's travel pass for 1995/1996Printed and numbered paper with space for name and a photograph - 3 copies held - Nos 5783 to 5785tickets, public transport, the met, v/line, blind persons

The travel pass was used by NSW State Rail Authority to ascertain that the bearer was indeed a blind person and entitled to free travel. This example was numbered 4017 and was issued in the name of Mr N.L. Walker. It outlines what the named is authorised to obtain including 'Free Travel' which includes first or economy class, whichever is desired on State Rail Authority or Urban Transit Authority rail, bus and ferry services (except Hydrofoil) for journeys wholly within the stipulated N.S.W. areas and on Australian Government bus services in Canberra and also outlines details for 'Concession Travel'. 1 rectangular travel pass with blue cloth cover and black text On the cover of this Travel pass it states; 'N.S.W. Transport Authorities Blind Person's Permit, Including Attendant, Expires 30th June, 1982'. royal blind society of nsw, nsw state rail authority

State Electricity Commission of Victoria, Bendigo Electric Tramways, two (2) blind person passes, 1930's and four (4) loose tram tickets,person, individual, basil miller

Sandhurst and Electric Tramways Company introduced the first trams to Bendigo in June 1890. These were battery operated trams but it soon became obvious that the battery life was unable to copy with Bendigo's hilly terrain. The trams were converted to steam in 1892. In 1899 the tramways were sold to the Electric Supply Company of Victoria and in 1903 the trams were converted to electricity. After WW1 the SEC was formed and took over the running of the trams. With the increased usage of cars, patronage of the trams began to drop off after WW2. In 1972 the tramways closed as a commuter service. The Bendigo trust then restored trams and infrastructure and began the tourist/talking trams.State Electricity Commission of Victoria Provincial Tramways: 2 x single parcel tickets Nos 024004 and 024005, 1 x single Scholars Monthly ticket, 1 x single Blind persons pass, 1 x transfer with image of by holding sign with quote "Electricity makes life easier!". Also stapled together 1 x Scholars Monthly ticket, 1 x Blind persons pass and 2 x parcel tickets. Parcel tickets have orange print on thin paper. Monthly ticket and Blind persons pass have black print on cardboard. Transfer is on original brown cardboard.provincial tramways, tramways, tickets, passes, electricity

The travel pass was used by Victorian Railways to ascertain that the bearer was indeed a blind person and entitled to free travel. This example was numbered 1741 and was issued in the name of Mr N.L. Walker. It outlines that the pass is used by a blind person for free travel on suburban journeys and half price fares on country or intersystem journeys.1 rectangular travel pass with red cloth cover and black textvictorian railways, association for the blind

Heavy card with black background containing one each of SEC "Blind Person's Pass", "Special Pass", $2.50 Scholar's monthly ticket and a 13c Parcel Ticket. Card has been covered with a "stick on" plastic adhesive film. Contains: 1. Blind Person's pass - A376, printed with a date of 195.., form TYE 2-21 2. Special Pass No. 167, allowing a person to travel on the tramways until a specified date, form TYE - 220 3. $2.50 Scholar's monthly ticket - A 7427 - form TYE 3-570 4. 13c parcel ticket, orange/red printing, Series A, Number A007205, form TYE 3-590. trams, tramways, tickets, passes, parcels, displays

TRAM TICKETS - TICKETS, N EW PASSES, BLIND, SPECIAL, STAFF: notice issued to all motormen and conductors dated 18th. December, 1934, as to new tramways passes, which they may encounter during course of the duties plus samples of blind persons pass, special pass and staff ticket issued by State Electricity Commission of Victoria.person, individual, basil miller

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

Plaque dedicated to the founding members and the Jubilee anniversary of the organisation. To commemorate this, a tree was planted in the grounds of the Brighton office of AFB and this plaque was created.Metal plate with inscription and four holes in each cornerThe Association for the Advancement of the Blind was founded on December 7th 1895 By the following Blind Persons Tilly Aston Thomas Marks David Blakley Katherine McDougall George Cobain Janet Robertson Harry Lee David Robertson This tree was planted to commemorate the Jubilee of the Association "From tiny seed to towering tree"association for the advancement of the blind, nameplates

The travel pass was used by Melbourne and Metropolitan Tramways Board to ascertain that the bearer was indeed a blind person and entitled to free travel. This example was numbered 1641 and was issued in the name of Mr N.L. Walker. It outlines that the Pass is issued on the condition that the holder opens and shows same to the Conductor on each trip whether requested to do so or not.1 near square travel pass with pale green cloth cover and black text On the rear is the symbol of the MMTBmelbourne and metropolitan tramways board, association for the blind

These minutes contain information on attendees, meeting chairs, apologies, correspondence, subscriptions, donations, legacies and general business. Reports are also included from Auxiliaries, Auditors, Library and Home teacher, Directors, The Black and White committee, Victor Maxwell House, Helen Keller Hostel, The Victor Maxwell Kindergarten, The Sandy Robertson Kindergarten, Alexis Albert House, Lighthouse, Silver Lighthouse committee, Newcastle Branch, 'Heathfield' and other Woollahra properties. 22/3/1965 it was noted to assist blind persons with the transfer to Decimal Currency an application had been made to the Commonwealth Treasurer for early release of specimen coins and notes. 24/1/1996 it was resolved that a dollar note gauge be supplied to all blind persons in N.S.W. 30/11/1966 it was noted the Management Committee had recommended to Council that the Society should transfer all its activities currently conducted at Williams Street to Mitchell Street and that the William Street be offered for sale at not less than $700,000. 1 volume of typed sheets glued to pagesroyal blind society of nsw, annual reports

These minutes contain information on attendees, meeting chairs, apologies, correspondence, subscriptions, donations, legacies and general business. Reports are also included from Auxiliaries, Auditors, Library and Home teacher, Directors, The Black and White committee, Victor Maxwell House, Helen Keller Hostel, The Victor Maxwell Kindergarten, The Sandy Robertson Kindergarten, Alexis Albert House, Lighthouse, Silver Lighthouse committee, Sheltered Workshops, Newcastle and Wollongong branches, 'Heathfield' and other Woollahra properties. 25/3/1968 it was resolved that Braille services be reorganised to Library, Transcription and Braille instruction for blind persons. This plan created 2 new positions for blind persons. 20/7/1969 it was resolved that a Burwood Building Fund would be opened with the donation of $2,000 by Mr. W. G. Waterhouse. 27/10/1969 it was resolved that sheltered workshop employees who retired after 25 years service would be presented with a gold Braille watch. 19/1/1970 it was resolved that the Society agrees to accept a first mortgage on the security of the William Street property. 22/3/1971 The General Manager had reported that Burwood Council had arranged to purchase the Palatial Theatre and had agreed to lease the building to the Society for 12 months. 1 volume of sheets glued to pagesroyal blind society of nsw, annual reports

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

In 1983 the John Wilson Award was given to Herbert John Brumby. The citation reads: The Committee, Blind Members and Staff pay tribute to Herbert John Brumby and record his notable contribution over a period of forty years to the betterment and advancement of the blind people using the HMV Lightfoot Centre. As a volunteer, auxiliary member and committee member, as a sighted person and a blind member, he has given quite supportive friendship and consistent service of a high order to blind people and indefatiguable (sic) allegiance to the Association. We honour Herbert John Brumby and are pleased to acknowledge his high standing in the esteem of his friends, in the presentation of this year's John Wilson Award, the first to a blind person. 1 A3 cream page in brown and gold frameassociation for the blind, herbert john brumby

To recognise the dedication and service of non-military persons, the Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (civil order) was established. Shortened to MBE, the award consists of a silver cross with a circular centre and a fleur de lis attached on four sides. Above the north facing fleur de lis is a crown which is connected to a rose pink crossgrain ribbon with pearl grey edges, and tied into a bow. In the central part is the profile of King George V and Queen Mary, and the words 'For God and Empire' in raised letters against a roughened background edging the portrait. On the rear are the copperplate letters 'GRI' (which stand for Georgius Rex Imperator) and an image of a crown directly above this. It is designed to be worn on the left hand side by the female recipient. In 1974 this medal was awarded to Miss Elsie May Henderson for services to blind persons.1 silver coloured medallion in black frame association for the blind, medals, elsie henderson

Annual report of the Association for the Advancement of the Blind outlined activities and events over the year, including the amendment of the Constitution to admit sighted officers to take up Committee positions and the election of the first sighted President Mr G A Mexwell, who had been with the Society since its beginning, the provision of wool from the Department of Defence at wholesale rates for blind knitters as well as the distribution of clothing surplus to need, a social evening held to farewell Mr D Blackely (one of the founders of the Association) as he moves to Western Australia, the new pass issued by the Metropolitan Tramways Board covers all lines and allows free travel for blind persons, and W.H. Paterson has stepped down from the Home Committee due to business and health reasons, however will still continue as a Trustee.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 a membership of 276, nearly 1000 visits made to people in their homes with several taking the opportunity to learn Braille, leasing of 'Woodburn' to accommodate those who were unable to provide for themselves or convalescent rather than provide short term financial help, an extension of the Railway Permit was secured so that the holder is able to travel with a guide and pay only one fare on the Brighton Electric Tramway and Williamstown Ferry Boat club, commitment by the Federal Government to extend the invalid pension to blind persons, the Department of Education is improving lighting which will help some children with eye difficulties and the loss of Sir Malcolm McEachern, F.S Grimwade, Mr Quayle and Dr McBurney, (the latter for whom a portrait will be placed in the Home for the Adult Blind due to his professional and personal support of the Association).1 volume of printed material with some illustrationsassociation for the advancement of the blind, annual reports

One Hundred & Eight (108) page book sewn with end papers on a grey colour Rexene heavy card covers. Titled "Melbourne and Metropolitan Tramways Board / Electric Tramways and Motor Omnibuses. / Sections and Fares / (Conductors) , / August 1966". Issued 14/8/1966, all decimal currency. Signed by R.C. Drummond, Traffic Manager. Details the sections and fares for each tram and bus route on the MMTB System in a tabular form. Page 5 has an index of routes, includes concession fares. General Instructions re fares, such as children, city concession, prepaid tickets, round trip excursion, Scholars concession, excess luggage, newspapers, children carriages, dental centre scholars, swimming class, state schools, Post Office, Police Concession, special hospital tickets, visiting nurses, scouts, Sunday morning, family excursions. all night services and Free Tramway Passes. Gives images of the type of pass, details of issued to, booklet passes, employees pass, blind persons, traffic officers, disabled soldiers, fare concession certificates, Special Metal "T" passes, seeing eye dogs. special prepaid tickets. Has some pasted in amendments.Some of the tables, first ones in the book have been marked with the stop numbers. trams, tramways, rules, instructions, mmtb, fares, conductors

Braille is a system of touch reading and writing for blind persons in which raised dots represent the letters of the alphabet Braille is read by moving the hand or hands from left to right along each line. Residents of Moorabbin Shire used these cards at social gatherings. In the early 1800s Charles Barbier, who served in Napoleon Bonaparte’s French army, developed a unique system known as “night writing” so soldiers could communicate safely - without lamps- during the night. Louis Braille, born Coupvray, France 1809 lost his sight at a very young age, 1819 he was enrolled at the National Institute of the Blind in Paris.and began to modify Charles Barbier’s “night writing” code in an effort to create an efficient written communication system for fellow blind individuals. . He spent the better part of the next nine years developing and refining the system of raised dots that has come to be known by his name, Braille. The code was now based on cells with only 6-dots instead of 12 ..Braille died in 1852 but his code spread around the world France 1854, USA 1860 , and blind individuals from all over the world benefit from Braille’s work daily. Today, braille code is transcribed in many different languages worldwide.Blind individuals from all over the world benefit from Braille’s work daily and these cards were used by residents of Moorabbin ShireCardboard pack of ordinary playing cards with braille imprints left top of each card. Pack is incompleteFront: PLAYING / CARDS / for the BLIND / To be obtained from the / NATIONAL INSTITUTE / FOR THE BLIND / Great Portland Street / LONDON W1. Hand written : O'Dean Lounge braille louis, barbier charles, visually impaired, braille playing cards, braille, library, braille sheet music, braille ketboards

This collection of papers provides various information on blind bowls and the charity work undertaken by the Mentone Bowls club. In 1980, Clarrie Hoppitt attended a demonstration at his local club and was so impressed, that he offered his services to help teach blind people to play lawn bowls. This enthusiasm was shared by his wife Grace and together they travelled to Perth and other places to teach as outlined in both the newspaper article and Grace's recollection in this file. Grace's involvement in the 1981 World Blind Bowls Tournament held in Leicester is demonstrated in the programme, alongside the signatures that were collected from the players, coaches and helpers. Also included is a menu from the British Airways flight taken to the tournament, which was signed by the crew, and Clarrie Hoppitt's copy of 'To Teach a Blind Person to Play Bowls'. Additionally there is a photograph of Grace in her Australian team uniform, taken outside a house. in 1959, Albert Henry established the NABA (firstly in jest in response to a unfulfilling game of bowls, then as a charity organisation). All monies were to be directed to sick children, and the Blinded Babies fund received a good proportion of this. Over time the NABA raised $34, 683 during over 20 years of operation (1963-1982) and became a definable part of the Mentone Bowls club.Various loose papers including a newspaper article, 1981 World Blind Bowls Tournament programme, British Airways flight menu signed by the crew for the Blind Bowls team, a photograph and a history of the NABAmentone bowls club, clarrie hoppitt, grace hoppitt, royal blind society of new south wales, albert henry

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

President's overview of the year including: 11 people have graduated with 1 more expected shortly, School meets the cost of flying people into Melbourne to train with dog rather than establish schools around Australia, how Elizabeth and Jean came from New Zealand to train as they wanted to attend a school established by a blind person, returned home but the emigrated back to Australia. Jean suffered a stroke and was cared for by her sister, and when Elizabeth needed to train with a new dog, Jean was able to stay in the Nursing Home opposite the school. Until Lady Nell was established, age restrictions were imposed so that no woman over 45 and no man over 55 could train with a dog, which Mrs Gration changed when establishing the school, with the oldest graduate at 78 and the youngest at 14 years of age. Challenges in getting people who had the dedication to become a guide dog trainer, and the movement of recent appointees. Another previous requirement was that only totally blind people could have a guide dog, which was amended by Mrs Gration so that people with minimal sight could also apply for one. Seeing eye dogs are also de-sexed, which is not always the procedure at other institutions. Some discussion of the activities at the Day Activity Centre, commencement of a two storey building at 12 Thanet Street to increase accommodation and indoor recreation activities, hostel for blind men and women, as well as the St Leeor Private Nursing Home. Discussion about puppy boarders as well as people who have stepped up into the public relations role (Trevor Mayers and Lesley Marsh) due to staff changes, and return of Greg Cooper to a part-time role.1 volume with text and illustrationsannual reports, lady nell seeing eye dog school, phyllis gration

Concerts were a fundraiser that the Association for the Advancement of the Blind first introduced in 1900, based upon the experiences of the RVIB concert tours that Tilly Aston had participated in whilst attending the school. Initially not as successful as hoped, they were re-introduced in 1911 and soon became a regular fundraiser for the fledgling organisation. This undated handbill lists the acts and the ticket seller for one such performance, possibly around 1923.Long paper sheet with printing on one sideThe Most Popular Company on Tour Blind Variety Entertainers will visit here Thur May 28 The following Up-to-date Artists will appear Norman Leslie comedian Charles Bennett welcome reappearance of the famous Blind Tenor and Pianist T.H. Andrew welcome reappearance of Blind Instrumentalist A. Solomon welcome reappearance of Old Time Blind Comedian Special Engagement Paul Debur paper manipulator and sketch cartoonist Fred Tilley welcome reappearance of the Popular Blind Basso in Songs, humorous and sentimental Leslie & Debur in Double Comedy & Melody The Most Popular Company now on Tour. Interesting Program of Genuine Delight. Instrumental, Comic, Classic, Trios, Duets, Etc. The Whole of the Proceeds in aid of Association for the Advancement of the Blind and the Home for the Adult Blind Any Blind Person may participate in the benefits of this Association. An Association of Blind People. Popular Prices No Tax Advance Representative, R. Reid Touring Concert Manager, Norman Leslie General Secretary: T. Marks, Oxford Chambers, Melbourne City Service Press (A.J. Charles), Rear Payne's, Bourke Streetassociation for the advancement of the blind, fundraising

In 1948 during her Australian tour Helen Keller visited the west suburban SUNSHINE GIRLS TECHNICAL SCHOOL, to express her thanks for a letter written by the students in support of her work with deaf and blind people. She and her travelling companions presented the school with their signatures. Helen Keller was born on June 27, 1880 and due to an illness at the age of 20 months lost both her sight and hearing. Helen was taught to communicate by Anne Sullivan who wrote words into her hand, and she also learned to speak by touching the throat and lips of people as they spoke. In June 28, 1904 Helen Keller graduated from Radcliffe College with a Bachelor of Arts degree, being the first deaf and blind person to do so. In October 1914 Polly Thomson joined up with Helen and Anne. Helen published an account of her religious beliefs and an autobiography, and in 1930 the three women travelled to Scotland, England and Ireland. In 1931 they participated in the first World Council for the Blind. After Anne Sullivan Macy died in 1936 Helen and Polly continued to travel to several countries. In 1943 Helen visited blind, deaf, and disabled soldiers in a USA military hospital, which she described as "the crowning experience of my life". In 1946 Helen and Polly made their first world tour for the American Foundation for the Overseas Blind and over the next 11 years visited 35 countries. In 1955 Helen became the first woman to be honoured with an honorary degree from Harvard University. In 1960 Polly Thomson died, and in 1961 Helen suffered her first stroke and so retired from public life. In 1964 President Johnson conferred the Presidential Medal of Freedom however she was unable to attend the ceremony. On June 1, 1968 Helen died in her sleep, and her ashes have been interred with those of Anne and Polly at the National Cathedral. Over 1200 mourners attended the funeral.It is significant that Helen Keller actually took the time and effort to visit the Sunshine Girls Technical School to thank the students for their supporting letter. Helen Keller's many achievements show that a severely handicapped deaf and blind person can make significant contributions to society, if they apply themselves and receive assistance from dedicated friends. Brown stained wood frame with glass face enclosing a beige paper with three signatures and a typed white paper section describing reason for the signatures. Helen Keller, Polly Thomson, Marion Fatuson, 11.5.48helen keller, polly thomson, marion fatuson, anne sullivan macy, deaf, blind, signatures, radcliffe college, sunshine girls technical school

Framed portrait of Thomas Marks who was President of the Association for the Advancement of the Blind 1900, 1935-1937. It is part of a series of paintings commissioned by the VAF Board to commemorate the work of past presidents of the organisation. Mr Marks sits at a table, wearing black tails and pants, a white pleated dinner shirt and black evening dress bow-tie. One hand rests next to a cup and saucer, the other rests on his lap. Tom Marks was educated at the Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind. He was a founding member of the Association for the Advancement of the Blind (now Vision Australia) at its establishment in 1895. He went on to serve as President of organisation in 1900 and was later appointed as a part time paid secretary – an office he occupied from 1904 to 1927. He again served as President from 1935 to 1937 during which time he celebrated his 80th birthday. As the living conditions of many blind people were deplorable at this time – they were often confined to a room or shed without any social contacts – it was realized that support for blind persons was needed to serve as a refuge for the oppressed, a home for the indigent, a rest home for the sick and a convalescent home to provide both respite care and permanent accommodation. Mr Marks had a reputiation of having good contacts and being able to use people with more knowledge than himself. An able musician, Tom Marks was often employed in the homes of wealthy families. As a result he met Mr and Mrs Grimwade who were already supporters of Vision Australia. They organized a gymkhana to raise money for the nucleus of a building fund. From this time Tom Marks was involved in the finances of the centres at Brighton, Ballarat and Bendigo, which were the ultimate result of the fund. He was also part of a team that negotiated the financial agreement between the RVIB and Vision Australia over fund raising and the allocation of money, which lasted from 1930 to 1939. 1 art original in gold frameThe plaque at the base of the painting reads 'Mr Thomas Marks / President 1900, 1935-1937/ Association for Advancement of the Blind'. association for the advancement of the blind, thomas marks