Glass bottle with attached phallic shaped measuring device. Attached label to the bottle states that this was used by a physiotherapist and provides a reference for the bottle: RNIB 9448. The Royal National Institute for the Blind did sell materials around the world, and this item could have been ordered from them. royal victorian institute for the blind, equipment

30 cm tactile yellow ruler with black marking every 5 centimeters with raised markings, has two different edges - straight and notched. The straight edge can be used for measuring and drawing, and the notched edge designed to help place pins when creating charts and graphs or using a compass. There are non-slip pads on the back of the ruler. 1 yellow ruler with black large print numbers and black measurement indicatorsRNIB LT21 (on back)assistive devices, royal national institute for the blind

RNIB sold a number of devices around the world, including games, clocks, brailling equipment and handicraft items. These are listed in this catalogue and some are found in this collection. 62 page booklet with black and white illustrationsroyal national institute for the blind, braille equipment, games, recreation

A strategy board game invented in England in the 1880's, it involves placing coloured discs in lines and capturing (or flipping) opponent discs that stand in the way. Sold these days under the name 'Othello' (which links the changing relationship between discs to the Shakespearian play), the red side of the disc is smooth and the white is ridged. RNIB Catalogue no. 9434.1 wooden box with 64 red/white reversible pieces recreation, games, royal national institute for the blind

This wooden board has two differently designed sides: one with four strips running the length of the board and the other with seven strips of wood running across the width of the board. These strips and various ridges around the edge and in the 'lanes' assist players as they play card games. The attached booklets describe the sides as Squares (4 strips) or Streets (7 strips), which could be used to play a variety of card games described. On the Squares side: Carpet, Count Nogo, Frames and Poker Patience and on the Streets side: Triangles and Henley could be played in addition to the traditional game of Patience. The board was designed to be used with a distinct sized card (RNIB no. 9087) that could fit between the strips.Wooden board with card dividers with accompanying printed and braille booklet. recreation, games, royal national institute for the blind

In this example, nineteen 33-speed gramophone records are needed for a single title. Labelled with His Master's Voice, and recorded solely for the use of the blind by the Sound Recording Committee by Arthur Bush, they were dispatched via post to members who were in possession of commercial record players. Australian blindness agencies were purchasing overseas titles to expand their libraries for a growing number of users.19 vinyl records :12 in., 33-speed ;in paper sleeves, Reference number JG5433-JG5451audio books, royal national institute for the blind

This collapsible cane is in four sections joined to each other by braided rubber tubing. Original paper wrapping has instructions on the outside including: 'The top section can easily be identified as it is the thickest of the four and is threaded with an elastic cord for carrying purposes'. An elasticized handle loops around the wrist, when unfolded and in use. When collapsed , the handle loops around the four parts, keeping them folded.4 metal/plastic pieces joined together with an elasticized cordassistive devices, royal national institute for the blind

An aid for learning the points of the compass. A circular aluminium plate mounted on a wooden base and embossed with 16 raised lines radiating from the center. 16 small plates each brailled with a different compass direction are provided. The set is accompanied by an instruction sheet. 1 silver aluminium plate on a larger black wooden circle with 16 metal spikes around edge housed in a cardboard box and 16 rectangular aluminum plates.assistive devices, orientation and mobility

This small Braille teaching cube attached to a keyring can be used to make the shapes of Braille characters. The surface of cube is studded with large black rivets and when the three main parts of it are rotated, the shapes of a single braille character can be seen and felt. The cube features raised dots in 3 independently revolving sections. These can be turned to form different Braille letters for teaching purposes. 1 bright yellow Braille keyring cube with black dots on itbraille equipment, education aids and devices

This book contains the set up and clues for cross word puzzles that can be constructed with the RNIB crossword board. The board is contained inside a wooden box, which also has compartments for storing yellow and red rubber markers that fit into a grid that sits on the lower side. Red smooth markers are used for blanks, whilst the yellow markers have three turnable pieces, which can be adjusted to represent each letter in Braille.1 braille book and 1 wooden box containing yellow and red rubber markers that fit into the grid inset in the box.'From the Evening News book of crossword puzzles no. 18' Catalogue 29444recreation, games

This wooden frame is designed to sit over paper pages. The elastic strands provide a guide to the writer to maintain a straight line of writing, with the beads allowing indication of space between words or sentences. This frame allows those who have deteriorating sight to continue writing handwritten notes.1 wooden frame with elastic and beads and metal cornersassociation for the blind, assistive devices

44 cards (A-I) featuring four members of the Doctor, Musician, Painter, Carpenter, Barber, Scientist, Gardener, Tailor and Motorist families. Produced by RNIB, these cards were designed for various kinds of players with both print and Braille upon each card. 36 playing cards with Braille across top of card in red box Catalogue No. 9086recreation, games

This metal frame opens from the side to allow paper to be placed between the two pieces and held into place with a metal clasp on the side. The elastic strands provide a guide to the writer to maintain a straight line of writing, with the beads allowing indication of space between words or sentences. This frame allows those who have deteriorating sight to continue writing hand written notes.1 japanned metal frame with elastic and beadsassociation for the blind, assistive devices

Braille hand frames and styluses were the primary way to produce Braille for over a century. The stylus was used to make a separate indentation for each dot, and the hand frame to keep dots within the same cell. Braille rows are produced from right to left. The process was very time consuming. Volunteer transcribers for the library could take an average of ½ hour to produce one page of Braille using this method. For example: “Oliver Twist” required approximately 600 sheets equating to 300 hours of work! This wooden slate, which was used to make the system portable, served as a firm base needed to sustain puncture pressure. The frame can also be slotted into both sides of the slate, thereby ensuring that the lines of Braille were straight across the page. The metal clasp at the top of the frame held the wooden which kept paper from slipping.Brown plastic rectangular hand frame with holes evenly spaced on either long side. Hinged Braille metal guide with space for 2 rows of Braille, each 35 cells long. braille equipment, rnib

This shorter white cane for a child with detachable, rotating ball tip, is more than just a stick that is used to alert others that they are blind or an early warning signal that a pathway is blocked. A cane actually allows a child who is blind access to four major developmental areas that are impacted the most due to the disability. A cane is a developmental tool that is imperative in neuro-development, sensory development, physical development, social development and emotional development of a child. 3 metal/plastic pieces joined together with an elasticized cordassistive devices, orientation and mobility

With large print numbers as well as Braille, these cards allow everyone to participate in Bingo. Originating in Italy, this competitive game is enjoyed almost the world over and has also been used as an educational tool to teach children numeracy as well as history. 6 wooden bingo cards recreation, games

This letter outfit (RNIB catalogue no. 9096) is primarily intended for teaching blind and partially sighted children the rudiments of spelling and word building.There are 60 letter squares in the set, and on each of these appears a printed letter, both capitals and lower case, the capital being at the top with the braille equivalent in the middle of the tile. The letters can be joined together by pressing the projecting tab on one square into the slot on the right hand side of another. The blue plastic base board is divided into 5 rows and can be used to store words created. 60 plastic tiles with braille and large print in maroon box with pink lideducation aids and devices, braille

Black box containing a Matrix Braille writing machine, with a paper spool attached to the feeding mechanism. The front portion of box is hinged and lifts up to reveal keyboard. Top half of box lifts to reveal Braille writer which is bolted to a wooden base that can be lifted out. The base is secured with a metal latch. Machine has black keys and the wooden case has black leather-like covering, hinged lid, metal clasps, and leather handle on the side. "Model G, Matrix, Coventry Gauge & Tool Company, Ltd., No. 792, For The Royal National Institute for the Blind, London W.I." is stamped on the front,Black vinyl-covered case containing black metal writer and paper spool"Model G, Matrix, Coventry Gauge & Tool Company, Ltd., No. 792, For The Royal National Institute for the Blind, London W.I." is stamped on the front.braille equipment, royal national institute for the blind

Black box containing a Matrix Braille writing machine, with a 24mm-wide paper spool attached to the feeding mechanism. Corner of box is hinged and lifts up to reveal keyboard. Top half of box lifts to reveal Braille writer which is bolted to a wooden base that can be lifted out. The base is secured with a metal latch. Machine has black Bakelite keys with rubber pads beneath make this a "silent" machine; wooden case has black leather-like covering, hinged lid, metal clasps, and leather handle on the side. "Model G, Matrix, Coventry Gauge & Tool Company, Ltd., No. 1183, For The Royal National Institute for the Blind, London W.I." is stamped on the front,Black vinyl-covered case containing black metal writer and paper spool"Model G, Matrix, Coventry Gauge & Tool Company, Ltd., No. 1183, For The Royal National Institute for the Blind, London W.I." is stamped on the front.braille equipment, royal national institute for the blind

A battery operated device that is rectangular in shape with a sensor plate on top and an on/off switch on one end. At the other end is a round lid that screws off to allow a round 9 volt battery to be inserted. It was designed so that when placed outdoors would emit a noise at the first drop of rain, enabling vision impaired people to retrieve their washing from the line. 1 plastic box with metal plateRain warning device Made for the Royal National Institute for the Blind by Data Acquisition Ltd A price sticker reads: $49.assistive devices, royal national institute for the blind

Edward Pyke and Jean Maurice Glauser invented this machine with the intention of enabling the easy and quiet production of Interpoint Braille. Although widely agreed to be one of the best Braille machines of its time, production of the machines was stopped during the Second World War because of rationing and high material costs. The machine has a keyboard arrangement at one end, the other end folds out to form a platform which is held up by a metal strut with rubber capping. An upward writing model, the paper feeds from the rear and passes under the space bar. The machine has no paper feed rollers. The only movement is that of the carriage that moves from left to right.Painted metal machine with metal keys that move a carriage across inserted sheets of paperRoyal National Institute for the Blind 228 Great Portland St London W1 Pyke-Glauser Braille Writer PG 48braille equipment, royal national institute for the blind

As Australia had not yet commenced production of adaptive items for the low vision and blindness community, many were purchased directly from the Royal National Institute for the Blind in London. This price list shows the variety of products on offer and the costs involved for each. Bankers cheques or money orders were required to send payment to the UK, and there was a range of games, tools and living aids as well as Braille equipment on offer.12 page booklet of items and prices assistive devices, royal national institute for the blind

A wooden ruler with raised metal dots marking the spacings on the ruler. Made prior to 1971, when metric measurements were introduced, this 18-inch ruler is a demonstration of how easily a simple visual measuring tool could be adapted for varying degrees of sight by the use of tactile markings. 1 wooden ruler with metal pins as measurement pointsassistive devices, royal national institute for the blind

This game of strategy was played in the Roman Empire and medieval England. Each player has nine pegs and must use these to first fill the board then move their pieces to create a 'mill' (three linked points). For each 'mill' created, an opponent's piece can be removed. In this version of the game, a rule booklet in Braille is provided with the tactile board and pegs. RNIB catalogue number: 9212.1 yellow and red board in purple box +1 Braille booklet. recreation, games, royal national institute for the blind

This game of strategy was played in the Roman Empire and medieval England. Each player has nine pegs and must use these to first fill the board then move their pieces to create a 'mill' (three linked points). For each 'mill' created, an opponent's piece can be removed. In this version of the game, a rule booklet in large print is provided with the tactile board and black/white pegs. RNIB catalogue number: GB32.1 wooden board in green/black box + 1 large print booklet and 17 pegs. recreation, games, royal national institute for the blind

To assist with blind and visually impaired people signing documents, a signature guide creates a rectangular block of space that fits most signature areas on paper. This example was produced by RNIB and provides directions on usage.1 plastic plate with rectangle holeSignature Guide Cat No. 9020 Have window placed over signature space hold card firmly in place with your hand write your signature within the opening of the windowassistive devices, royal national institute for the blind

Small red and white plastic object with sensors in one end and a white switch and black knob on the other end. A black strap is attached to the base and the letters 'RNIB' are inscribed on the red plastic.1 red and white sensory with black dial and white buttonRNIBassistive devices, royal national institute for the blind

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.Contained in a dark blue case which folds down to reveal the keys, this portable Braille writer has six flat keys in front and a space key, attached to a marking device at the back. A roll of thin white paper is mounted on an attachment to the side of the machine, and the paper is threaded along a channel at the top of the machine and comes out the other side in a continuous roll. A red round rubber guard is just behind the keys. Royal National Institute for the Blind label attached.braille equipment, royal victorian institute for the blind

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

Each column has white dots on it which is used to count numbers. The counting frame can be used as a knitting row counter or to add sums of money. A black rectangle with four plastic movable columns"Brynolf pocket counter made for Royal National Institute for the Blind by Peter Tilling Plastics Ltd" on front of counter. "Royal National Institute for the Blind Brynolf Pocket Counter Catalogue No. 9484" on box.assistive devices, peter tilling plastics