Historical information

This printed philosophy served to remind sighted people what the organisation was working towards and how it sought to achieve it.

Physical description

A3 printed page on cream coloured paper with black writing and black and blue logo

Inscriptions & markings

The Association for the Blind was founded in 1895 by 8 blind people of strong spirit as a self help group and in protest against discriminatory attitudes and practices of society at that time.
This small group sought and obtained the assistance of sighted citizens. Together they achieved reforms which greatly enhanced the status and rights of blind people.
Today, this tradition of self help and active involvement of both blind and sighted citizens continues, with an overriding concern for the welfare of the individual.

Philosophy
The work of the Association for the Blind is based on the philosophy that all people in our society should have equal opportunity, with the freedom to express themselves and participate in the community to the extent of their desire and interest.
To achieve this the Association is a grouping of local community resources which have come together voluntarily to serve people who are blind or visually impaired, and in partnership with government ensure the necessary services are provided.
The Association for the Blind functions as an extended family, with blind members, volunteers, contributors and staff working together with mutual respect towards common goals.

Objectives
These are
- to promote the welfare of blind and visually impaired people;
- to provide welfare, counselling, rehabilitation, accommodation, nursing care, recreation and other support services;
- to minimise the harmful effects of blindness whether physical, psychological, social or economic;
- to facilitate the prevention of blindness;
- to utilise the experience and talent of blind people in the community in assessing needs, evaluating and improving the value of services to the blind.
A wide range of services is necessary to achieve these objectives, the outcome of which is greater independence, security and opportunities for blind and visually impaired Victorians.