Historical information

Articles in the annual report include: the official opening of the Helen Keller Hostel for Blind Women by the Governor General, the inauguration of a northern branch in Newcastle, improvements in the recreation area behind William Street, extension of 'diversional' (occupational) therapy department, formation of the Braille Writers of NSW, retirement of H.W. Thompson as Honorary Librarian - a position he has held for 40 years, Roy Kippax became Chief Librarian, the resignation of A.J. Harris as Superintendent, talking books were in constant demand for those not able to read embossed type, S.L. Kerry joined the Home Teaching department, the garden at the Helen Keller hostel was designed by F Walker from Woollahra Council with rare herbs donated by Charles Noake, a nursery has also been established at the hostel for blind babies and currently twins are being cared for by special staff, a pro-type scheme whereby blind children could attend kindergarten has been trialed and proven most successful, the 15 minute 'Glow Worm' session celebrated it's 11th birthday and continues to provide valuable airtime to the Institution with listeners able to donate sufficient monies to furnish a double bedroom at the hostel in a recent appeal, the workshops were in full production except during the six week coal strike however wages were continued to paid regardless of this, improvements to lighting, hot water systems, lockers and ovens were added to the workshops, and the playing area was levelled and re-grassed giving improved facilities for lunch time cricket.

Physical description

13 typewritten pages bound into a book of annual reports