Royal Society for the Blind

The Royal Society for the Blind (RSB) is a not-for-profit organisation providing services to over 11,000 South Australians who are blind or vision impaired.

Aerial image of western part of Gilles Plains, South Australia, looking north. The blue and white buildings further down are the property of the Royal Society for the Blind.

The RSB was founded by Andrew Whyte Hendry (who was blinded as a child) and Sir Charles Goode in 1884 as the Institute for the Blind when they started an industrial school, it became the Royal Institute for the Blind in 1903[1] and the Royal Society for the Blind in 1974.[2]

The RSB has an Adaptive Technology Centre and a Low Vision Centre located at 230 Pirie Street, Adelaide.

The Adaptive Technology Centre is the first of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere and houses the latest computerised and non-computerised equipment designed for people who are blind or vision impaired. People are able to trial and train on the latest equipment which includes talking appliances, electronic magnification and modified computers. This service is supported by a loan pool and grant scheme

The Low Vision Centre is the first point of contact for people who are experiencing severe sight loss and a referral is required from an Optometrist or Ophthalmologist. The LVC enables people to optimise their remaining vision by providing information about their sight loss, lighting and magnification advice.

The RSB offers numerous services within the community.

The Employment Services team works with clients to find suitable and meaningful employment. They negotiate with employers and advise on workplace modifications. The team also assists those whose job is in jeopardy due to vision loss.

The Industrial Services section has grown since its inception to now employ many dedicated and highly motivated people who are blind or vision impaired. The Service is specifically equipped to provide packaging and assembly services for businesses.

The RSB Guide Dog Service works to provide RSB Guide Dogs to help people who are blind or vision impaired to travel safely and independently. RSB Guide Dogs learn how to guide their owner through many obstacles and distractions in safety.

There are many other important services run by the RSB for members of the community. They include:

• Mobility Services • Print Alternatives • Occupational Therapy • Community Education • Counselling • Daily Living • Recreation and Leisure • Systemic Advocacy

The RSB relies on support from the public to continue providing these free services to the 11,000 people who are blind or vision impaired in South Australia.