Welcome to the Association of Blind Citizens of NSW Inc.
Proudly serving people with a vision impairment or blindness in New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory Since 1910
Shirley House 2010
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Announcements:
Books for Sale:
The Association of Blind Citizens of NSW will shortly be vacating its premises at 11A Ethel Street, Burwood. As a consequence, it will be necessary to downsize our library. Braille readers are offered this opportunity to acquire some books at a cost of $1 per volume.
Our collection includes a wide range of titles in the areas of fiction, biography, history, poetry and drama. We also have a selection of cookery books, knitting books and knitting patterns as well as some other lifestyle titles.
If you are interested, please contact the Association as soon as possible. Our librarian Sandi Dark is available on Thursdays between 10:00AM and 3:00PM to discuss our collection and deal with your enquiries.
We also have a small number of audio titles on cassette and CD. Also available is a magnifier on wheels.
Contact the Association during office hours on (02) 9744 1516 – Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, 10:00AM to 3:30PM.
How to guarantee the future of the Association of Blind Citizens of NSW
Suggested wording - Gifts of residue
Suggested wording - Specific legacies
Who We Are
The Association of Blind Citizens of NSW is a consumer based organization, owned, operated and managed by people with a vision impairment or blindness in NSW/ACT.
What We Do
The Association of Blind Citizens aims to improve the quality of life for all people with a vision impairment or blindness in NSW/ACT through:
- Support and services
- Advocacy
- Promotion of recreation, educational and vocational opportunities
- Breaking down barriers of social isolation
Our Services
Technology
The Association of Blind Citizens provides technology training for anyone with a vision impairment or blindness in NSW/ACT at our Shirley House premises. This tuition is one on one and can be individually tailored to meet the needs of prospective students. Training in the use of a number of systems includes
- Jaws for Windows Screen Reading Software
- Zoomtext Screen Magnification Software
- A variety of Microsoft programmes utilizing the above Assistive Technology including Email and internet applications
- Braille Note Empower speech/Braille PDA
- POET stand-alone accessible print scanner
For further enquiries or to discuss and arrange training options, please contact us.
Tutor & student on MPower
Braille
The Association of Blind Citizens can refer anyone wishing to receive tuition in Braille to the appropriate blindness service agency. Please contact us for any further information or if you have any additional enquiries.
Referrals
The Association of Blind Citizens of NSW can refer anyone with a vision impairment or blindness residing in NSW/ACT to Other specialist services providing assistance training and support in areas such as independent travel, daily living or sport and recreation. Contact us if you have any further enquiries.
Sewing Service
This service is available to anyone with a vision impairment or blindness in NSW/ACT. Available on Thursdays at our premises in Burwood, quotes for cost and timeframes for completion are based on individual requirements. This service includes garment repairs and minor alterations such as sewing of buttons, zips or taking up of hems etc. To arrange a consultation time or to discuss in more detail, please contact us.
Sewing service in action
Craft and Social Day
Are you an avid craftsperson or a beginner wishing to learn knitting, crochet or basketry? Are you already knowledgeable in another craft skill with your own resources wishing to share ideas and friendship with like minded people? Perhaps you simply wish to come along and chat and meet new people in a friendly and enjoyable atmosphere then the Association of Blind Citizens Drop in Days are for you. Held every Thursday with morning tea and lunch provided for a small fee you are welcome to attend. If you have a vision impairment or blindness and are able to make your own way to our Burwood Premises then you are most welcome to join us. Please contact us beforehand if you wish to come along or have any further questions
Browsable lending library
The Association of Blind Citizens of NSW has the only truly browsable Braille and Audio lending library in New South Wales or the ACT. Encompassing a wide variety of titles to suit all tastes, anyone with a vision impairment or blindness in NSW/ACT is able to utilize this service. To become a borrower or for any further enquiries about the lending library, please contact us.
Member receiving library service
Bequests and Donations
How to guarantee the future of the Association of Blind Citizens of NSW
Since the inception of the Association just on a century ago, and the establishment of Shirley House, Members and generous supporters have worked hard to ensure that the Organisation’s activity has been funded. It is well known that we have a committed band of members and volunteers who raise much needed funds through market days and the annual fair, raffles, donation appeals and social events. Their efforts are very much appreciated as the funds they raise builds on the small grant we receive from the NSW Government’s disability program.
Throughout our history, and in more recent times, a small number of members and friends have also demonstrated their support by leaving a bequest or legacy from their estate through their Will.
This kind of support is vital for our ongoing work and we encourage all members and friends to ensure that the Association will be here for the next century to work for people who are blind or have low vision.
You can help guarantee the future of the Organisation which helps people like us by making a bequest in your Will.
By leaving a lasting legacy, your gift will enable the Association to assist people who are blind or have low vision to lead independent and fulfilling lives. It is one way of making a positive difference beyond your lifetime.
Making a Will is an important part of planning for the future. After you have provided for loved ones, we would like you to consider including the Association as a beneficiary.
Please include the Association of Blind Citizens of NSW in your Will by talking with your Solicitor.
If you have already made a Will, perhaps you could consider asking your solicitor to add a codicil, to incorporate your gift to the Association.
Suggested wording - Gifts of residue
To assist your solicitor, the sample wording below is for a gift of residue.
I give the residue of my Estate to the Association of Blind Citizens of NSW/ACT for its general purposes and I declare that the receipt of its President, Treasurer or other authorised officer shall be sufficient discharge to my executors.
Suggested wording - Specific legacies
To assist your solicitor, the sample wording below is for a specific legacy.
I give to the Association of Blind Citizens of NSW/ACT the sum of $(insert amount) for its general purposes free of all duties and taxes payable upon or in consequence of my death. I declare that the receipt of its President, Treasurer or other authorised officer shall be sufficient discharge to my executors.
If your Solicitor or legal advisor requires further information please ask them to contact the President or Executive Officer. Contact can be made via email to admin@asnblind-nsw.org.au or by phone to 02 9744 1516. You can also view, print and/or download this bequest information as a Word document.
ASSOCIATION OF BLIND CITIZENS OF NSW
11A Ethel Street
BURWOOD NSW 2134
2010/11 Annual Report
Read or download the Association’s Annual Report for 2010/11.
Coming Events
· 25 February 2012 Association General Meeting, 2:00PM Shirley House, 11a Ethel Street, Burwood
Our History
First established in 1910, the Association of Blind Citizens grew out of a loose social network founded by Mr. A. J. Shirley for former pupils of the Darlington School for the Blind facilitating outings, theatre nights and other similar activities for its members. Originally named ‘Association for the Advancement of the Blind’, its brief soon expanded to include relief of hardship, mutual support and a call for necessary changes in community attitudes and government policies to improve the lives of people with a vision impairment or blindness through
- Compulsory education for children with vision impairment or blindness,
- Income Support/Pensions for people with a vision impairment or Blindness and
- Transport concessions/free travel for persons with a vision impairment or blindness in NSW/ACT.
In 1957 the Association purchased the property at 11a Ethel Street, Burwood naming it Shirley House. From this point on it could expand and increase its services from an easily accessible central location. The Association of Blind Citizens was incorporated in 1993.
Become a Member
Anyone who is Legally blind, over the age of 18 years and residing in either NSW or the ACT is eligible to become a member, thereby enabling them to have a say in how the Association of Blind Citizens of NSW is run. Members can elect the Association’s management committee (president etc) and vote on issues of importance to the Association as they arise. Please feel free to contact us for further information and membership forms.
Members at the entrance to Shirley House
Contact Us
Executive Officer with guide dog
For any further information or enquiries, feel free to contact the Association of Blind Citizens of NSW in the following ways: during our office hours:-
Office Hours: Between 10am and 3:30pm Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Between 9:00am and 3:30pm Thursdays.
By Phone: (02)9744-1516
By Email: admin@asnblind-nsw.org.au
By Fax: (02)9744-1575
In Writing: Association of Blind Citizens of NSW
11a Ethel Street
BURWOOD NSW 2134
For Enquiries outside Association office hours, please contact Sondra Wibberley (President)
By Phone: (Mobile) 0407 492 102.
Email: ellen.1959@bigpond.com
Website Feedback
The Association of Blind Citizens of NSW, via its Communications Committee, is interested in receiving feedback relating to its website.
The Association invites:
- Comments regarding the accessibility of its website
- Questions you may have regarding the organization
- Suggestions relating to website content
- Suggestions concerning relevant links
- General feedback
Please send suggestions and comments to
And the relevant person/committee will be notified.
Links
2RPH (Sydney’s Radio Reading Service)
Blind Sports Australia
Blind Citizens Australia
Guide Dogs NSW/ACT
Round Table on Information Access for People with Print Disabilities
http://www.e-bility.com/roundtable/
South Pacific Educators in Vision Impairment (SPEVI)
http://www.ebility.com.au/spevi/index.php
World Wide Web Consortium (Australian Office)
Vision Australia
http://www.visionaustralia.org.au/
Information on Vision impairment and definition of legal blindness courtesy of Guide Dogs NSW/ACT
http://www.guidedogs.com.au/education-and-resources/common-vision-impairments