The Royal Society for the Blind (RSB)
The RSB is a not-for-profit organisation providing services to South Australians who have a severe vision impairment. These services are delivered by a professional, committed and highly qualified team supported by volunteers, drawn from all age groups and walks of life.
Blindness or vision impairment can have a severe impact on a person's lifestyle. The RSB is here to assist people to overcome their vision impairment and participate independently in the community.
The quality and effectiveness of our services is assessed annually through independent client surveys. As our results show, we have continued to provide a high level of client satisfaction over a sustained period of time.
| Satisfaction with services | 92% |
| Satisfaction with staff and volunteers | 93% |
| Improvement in quality of life | 80% |
Our Mission
The RSB is the primary source of assistance, giving people with a vision impairment the opportunity to improve the quality of their lives.
Our Vision
To provide access to quality services that enable people with a vision impairment to maximise their opportunities.
Our Values
Our clients:
Our Approach
To focus on the individual.
To encourage client participation.
To achieve positive client outcomes.
To be proactive in the development of services.
To act with integrity and be accountable.
Our History
The Royal Society for the Blind was originally called the Institute of the Blind. It was founded in 1884 by Mr Andrew Whyte Hendry and Sir Charles Goode.
Mr Hendry, who was blind, was a pioneer in campaigning for the rights, self esteem and industrious employment for the blind.
He convened a working committee to establish plans for an industrial school. The main purpose of this school would be to "help the blind to help themselves".
A century later, the Society still provides vocational placement and training services, although the support it provides expands into many other aspects of each client's life.
Milestones in the RSB's History
1884
The Institute of the Blind is founded and housed in an old church in Brougham Place, North Adelaide.
1885
The Institute employs 68 people.
1903
'The Institute’ is re‑named the Royal Institute for the Blind.
1915
Andrew Whyte Hendry organises the building of larger premises (including recreation rooms and a braille library) opposite the Children's Hospital on King William Street.
1938
Melrose House established to provide accommodation for the frail blind elderly.
1972
The Institute moves to Gilles Plains and changes its name by Act of Parliament to 'The Royal Society for the Blind". Services are expanded to include assistance with daily living, recreation and study needs.
1991
The first regional office established in Mount Gambier
1992
Knapman House is opened to provide the best low vision care and assessment in South Australia.
1993
Opening of Port Augusta office to service the mid north region.
1994
Opening of Noarlunga Office
1995
Appointment of dedicated Multicultural Case Worker
1996
Introduction of Client Surveys
1997
Opening of Adaptive Technology Centre
1998
Introduction of Orientation & Mobility Services
Launch of first web site
1999
Creation of Future Solutions Service
Creation of Adaptive Technology web site
Introduction of Young Business Leaders Program
Creation of 3VI CD‑Rom package
2000
Attainment of ISO 9000 Quality Accreditation
Introduction of Braille and Equipment Subsidy Scheme
Launch of 3V1 web site
2001
OMA Course created and delivered
2002
Opening of the Elizabeth office
South Australian Books in the Sky (BiTS) Pilot launched
2003
Creation of memorandum of Understanding with Deaf S.A. and Can do 4 Kids
Introduction of audio described theatre
Launch of 23rd talking newspaper
2004
Victor Harbor office opened
Service Excellence and Disability Employment Service Accreditation.
Australian launch of Ultracane
2005
National Books in the Sky Pilot launched
Hosting of inaugural Tech Fest
Creation of long term loan pool
2006
Creation of RSB Guide Dog Service
Construction of a day-kennel facility at the RSB's Gilles Plains site
Supply audio navigators to 150 vision impaired South Australian children
Adaptive Equipment assistance to the vision impaired community in Tonga