Association for the Blind of WA

Statement of Significance

The buildings that combine to make the Association for the Blind of WA are an assortment of architectural styles and different construction materials. The built environment therefore does not contribute a great deal to the heritage value of the Association. However, the Association has strong historic and social cultural heritage value. Its long links with Victoria Park and the valuable service the Association provides to blind people give it significant heritage value.

Physical Description

The site includes an assortment of buildings of differing architectural styles and construction eras. The place provides care, housing and activity spaces for visually impaired people in the Western Australian community.

History

In 1913 the Ladies Braille Society was established to provide transcripts of literary works into Braille.bIn 1918, with the return of many blind soldiers from war, the Braille Society went through a period of change and became the ‘Braille and Advancement Society for the Blind of WA’. In 1921, the Braille and Advancement Society for the Blind of WA purchased land in Sunbury Road, Victoria Park to establish a rest home for the aged blind. The first buildings were constructed on the site in 1923. The first two wings of the rest home were named McGregor Wing and Seager Wing after two of the original founders of the Braille and Advancement Society. The home opened in 1923 with three residents and two years later resident numbers had increased to 20. By 1929, building additions were required. There was growing pressure on facilities during the Depression years; however, the Braille and Advancement Society were assisted with funds raised at the Braille Tea Rooms at the Perth Royal Show. By 1962, the home included 120 beds, with half of those beds allocated for hospital services. In 1977, the Blind and Advancement Society and the Guide Dogs Association in WA amalgamated and were then known as the Association for the Blind. In 1972, the Braille and Advancement Society received a grant to subsidise the building of units for aged blind people. Construction of new homes on the site was completed in 1979 with the official opening of the Rehabilitation Unit and Reception/Treatment Unit along Sunbury Road. An ecumenical Chapel was built as part of the works. This building was later renovated in 1990 and became the main Administration Center. Today [June, 2020] the Association for the Blind are known as the Blind Citizens WA Inc. and still occupy the site. A portion of the site appears to be occupied by Kites, a network of disability and childhood development specialists and therapists and Uniting Care West, a national organisation who provide community services and support to the disadvantaged and vulnerable.

Integrity/Authenticity

INTEGRITY: High AUTHENTICITY: Low

Condition

Good

Uses

Creation Date

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Last Update