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Royal New Zealand Foundation of the Blind

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The Royal New Zealand Foundation of the Blind or Blind Foundation, now publicly branded as Blind Low Vision NZ, is a provider of services to blind, deafblind and people with vision-impairment in New Zealand.

History

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The Foundation began in 1890 as the Jubilee Institute for the Blind with a school and residence in Parnell, Auckland.[1] Sheltered workshops and hostels were provided for many years. These were phased out at the end of the twentieth century in favour of mainstreaming, members' greater integration into the community.[2] A school run by the Foundation became part of the public school system.

The Royal New Zealand Foundation of the Blind Act 2002 allows for the Foundation to become an incorporated society.[3]

After a rebranding consultation process, the public name of the Royal New Zealand Foundation of the Blind, changed to Blind Foundation in December 2013.[4]

Services

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Blind Low Vision NZ's website lists the following services: emotional support, equipment, financial assistance, volunteer assistance, mobility, guide dogs, employment assistance, peer support, recreation, reading and writing in audio, braille and other formats, library, Telephone Information Service, accessible formats (braille, audio, electronic text and large print), adaptive communications and technology.

The majority of the organisation's funding comes from public donations.[5]

References

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  1. ^ Silverstone, Barbara et al, (eds) (2000). The Lighthouse Handbook on Vision Impairment and Vision Rehabilitation, p. 738. Oxford University Press. ISBN 0195094891
  2. ^ New Zealand Historic Places Trust. Royal New Zealand Foundation for the Blind Main Building. Retrieved 26 March 2014.
  3. ^ Parliamentary Counsel Office, Government of New Zealand. Royal New Zealand Foundation of the Blind Act 2002. Retrieved 26 March 2014.
  4. ^ Blind Foundation. Timeline of history. Retrieved 26 March 2014.
  5. ^ TV3 News. "Guide dog Puppy Appeal coming up". 27 March 2013.
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