Royal New Zealand Foundation of the Blind

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The Royal New Zealand Foundation of the Blind is a provider of services to blind and vision-impaired people. It was formerly the Royal New Zealand Foundation for the Blind.

[edit] History

The Foundation began in 1890 with a school and residence in Parnell, Auckland. 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. 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.

[edit] Services

The Foundation website[1] lists the following services: counselling, 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.