Visit to RNIB National Library in Stockport on Thursday 9th September 2010
We had a fascinating visit to this museum and were introduced to the history of the RNIB by Philip Jeffs, Archivist and Chief Librarian. It was fascinating to learn that in 1791 in Liverpool the first attempts were made to educate the visually impaired by producing imprinted literature compiled by sighted people. A problem with this was that the alphabet used was difficult to follow and interpret, and a number of different systems were attempted without lasting success.
The Quaker movement in Bristol devoted a great deal of time to producing educational documents in an effort to educate people and it wasn't until 1810 that Thomas Henshaw finally created a charity for the care and welfare of visually impaired people. Unfortunately his widow was very unhappy about his decision to leave his wealth to this charity and it was in chancery for about 25 years until she finally gave up objecting and the remains of his fortune could be used.
After this brief history we had the opportunity of examining various books detailing the different early systems used and also playing around and fiddling with different pieces of equipment introduced for the purpose of enabling visually impaired people to write. Finally braille became the international alphabet used after many stops and starts and it has enabled all visually impaired people to take up careers and fulfill their own personal aspirations.
The RNIB have created a nationwide network within our own library systems and it is possible to obtain very large print books, braille, and talking books. Most of this facility is available with help from our welfare services and it should be possible for the visually impaired to keep in touch with newspapers and current affairs through this essential service.
We were helped during our visit by Wendy, Alex, and Dianne to understand and try out the numerous equipment within the museum, and to try to follow the different methods first attempted in the writing of literature. Throughout our visit we were welcomed by all of the volunteers present, and at the beginning and the end, enjoyed a very nice drink together with a selection of yummy biscuits.
Our thanks to Philip Jeffs and his staff for their preparation to ensure that we experienced the maximum they had to offer and also to Mary and her volunteers for getting us there.
The Quaker movement in Bristol devoted a great deal of time to producing educational documents in an effort to educate people and it wasn't until 1810 that Thomas Henshaw finally created a charity for the care and welfare of visually impaired people. Unfortunately his widow was very unhappy about his decision to leave his wealth to this charity and it was in chancery for about 25 years until she finally gave up objecting and the remains of his fortune could be used.
After this brief history we had the opportunity of examining various books detailing the different early systems used and also playing around and fiddling with different pieces of equipment introduced for the purpose of enabling visually impaired people to write. Finally braille became the international alphabet used after many stops and starts and it has enabled all visually impaired people to take up careers and fulfill their own personal aspirations.
The RNIB have created a nationwide network within our own library systems and it is possible to obtain very large print books, braille, and talking books. Most of this facility is available with help from our welfare services and it should be possible for the visually impaired to keep in touch with newspapers and current affairs through this essential service.
We were helped during our visit by Wendy, Alex, and Dianne to understand and try out the numerous equipment within the museum, and to try to follow the different methods first attempted in the writing of literature. Throughout our visit we were welcomed by all of the volunteers present, and at the beginning and the end, enjoyed a very nice drink together with a selection of yummy biscuits.
Our thanks to Philip Jeffs and his staff for their preparation to ensure that we experienced the maximum they had to offer and also to Mary and her volunteers for getting us there.
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