We trace our origins to the foundation of the Ladies' Braille Society in 1913. The Society quickly moved beyond the simple task of transcribing Braille literature, beginning home teaching, social work and advocacy shortly after the First World War, and establishing the Rest Home for the Aged Blind at Victoria Park in 1923.

Throughout the Depression it continued its work in spite of almost overwhelming obstacles. By the end of the Second World War it was running a major social service.

In 1951 Australia's first Guide Dog training school was established in Perth, a significant event that had a nation-wide impact.

Image of Early Guide Dog Owners

In 1977, the Braille Society and Guide Dogs for the Blind formally merged and became the Association for the Blind of WA. By the 1980s, thanks to boldly innovative thinking in arenas like recreation, orientation and mobility, early intervention, technology and library services, the Association was providing the most sophisticated set of resources for people who were vision impaired in the State.

To Guide and Guard (History of Guide Dogs in Australia) (doc, 287kb)

To Guide and Guard (History of Guide Dogs in Australia) (pdf, 169kb)

Image of Guide Dog owner Elsie Mead