A legacy of support for over 220 years
Our story so far
1805
Thomas Tawell founded the Asylum for the Benefit of the Blind in Norwich
1829
First item of Braille published. Invented by Charles Barbier as a tool for night writing, it was then adapted for use by blind people
1889
A new frontage facing Magdalen Street
1900
Mat making workshop established
1920
Government introduces new bill following WWI, making it a duty of local authorities to “promote the welfare of blind persons” and keep a register of blind and partially sighted people
1921
The white cane was invented by James Biggs to assist him after losing his sight in an accident
1931
Guilly d’Herbemont recognised the benefit of the white cane and started a movement to provide it with legal status in traffic, supported internationally by Lions Clubs
1934
Brush making and knitting activities are introduced with a shop opened in Castle Meadow to sell crafts
1948
New centre for the social care of blind people opened at Catherine Wheel Opening, Norwich
1951
A mechanical Braille machine was introduced – the Perkins Brailler
1955
On 14 October, an anniversary dinner marks 150 years
1970
Thomas Tawell House, a new care home specialising in support for people with sight loss, is formally opened by Princess Alexandra and Lord Alex
1985
Land on which the activity workshops were held was sold for £101,000
1988
The organisation is renamed Norfolk and Norwich Association for the Blind
1992
All five hospitals within Norfolk open an eye clinic
2003
Nokia designs the first mobile phone for the blind and partially sighted
2005
Celebration dinner held to mark 200 years of the organisation’s history
2006
Braille Sense launched as the first digital Braille notetaker
2010
After much fundraising, HRH The Queen officially opens the Bradbury Activity Centre
2020
Name changed to Vision Norfolk
Please help us support people through sight loss
Here’s how your donation can change the life of someone living with sight loss in Norfolk today:
covers the cost of an outreach visit to help someone living with sight loss to access benefits, assistive equipment and health-related support so they can live independently at home.
can fund an exciting social activity for children and young people, like karate or tubing – an opportunity for them to get together, have fun and make friends in a supportive environment.
could provide a full year’s funding for our weekly crafting sessions, giving people with sight loss the chance to socialise and learn new skills like weaving, pottery and rug-making.
