A Brief Look Behind Our History

Formed in 1987 Tasmanian Visually Impaired Children’s Support Group (also known as TAS V.I.C.) was born out of the need and necessity of a group of parents who had a child that was blind or vision impaired for a group that could lend support to other such families throughout Tasmania whose child had a similar disability.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Foundation members and now life members of TAS V.I.C. Inc., June & Christopher Martin after the premature birth of their daughter Asha, found on moving to Tasmania that the State was sadly missing services across the board for children who were either blind or vision impaired.

With the assistance of Dr Mick Smith (Board Director, Royal Guide Dogs Association of Tasmania) the group first met on the banks of the Richmond River at Richmond just out of Hobart around Easter 1987. This group of parents were significant in number and steadfast with the common need for the formation of the group.

Since the group’s formation it has gradually expanded its membership across Tasmania and has helped in providing the following services:

• adaptive Equipment Library which was originally based at Royal Guide Dogs,
• forums,
• family camps,
• social activities and events, and
• including participation of children in the Southern Cross Games for Blind and Vision Impaired Youth, a biannual event.