On Sunday 10th of February Vision Australia’s Feelix library celebrated its 10th birthday. The Feelix Library is an Early Childhood Braille Resource for children aged up to seven years who are blind or have low vision.
Library Staff, patrons, families and the many children who access the library came together to wish the Feelix Library a happy birthday and celebrate its many achievements.
Minister Jenny Macklin MP was in attendance on Sunday to meet with children and their families and find out about their experiences using the Feelix Library. Sigrid Thornton, patron of the Feelix library, also sent a special message to congratulate Feelix on their 10 years of service to children who are blind or have low vision.
The Feelix Library is a free service that is designed to give children and their families access to braille materials. The Feelix Library is based in Vision Australia’s Kooyong offices, but sends braille resources free of charge to families all over Australia.
In a recent speech to Federal Parliament, Ms Macklin, the Minister for Disability Reform, reflected on her visit to the Feelix 10th birthday party and praised the library and its staff, led by Louise Curtin and Robyn Sainsbury-Vale. She identified the Feelix as a critical early support that allows young people to learn and grow, to adapt to a life without sight and to make the most of the opportunities that come their way.
Minister Macklin was particularly impressed with the speeches delivered by Feelix members Lily Cascun, Sam Valavanis and Ella Edwards at the birthday celebration. The children spoke about what reading means to them and the many educational opportunities that have stemmed from their use of Feelix’s resources.
Minister Macklin stated in parliament that she looks forward to supporting the Feelix library and its work alongside the proposed National Disability Insurance Scheme, which will open up the world to children with a disability.
Congratulations Feelix Library on 10 years of valuable support to children who are blind or have low vision!
