We’ve been redefining what’s possible for children with hearing and vision loss for over 160 years. Here are some of the milestones and highlights we’ve celebrated along the way.

1860 – School for deaf children opens

Thomas Pattison, a deaf migrant, moves to Australia from Scotland. He opens the first school for children who are deaf, in Sydney.

“Deaf and Dumb Institution, 152 Liverpool Street, near South Head Road. This Institution is to be conducted by Mr Thomas Pattison, late secretary and treasurer of the Edinburgh Deaf and Dumb Benevolent society. The School will open on Monday 22nd October.”

Seven children who are deaf enrol in the fledgling school after an advertisement was placed in the Sydney Morning Herald. It would eventually become Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children.

1861 – A move to the city

The School relocates to larger premises at 368 Castlereagh Street, Sydney. It is officially declared a Public Institution on October 1.

1869 – Vision services introduced

The Institution becomes The New South Wales Institution for the Deaf, Dumb and the Blind. Expanded services include education for children who are blind or have low vision.

1908 – First child who is deafblind enrols

Alice Betteridge becomes the first child who is deafblind to enrol as a student. She will go on to become a teacher at the Institution, and will later have a specialist school named in her honour.

1911 – Innovation in education

Harold Earlam introduces new techniques for teaching children who are deaf. He also improves access to braille equipment and teaching for students who are blind. A key campaign begins for mandatory education for children who are deaf and blind.

1948 – Helen Keller visits

American author and activist, Helen Keller, meets with Alice Betteridge. Their momentous meeting that is captured on film.

1965 – Access to services for children who are deafblind

The institution works with the Department of Education. Together, they offer the first service for deafblind children in the southern hemisphere.

1974 – A first in Australia

After thorough investigations in Australia and overseas, a pilot program starts. This results in the first school in Australia for multi-handicapped blind children. The school offers accommodation, medical care, education, and therapy.

1989 – A revolution in schooling

RIDBC introduces a range of innovative early childhood and school support programs. NSW Premier Nick Greiner officially opens The Garfield Barwick School in North Parramatta. The school provides a spoken language program for children who are deaf or hard of hearing.

1993 – Thomas Pattison Annexe

Students in kindergarten through year 10 learn in both Auslan and English at the Thomas Pattison Annexe.

2007 – Supporting families in regional and remote Australia

The launch of RIDBC Teleschool. Services and support are available to rural and regional children across the country.

2021 – NextSense

In 2021, RIDBC services align under a single brand—NextSense. We continue to provide integrated, holistic care for the people we support across Australia.

2024 – NextSense School opens

NextSense School is officially opened by The Hon Anthony Albanese MP on 6 August 2024.