The Shirley Institute was established in 1923 by the Royal National Institute for the Blind (RNIB). The intention of the institute was to promote a better understanding of the visual process and so reduce the burden of visual impairment on society. The institute was situated in a large house in Knightsbridge, London. The name Shirley was chosen in recognition of the contribution of the Shirley family to the work of the RNIB.
One of the main activities of the Shirley Institute was the provision of training for teachers of blind children. The training provided by the Shirley Institute was based on a holistic view of the education of blind children. The courses covered a wide range of topics, including the causes and effects of blindness, the development of visual skills, the psychology of blindness, and the teaching of Braille and other communication skills.
In 1946, the Shirley Institute was moved to a new purpose-built facility in Croydon. The new institute had a much wider range of facilities, including a library, a laboratory, a large workshop, and a nursery school. The Shirley Institute continued to provide training for teachers of blind children, as well as conducting research and providing information to parents and professionals.
In 1997, the Shirley Institute was closed and its work was transferred to the Royal College of Art in London. The RNIB continued to provide training for teachers of blind children through its other facilities.
The Shirley Institute played an important role in the development of education for blind children. The institute's holistic approach to education and its commitment to research helped to improve the lives of blind children around the world.