The institute derived income from chair caning, mat and brush making but was heavily reliant on public donations and government grants. After the First World War, production increased and the centre proved to be a significant place of assistance for service men that had lost their sight during the war. In 1923, production expanded to include basket making and sea grass furniture. The building was renamed the West Australian Institute and Industrial School for the Blind, but by 1936 was faced with severe overcrowding and workers started refusing to work in the harsh conditions.