DATA Australasia will communicate with our clients, build long term relationships and be there for you when you need us!

Vision Mission and values statement

DATA Australasia’s Vision mission and values statement now available.

Hello, I am Elise Lonsdale your Access Technologist, specialising in working with people who are blind or have low vision.

I have 25 years of experience working with screen readers such as JAWS for Windows and NVDA on Windows. I also have configured screen magnification programs like ZoomText on PCs and recommended video magnifiers for my clients. More recently I hav worked with my clients to give them access to Apple products such as the Apple Mac, iPad and iPhone all running VoiceOver.

Returning to Australia

On returning to Australia, I took a fixed term contract with Vision Australia as an Access Technology Specialist. As well as continuing my training, technical and support work here in Melbourne, this position exposed me to the new funding arrangements here in Australia. The National Disability Insurance Scheme, (NDIS) and My Aged Care, (MAC) can now provide funding for both equipment and training for people who need assistive technology and support.

International Experience

Between 2014 and 2017, I worked in New Zealand for that country’s Blind Foundation. I provided access technology support to people in their own homes and in many Blind Foundation offices around the country.

Alternative Format Production

Prior to my work in New Zealand, I was a DAISY Book producer in Perth Western Australia. In this role, I created audio books and text books for people who live with a print disability. This included working with other accessible document formats too. My previous experience as a web developer in Melbourne placed me well for this position. Many of the mark-up rules in alternative format production are similar to creating accessible and search engine friendly web sites.

I firmly believe that everyone who has a reading disability or who lives with low vision and blindness should have every opportunity to have access to the written word. This is why I am also a proponent of Braille. Braille can be produced on paper or generated on a refreshable Braille display. Even if a person has some sight their sight may not be appropriate for fluent reading. During a life time, a person’s eyesight may vary to the point where reading the printed word is simply not possible.

Synthetic Speech

For people who do not have the opportunity of learning the Braille code, synthetic speech from a screen reader can provide access to a computer or smart phone. By using a computer or smart phone, DATA Australasia can show you how you can create documents, spreadsheets, work, study, access social media, email plus so much more with the right Access Technology.

I and my team can help you to achieve your goals on a computer by working with synthetic speech.

CISCO Instructor

I have worked in the field of delivering the CISCO training program to the students of the Cisco Academy for the Vision Impaired. This training delivered on line training and support to a worldwide group of students.

Toastmasters International

I am an accomplished Toastmaster. Since 2015, I have been working with a number of online clubs. Online Toastmasters clubs have expanded my opportunity to get to know many more people around the world and embrace their culture.

I love what I do and do what I love. This is why I have taken this opportunity to set up Disability & Assistive Technology Access Australasia.

I look forward to working with you.

Elise Lonsdale