As the year comes to a close, I wanted to take a moment to say a heartfelt thank you to the people who have supported me throughout the year and supported DATA Australasia. A big thank you to Gikken, my … Continue reading →
Reflections on a Symbiotic Professional Relationship In this video, I reflect on the symbiotic relationship between DATA Australasia and my ongoing role with the Statewide Vision Resource Centre (SVRC) as part of the Support Skills Program. Shortly after founding DATA … Continue reading →
Giving back has always mattered to me About ten years ago, while living in New Zealand, I watched the NDIS slowly roll out across Australia and began thinking seriously about coming home. Before returning in 2017, I made a conscious … Continue reading →
In blindness services, there are four core training disciplines that support a person’s independence: Occupational Therapy Orientation & Mobility Orthoptics / Low Vision Access Technolo While OTs, O&Ms and Orthoptists can introduce simple concepts, expecting them to deliver specialist access … Continue reading →
I believe what I do is training, not therapy. Therefore, I discuss the difference between formative and summative assessments. I’ll use my knowledge gained from the Cert IV in Training and Assessment, TAE40122 course to outline these differences, giving people … Continue reading →
Guide dog refusals in Australia remain far too common. The penalties for refusing access are substantial, yet Uber and taxi drivers continue to drive past people who are blind or have low vision—sometimes slowing down, seeing the guide dog or … Continue reading →
Orientation and Mobility (O&M) is one of the most important skills a blind or low‑vision person can learn. It’s not therapy in the traditional sense—it’s practical training. O&M teaches you how to safely move through your environment: getting to work, … Continue reading →
This past week, I delivered a Toastmasters speech titled Still Standing — a reflection on one of the most turbulent, confronting, yet strengthening years of my life. At the heart of the speech was a line first written by 19th-century … Continue reading →
Lets start with a little bit of fun as a Vox Pop. Elise Lonsdale is linking her Toastmasters experience to her Business. Toastmasters encourages strong communication and business skills, growth and confidence. “Toastmasters, Where Leaders are Made” At Thursday night’s … Continue reading →
This week, I had the privilege of representing DATA Australasia at the Statewide Vision Resource Centre Tech Expo on Tuesday. It was a fantastic opportunity to connect with students, families, teachers, and colleagues across the blindness and low-vision community. My … Continue reading →