I recently had the pleasure of appearing on a long-form podcast with Aaron Richmond, based in Florida, USA. Aaron discovered my work through Facebook and invited me to share my story — the journey of Elise Lonsdale and the work behind DATA Australasia.

My Journey

In this wide-ranging conversation, I reflect on humble beginnings — factory work, manual labour, and wiring neon signs — through to advanced IT and Access Technology training. We talk about my earlier roles as a helpdesk analyst, web developer, DAISY talking book producer, and how those experiences shaped my work as an Access Technology trainer.

Communication, Leadership, and Community

I discuss the role Toastmasters has played in helping me structure my thinking, refine my communication, and become a more effective trainer and presenter. This journey naturally led to my involvement with the Apple User Society of Melbourne, including time as Vice President, and later to my work with the Statewide Vision Resource Centre (SVRC).

DATA Australasia and Training Philosophy

We explore how DATA Australasia was formed, why the name was chosen, and why curriculum-based training in Access Technology matters. I strongly advocate for foundational skills — such as keyboarding and touch-screen gestures — being taught before higher-level tasks like social media, word processing, email and advanced applications. Without strong foundational skills in access technology, learners are being set up to struggle by some of our Major blindness organisations.

Sector Experience and Independence

The podcast also touches on my experiences working across Australia and New Zealand, including roles with Vision Australia, the Blind Foundation in New Zealand, and Visibility in Western Australia. I explain why moving away from large organisations allowed me to work more independently and deliver better outcomes for learners.

Blindness and Beyond Referral Network

In the same year I founded DATA Australasia, I also helped establish the Blindness and Beyond Referral Network. This network connects people with Orientation and Mobility instructors, orthoptists, occupational therapists, Access Technology specialists, and support workers — supporting genuine choice and control within the NDIS.

Training, Policy, and the NDIS

We discuss my study toward the Certificate IV in Training and Assessment and how it strengthens my ability to deliver specialised training. I also reflect on the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), how it once enabled innovation and specialised training, and how recent policy changes have undermined those opportunities.

Education and Literacy

I share my concern about outdated “sight-first” policies that still exist in some education settings, denying some children early access to braille during formative years of language development.

Closing Thoughts

Despite the challenges, I remain deeply positive about my work. I genuinely love what I do and do what I love. I enjoy creating YouTube content, networking, promoting good work, and connecting people — always for the greater good.

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Thank you to Aaron Richmond for the opportunity to share this conversation.