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I share my concern about outdated “sight-first” policies that still exist in some education settings, denying some children early access to braille during formative years of language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

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

The post Podcast Appearance: Elise Lonsdale on the Aaron’s Opinion Podcast – With Aaron Richmond appeared first on Disability & Assistive Technology Access Australasia.

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 decision: if I was going to engage with the NDIS, I wanted to do so in two ways.

First, as a participant. I truly believed the NDIS would improve my quality of life — and looking back, it absolutely has.

Second, I wanted to give back as a provider. By then, I already had strong access technology skills and years of experience working with people who are blind or have low vision, including training in JAWS, NVDA, Apple VoiceOver, screen magnification, and low-vision solutions.

When my contract work ended, I chose to keep doing what I love. That’s when I started my own business, working directly with people in their homes, in small groups, and online — delivering practical, respectful access technology training that genuinely builds confidence and independence.

Giving back isn’t an add-on for me. It’s the reason I do this work — and I’m proud that journey continues.

If this resonates with you, or if you’re looking for practical access technology training for yourself or someone you support, feel free to reach out or follow my page to stay connected.

The post Giving Back – Being a Provider on the NDIS as well as Being a participant appeared first on Disability & Assistive Technology Access Australasia.

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 table featured two computers for demonstrations and a third running a continuous slideshow—created on my iPhone and seamlessly transferred into Keynote using Apple Continuity. The slideshow invited people to join us in making education more inclusive and accessible, and it showcased the breadth of training and support we offer:

• JAWS for Windows
• NVDA, the free screen reader
• ZoomText & ZoomText Fusion
• Apple VoiceOver across iPad, iPhone, and Mac
• Universal Clipboard and Apple Continuity for moving text and images between devices
• Touch typing and keyboarding skills
• Support in navigating Braille devices and guidance through NDIS funding
• Referrals to independent Orientation & Mobility specialists, Occupational Therapists, and Orthoptists

It was also a wonderful chance to collaborate with other organisations and innovators in our sector—United Explorers, Sensible (multidirectional cane tips), VisionTech, Quantum RLV, Pacific Vision, and HumanWare. I appreciated reconnecting with so many colleagues I’ve worked alongside in both Australia and New Zealand.

About the collage

The nine-image collage I’ve posted features:

1. My exhibition table with the looping slideshow and my website displayed.
2. A portrait taken earlier in the morning—hair and makeup thanks to my friend Annette.
3. Me at the table demonstrating the Meta smart glasses with Be My Eyes (Be My AI).
4. Several green balloons marking my table.
5. A close-up of the computer on its stand, showing my website and an embedded video.
6. Another photo of me demonstrating the Meta glasses and a handheld device.
7. A wider shot of my table—photos containing children were professionally blurred for privacy.
8. The DATA Australasia logo in green, blue, yellow and white.
9. Myself standing with Quentin from NV Access, holding a cane fitted with a Sensable cane tip.

I deeply value my relationship with the Statewide Vision Resource Centre—not only do I contribute through my own business, but I also work there one day a week in the Support Skills Program. Both roles complement each other beautifully, and I look forward to sharing more about that partnership soon.

Call Elise on 0448 966 533 or +61 448 966 533 Or use our Enquiries Form

Flyer Assistive Technology for Students Front

Flyer Assistive Technology for Students

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