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 Australasia in 2019, I was invited to contribute my access technology expertise to the Support Skills Program. This involved translating skills traditionally delivered to adults into learning contexts for children. More than six years later, I remain a permanent member of the SVRC team, working in a highly specialised role that I continue to value greatly.

Interestingly, this opportunity did not emerge directly through the blindness sector, but via the Apple Users Society of Melbourne. What began as a simple networking connection became a professionally significant relationship. In 2019, the NDIS provided fertile ground for building a small specialist business; while the landscape has since changed, the value of strong professional networks has only increased.

There are three aspects of this dual role that I particularly appreciate.

First, the knowledge transfer is constant and reciprocal. Insights gained through my work at SVRC directly inform my private practice, while innovations and strategies developed through DATA Australasia strengthen my contribution to the Support Skills Program.

Second, the role provides rich professional connection. I work alongside parents, teachers, itinerant teachers, and allied professionals, building relationships that strengthen outcomes across both settings.

Importantly, there is no conflict of interest. The Support Skills Program delivers a breadth of services well beyond the scope of a small private practice, including access technology, daily living skills, orientation and mobility, and curriculum-linked areas such as mathematics, music, physical education, and sport. This breadth makes it an invaluable learning environment for students and a continual professional learning opportunity for me.

The third aspect is the opportunity for targeted project work. I am currently planning a second year of professional development in JAWS for Windows, NVDA, and Apple VoiceOver for itinerant teachers in 2026, building on the strong outcomes and practical learning from 2025.

Ultimately, the work I do across both roles is deeply interconnected. Each informs, strengthens, and enriches the other, creating a genuinely mutually beneficial professional relationship.