• NDIS Related Posts
• Toastmasters Related Posts
• Blind Photography Related Posts – Coming Soon

With the right support and training, Elise Lonsdale and DATA Australasia can help you to get the best out of your access technology.

Hello and welcome. We are here to help you use blindness access technology with confidence.

DATA Australasia is based in Melbourne and supports people who are blind or have low vision across Australia, New Zealand, and beyond.

You can choose support in your home, in your workplace, or online — whatever works best for you. 

Guided by Lived Experience, Led by You!

Access technology can open doors at home, in study, and at work. With the right training and support, you can do the things that matter to you every day.

We at DATA Australasia can help you learn tools such as JAWS for Windows, NVDA, Apple VoiceOver, Talkback as well as your smartphone, tablet, or braille device.

We will also explore the apps and features that make life easier — emailing, browsing, shopping, staying social, and more.

You can learn at your own pace, with friendly guidance every step of the way.

Vision, Mission & Values

You can read this statement on the Vision, Mission & Values page. It reflects our belief in independence, inclusion, and the power of access technology to change lives.

Let us get started —We are here to help you build skills and stay independent. 

Support for NDIS Participants and Plan Managers

If you are blind or have low vision, DATA Australasia can provide access technology training, assessments, and ongoing support. We work with you to build skills, feel more confident, and use your devices in everyday life.

Our services follow the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits (2025–2026) . They can be funded through the Assistive Technology Mentoring support item (Reference Code: 15_300_0103_1_3 ) Travel may also be added if needed.

Assistive Technology Mentoring

As your AT Mentor, I can help you:

• 💻 Learn how to use your technology — including JAWS, NVDA, Apple VoiceOver, iPhones, iPads, and Windows computers
• 🧭 Choose the tools that best support you so you can reach your goals
• 🏠 Stay independent at home, at work, and in the community

If you self-manage your NDIS plan, you can also claim this support under Capacity Building – Daily Activities.

If you have questions about NDIS funding or how AT Mentoring works, please contact me — I am happy to help.

I am here to support you every step of the way — at your pace, and in a way that works for you.

Other Funding

Data Australasia extends its services beyond those individuals using the NDIS or My Aged Care programs. Whether you are financing services from alternative sources, such as personal funds or employment access support, we are committed to assisting you.

Inclusion

Inclusion matters — and you have the right to be part of everyday life. You should be able to write to family, send emails, shop, make phone calls, and enjoy social media. You may also want to return to work or start further study when the time is right for you.

Access technology can give you more independence and confidence. By learning the tools that support emailing, communication, and daily tasks, you can stay connected with others and take part fully in your community.

You are not alone — and the right support can help you achieve your goals.

Training

Making IT accessible for people with vision loss

If you are unsure about access technology, that is completely okay — everyone starts somewhere. At DATA Australasia, we are here to support you as you learn at your own pace. With the right skills, you can feel more confident, independent, and in control of your everyday life. Take a look at our Services pages to discover how we can work together to help you reach your goals.

Empowering You to Work, Learn and Live

Access technology can help you do your job well, enjoy your work, and grow your skills over time. With the right tools and support, you can focus on what you do best and feel confident in your abilities. You may also choose to learn new skills, return to study, or explore fresh opportunities.

Employers value the strengths you bring — and you deserve the chance to build the future you want.

Students

Students of all ages—whether in primary, secondary, or tertiary education—can benefit from assistive technology. These tools help you by making text larger on the screen or reading it out loud.

With modern access technology, you can study, browse the internet, do research, use social media (if it is suitable for your age), try out artificial intelligence, and learn at your own speed. Learning to type well and use programs like JAWS for Windows, NVDA, Apple VoiceOver, and braille devices can make your education easier and more enjoyable.

Retirement and Doing it Your Way

Access technology can make a big difference if you are in retirement and living with sight loss. It can help you stay connected with friends, family, and your community.

Screen readers such as JAWS for Windows, NVDA and Apple VoiceOver can read out loud what is on your computer, phone, or tablet. Other helpful devices can make it easier to read your mail, write messages, shop online, and enjoy your favourite hobbies like books, music, and social media.

You can learn at your own pace, with support that is friendly and understanding. With the right tools and training, you can keep doing the things you love and stay independent every day.

If you would like to build your skills and confidence, we are here to help you get started.

Warm and Supportive Elise Lonsdale

Hello, I am Elise Lonsdale , an Access Technology Specialist with over 15 years of experience. I support people who are blind or have low vision to build confidence, stay connected, and use technology in ways that make everyday life easier.

I provide training at home, in the workplace, and online. I have worked with many organisations, including the Statewide Vision Resource Centre, CISCO Academy for the Vision Impaired, VisAbility in Western Australia, Blind Low Vision NZ, and Vision Australia. I also hold a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment.

In 2019, I founded DATA Australasia to offer personalised support and greater choice for everyone. I also helped create the Blindness and Beyond referral network, linking NDIS participants with support workers who understand vision loss.

In conjunction with this business, I currently work part-time at the Statewide Vision Resource Centre, part of the Department of Education Victoria, where I teach access technology to school-aged children. I work closely with their families and teachers and share updates on new technology and artificial intelligence that can help in learning and daily life.

I believe everyone deserves the chance to stay independent, continue learning, and enjoy the things that matter most.

“I’m here to support you — wherever you are on your journey with sight loss and technology.”

Apple Users Society of Melbourne (AUSOM)

Since returning to Australia, I have been an active member of the Apple Users Society of Melbourne, (AUSOM). AUSOM is one of the oldest computer user groups in the world. I have enjoyed learning new things and sharing my knowledge by giving talks on Apple products and their accessibility features.

Many AUSOM members are seniors or retired. My presentations are designed to support people who may be experiencing age-related sight loss or blindness. I aim to help everyone feel confident using their iPhones, iPads, and Macs in everyday life.

If you would like to take part in a future AUSOM presentation or learn more about how I can support you, please feel free to contact me, Elise Lonsdale.

Growing Confidence Through Toastmasters

Toastmasters International was founded more than 100 years ago in the United States by Dr Ralph Smedley. Toastmasters helps people grow their confidence in public speaking and leadership, in a friendly and supportive environment.

I first joined Toastmasters over 21 years ago and have been part of clubs in both Australia and New Zealand. I am currently a member of two clubs and have also enjoyed being in online clubs with members from all around the world.

Toastmasters District 73 has recognised my work in video recording, editing, and producing educational sessions. I have helped create online and in-person training events where people come together to learn, improve, and support each other.

If you would like to know more about my Toastmasters journey or how Toastmasters could help you, please contact me. A Toastmasters page will also be added to this website soon.