Understanding safe moving and handling practices for people with disabilities

This course introduces a practical model for understanding necessary and unnecessary moving and handling when supporting people with disabilities, and applies it across weight-bearing and non-weight-bearing care tasks using safe patient handling principles. Participants will learn how to assess complex care tasks, guide care staff in safe techniques, and translate this knowledge into effective interventions, training, and clear safe work procedures for real-world situations.

Cognitive training and rehabilitation for people with dementia

This practical, evidence-informed workshop equips occupational therapists with the knowledge and strategies to implement cognitive training and rehabilitation approaches for people living with dementia, using real-world case scenarios to build clinical confidence and skills.

Neurodiversity-Affirming and Trauma-Informed Occupational Therapy

This workshop explores what it truly means to practise in a neurodiversity-affirming and trauma-informed way, moving beyond buzzwords into meaningful application. Led by an OT with lived experience of neurodivergence, this session creates space to unpack key principles and set practical steps for more inclusive, supportive practice.

Elevate Your OT Practice with Generative AI: Intermediate Workshop

An interactive, intermediate-level workshop for occupational therapists ready to build on their existing generative AI knowledge and refine use of tools, prompting techniques and clinical applications.

An OT functional cognitive approach to behaviour support

This session explores how occupational therapists can use a functional cognitive lens to understand changed behaviour in dementia and apply evidence-based, person-centred behaviour support strategies.

FASD and the 4As: Awareness, Assessment, Action & Advocacy for OTs

This practical three-part workshop equips occupational therapists with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to support individuals living with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) across the lifespan. Through lived experience perspectives, evidence-informed learning, and guided practice reflection, participants will develop FASD-informed assessment, intervention, and advocacy approaches that can be integrated into their OT practice.

Getting started with generative AI: A beginner’s guide for OTs

A practical, beginner-friendly workshop designed to help occupational therapists confidently get started with generative AI and apply it safely and effectively in everyday practice.

Neurodiversity-Affirming and Trauma-Informed Occupational Therapy

This workshop explores what it truly means to practise in a neurodiversity-affirming and trauma-informed way, moving beyond buzzwords into meaningful application. Led by an OT with lived experience of neurodivergence, this session creates space to unpack key principles and set practical steps for more inclusive, supportive practice.

Mastering Generative AI: Advanced Tools & Techniques for OTs

This advanced workshop is for OTs who are already confident with the basics of generative AI and are ready to explore more sophisticated tools and real-world applications to support and streamline their work.

Staying in the OT Profession with Hope and Purpose

This practical session focuses on supporting occupational therapists to navigate workforce pressures, reduce burnout, and reconnect with meaning and purpose in their work. Learn strategies to manage stress, build supportive networks and sustain hope in your work.

OTA Submission: IHACPA for the pricing framework for support at home Aged Care services

OTA welcomes the consultation being undertaken by IHACPA for the Pricing Framework for S@H Services for 2027-28.

Research Survey: OT perspectives on sensory-based care for older adults

This international survey will help identify common practice patterns, gaps, and needs, thereby contributing to enhanced evidence-informed practice and policy.

NDIS Amendment Bill 2026 - OTA Submission

OTA welcomes the opportunity to provide feedback on the National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026.

Policy & Advocacy update – 28 May 2026

Read about OTA policy and advocacy updates and developments this week, including major changes to the NDIS, advocacy in Canberra and many more.

All in for National Reconciliation Week 2026

At Occupational Therapy Australia, reconciliation is central to our commitment to culturally safe practice. We work alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples through advocacy, partnerships, cultural learning and ongoing reflection.

Guide to making a submission on the NDIS Future Generations Bill

The Australian Parliament is considering the National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026.

Policy and Advocacy update – 21 May 2026

Read about OTA policy and advocacy updates and developments this week, including the updates about No OTs, No NDIS campaign, EOI for Thriving Kids and many more.

Connections Winter 2026 - references

Policy and Advocacy update – 14 May 2026

Read about OTA policy and advocacy updates and developments this week, including the launch of No OTs, No NDIS campaign, released of Federal budget 2026-2027 and many more.

Thriving Kids initiative - May 2026

This document is intended to be a live document that outlines OTA's policy positions and recommendations for Governments as the Thriving Kids Initiative is developed and rolled out.

NSW Thriving Kids EOI process: Momentum is building and we need to keep it going

The DCJ is exploring a procurement process for a private allied health practitioner panel, with further details expected in the second half of 2026.

No OTs, No NDIS 

No OTs, No NDIS is a OTA campaign responding to NDIS reforms that are limiting access to essential occupational therapy supports and impacting participants, families and communities.

Federal Budget 2026–27: What it means for Occupational Therapy

Last night, the Treasurer handed down this Government’s fifth Federal Budget. Alongside property tax reform, NDIS reform is a central feature of this Budget, confirming the Government’s intention to significantly reshape eligibility, assessment, planning and access to services and supports. These changes will have material implications for occupational therapists and people they work with, particularly those working in disability, early childhood, psychosocial supports and aged care. This update provides OTA’s initial summary of Budget measures most relevant to the occupational therapy workforce. We will continue to analyse the detail as it becomes available and advocate on issues of concern to the profession.

Thriving Kids: Where things stand - Major NSW update and consultations in Tasmania and WA

Thriving Kids will roll out differently across jurisdictions, with major implications for OTs and the children and families they support, particularly through varying funding and commissioning models.

Research Survey: Exploring the skills and interventions of mental health occupational therapists

This survey is to understand OTs current practice - who they work with, what interventions and assessments they use, what models of OT they use and what are their challenges and barriers faced.

Stay smart online: How to use digital health systems safely and confidently

This article is the third and final instalment in our cyber health series to help OTs build confidence and stay safe online.

Logging into OTA Connect

How to log into OTA Connect to access member resources.

HR Support

Our new HR partner – HR Advice Online – offers a wide range of resources to support members in navigating the contemporary workplace.

Normal life is being disrupted (again): Navigating disruption in a changing world (2026)

Normal life is being disrupted (again) is a practical, easy-to-use guide designed for immediate application in clinical and community settings.

OTA Policy Submissions

OTA’s submissions represent the collective expertise, experience, and perspectives of occupational therapists across Australia, with the goal of advancing the profession across the diverse sectors in which OTs work.

Member Update: Aged Care Reform Implementation (March 2026)

Watch the recorded updates on the implementation of aged care sector reforms that commenced on 1 November 2025.

Capability Framework for occupational therapists working with adults

We invite you to review the draft and provide your feedback by completing this short survey.

OTA Submission: NDIS Rules – Public consultation on New Framework Planning

OTA have submitted formal feedback to Government calling for: the release of the Exposure Draft.

Join and Save

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International Speaker Tour 2026 - Greg Santucci

Join internationally recognised paediatric occupational therapist Greg Santucci (USA) for an exclusive national tour in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.

Submission: National Disability Insurance Agency | 2026 Annual Pricing Review Consultation

Occupational Therapy Australia calls for a decisive pricing adjustment to stabilise and strengthen the occupational therapy market under the NDIS. Read for more.

Driving

Driving supports independence and freedom, but it requires physical, visual, cognitive, and emotional abilities that can be affected by ageing, illness, or injury.

On-Demand Learning Hub

To explore OTA’s full range of CPD & Events - including live and on-demand learning - visit Search all CPD & Events.

About OTA’s CPD & Events

Learn from leading clinicians and academics while earning CPD hours to meet Ahpra requirements. Every completed activity is automatically recorded in your OTA CPD Tracker, with certificates included.

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