Crisis and Disaster Response for Occupational Therapists

Occupational therapists need to anticipate the potential for disasters. Establishing systems and organising activities beforehand can facilitate a prompt and efficient response, mitigating fear and anxiety in the process. Take proactive measures to ensure the effectiveness of your response and recovery. This includes developing plans and arrangements grounded in risk assessments to enable your core business to continue amidst critical incidents or disruptions. Consider incorporating technology, such as telehealth platforms, to ensure continuity of care during disruptions.

Don’t get caught out by new privacy laws (Maurice Blackburn)

Is your practice ready for the privacy amendments? The Australian Government has updated its privacy legislation to include significant changes to the 27-year-old Privacy Act as well as the Criminal Code. Some of the changes, which came into effect in December 2024, will affect the way businesses such as allied health practices operate. This is what you need to know.

Australian OTs use assessments & tools to improve BPD performance

To explore what assessments, tools and interventions occupational therapists in Australia are currently utilising to improve the occupational performance of people with BPD and the perceived limitations in current practice.

Announcing the 2025 Sylvia Docker Lectureship Recipient – Professor Mandy Stanley

Occupational Therapy Australia is proud to announce Professor Mandy Stanley as the recipient of the prestigious Sylvia Docker Award for 2025.

OTA Submission: Aged Care Rules on the Residential Care Service

OTA was invited to meet with the Department of Health and Aged Care to discuss our submission to the Aged Care Rules on the Residential Care Service list. The Chief OT, Michelle Oliver and senior OTA policy staff met with the Department on Monday 3 March.

Driver Assessment and Rehabilitation Jurisdictional Differences Guide 2024

The information provided in this guide has been developed by the OTA National Driving Taskforce to help occupational therapy driver assessors (OTDAs) navigate the legislation, regulations, and guidelines relevant to driving assessment and rehabilitation in their jurisdictions. It is solely for the use of Occupational Therapy Australia and its members.

British Journal of Occupational Therapy (BJOT)

The British Journal of Occupational Therapy (BJOT) provides researchers and practitioners with the means to access, share and guide the implementation of knowledge and evidence. As the official academic journal of the Royal College of Occupational Therapists, the BJOT aims to be the publication of choice for authors to publish research that advances knowledge in research, practice, education, and management in occupational therapy.

Canadian Journal of Occupational Therapy

The Canadian Journal of Occupational Therapy fosters advancement and growth in occupational therapy scholarship. The journal provides a forum for leading-edge occupational therapy scholarship that advances theory, practice, research, and policy. 

Evidence-Based Care for Cognitive & Psychosocial Impacts of TBI

This survey examines practices, gaps, and barriers in cognitive and psychosocial rehabilitation for adults with moderate-to-severe TBI.

New Resource: Capability Framework for Occupational Therapists Working with People with Pain

OTA's new capability framework outlines the skills and knowledge occupational therapists can build to better understand the physical, psychological, environmental and societal factors that influence a person’s experience of pain.

American Journal of Occupational Therapy (AJOT)

The American Journal of Occupational Therapy (AJOT) is an official publication of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), which represents the professional interests and concerns of nearly 213,000 occupational therapists, occupational therapy assistants, and students. The primary mission of AJOT is to publish research examining the effectiveness and efficiency of occupational therapy practice so that occupational therapy professionals can make informed, evidence-based decisions about best practice.

Australian Occupational Therapy Journal (AOTJ)

The Australian Occupational Therapy Journal (AOTJ) is a leading international publication presenting influential and innovative scholarship and research relevant to occupational therapy. The journal is the official research publication of the peak membership body, Occupational Therapy Australia.

Stronger Together. The New Face of OTA.

Today we unveil a bold new brand and member experience. The rebrand captures the inclusivity and connection that defines the profession and signifies Occupational Therapy Australia as the single, unifying connection point for occupational therapists across the country, and we are **Stronger Together**.

Maximizing Occupational Therapy in Residential Aged Care: Barriers & Enablers

This project aims to understand barriers and enablers to maximising occupational therapy's contribution in residential aged care facilities (RACFs).

Facilitating Community-Based Physical Activity for People with Dementia

This research addresses a major unmet need for an early, systematic approach to identify physical activity needs for people with mild dementia, and embed referral pathways/training opportunities for exercise leaders to support improved physical activity options.

Functional Cognition Screening in Older Adults: Finding the Right Tool

We are looking for older people to join our study. We welcome participants with healthy cognition, mild cognitive impairment, or mild dementia.

Capability Framework for Occupational Therapists Working with People with Pain

Occupational Therapists are uniquely placed to support clients who are experiencing acute or persistent pain by applying a holistic approach to assessment and therapeutic interventions that are focused on enhancing engagement and participation in meaningful occupation. Occupational therapists play a key role in multidisciplinary teams working in pain management across a range of settings from inpatient and sub-acute settings to specialist pain clinics, community rehabilitation centres, return to work programs, aged care settings and private practice, bringing an understanding of the physical, psychological, environmental and societal factors that influence a person’s experience of pain.

Capability Framework for Occupational Therapists working with Children, Young People and Families

The Capability Framework for Occupational Therapists working with Children, Young People and Families proposes a set of key capabilities (knowledge, skills and attitudes) for occupational therapists working across a range of service settings. The framework recognises that paediatric practice is within the scope of all registered occupational therapists.

VicRoads: Motorised Mobility Devices - Resources for Consumers

A comprehensive guide for consumers has been developed by the Department of Transport with input from topic experts and other stakeholders.

VicRoads: Motorised Mobility Devices - Resources for Occupational Therapists

Occupational Therapy Australia is proud to collaborate with Road Safety Victoria (Department of Transport) and other community, health, disability and industry stakeholders to bring these valuable resources to our members. The resources aim to equip OTs to deliver consistent evidence-based care for users of mobility scooters and powered wheelchairs, and to engage with other health professionals and agencies to optimise outcomes for clients and their families. Each year, over 1,000 Australians are admitted to hospital due to incidents involving mobility scooters. Road safety issues are critical to consider in assessment, training and monitoring for both the user and other community members.

State-Based Issues

We advocate across Australian states and territories to advance the recognition of OTs and address known issues affecting OTs and the people the support.

TAS Divisional Council

The Occupational Therapy Australia Tasmanian Divisional Council represents the interests and provides advice to support the members affiliated with the Division.

News

Find all the latest news from OTA including our policy and advocacy updates.