6 June 2025
Artistic expression for people with disability: AI to foster creativity
Among the most captivating and controversial technological advancements is the rapid proliferation of artificial intelligence (AI) image generation tools. These sophisticated algorithms, capable of transforming text-based prompts into intricate visual imagery, are not merely a novelty; they represent a profound shift in how art is conceived and created and pose some significant ethical issues.
3 June 2025
Development of an AH Aged Care Assessment Tool: Call for EOIs
Call for EOIs: The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing has engaged Health Consult, in partnership with Allied Health Professions Australia and Liquid Interactive, to develop a practical, user-friendly assessment tool to identify the allied health needs of residents in aged care homes.
3 June 2025
Perceptions of Occupational Therapy students on Mindfulness Interventions
This study will explore the perceptions of occupational therapy students about what mindfulness is, what interventions students are most likely to participate in, and what is the preferred design or structure of those interventions.
3 June 2025
Aged care assessment tool development: Call for Expressions of Interest
Telstra Health is seeking AH clinicians for a Clinical Advisory Group that will help them design and develop new digital products for use in practice. Telstra Health is seeking EOIs from occupational therapists who have basic digital literacy and work in private practice in residential aged care facilities, NDIS, DVA, or home care.
2 June 2025
Practical tips: Indicative pricing for Support at Home
OTA shares the concerns of members about a number of aspects of the new Aged Care Act and associated Rules, that will come into effect on 1 July. Of prime concern are the recently released Indicative Prices for Support at Home.
2 June 2025
Three key takeaways from the 2025 DSC NDIS Conference
OTA recently attended the 2025 DSC NDIS Conference in Melbourne on 20 and 21 May, which highlighted three critical challenges facing the disability sector: NDIS pricing issues, delays in foundational supports, and a growing lack of trust within the sector.
22 May 2025
Our top 5 CPD on-demand!
Have you ever wondered what other OTs do for their professional development? And to meet their Ahpra CPD standards? We've put together our top 5 most popular CPD on-demand to give you some inspiration: 1. Functional Cognition Explained 2. Talking Toileting: Series 1 & 2 3. Sensory Approaches in OT Clinical Practice 4. Palliative Care E-Learning Modules 5. Mental Health Foundation Modules Need something to suit your busy schedule? Explore our affordable, on-demand CPD library.
22 May 2025
DVA Overview for Occupational Therapists
The Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) recognises that health care providers play a key role in providing treatment for DVA clients. Occupational therapists are essential allied health professionals who provide services to clients who hold DVA Veteran Cards.
15 May 2025
Is it ethical to use AI in occupational therapy?
Everyone is talking about how AI is shaping OT. But what does that actually mean? Dr Karen Jacobs is the Associate Dean of Digital Learning and Innovation at Boston University, Sargent College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences. Her focus? Leading the way in the responsible, ethical implementation of artificial intelligence to enhance occupational therapy practice. Here Karen talks with Carol McKinstry, Professor of Occupational Therapy at La Trobe Rural Health School in Victoria.
14 May 2025
Application Form - Mental Health Endorsement
Access the OTA Mental Health Endorsement application form here.
12 May 2025
May NDIA updates: Stated therapy supports, annual pricing review and more
During May 2025 OTA continues to advocate for members in regards to stated therapy supports, pricing review and provides updates on new Decision-Making Hub and operational guidelines.
6 May 2025
Media Release: Occupational therapy peak body urges Vic Government to address growing pay gap between OTs and nurses
Occupational Therapy Australia is urging the Victorian Government to follow through on the Fair Work Commission (FWC)’s provisional recommendation and address the growing pay gap between occupational therapists (OTs) and nurses working in the state’s public mental health services.
22 April 2025
Mental Health Occupational Therapy Resource Kit
The OTA Mental Health OT Resource Kit can be used by OTA members to advocate, raise awareness and support understanding of mental health OT. We encourage members to use this resource in their organisations to shape the narrative of mental health occupational therapy.
14 April 2025
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.
1 April 2025
Workforce Development Project Findings Webinar
OTA held a Member Update on the 21st May 2024, providing an overview of the project findings of the Workforce Development Project. The session was presented by Sarah Jones, Professional Practice Advisor. The workforce development plan was established using an evidence-based approach, drawing from multiple data sources and processes. This included an examination of occupational therapy workforce data, an examination of the national and international literature related to the occupational therapy workforce, an online national survey of registered occupational therapists and consultations with occupational therapists and key stakeholders. More information about the Workforce Development Project is available here.
31 March 2025
Capability Framework for Occupational Therapists Working with Environmental Modifications
This draft Capability Framework outlines the essential knowledge, skills, and attitudes required for occupational therapists working with Environmental Modifications across various career stages and across all relevant Australian service settings.
31 March 2025
Capability Framework for Occupational Therapists Working with Assistive Technology
This draft Capability Framework outlines the essential knowledge, skills, and attitudes required for occupational therapists working with Assistive Technology (AT) across various career stages and across all relevant Australian service settings.

25 March 2025
Karen Jacobs Tour 2025
Join Dr. Karen Jacobs for a two-day workshop that will bridge the gap between cutting-edge AI technology and practical clinical applications in occupational therapy.
25 March 2025
Essential Supports for Early Career OTs
Essential Supports for Early Career OTs (Essential Support Guide) outlines the minimum recommended supports that Occupational Therapy Australia (OTA) advises for early career occupational therapists. The Essential Support Guide also identifies enabling factors that enhance the effectiveness of these minimum recommended supports and contribute to the success, job satisfaction, and retention of early career therapists in their roles.
24 March 2025
Australian Occupational Therapy Competency Standards
The new Australian occupational therapy competency standards (the competency standards) have been in effect since 1 January 2019. The Occupational Therapy Board of Australia (the Board) expects all occupational therapists to understand and apply them in their practice.
19 March 2025
Working with Interpreters: A Guide for Occupational Therapists
Occupational Therapists should engage credentialed interpreters to communicate complex or technical information to clients with limited or no English language proficiency.

19 February 2025
Help for members Digital Transformation and OTA Connect
Help for members through OTAs Digital Transformation.

3 January 2025
OTA 2025 Federal Election Toolkit
OTA’s Federal Election Advocacy Toolkit provides everything you need to engage with local candidates and highlight our profession’s priorities for the 2025 Australian Federal Election.

18 December 2024
2025 Tina Champagne Webinars
After a sell-out national tour in June 2024, Occupational Therapy Australia is delighted to announce that world-renowned occupational therapist, Dr. Tina Champagne will be bringing back her expertise in Sensory Modulation, this time in the format of 7 live, 1-hour Webinars based on her Sensory Modulation Program.

10 December 2024
Workforce
We know there are significant workforce challenges and opportunities for the occupational therapy profession, such as attracting and retaining OTs. To address these challenges, we've consulted with our members to develop a workforce development plan.

2 December 2024
Workforce Development Project
Here at OTA, we know there are significant workforce challenges and opportunities for our profession. To address these challenges, we've developed the OTA Occupational Therapy Workforce Plan. It was devised using an evidence-based approach which included a literature review, an analysis of OT workforce data, a survey of Australian occupational therapists, interviews and focus groups.