Supporting the sexual wellbeing of people with mental health conditions

7 April 2025

Supporting the sexual wellbeing of people with mental health conditions

This study aims to explore the perspectives of occupational therapists worldwide on their role in supporting the sexual wellbeing of people with MH conditions.

NDIS & Disability update: How we're advocating for our members

4 April 2025

NDIS & Disability update: How we're advocating for our members

The upcoming Federal election and ongoing reforms to the NDIS has led to several opportunities to advocate on behalf of the occupational therapy profession. OTA has met with Minister of Social Services, the Hon. Amanda Rishworth’s office to advance our calls to action ahead of the Federal election and provided feedback to the NDIA on its approach to developing support needs assessments. Read about how we’ve been collaborating.

Tasmania welcomes its first occupational therapy course as national shortage intensifies

3 April 2025

Tasmania welcomes its first occupational therapy course as national shortage intensifies

In a major milestone for Tasmania’s healthcare and education sectors, the University of Tasmania (UTAS) will welcome its first-ever cohort of occupational therapy (OT) students in July 2025, finally offering local students the opportunity to train, live and work in their home state.

Final Review of National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Agreement

1 April 2025

Final Review of National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Agreement

OTA made a submission to the Productivity Commission’s Final Review of the National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Agreement, which is due to expire in June 2026.

Aged Care Act Rules - Release 2b

1 April 2025

Aged Care Act Rules - Release 2b

OTA made a submission on new Aged Care Rules - Release 2b.

Capability Framework for Occupational Therapists Working with Environmental Modifications

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.

Capability Framework for Occupational Therapists Working with Assistive Technology

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.

The Federal Election has been called: Advocate for OTs now!

28 March 2025

The Federal Election has been called: Advocate for OTs now!

The Federal Election has been called for 3 May 2025. Now is the time to advocate for the OT profession. OTA's toolkit will empower you to advocate. The profession is stronger together.

April Interest Groups you can't resist!

27 March 2025

April Interest Groups you can't resist!

Did you know that OTA hosts specialised interest groups each month as one of your benefits of being a member? In April we have a wide range of interest groups and topics for you to choose from.

OT School of Victoria Clinical Award

25 March 2025

OT School of Victoria Clinical Award

In 2019, trustees of the OT Trust Fund donated funds to OTA, which established the Occupational Therapy School of Victoria Clinical Award. The award aims to promote advancement in clinical practice by supporting members of OTA to engage in clinical-based projects or studies.

Australian Occupational Therapy Competency Standards

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.

Working with Interpreters: A Guide for Occupational Therapists

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.

Sustainability Checklist for Occupational Therapists

19 March 2025

Sustainability Checklist for Occupational Therapists

Occupational therapists can be agents of change in reshaping the interactions between people, their occupations, and environments.

Crisis and Disaster Response for Occupational Therapists

13 March 2025

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.

OTA's Federal Election Toolkit is now available!

12 March 2025

OTA's Federal Election Toolkit is now available!

With the 2025 Federal Election fast approaching, now is the time to advocate for occupational therapy. OTA’s Federal Election Advocacy Toolkit provides everything you need to engage with local candidates and highlight our profession’s priorities.

Announcing the 2025 Sylvia Docker Lectureship Recipient – Professor Mandy Stanley

10 March 2025

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

4 March 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.

Search all CPD & Events

3 March 2025

Search all CPD & Events

Our evidence-based CPD and events will prepare you for every situation and empower you with the skills and knowledge to excel in your practice. We offer learning opportunities across all practice areas and levels of experience.

Mental Health Endorsement - CPD & Supervision Summary

27 February 2025

Mental Health Endorsement - CPD & Supervision Summary

Download the Mental Health Endorsement - CPD & Supervision Summary form here.

Evidence-Based Care for Cognitive & Psychosocial Impacts of TBI

25 February 2025

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

25 February 2025

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.

Professional Supervision

19 February 2025

Professional Supervision

Grounded in principles including reflective practice, self-directed learning, and critical feedback, professional supervision empowers supervisees to take control of their own learning and development, and provides a platform for self-directed growth, skill development, problem solving and wellbeing.

Courses, Learning Modules & Programs

18 December 2024

Courses, Learning Modules & Programs

We offer a variety of on-demand, self-directed learning and development, covering a broad range of practice areas and topics.

Professional Supervision Program

7 November 2024

Professional Supervision Program

The Professional Supervision Program is designed to...

CPD and Events

3 October 2024

CPD and Events

Our evidence-based CPD and events will prepare you for every situation and empower you with the skills and knowledge to excel in your practice. We offer learning opportunities across all practice areas and levels of experience.