Connections Autumn 2024

Read Connections Autumn 2024 edition here.

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.

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.

Announcing OTA's Federal Election Advocacy Toolkit

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.

Connections Winter 2024

Read Connections Winter 2024 edition here.

CEO Member Update February 2025

OTA CEO Samantha Hunter shares the latest updates on the outlook for Federal Election, her recent round table discussion with Senator Jordan Steele-John and WA members, capability framework announcements, and the use of AI in practice and how this technology may support, challenge and redefine aspects of the profession.

Connections Summer 2024

Read Connections Summer 2024 edition here.

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**.

Neurodivergent Allied Health Professional: Barriers and Facilitators

The study aims to explore the experiences, needs, and contributions of neurodivergent professionals in the allied health field. ...

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.

Culturally Safe & Responsive OT for Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Peoples

Australia-wide survey on OT’s perception of their capability to practice in a culturally responsive way with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.

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.

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.

VicRoads: Occupational Therapy Driving Test Toolkit

A collection of resources to assist OT driver assessors.

VicRoads: Road Safety Victoria -Occupational Therapy Driving Test Webinar Series (2020)

This 3 part series in completing on road driving assessments in Victoria were developed as part of a VicRoads and Road Safety Victoria Department of Transport project.

Monash: Early Vocational Rehabilitation Webinar (July 2024)

In July 2024, OTA hosted a Member Session: Towards Work – Early vocational rehabilitation after traumatic brain injury, multi-trauma orthopaedic injuries or spinal cord injury by Dr Pam Ross and Yash Bedekar.

Maurice Blackburn Lawyers: Exposure to COVID-19 in the Course of Your Employment

See the attachment below for this fact sheet by Maurice Blackburn Lawyers, a Corporate Partner of Occupational Therapy Australia.

DHAC: National Strategic Action Plan for Pain Management

The Action Plan will provide a key step towards a national and holistic policy framework that will support consumers, health practitioners and the wider community to improve the quality of life for people living with pain, their families and carers and minimise its impact.

DHAC: Progress Report - Implementation of the Recommendations of the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety

The report provides an objective and independent assessment by the Interim Inspector-General of Aged Care on progress of the implementation of the Royal Commission’s recommendations. It identifies progress against each recommendation, presents stakeholder views and initial observations.

OT Notification Navigator Service

Full-Time, Part-Time and New Graduate members who receive a notification from industry regulators can utilise this service to access guidance from a qualified Occupational Therapist about how to navigate the notification process.

History

Occupational Therapy Australia was formed in 2009 after national members voted to consolidate all divisions within the Australian Association of Occupational Therapists (AAOT) to form Occupational Therapy Australia Limited.

Capability Frameworks

Occupational Therapy Australia’s capability frameworks propose what best practice looks like in a particular area across the career pathway. Each framework outlines a set of capabilities that occupational therapists may use in their area of practice at the foundational, intermediate or senior practitioner level.