OTA Submission to the Qld Mental Health Select Committee | Mental health outcomes for Queenslanders

OTA provided a submission to the Qld Mental Health Select Committee on their Inquiry into the opportunities to improve mental health outcomes for Queenslanders.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Neurodiversity – Exploring the Knowledge and Perspectives of Australian Allied Health Practitioners

Understanding where to seek information and how to implement evidence-based practice that is neurodiversity-affirming is currently presenting a significant challenge for allied health professions in Australia.

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.

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.

The enduring value of professional development for Occupational Therapists

In today’s dynamic healthcare landscape, professional development is not just a recommendation for occupational therapists – it is essential to ethical, safe and effective practice.

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.

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.

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

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!

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.

Connections Winter 2022

Read Connections Winter 2022 edition here.

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.