Connections Autumn 2026

The Autumn issue of Connections brings together the latest insights, updates and perspectives shaping occupational therapy. With a focus on technology, leadership and global perspectives, this issue celebrates the profession and showcases the passion, innovation and diversity of the OT community.  You’ll find member stories, practical guidance, expert perspectives and real-world examples to help you stay informed and prepare for what’s ahead. There’s something for every OT!

OTA Annual General Meetings

The Occupational Therapy Australia (OTA) 2025 Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be held on Zoom on Thursday 20 November at 1.00pm AEDT.

Pain - Learning Hub

Explore our available events on Pain Management, designed to expand your knowledge, build skills, and connect with peers through expert-led learning opportunities.

A grounded theory study: Mental health professionals’ perspectives on the involvement of police for people experiencing mental health issues

The research seeks to understand the experiences and decision-making related to mental health professionals’ involvement of police in adult community-based mental health settings.

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 anad societal factors that influence a person’s experience of pain.

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.

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.

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.