CPD Empower

This workshop is part of CPD Empower - OTA’s national CPD event series offering in-depth, OT-specific workshops across key areas of practice. Designed for both experienced clinicians and those ready to stretch themselves, each workshop stream delivers high quality immersive learning, expert facilitation, and practical insights you can take straight back into your work. For more information about the full CPD Empower experience, visit https://otaus.com.au/cpd-empower

Workshop Overview

Assistance animals are becoming increasingly recognised for the role they can play in supporting an individual’s independence, participation, and wellbeing. As demand grows, occupational therapists are regularly being asked to assess and make recommendations regarding assistance animals. However, this is a complex area requiring specific knowledge of legislation, clinical reasoning, risk, and ethical practice.

This practical, evidence-informed workshop is designed for Australian occupational therapists wanting to build confidence and understanding in relation to assistance animals, specifically dogs. The session will unpack key terminology and definitions, explore relevant legislation including public access rights, and examine current evidence regarding benefits and limitations of animal support.

Participants will be guided through the assessment process, including the clinical skills required, how to determine whether an assistance animal is appropriate, and how to work collaboratively with animal trainers and other stakeholders.

Practical tips will be provided for documenting assessments, writing reports for funders, addressing animal welfare, and managing situations where an assistance animal is not recommended. The workshop will also cover key ethical issues, risk management, and funding considerations.

By attending this workshop, you will have the opportunity to meet the following key learning objectives:

• Understand the definitions and distinctions between assistance, therapy, and companion animals
• Learn about relevant legislation, including the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) and public access rights.
• Review current research evidence on the benefits and limitations of assistance animals.
• Explore the OT’s role in assessing for an assistance animal, including required clinical skills and assessment frameworks.
• Identify when an assistance animal may or may not be appropriate, based on client needs, goals, and environments.
• Understand how to work collaboratively with trainers and other professionals during the assessment process.
• Develop skills in writing clear documentation and reports
• Learn how to communicate a decision not to recommend an assistance animal, while supporting client dignity and choice.
• Recognise key animal welfare considerations, including ongoing care and responsibilities.
• Consider risk and ethical implications in practice, including duty of care and boundaries.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
This session is suitable for OTs with an interest in assistance animals. 

WORKSHOP DETAILS

DATE
Thursday 20th November 2025 

TIMES
Registration: 8:30am - 9:00am 

Workshop: 9:00am - 5:00pm

Networking event ('Power Hour'): 5:00pm - 6:00pm

VENUE
Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre  

Southbank, Brisbane

CPD HOURS
Total CPD claimable workshop hours: 6.5 hours

Please allow 48 hours for your CPD Certificate to be loaded in your CPD Tracker after course completion.

All registrants will receive an email with access to their online account after signing up.

REGISTRATION FEES 

OTA MEMBER

Early Bird - $575 - register on or before 23rd September 2025

Standard - $640 - register on or after 24th September 2025 

NON-MEMBER 

Standard: $895 - book by 6th November 2025

Early Bird prices are not available for non-members

(All pricing is inclusive of GST)

*Registrations close 6th November 2025, 11.55pm AEST.

Members must be logged in with username and password in order to register at the member rate.

Not already an OTA member? Sign up today here to enjoy great savings on CPD courses, events, conferences and unlimited access to local and international research publications, special offers from our partners and more!

Join here: https://otaus.com.au/join-us

INCLUSIONS:  

The following are included in your registration:

• Tea & Coffee on arrival
• Daily Catering - Morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea (please note any dietary requirements at time of registration)
• ‘Power Hour’ networking event drinks & canapes

DISCLAIMER 
All information is correct at the time of publication. OTA reserves the right to alter or delete items from the CPD calendar as required, and takes no responsibility for any errors, omissions, and changes.  

All resources including copies of the presentation, along with all supporting documents and links are not for distribution and are the property of the presenter.  

An OTA staff member or representative may be photographing this event for use in OTA publications and/or on OTA social media sites. If you do not wish to be photographed, or have your image published, please make this known to the OTA representative at your course or contact OTA on 1300 682 878 or info@otaus.com.au.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS 
Terms and Conditions including OTA’s refund and cancellation policy are available here.

CONTACT US 
Please email info@otaus.com.au or phone 1300 682 878.