Foundational Supports
OTA are working to support and advance the critical role that OTs will play in the design and delivery of foundational supports.
About Foundational Supports
Australian governments are reforming disability supports outside the NDIS to create a more balanced and sustainable system. This includes introducing foundational supports, which will sit alongside mainstream services like health and education.
These supports include:
- General supports: information, advice, peer support and capacity building for all Australians.
- Targeted supports: individualised services for people not eligible for the NDIS, with a focus on early childhood and psychosocial disability.
OTA is engaging with the Commonwealth and state and territory governments to help shape these reforms. Consultations on general supports have begun, with targeted support consultations to follow.
Member Priorities
Our members want to see:
- Recognition of the important role occupational therapists play across all parts of the disability support system.
- Clear, well-funded roles for OTs in delivering early childhood and psychosocial foundational supports.
- Evidence-based models that support person-centred care and align with OT values.
- Opportunities for OTs to contribute their expertise to the design and implementation of new systems and services.
Our Advocacy
OTA is working to ensure occupational therapists are included and supported as foundational supports are designed and rolled out. Our work so far includes:
- Engaging with governments and departmental teams responsible for designing foundational supports.
- Participating in consultations on general supports and targeted supports for people with psychosocial disability and for children with disability or developmental delay.
- Developing policy proposals that outline best practice approaches and the role of OTs across early childhood, psychosocial disability and assistive technology.
- Establishing a Community of Practice and two Advisory Groups focused on early childhood and psychosocial disability to draw on member expertise.
- Working closely with members who have experience in the NDIS and in state and territory disability services to shape practical, client-focused solutions.
As this reform process continues, we will provide updates on opportunities for consultation and advocacy. We will also offer guidance to support coordinated advocacy efforts across the sector and ensure our profession is well represented in these changes.
See our submissions advocating for foundational supports
Learn more
How you can help
We welcome feedback from members working in early childhood, psychosocial disability, or any area affected by these reforms.
Your insights help strengthen our policy work and ensure we are advocating for the best outcomes for occupational therapists and the people you support.
