Policy and Advocacy update – 15 October 2026

Read about OTA policy and advocacy updates and developments this week, including the OTA's response to New Framework Planning and NDIS supports, Veterans’ Home Care (VHC) Program updates, and many more.

Policy and Advocacy update – 8 October 2026

Read about OTA policy and advocacy updates and developments this week, including the NDIA update on claims for supports, OTA submission on NDIS access reform, and many more.

Policy and Advocacy update – 1 October 2026

Read about OTA policy and advocacy updates and developments this week, including an update on Thriving Kids initiatives, funding changes for NDIS supports, and many more.

World Mental Health Day 2026: Together We Thrive

Join Occupational Therapy Australia for World Mental Health Day 2026 and discover how occupational therapists support mental health, connection and meaningful participation.

It’s time to talk about occupational therapy and dementia

Dementia Action Week (21–27 September) is an opportunity to raise awareness of dementia and highlight the vital role of occupational therapists in supporting everyday participation and independence.

October Interest Groups 2026

Ready to be inspired and energised with like-minded peers? Explore our October Interest Groups.

Guide to making a submission to the DVA Annual Report inquiry

OTA is preparing a submission to the inquiry into the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) 2024–25 Annual Report.

Research Study: Virtual reality for hospital-to-home transitions after brain injury

Australian OTs’ views on virtual reality for home transition.

Occupational therapy students to receive Commonwealth Prac Payment

Government expands Commonwealth Prac Payment to include OT students.

Mastering generative AI: Advanced tools & techniques for OTs

This advanced workshop is for OTs who are already confident with the basics of generative AI and are ready to explore more sophisticated tools and real-world applications to support and streamline their work.

Getting started with generative AI: A beginner’s guide for OTs

A practical, beginner-friendly workshop designed to help occupational therapists confidently get started with generative AI and apply it safely and effectively in everyday practice.

Thriving Kids Need OTs

Getting job ready with Clare Jones, Director at MediRecruit

Get job-ready with practical career insights, application tips, and interview advice from Clare Jones at MediRecruit.

Short Course: Safe and effective AI use in OT practice

This short 15-minute course expands on Safe AI use in OT practice. It covers the types of AI being used in OT practice, how to implement AI use, regulation of AI tools, and how to ensure you are meeting your professional obligations.

Research Study: Immersive VR shopping tool for IADL training

This study aims to evaluate the acceptability, usability, and feasibility of a custom-made, fully immersive Virtual Reality (VR) shopping tool (ShopWell VR) for the assessment and training of Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs) across different population groups.

Tools to assist your CPD planning

By planning your CPD early, you’ll feel confident, organised and ready to make the most of the year ahead.

Australian competency standards for OT driver assessors 2026

A comprehensive guide to the standards which represent the knowledge, skills, and attributes which the profession considers necessary for driver trained occupational therapists to provide quality assessment and rehabilitation service for drivers with functional impairments.

Guide to making a submission on the NDIS Future Generations Bill

The Australian Parliament is considering the National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026.

No OTs, No NDIS 

No OTs, No NDIS is a OTA campaign responding to NDIS reforms that are limiting access to essential occupational therapy supports and impacting participants, families and communities.

Logging into OTA Connect

How to log into OTA Connect to access member resources.

OTA Submission: Senate inquiry into transition of CHSP to Support at Home

OTA welcomes the opportunity to contribute to Senate Inquiry into the transition of the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) to the Support at Home Program (the Inquiry) and to highlight several significant concerns relating to the new Support at Home program.

Understanding the Support at Home Program - Preparing to work in Support at Home

This practice resource provides a summary of key features of the Support at Home Program.

State and Territory Advisory Councils

State and Territory Advisory Councils are advisory councils of OTA members from across states and territories to bring voice to local and state-based issues affecting occupational therapists and communities. Advisory Councils provide pivotal intelligence to inform OTA of the opportunities, emerging issues, and changing landscape to enable OTA to be responsive to all of our members' needs, no matter where they reside.

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.